Many Days Later...

One thing you learn about international travel on a boat -- access to the internet isn't easy.

So, today is the 2nd of July -- I've been in Canadian waters since last Saturday, and today is the first day at a marina -- so now I have internet!!  Before blogging, I've paid bills (thank goodness) and read well over two hundred emails (mostly from sites I need to unsubscribe to) and frankly tried to catch up on a little news from my friends.

Back to the beginning.  As planned, I took off on Friday the 24th for Harbor Island, Michigan --- the entry to the North Channel.  After an uneventful crossing of Lake Huron, I set anchor mid afternoon and waited for my travelling companions to catch up.  By early evening, there were four of us anchored, dogs had been taken ashore, and everyone agreed that we should leave bright and early the next morning.  Sophie was good with that idea -- we are way above the 45th parallel here and the mornings begin around 5 a.m. with a bright sunrise!

Raised anchor and followed SPIRIT OF ALOHA out of Harbor Island, tucking around a back route that I had never taken before and isn't marked for hazards.  Then on into the open waters of the North Channel -- heading mostly due east to try to reach Turnbull Island for the evening.  That's about 53 nautical miles of open water -- with a stop toward the end to clear Canadian customs.  The two countries have devised a way to just call in and all your information will make the clearance easier -- HAH!  After answering the series of questions about guns, alcohol, cash, etc. Canadian customs asked that I divert and come into the harbor at Blind River.  I did just that -- they didn't.  Found out after waiting forty five minutes, that if the Customs agents don't show up at the appointed hour you are free to leave.  Which I did, catching up with SPIRIT just south of Blind River in increasingly bouncy seas.  But, we motored into Turnbull without incident and set anchor.

Winds for the next three days were from the west -- gusting at one point into the low 30's -- and Turnbull is open to the west.  There were some very wet dinghy rides to shore, but the surroundings made it all worth while.  On Tuesday, the 28th the winds died during the middle of the day and we set out for an exploration (which we've all done before) of the Turnbull group of islands.  For over an hour, we slipped through the waters hoping to see wild life (gulls, cormorants, and one loon were our reward).  

Each evening we had happy hour on one of the boats -- and didn't need dinner after since the food offerings were so great!

On Wednesday, we raised anchor and went the considerable distance to Long Point Cove -- a total of 5 nautical miles :)

While Long Point is closer to the north shore, it stills seems to be the wilderness.  A perfectly protected anchorage with a great little island in the middle -- the three dogs (that's right both SPIRIT and HOME FREE have dogs aboard) got to run off leash several times a day.  On Thursday, we explored nearby bays and islands.  Friday, we had rain in the morning -- a cold, wet rain that should have convinced ms Sophie that she could hold off on her morning trip to shore but undaunted we motored to the island for a little dog free time.  Friday night I hosted happy hour on SONADOR and we all planned on an early departure for Saturday.

Today, we left Long Point at around 8 a.m. -- trip to shore was at 6:30 -- and started to head to Gore Bay.  The distance is only 20 miles -- but the seas were horrible with waves coming from the west and north, tossing SONADOR, her captain and the terrified Sophie around for almost the whole journey.   At 10 a.m., I called the marina at Gore Bay and talked to the Harbor Master (Lee) who welcomed me back and had a hand standing by to help me get into my slip.  

Now, after a day of showers (YEAH!!!!!!) and cleaning the boat, tossing out garbage, and simply sitting still -- we've all been to a nice white fish dinner and settled back on our boats.  I'll stay here another day and then head back out to more adventure.

Pictures on blog posts before I leave here.

At Last, a Boat on the Water!

Yesterday, Wednesday the 22nd, I finally cut (not literally mind you) the lines at Charlevoix Marina and set out for the 70 mile journey to Cheboygan, MI.  Just about 30 miles north up to the abandoned Light House at Grey's Reef, then turn east until you pass under the Mackinaw Bridge. Then south east for almost 20 miles into Duncan Bay Boat Club.

