Sunday, July 31, 2011

The Last Leg

7.29.11
Light house at Manistee
A bright and chipper morning in Manistee... at least for the fishermen on the boat 2 slips over who were preparing to leave at 5:30 am...a couple more hours of rest and we too set off, White Lake our destination.  Had to motor the majority of the day.  10 hours on the lake.  Sooo glad the flies have not discovered we have returned!  It was pleasant even with the motor running.  No fog thank you! 



White Lake Light House
sunrise 
7.30.11
While Lake : Quiet night, a bit of a roll being anchored so close to the channel.  Lots of fishing boats in and out.  We do have to report one incident of alcohol abuse.... no "Sand Bar" required:  spilled the Jameson last night while preparing the nightcap... Yikes! 
Rations down to meager bits., contemplating the aquatic garden Jim is cultivating on the anchor... 
Must be time to weigh anchor and git  'er home, crew is getting antsy.    

Jim's Garden






























Mount Baldhead
Mount Baldhead in view, our beacon on the horizon.  Home.  Saugatuck.   What an incredible welcome home.  The whole town turned out and half the neighboring communities!  The marina and Yacht Club had a pig roast, their was a boat parade and even fireworks!  They must have missed us terribly!!!!   So as not to make us feel uncomfortable with all the hoopla they advertised it as "Venetian Festival" but we know it was planned just for us.  The aluminum forest of home was hard to detect through all the boats anchored and rafted off in the harbor, more than I have ever seen.   Music was coming from every front.  Good times being had by all.  We secured the boat and met friends for a toast.  We had to keep down wind though so as not to offend anyone, then off to the showers.  We made it up till nearly midnight with all the festivities going on.  Today begins the task of off loading supplies and gear.  A bit of a reality check.  Forecast is for the coming week hot and muggy but this is why we put up with long, cold, grey winters right?

7.31.11
We spent some time reflecting on the trip.  Over all we have had a really great time.  I thought it would be interesting to summarize the momentous moments so here they are:

We only imbibed once while underway: the mimosas to celebrate going under the Big Mac, too many risks involved otherwise. 
 Something....
Good:  J= No significant boat / mechanical problems   K=  it was surprisingly comfortable  living on the boat
Bad: J = the rock incident   K= the fre-ickin rock incident
Unexpected: J= so much motoring     K=  having to hide the olive oil
Favorite Place:  J= MaryAnn Cove / Frazier Hill climb   K= Thomas Bay scenery followed closely by Beardrop
Humorous:  J= losing the nozzle inside the gas can for the dinghy and spending nearly and hour with a stick from shore to retrieve it  (Killarney)  K= trying to walk on the boat while it is plunging through the waves.... kind of like when you ride an elevator and as you near the top (or bottom) floor you jump and the floor rises to meet you... but,  you get to do it over and over for hours. 

Wish List of products for another adventure:   a chart plotter, solar panels, and of course retirement...
Products we were glad we had / brought for comfort, etc:  Memory Foam Mattress topper, Soda Stream machine, bug screen (thanks for the tip Tom), boat milk (UHT found at Walmart or Traders Joe's), water repellant spray for the canvas (thanks Kevin),  lots and lots of charts and books to navigate: thanks to our wonderful friends for the loan of these,   the computer,  polarized sun glasses, and ZIp Lock "vacuum bags" to keep things fresh, dry and crunchy.

We logged almost 900 miles.  We used about 90 gallons of diesel,  engine hours around 125.  
Slip fees:  $500.00  +/-     
Fuel:   $ 360.00    
Good Memories....


Fresh produce in Canada:  twice the price in U.S.    
Memories:  priceless!  (you had to see that coming)



I hope you enjoyed our adventures.  We'll give email updates when we set off for another one.  
Thanks for following!  

Very sincerely,
SV Inishnee


Thursday, July 28, 2011

St Ignace to Manistee

7.26.11  Tuesday
heeled over pretty good... 
We made it out of St. Ignace and on to Beaver Island through Grays Reef.  I'm not a fan of all this navigating and avoiding stuff.  I long for for the peaceful shores of Saugatuck... no rocks or islands to hit for miles and miles.  Boring, give me boring for a while would ya?  We squeaked under the bridge with a few feet to spare, probably 50 or 60 actually.  Gray's Reef does not seem as ominous as it did the first time through.  We still decided to motor sail through it just in case though.  Freighter traffic was light.  A few race sailboats sleeked by us.  Probably returning from the Port Huron to Mackinaw Race.  Spent the night at anchor on Beaver Island.  Surprised at the number of boats in the harbor. 

