A Little Detour to Kansas

So, on the way to Michigan I managed a slight detour to the west to visit family in Pomona, Kansas.  Actually, more than a slight detour, but well worth the time and travel.  We had a family reunion on Saturday the fourth of June -- 35 descendants of the Jessop clan gathered for talk, catching up, and eating wonderful homemade goodies.

And, I got to stay with Terry and Ed Altic at their place in Pomona -- in the rolling hills of eastern Kansas -- on their farm.  Ed says he is slowing down, but you couldn't tell by all the activity of cutting and bailing hay.  The mornings were cool and beautiful, the afternoons bright and warm.

Sophie was intrigued by the three barn cats who greeted us every morning -- they were waiting for Ed to feed them -- and wouldn't back down.  She has seen cats before.  I was surprised she didn't make more of the cows that were hanging out by the house.

We attended a local baseball game -- the guys weren't any older than 8 or 9 years, small in stature but ambitious in approach to the ball.  Saw some very special catches, a couple of home runs, and a lot of fun had by all.

Time flew by, and then it was time to get back in the ole car and head north.  

Time to Pack the Car

Sophie really isn't sure that all that stuff will fit and still leave room for her!

But, what she forgets is that she gets to ride in the back seat surrounded by her toys.

Leaving in two days, so the only things left to do are laundry, finishing packing -- oh, yeah, there are two more bags to go in the car -- and one final cleaning of the house.

Then, we start our summer!!!!

Heading North -- or almost

Here it is, almost time to pile into the car and head north for the summer.  And, every year I swear that I am going to be much more efficient, that I am not going to take everything I own, that Sophie and I can purchase things up north (and even in Canada if necessary!) -- and, still the pile grows bigger.

But, I don't even have to begin to put things into the car until this time next week -- that is Sunday the 29th of May -- so, I'll just keep working on the sorting and shedding exercises.

This year, I'm taking a slight detour on the way to Charlevoix.  My mom's family is from the Topeka area of Kansas -- and so, I am driving out to Pomona, Kansas for a family reunion and catching up with cousins and their children, grandchildren, and even great grand children.  Should be an adventure -- I haven't seen them in forever.

The eight months in Florida have literally flown by.  I've been busy at SMART, worked on the Gala for Circus Sarasota, went to see the Sarasota Ballet in three performances (and will get season tickets for this next year), saw two plays at the Osolo Repertory Theater, and generally have enjoyed this new phase of my life.  The only complaint that was registered this year was by Sophie, who took offense to the amount of time I've spent as Volunteer Coordinator at SMART and ate/tore apart several volunteer applications that I had left on the floor.  She showed some remorse, or at least put on a good front.

We have reconciled our differences, and now I just make sure that nothing is left on the floor.  I am a well trained dog mom!

Weeks later -- and one thousand miles away

Well, that certainly has been a break from blogging :)

Susan Russell re-joined Sonador in Cheboygan, and we made the trip from there to Charlevoix on August 18th.  A trip without big winds or buffeting waves, thank goodness.  Cleared the bridge at Charlevoix at 3:30 in the afternoon and headed over to Irish for dockage (downtown was packed and stayed that way as the weather deteriorated for boaters heading out onto Lake Michigan.)  We day tripped to see the inland lakes between Charlevoix and Cheboygan, dined with friends in Harbor Springs, went to Traverse City (in a downpour) and to Suttons Bay -- all by car.  Helped the local economy where we could.  Susan started south on September 9th and I began the task of putting Sonador away for the winter -- lots of cleaning (how can one boat get so dirty?) -- and sorting of things that should go back to Florida, and stuff that can stay on board.  Stayed with Donna and Lou in Boyne City for the last several nights, and finally watched the boat hauled out on the 15th.  The end of another summer.

I am currently in Annapolis, staying with good friends Grier and Mike, visiting with boating buddies, and catching up with friends from work in the D.C. area.  Arrived here five days ago, after a delightful stay at Fenwick Island, Delaware with Gail and Jack and Jackson (who is Sophie's oldest boy friend.)  Before that, stopped in Reading, Pennsylvania to see Susan Allen (formerly called Suki, but now too grown up as a freshman at Albright College to go by that nick name.)  A few more days here, and I'll repack the car and start south to Florida.

It hasn't been the long summer on the water that I had planned -- it's had ups and downs -- but, in the long run I've enjoyed myself, my friends, and just seeing the towns and cities I've passed through.  Now, it really is time to get back to Florida and return to helping out at SMART, the Circus, and participating in all the theater and arts that Sarasota/Bradenton has to offer.

Run Back to the Good Ole' USA

As much as I enjoy Gore Bay and the North Channel -- without the ability to anchor there was no sense staying around any longer.  So, by 7 a.m. on Friday morning I was tied to the fuel dock to fill up and pump out for the run to DeTour Village.  Travelling with a herd (is it a flock, a pack, or a fleet?) of other boats with the same thought.

Out into the North Channel and heading north west -- for those who read charts from 45'50 to above 46'10 before turning into Drummond Island and south west to DeTour.  A total of 75 nautical miles.  I was middle of the pack -- not the fastest -- but arriving several hours ahead of the sailors in our group.  It was mostly glass all the way -- makes for a happy dog and a happy captain.  Arrived after seven hours of regretting that the summer is over early.

