Friday, July 31, 2015

De-Masting, Buffalo and Tonawanda, New York


Buffalo, New York
July 28, 29

Buffalo's skyline
We had to motor sail the final leg to Buffalo.  It was the hottest it’s been and we are loosing our farmers tans.  No down comforter for 2 nights either.  
Milage to date.  1,050 (+/-) nautical miles.  6 weeks, 2 days.
Buffalo harbor is our busiest port yet.  Freighters, sail and power boats and lots of water craft: bikes, kayaks, canoes, ferries, etc.  We tied to the wall in downtown Buffalo.  It’s hot and with the work ahead of us we paid the extra 10 bucks for power… aka: air conditioning!  This also allowed us to have a grassy

area to fold the sails, part of the work of de-rigging the boat.  All the running rigging has to be removed before tomorrows appointment with RCR boat yard.  The running rigging, etc. is made up of sails, lines and boom.  The Erie Canal’s minimum bridge height is 15.5 feet.  The boat yard will step the mast and build the frame to support it but we have to be ready by 8 am tomorrow.  We were already hot and tired upon arrival but we got to work in short order.   It was a bit odd being at a very busy park with hundreds of people enjoying the afternoon while we were working like mad.  We removed the sails and hauled them (THANK YOU JAN!) up the gang way and onto the park lawn to fold and bag them for storage on deck.  All the while people looking on, a drum fest on another section of the lawn and corn hole games being played.  
The boom, and other hard wear now resting on deck, 2 1/2 hours later.  We were tired, hot and hungry.  Unfortunately, the ‘wall’ has no facilities.  No toilet, no showers.  We had to make due with the cock pit shower with ‘fans’ looking on… 
We headed toward the city center, hoping for some excitement.  The waterfront is home to an amazing assortment of military craft (tours too) as well as distractions for your pocket book from food, to beverage to boat rides.  We continued on but found we were too tired to go very far.  A beverage at the local brewery and we headed back to the boat.  
pulling the mast
I ducked down below to the VERY welcome air conditioning to make us some dinner, the guys resting in the cock pit when … smack, crumple, ding, bang !!!  ??? What the heck did we not tie down???  I pop up to see Jan and Jim retrieving a drone equipped with camera from the deck… ??? The owner scurries down the gang way… sheepishly asking about our ‘wires’ and wanting to collect the drone, which appears to be undamaged.   As for the ‘wires’ (our expensive wind instruments at the top of the mast?) we’ll find our tomorrow….
Dinner was followed by a movie in the park: The indian in the Cupboard.  We were too tired to watch much of it.  

in the haul out well, mast on shore
8 am we were ready to head to the haul-out well for de-masting.  The crew was waiting and expertly guided us into the well ( the area for holding the boat while working on it).  The guys got right to work and within an hour the mast was laying in a cradle in the yard while the next phase began.  Measuring and building the cradles specifically for our boat / mast design.  We needed ratchet straps which we didn't have so I borrowed a boat yard truck and took advantage of the opportunity to get a few groceries too.  Jan and I were directed to Home Depot then Wegman’s for groceries.  OMG… I have never been in such an awesome food store!  They had everything (except wine and spirits … New York law) that I could possibly want and things I didn't know I had to have ! … The fruits and veggies were fresh, the meat and cheeses phenomenal… I was in food heaven.  
positioning the mast over the boat
Upon our return the mast was nearly secure to the deck in it’s cradles, waiting for the straps we picked up.  By 3:30 it was done.  We were HOT, tired and hungry again.  The haul out well was too hot to stay info the afternoon / night, the ‘wall’ in buffalo with no facilities didn't appeal to us (showers please!) so we took off for Tonawanda, New York.  10 + miles, and the start of the Erie Canal !!!  It was intimidating trying to maneuver our new modified ‘barge boat’ with a ram rod (mast) off the bow, but Jim handled it amazingly, as usual.  We headed into the New York Canal system, and our first couple of bridges.  All going well till just before Black Rock Lock (say that 3 times fast…)    I ‘calmly’ say to Jim… I don't think we can clear it (the bridge)… Jim: we have plenty of room… Me: are you SURE? !  Jim:  positive… Then is hits me.  Duh… we have no vertical mast… of course we can clear it… I think.



Supported by cradles and ratchet straps 
going under our first bridge as a motor boat




