Beaver Island Sunset... St. James Harbor


7.27.11  Wednesday
Up early and on to Leland.  Skies are looking heavy with rain.  Pretty uneventful day.  Sailed some, motored some.  Napped, read, ate.  Called to Leland Harbor on our approach to find out it was full and they are rafting off boats as they come in.  Another indicator the Port Huron to Mac race crews are returning boats to home ports farther south.  We decided to divert to South Manitou Island instead although a proper shower with lots of steaming water does sound good right now.  
South Manitou Light 
Today is Jim's anniversary.  30 years with Consumers.... I'd let him retire if I thought he would still be able to continue to keep me 'in the manner I've become accustom too', but alas, I think he will have to continue work for a few more years till the fatted cow shows signs toward obesity.  Dinner was a delectable treat for just such an occasion though.  Prime beef rolled into petite tubes and simmered to perfection, al dente pasta bathed in farm fresh eggs and gently browned then lightly seasoned with salt of the sea and pepper of the mill.... OK:  hot dogs and elbow noodles with eggs.  I haven't been to the grocery store for a week...  we did have 'Salsa Lizano' for a kicker though. 
All is quiet.  Nothing like the last time.  No winds.  No juicy steak on the grill.  Just the Beetles singing "Here comes the Sun".    Hopefully, no anchor drag either!  


Early morning fog on South Manitou

Stowaways.... lots and lots of them


7.28.11 Thursday
We made it through the night with no problem.  Anchor held and wind a dead calm.  Gentle swell on the lake made the boat softly bob to lull us to sleep.  The morning brought a soupy mess of fog.  Waited till nearly 9 then decided enough was enough.  Off again.  Good practice using the radar most of the day.  I felt like a radiologist trying to decipher an xray... is that a boat or a wave or a freighter?...  As the day wore on the fog sloooowly dissipated and we were able to see 2-3 miles across the horizon.  
Made the breakfront of Manistee just before  5 pm.  It is a really pretty little town.  There is a new river walk and maria here.  We both enjoyed a long hot shower and stretched our land legs for a bit of a walk.  We had dinner at restaurant that over looked a pavilion where there just happened to be a free concert this evening.  We are pretty tired from the last couple days spent motoring toward home.  Tomorrow, White Lake then the last leg home for Saturday.  
coming into the harbor channel of Manistee 

Jim's needing a hair cut... and just incase there's an air raid we're all set


Monday, July 25, 2011

7.22.11  Friday:  Little Current to the Benjamin Island group
Little Current
We left Little Current under pleasant weather and light winds.  An hour into the run we were able to sail.  Felt good. Had to briefly change course to avoid another sailboat.  They were motoring and didn't remember the rules for right of way.  Made the waypoint for the Benjamin's late afternoon, sails down and on deck to watch for obstacles.  20- 30 boats in the bay but plenty of room for anchoring.  Deployed the CQR... did I mention she was my nemesis?  Several tries and nearly 2 hours with no luck, she just continued to give way on the rock bottom.   Finally gave up and headed across to Croker Island, a 15 minute motor.   We scouted out another bay.  Pretty crowded.   So we are both nose down in the chart looking for another spot  and... an abrupt, sickening crrraaaack!  Yep, one of us should have been looking ahead and down as it turns out.  Fre-ickin rock a good 6 feet under on which we have just  left our calling card.  Good thing we were only doing 2 knots, barley above idle.  We backed off and swung out,  got our bearings.   I jump below to make sure the water is outside not inside the hull.  Luckily the bark was worse then the bite but don't think we didn't take notice as well as our neighbors. We tried two more times to set the fr#*kin' anchor.  I must have mentioned, she's my nemesis, right?  We finally got a grab on the bottom then took a line to shore for insurance as well as set a second anchor.  Jim dove under to inspect the keel and indeed all was fine although our confidence is a bit bruised.  Then, while digging for a  stronger line to tie to shore which of course is UNDER the mattress, we discovered a leak... hearts pumping!  But thank goodness turned out to be a lose fitting from the shower.  When it rains it pours.   4 hours after entering the Island group we are snug and having dinner and a beverage.  
Larry may remember the mantra,  "Terror at Dawn"  during the Atlantic Crossing, it seemed that was when all  h*##   broke lose... I'm hoping this is as close as we get.  
"Sow and Pigs" off the Benjamins
We would have climbed this had we stayed...