At DeTour, joined friends Bobbi and John from ANDRALISS for dinner and a fun evening of talking about North Channel experiences.  Then an early to bed.

After walking Sophie, and making a large mug of coffee, I departed De Tour by 7:30.  Waited in the De Tour Passage for the ferry from Drummond to cross and then out past the light house onto Lake Huron.  Mostly quiet waters.  About 17 miles out, I talked with a Lakes Freighter who was definitely on a collision course with me -- he assured me he saw me and suggested I hold my course.  He passed about half a mile behind me.  Thanks whoever you were! 

Spectacle Reef Light -- in 150 feet of water!

Past Spectacle Reef -- a light marking the half way crossing and the shipping channels leading to Mackinac Island and the bridge to Lake Michigan.  The smooth crossing became a little less so, and after watching Sophie's eyes get round like saucers I turned south into the waves until I could actually turn and run with the water into Cheboygan.  Much better for the crew and, I have to admit, the captain.  37 nautical miles.


Now in Duncan Bay Boat Club for a week -- visiting with friends, getting our land legs back, and doing shore based things like showers, laundry, and shopping for groceries.  It is good to be home.

Had to eat more than crow concerning the anchor.  Mr. Miller wants/insists on being compensated -- and he suggests by my insurance company -- for the value of the anchor.  That won't happen.  So, I'm back where I was three days ago -- but a lot more frustrated at the behavior of a fellow boater who belongs to the same Club as I do and is supposed to help fellow boaters (the Corinthian thing to do.)

But, note prior paragraph -- it is good to be here surrounded by good friends.

Pictures from Haywood and McGregor Bay

Baby Eagles at Haywood

Sophie's taxi at Haywood

Full moon rising at McGregor

Sonador at McGregor

A week at anchor and a week at the docks

Left Gore Bay early on Saturday the 25th of July -- heading east.  Undecided at departure about destination, but eventually settle on Haywood island about 35 nautical miles east.  A nice open bay with good protection from winds, except if they come from the north.  Friends are here on their boats, but we've no plans for getting together as most are leaving first thing in the morning.

As I dinghy around the island and it's outlying smaller islands I see one black bear -- no picture :( -- and two baby eagles -- pictures :)!!  They were given away by their extremely large talons hanging onto the branches of the tree. 

On Sunday, friends from Charlevoix arrived on KATHERINE ANN and we get together for happy hour with plans to leave first thing in morning to head north east into McGregor Bay and to attend the wilderness rally.  Sophie manages to prove that dogs don't like somethings about boating, and I spend a good part of the night pacing the deck with a sick dog -- poor girl, not certain if she ate something or if it's the heat.  That's right, it has been in the low 80's for the past couple of days -- very unusual for up here. 

The trip into McGregor is 14 nautical miles, but at slower speeds both because I'm leading another boat, and after about five miles the navigating through rocks and narrow channels requires caution.  We both arrive at the East West Channel of McGregor Bay and find anchor spots that suit us.  Later that afternoon the crowd gathers on shore for a "beer exchange" -- bring six beers and select six beers to enjoy.  Quite a gathering of boats -- there were over 35 boats attending the rally over the next several days.  There is a nice island, small enough that Sophie can run free, and large enough that she can get some exercise.  She still doesn't like the heat, as it progresses into the low 90's for the next couple of days.

And, the winds begin to blow from the west -- with several boats resetting their anchors multiple times.  I seem to be riding just fine.  Parties on shore, a book exchange also on shore both Tuesday and Thursday mornings -- Wednesday night Ron and JoEllen fromTHYME, HISSOP, AND RYE and I go over to Alison and Rod's boat, LEADING EDGE, for dinner, but the cook out on shore Thursday is cancelled as the winds discourage most of us from leaving our water homes.

Friday morning comes and the rally begins to break up.  And, I begin to raise the anchor -- only at about 25 feet and stress on my bow sprit is extraordinary -- cracks begin to show on the sides and the sprit appears to have flexed at least 4 and perhaps 6 inches (it is NOT supposed to do that!)  So, other boaters arrive to offer advice and help.  Richard from ADRIA is the most persistent, but I also had help from Robert aboard MIDNIGHT SUN, Brad from SOMERSCAPE, Ted from FERRY TALE, and John from ANDRALISS.  After a couple of hours trying everything we can think of to retrieve the anchor, I make the reluctant decision to stop.  There are frayed tempers, and emotional stress on my part -- but it is the best decision at the time.  After getting the bridal back on to ease my ride or the rest of the day, I settle into the evening.  The next morning, Richard comes over and helps me cut the nylon line at the end of the chain, and I drop it all in the water -- with a float provided by Richard to mark the spot.

I high tail it to Gore Bay -- to clam my frazzled nerves and to wait out strong winds from the west.  The trip of over 49 nautical miles takes me almost seven hours because I'm fighting four foot (seemed a lot larger) waves on the bow for the last 35 miles.  Neither Sophie nor I are happy about that.  Now, five days later I'm still in Gore Bay -- getting ready to head west and back to the states tomorrow when the winds are supposed to have clamed down considerably.  I'll be travelling with SPIRIT OF ALOHA and HOME FREE.

And, just now I heard from MOKU HALE that Richard the persistent has recovered my chain and anchor.  I know I'm in for a lording over but it will be worth it to have that gear back in my possession.