Jan is on the bow, arm stretched as high as he can reach, far above our new boat height (11 feet) and we are clear.  Just around the corner… Our first lock.  Jim calls for instructions. “ Wait for the green light.  Enter the lock, port side to the wall.  Grab the lines attached there and keep the boat off the wall.  The lock will close behind you.  you will drop (slowly) 5 feet.  Exit other end…”
O K ….
Black Rock Lock .... the first of many to come
It is a breeze.  We are on our way again.  Still in the canal system, we parallel the Niagara River.  The current in the river is scary fast and shallow.  Back on the river, it gives us a nice 1 - 2 knot push.  Our destination ahead and the ‘official’ entry into the Erie Canal and the city of  North Tonawanda. … Immediately we see a swing bridge with the beginnings of a forest growing in and about it.  Clearly, not having functioned for a loooong time.
Before seeing the town, we can hear music.  The boat traffic increasing with every turn.  We slide under several bridges and find the town wall to tie to.  A Canadian couple help to tie us off.  Showers taken and we are happy and less cruise’y…, our friend Rose’s term for need a shower NOW!  We head over the bridge and take in the sights and smells of the Wednesday night music in the park.  Continuing on, dinner at the Dockside restaurant… We were pretty hungry.  That being said, the food was great.  The prices really good and the portions … HUGE.  
On the wall in Tonawanda, New York.
The official start of the Erie Canal
With morning comes chores.  The cabin of the boat suffered the wrath of de-masting.  In the commotion of activity yesterday, we had things strewn about.  We reorganized and made arrangements to rent a car for a couple of days.  First up, the Naval and Military park back in downtown Buffalo.  It was really amazing.  Several aircrafts: Huey Helicopter, FJ4 - Fury (jet), F-101, PFT-17 Coastal Patrol boat, Voodoo (jet),  M-41 Walker Bulldog Tank… and quite a few others… All in disrepair but to me they told more of their story with, cracks, rust and dents.  
shame on you two ... obey the laws




















We also toured the USS Little Rock.  Next the USS  Sulivan, named to honor the 5 Sullivan brothers killed at Guadalcanal, their ship sunk by a Japanese submarine. Finally, the USS Croaker, a submarine.  Ir has 6 WWII patrols in the pacific, claiming 11 Japanese vessels.    We were exhausted after trekking around, up, down and  through the decks.   Heading home, we ran a few errands for a few extra supplies then back aboard.  
Burgers on the grill for dinner.  A game of cribbage, 3 handed.  It’s dark and we went off to bed.  


July 31
Happy Birthday Heike  ! ! !  (Jan’s mom).  
Military Park
Today we were off to be tourists.  Niagara Falls.  The town of Niagara on the Lake.  And …
We packed our backpack and set off.  Niagara Falls first.  We toured the American side first.  The river leading up to the falls were swift and riddled with boulders and logs.  The falls…breathtaking, even with the Canadian’s  towering hotels, casinos and  viewing towers as a backdrop.  I had never been there before, Jan and Jim had.  
US side, Niagara Falls
We then crossed into Canada to the preferred view.ing side.  Much more dramatic.  far more natural looking, the Americans have not built the shoreline up too much.  The expanse of the river is far more evident and the falls:  thundering, misty, frothy, churning…. and at the bottom, the tour boats nosing up to the boiling, fuming waters, all aboard getting soaked through their rain gear.  We continued on, heading south along the Niagara Parkway which shirts the Niagara River for miles.  Plenty of green spaces and picnic areas.  Turning back north, we drove up to Lake Ontario and the town of Niagara on the Lake.  First impressions, Saugatuck on a large scale.  Then, the flowers.  It must cost the city (?) tens of thousands of dollars in plantings and maintenance charges every season.  Although only about 5  blocks long, the end of town was not discernible.  Huge hanging flower baskets, trees along the streets and even a few horse drawn carriages.  The day was waring on and so were we.  Headed for home, we had one final stop the outlet mall.  We managed to spend all of our Canadian money on great stuff.  
Canadian side
Then we remembered we wanted another boat hook to help manage the up coming lock system, so … a few bucks more were spent and home.  Dinner, then dodging the evening outcrop of spiders in the cockpit. All our boaters friends who went before us on this path said the  spiders would leave once we hit salt water…. here’s hoping you were right 