7.23.11  Meldrum Bay
Having spent so much time trying to anchor we did not get to shore other than to secure the landline.  We have to keeping heading west so up with the ground tackle and off again.  You can be sure I am on the bow!  Motored all day.  Around 10 am met the sail race "Mackinaw to Little Current" coming out of Gore Bay en route to Little Current.  The previous day they sailed from Mackinaw to Gore Bay, this is the second and last leg.  Too far away to get a good picture.  Made Meldrum Bay early evening.  Called and called but not response from the marina. The building is abandon and marina appears vacant except for a few boats near shore in slips, so we are on the hook.  Tonight "she" has no problem setting... do you suppose she has PMS?... She may not know it but I have decided it stands for Pre Metal Salvage.... 
What a difference a day makes.... tonight we are dancing and singing to "Saturday Night At Sea".    

Meldrum Bay
The anchor held strong last night even though the wind and waves had built enough that the boat had a jolly old time swingin' and bouncing long after the music quit.



7.24.11    the States / Drumond Island
We had a fabulous sail today although it was quite chilly.  Sweaters and pants back on.  The winds from last night continued out of the east at a  good clip. With the waves coming from aft and the seas up, we were able to hit 8.5 a couple times while surfing down the wave trough.   Average was 7, wing on wing for 4 hours then had to douse the sails to make the waypoint for the entrance to Drumond Island.  
4 pm on Drumond Island.  Can't get off the boat till the customs officers arrive.  We are 7th or 8th in line and they are off to the other side of the island checking in a commercial vessel.   Good time to catch up on the blog writing, take a nap and regroup.  Cleared customs and we are free to roam about the country.  
We've been following the advise of fellow boaters, Bob and Linda, and ask the locals where the best food in town is at each port... here it's pizza at the bowling alley.  Too far to walk so we have to rent a truck, more like borrowing for a small fee.  No lease agreement, leave the keys in it when you're done.  Pizza was quite good.  Very filling. Good thick "up north" crust.... I do miss northern Michigan pizza.

sails set : wing on wing
7.25.11  Drumond to St. Ignace
 Wow.... the waves have built overnight and are coming out of the west with the wind.  We are nose into them as we make our way slowly pounding along the southern shores of da U.P. ( don't ya know) off from the Les Cheneau Islands. The decks are getting polished clean every few minutes when the bow takes a plunge into the first of the 3 sisters, not to be outdone by her siblings.  New word for the day:  cavitate.   Jim gave me a very technical multi minute explanation of this.  Here's my interpretation: The motion of the waves and the boat are mixing water with air in and around the prop... it creates a kind  of vacuum which causes an "interesting" sucking noise from the prop, which can be heard below deck.  
The weather today has been the most interesting we have had.  We had to motor the whole trip, 10 hours.  The pictures to follow will tell the tale.  We are now safe in St. Igmace for the night.  Took on 50 gallons of diesel.   Continuing toward home in the morning.  Not sure of the next port, have to listen to the weather.














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FYI : if you want to see what it's like aboard and to sail a Passport 40 and you can't join us, check out the video made by John Kretschmer.  He has sailed the world extensively, written several books about sailing and does boat reviews.  The video was filmed aboard a Passport , same year and very similar to ours. A slightly different interior but it gives a nice overview of the boat.   google "  passport 40 review w/ john kretschmer "  (you tube).   enjoy!