For the most part, it was a very smooth passage.  Leaving Charlevoix wasn't, however, as we got tossed around by competing seas and winds.  Things went flying and Sophie decided that curling around mom's legs at the helm was the only answer.  But, half an hour later, the seas had turned flat and the rest of the trip was beautiful.  Sophie, therefore, spent that whole time curled up on the pillows of the bed!

My friend Ric Gillig joined me for the trip -- his wife brought him over for the voyage and assured me that this is one of the highlights of his travels on the water (they used to be live aboards down in Annapolis and the Caribbean).  

This time, both because of the smooth and high (about four feet above chart datum) water, I accelerated to 11 plus knots for almost the whole journey.  And, didn't have to weave through the rocks at Grey's Reef.  Cut off an hour of travel and almost ten miles.

Today is a final day for provisioning, and retrieving my car from Charlevoix.  Tomorrow, I'll set off in the company of two sail boats -- SPIRIT OF ALOHA and HOME FREE.  Plans are to cross Lake Huron (about 35 miles) and spend one last evening in US waters before entering Canadian waters on Saturday.  Destination is eventually Turnbull Island and the Whalesback Channel, but we may stop in Blind River on the way.

First Week in Charlevoix

As planned, moved to the City Marina last Saturday -- an uneventful short trip, with a smooth docking at the end!  Always the best way to finish any excursion.

The City surrounds Round Lake, with magnificent homes and boat houses evidence of the wealth that calls this home, for the summer or the full year.  The community welcomes all visitors -- and, I find each year that it feels like I'm coming home to see friends and acquaintances I've met during my stays here.  It is hard to believe that this is my ninth summer in Charlevoix!


Also known as "Charlevoix the Beautiful", the city takes great pride in the parks and grounds of public buildings.  The Library, which is just a couple of long blocks from the marina, is surrounded by sculpture and "fancies" such as this giant butterfly.  Part of Sophie and my early morning walks each day -- in addition to the art work, there are apparently great smells all around since our walk turns into a one step forward, pause, maybe go back a step, okay we can move on now.

The first couple of days it was warm and sunny, by mid-week it had turned cold and wet, and now as the weekend approaches another bright blue sky and temperatures in the 80s during the day.  It's much cooler at night, great sleeping weather!

Boating friends are also beginning to show up.  Oat and Rosemarie from Denver are just down the dock from me, Dave and Kathy pulled in yesterday, and I've had a chance to visit with Fish and Sue (who have just sold their boat and have plans to travel by rail around the country).  On Wednesday, I met Chuck and Joann in Petoskey for a trip to West Marine -- it wouldn't be boating if you weren't spending money on "stuff."  It absolutely poured the whole time we were there, so didn't get to help the Michigan economy as much as normal.

Yesterday was the farmers' market in Charlevoix -- I selected a pint of delicious strawberries and a couple of fresh out of the oven scones.  Today is laundry day, and tomorrow I'll drive over to Cheboygan to join JoEllen and Ron at the Duncan Bay party.  Sunday, there is a boat show in Petoskey.  And, I've plenty of books to read.  Who has time for all this relaxation?

Getting Ready to Move On Board

Sonador was waiting for us when we arrived in Charlevoix late Wednesday afternoon -- a total of 2400 miles and some pretty stiff muscles, but ready to clean and get settled in.

Over the winter, Irish Boat Shop did their usual great job of maintenance and some special work on the teak and polishing the sides -- so Sonador looks like new!

I stayed with good friends, Donna and Lou at their home in Boyne City (at the southern end of Charlevoix Lake) and took advantage of the opportunity to slowly move all the stuff out of the car and into appropriate places on the boat.  And, it all fits!!!!

Sophie is -- was -- little help in all this.  But, she certainly made herself comfortable as soon as I had the bed made.  She has visited all her friends in the yard, begged for treats each morning, and is back to being the great boat dog and companion for adventures.

Today, Saturday the 11th, I think I will move down to the City Marina -- assuming there is room at the docks.  I've arrived in the midst of a fishing tournament, so the town docks may be filled with men seeking their fame in the pursuit of Lake Michigan fish!

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!