Friday, July 22, 2011

heading back west, now in Little Current

7.21.11  Back at Little Current
new neighbors
It seems as though we have had a whirlwind day.  We were up and gone by 8am to take the dinghy to the end of Baie Fine.  About  7-8 miles to the end.  We decided not to take the sailboat due to numerous reports of weeds and too many other boats to navigate around. The reports were unfounded.  The entire bay had less than 20 boats and the weeds would not have been a problem. But there was a prize to be had!  If you are ambitious enough to take the road less traveled up another old creek bed, you will find Topaz Lake. The lake was worth the trek.  It is said to be dead, devoid of oxygen.  No plant life within, therefore no animals to speak of either.  The climb was far less strenuous than the one to Fraiser Hill this time marked by large plastic arrows.  It took about 25 minutes.  The lake is nestled at  the top of a granite hill, surrounded by trees.  one campsite area doubles as the lakes "beach" entrance.  To say beach is misleading.  Basically there is only one spot on the 10-15 acre lake where you can access it by foot.   3 steps and the edge drops off well over your head.  We had the entire lake to our selves.   The color of the water is stunningly  topaz.  It is clear and refreshing for those who enter.  JIm immediately swam off.  I would like to say I swam but... at least  I got wet.    My scuba instructor was amazed at my aversion to entering water...he called it the "Minnesota plunge"... I guess because the water is sooo cold in Minnesota it takes all day to acclimate yourself to getting in... but then, I have never swam in any Minnesota lakes either.  It's on my bucket list though.


Topaz Lake
We made the hike back and returned to the sailboat and began getting things ready to get underway.  Our exit was met by an assortment of boats entering the cove.  It looked like the day before Christmas at Walmart when everyone is trying to get the last parking spot, circling around and hoping you will leave.  There was 20 plus knots of wind... time to sail.  Double reefed the main, head sail out and did a steady 7 till we had to change tacks, then the wind was on the nose.  It was a good hour though, knocked the spider off the rigging.


 We just made the bridge at Little Current at 3pm in time for the on the hour opening.  The current was as fast as anyone there could remember in a long time.  We had the throttle as high as we could safely muster and were barley doing 3 knots...  JIm checked the boats knot meter after we were  tied up at the dock and it was spinning at over 2 knots under us, it's much faster under the bridge.  We had planned to anchor in the harbor but the wind and current combined helped us decide to take it easy and be safe.  So we are here, in Little Current at the docks.  Had White Fish dinner then ice cream.  Strolled the board walk and then back on board for a good nights rest.     
The buoy at Little Current... leaning east



7.22.11    Friday 
Roy... at his broadcast office
Instead of tuning in to the  Cruisers Net this morning, we walked up the hill to the Anchor Inn and sat in on it.  We only intended to get a peak of the action but Roy asked if we could help.  Great experience.  Jim and I as well as crew from the "Duck" helped record names and places for the official log this morning.  120 boats called in after the morning news report.  It is really fast paced when you are trying to interpret boat names as well as harbors and bays. Roy does a phenomenal job deciphering this through the static over the VHF radio.  The broadcast itself lasts about an hour, although  Roy prepares the daily reports for the weather and new in advance.  It is a great service.  Kudos to you Roy, we thank you so very much for your dedication.   Roy is a retired school principal.

Our time is getting short.  Jim is plotting our course back toward home.  Next the Benjamin Islands for an overnight, then Meldrum Bay and on to  the states where we will have to put the peddle to the metal or rather sails to the wind with some iron wind as suppliment.  Thinking about being in Saugatuck by next Saturday morning.... 1 week.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Baie Fine

7.19.11  Baie Fine :  MaryAnn Cove
White Granite rock walls entering the Bay
We motored and sailed today.  Took the big boat through Kilarney, then across Fraiser Bay and into Baie Fine (Bay Fin).  Charged the batteries along the way.  We have been out now for over two weeks and are quite pleased with how the boat handles in differing weather and seas.  So far, is has not felt too cramped either. 
We made MaryAnn Cove around 2pm.  It is our first experience with shore tie off, which appears the custom here.  The water is deep and virtually no shore.  The rocks just continue their downward plunge letting the water fill in the gaps.  The landscape of  Baie Fine is made up of steep sided white granite and pines.  It reminds me of Mount Rushmore but with water instead of roads.  The Cove is idealic.   We were the 5th boat in and the guide book states that on any given night, 15 plus boats are here.  Most are stern in with lines tied to shore and anchors off the bow.  Similar to Mediterranean Moorings.  Boats continue to file in, squeezing into openings and running lines to shore.  12 at last count.
Each bay and harbor has similar yet  different topography.  Rocks and pine being the common denominator but make up and characteristics of the 
rock surface changes from bay to bay even though they are only a few miles apart for the most part.    

View from the stern of the boat

    
 7.20.11


Pretty narrow 
A top Fraizer Hill
Coming back down
Up early and off for the hike up Fraiser Hill, 575 feet to the top.  The dinghy took us to the trail head and we followed the path marked with plastic ribbon tape.  Temps were cool, mosquitos not terrible but Deet was employed for insurance.  The climb was rather steep at times following a small creek bed as it wound it's way in and around rock and tree.  Glad we were warned to bring hiking shoes for traction.  The forest was dense enough to keep the sun off.  Jim with his sturdy gazelle like legs and mountain goat feet had a fairly easy time making the trek.  I  managed to make it as well though I would describe my summit as comical and cautious.  It was worth the sweat.  From atop the hill the vista was spectacular.  There was a haze down below and a refreshing breeze at the peak.  Multiple bays and islands can be seen from this point. Every now and then clouds filtered past below and created an illusion of being on top a lone mountain in the middle of a vast sea.  At the highest point, there is a plaque in memory of one of the founders of the Great Lakes Cruising Club members.  His ashes were placed there in 1950 as were those of his wife in 2006.  

Thomas Bay

7. 16.11  Thomas Bay
We have received many tips / ideas about places to go.  Way too many for this trip.  The one that intriged us the most was for Thomas Bay.  It is in the Georgian Bay.  So, we purchased charts in Little Current and here we are.  It is by FAR the prettiest place we have seen.  The rock is red-orange and can be seen for miles off  shore.  Like the Benjamin's. the trees have eked out nitches in the rock crevices and seem to hang on by dumb luck and tenacity.  It is also the most rock laden entrance with banks of rocks lying just under the surface everywhere.  Plot your course and stick to it, someone (me) on the bow as a look out just in case. 
From here you can dinghy back (west) to Kilarney for supplies, lunch ect. which we plan to do.  There are 8 boats total here for the evening.  As usual the Captain and Admiral had a "discussion" about where to anchor. The Admiral is always really nervous about this.  The Captain always seems confident.  We have successfully dropped and set our anchor the last 4 times on the first try though.  We are using a CQR, my nemasis in the past.  I have learned to creep back slowly  while dropping anchor, let it settle good and then to dig it in deep, continue reverse throttle till chain is tight then up the rpms to 15 hundred.  When the GPS stays steady at 0.0 knots for 1-2 mins. we both feel confident.  
We took the dinghy out for a look see.  It is so pretty the pictures will never compare.  There are large and small rock outcroppings all over.  You could spends several days here exploring to your hearts content.
We met a Michael canoeing the coast here.  Very impressive.  Beautiful wooden sea kayak / canoe.  He said he is retracing his childhood haunts. 
Thunderstorms  are predicted for tonight.






7.17.11  Thomas Bay
Well.  The Captain made a GREAT call with the anchor, rode, placement etc.  Distant thunder and lightning could be heard around 2:30 am.  Winds picking up.  Buy 3 am we were both up to make sure all was secure.  Jim on deck and me latching down hatches below.  I can see an anchor light  through the hatch and it's not ours.  WAY too close.  I'm up on deck in a heart beat to see Jim facing off with a boat.  Their anchor is dragging and their boat is now between us and another boat, way away from where they have set their anchor earlier the evening before.  I swear you could jump on their boat from ours.  OUr spot light is close at hand just incase.  They grab their spot light too and start shining everything, trying to get a sense of where their boat has drifted to. Another boat to our port side breaks free.   Every boat in the harbor appears up by now.  The first boat seems to get their bearings and and begin circling the harbor, which by the way is pretty small.  The second boat repositions with the help from the captain of another boat who was directly in their path,  The storm only lasts 15 or so minutes.   We are in the cockpit and have had a chance to get rain gear on.   I look at Jim and say, "thank you!"  I'm really glad he is sooo cautious and makes sure everything is working properly.   We continue looking from one boat to another.... back and forth, back and forth, still pretty tense.  We keep watch for about an hour. The wind has quit, the rain subsided,  All seems so peaceful.  We go below after seeing they appear to be set and try to get some sleep.

Update: We just heard about the Chicago to Mac Race casualties.... Sooooo sorry, our deepest condolences to the family and friends.

JIm and I are reminded or our first experience with setting our anchor and it dragging during a storm on our first boat.  We where on South Manitou Island in Northern Michigan.  We had gone a shore for a hike via dinghy and returned several hours later.  The wind started picking up and rain spitting down rather lightly.  We enjoyed a peaceful dinner down below.  Jim decided to make a quick call home and upon entering the cockpit notices someone waving and yelling over to us.  Isn't that nice, they must want to introduce themselves... but, weren't they the ones who where anchored the other side of us earlier?... Oh  S%*#.... we are dragging through the harbor like nobodies business!   They were trying to get our attention.    Engine on, anchor up, spot light out because of course it is now getting dark.  Rain has quit spitting and is now all over us like paint on a Jackson Pollock canvas.  We motor to where we thought we would do the least damage if it happened again. We had to reset the anchor 2 times before it held, but by then, who's sure?   We were up on and off all night, I slept in the cockpit.  It rained all night.  At first light, we ditched the plan to hike anymore, wondering what would have happened if we had been ashore and the anchor gave way...  Hauled the anchor, which by the way was buried deep, and headed off for Leland, about 10 miles to safe harbor.  Rain and thunderclouds chasing our wake.  There is a saying about incidence like that and boating,  something like:  it's not  "if"  but when...you drag anchor, take a knock down, hit a rock.  It's bound to happen.  We only hope that only our pride is hurt and not something else  durning those times.  Someone toasted us the other night at the Anchor Inn saying, "may your first rock,  be a small one".  I'll drink to that. 

7.18.11       
The sun is up and it is a beautiful morning.  Several boats are hauling anchor and heading out.  Jim notices a canoe coming up.  Two women who weathered the storm while camping.   They say they lost their tent and are heading to Kilarney.  We wonder how Michael did?   Jim has kippers for breakfast.  We pack a backpack and head off for Kilarney ourselves by dinghy.  It is absolutely beautiful along the shore.  The dinghy ride is quite fun and gives some relief to the heat.  It is really humid.  Almost too hot here for me, I am even considering a swim.  If you know me, you know that is right up there with the possibility of winning the lottery, but it could happen.  Killarney is a small village.  The road to get here was only finished in in the early 60's. Pretty sleepy but lovely.  The boats, dare I say small ships, here are quite big for such an out of the way place.  We had an amazingly good fish lunch at "the red bus".  A MUST stop for tourists as well as locals.  Mister Perch,  as it is officially named literally runs out of an old red school bus. The fish are caught daily and served fresh along with real fries.  Hit the spot.  We walked all 3 blocks of town, it may have been 2 but we walked slow.  Ran into Michael who survived the storm as well. Took in the museum, lots of old stuff.  Had some ice cream and headed for home.  The wayward boat from last night is circling the harbor again, trying to find a better anchoring spot I guess. Their anchor is down and rain is starting again.  Lots of thunder and lightning, a good 45 minute summer rain.  We take a hike on shore.  Climb the big stone hill.  On our return to the boat we introduce our selves to our wayward neighbors from last night.  Before anyone can introduce themselves, they say, "hey, we are really sorry about last night..."   We acknowledge their apology and assure them, we have all had that happen... sooner or later.  Introductions are made.  They are students from the east side of Michigan where they take sailing lessons and are on their summer outing, kind of like a final exam for sailing class.  We all wish for a quiet, windless night, safe travels and say our goodbyes.    


Michael paddling out of Killarney


7.19.11
So sad, today we have to start heading back west since we have reached what we feel is the farthest east we can go on this trip without being drawn south into retirement. 

Heywood Island

Swing Bridge opening

7.16.11 Heywood Island
We left Little Current at 2pm today.  It felt like a race.   8- 10 boats all jockying for position waiting for the swing bridge to open at 2.  It is open for 15 mins total every hour, however it only stays completley open for 2-3 mins.  We just happen to be the last boat through and even before making the outer limits of the bridge the bridge operator sounded the horn for closing.  Between the current and the maximum boat speed we could muster we were pretty nervous. The current was amazingly swift and going against us. There were standing waves in the narrow passage.  We were told it can get up to 4 knots on really windy days. With the late start, we decided to take it easy and only go to Heywod Island a couple hours away.  
One disappointment about the area is all the other people / boats.  So far, all anchorges and ports have had several boats. Hwy 17 can be heard often.  We are starting to get  further east and there are no roads to these islands, only boat traffic.  We are told that fewer and fewer people venture farther east and it is more remote so we are heading that way.  We have gotten much better at anchoring.  We have been warned about those who do not set there anchors properly and drag, often in the Benjamin Islands, which we plan to visit on our way back west.  Quite a danger to others and themselves.  
Today was the first day we had really warm, dare I say HOT weather, this whole trip.

Strawberry Island Light
Sunset at Heywood