tour boats

looking down stream, Canadian side

Niagara on the Lake

Hotel and city street









Wednesday, July 29, 2015

The last leg of Lake Erie

Cleveland, Ohio

July 22, 23

We left Put-in-Bay with hopes to sail to Cleveland.  Spinnaker ready.  Jim and Jan deployed it and we were making a whopping 3 knots.  Wanting to make the city that day, they doused the sail and relinquished the  duties to the engine.  The lake was a bit sloppy.  Waves coming from every direction. My theory, all those guys that died in the battle here are still going at it from the depths.
We took a slip at Edgewater Marina.  One attraction, only $40 bucks a foot and the second night free if you belong to a Yacht club…. we do.  We dock hand is ready to catch our lines but I hesitate… the slip looks too narrow.  I shout, ‘what’s the width?’  he replies… 12 feet… We are 13ish…. Then the engine quits ! … Jim quick hits the starter, the engine fires right up (?) we’ll deal with that issue later… the dock hand’s radio quits.. so he has to run back to the office to request a new slip… it is a REALLY long way… We have time to turn around and regroup… He returns and says the slip is 14 feet… we are good to approach again… so, in we go.  We indeed do fit, nice and cozy.  Jim and Jan head to the office to settle up and get head (bathroom) codes, internet info, etc… After we shower, we make dinner while watching the local sailing fleet head out to race…. remember I said we motored? … the racers returned within the hour.  Flaute (German for no wind).  The marina has a huge sailing community and serious sailors.  Boats of all types racing.  We venture up to the club house and find a table amongst the throngs of sailers lamenting the canceled race.  
We found Stan in Cleveland ....
  Next morning. Chores.  The boat needs a bath.  The Propane needs to be refilled and certified; the last place would not fill the tank because we don’t have the right sticker / stamp.  The fridge wants some fresh veggies and protein.  Weighing our options for transportation,  we decide to give UBER a try.  Pretty amazing… (we are UBER virgins).  The driver is on at the curb in 1 minute!  The cost ?  done through a credit card, no money changes hands (unless tipping).  The fee?… it is priced by time, (we think) and it doesn't matter it you have 1, 2 or 3 people… 2 or no tanks of propane.   We ask the drive to drop Jan and I at the grocery store, Jim continues on to the propane facility, they return just as we are putting the last of the groceries in the bags and then he takes us to the auto parts for anti freeze for the engine coolant.  All this: one hour +,  miles (?), and the bill.  $32 bucks.  And…  your FIRST ride is free.  Seems pretty reasonable to us.  And efficient.  We stow all the goods and get ready to head back to the city and a Cleveland Indians baseball game against the White Sox… We know a friend from our home marina is working here so we give Stan a call and make arrangements to meet.  Downtown via UBER again (6 bucks this time) we walk up and down he busy streets taking in the city sites.  The city is preparing for next years republican convention so there is a lot of construction.  Roads and buildings.  None of us want to spend time inside so decide against a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall Museum.  We’ll get our oldies fix from the iPod.  We meet up with Stan.  Reminisce and head off to the  game.  Who do we route for though?  The game is a bit of a dud… It is Jan's first ball base game, it can't compare to a soccer game in Europe, but there is no hoopla.  I have only been to two ‘cubby’ games.  They were fun, loud, cheering, booing,  music…. etc.  Sorry, Cleveland.  Chicago has you on team spirit… 
Return trip via UBER again, this time just over $7 bucks.  The drivers were all polite, friendly and timely.  We give UBER  5 stars.  
Tomorrow’s forecast.  Flouter.  

With the predicted winds… we are off motoring to Geneva on the Lake, our next destination.  We hear its retro architecture with appeal to us.  We secure things below then haul in the dock lines.  Lake Erie has been a choppy ride with a few rouge waves.  Today does not disappoint.  There has been very little wind for 4 days yet the waters are completely confused.  There are white caps here and there.  The waves less than a foot but the swells are knocking us this way and that.  Nearly everyone we talked to and the literature about the area all claim the Lake is like this all the time.  Maybe due to it’s relatively shallow depths… ?  It’s a bit like a washing machine, sloshing water all over from numerous directions.  Although I stowed things pretty well, a few errant items make their way through / across the cabin… My water glass, just filled, now gets it’s contents used for mopping the galley.  The dish drainer ejects itself from it’s locker under the oven, and the can goods in the cupboard are smacking against the doors and the hull…. 
The guys are hanging on up top and I take refuge below… trying to type this… I have to give it up a few times due to the motion.  We eventually make our way more off shore and the seas are less erratic, though still sloppy.  Who needs Cedar Point when you have a boat on Lake Erie… 

Geneva on the Lake  July 24
We arrived with plenty of time to shower and walk to town.  It’s hard to describe this little burg and give it justice.  But I will try.  The 3+ block main street is lined with lots of arcade type buildings dating from the 40’s and 50’s.  Retro signs declaring the specialties inside.  About every 3rd shop is an arcade of some sort.  Kind of like a carnival came to town but instead of tents, they built a town around the ‘carnie' scene.  Various types of food to please the greasy, fast food palette… and a few ‘good ole’ bars strewn in for good measure.  We ventured into an arcade, the ceiling draped in plush animals and silly critters waiting to be taken home by the next big winner.  Jim tried his hand at the ‘quarter drop’ game.  The one where there are LOTS of quarters on a shelf, you drop another in as a slide mechanism slowly pushed the coins to the edge … IF any should fall into the tray, you win!  He did not… bummer.  Next, Jan gives it a go. Ding, Ding, Ding!  We have a winner!!!!  Tickets begin puking out of the machine…. many, many feet of tickets… Holy c$@*… Jan won big ! … This is gonna be good.  The tickets get fed into a ‘counter’, 129 in all… To retrieve your prize you take the receipt for the tickets to the counter…. woo-hoo… he can choose from… (drum roll please) a selection of fringe magnets, a bottle opener or a inch peg-leg sailor… So, it’s not quite the prize we expected.  But another memory for the books.  We continue on.  More arcades, fast foods, sweets and do-dads to buy.  It is really pretty interesting.  A few places have pictures of the town in its hay-day… Old cars and the same buildings, although in better repair than today’s facades.  The town proper is about a block off Lake Erie with rental cottages separating town from the shore line.  A couple of wineries too.  This weekend they are hosting Christmas in July.  Music, more fast food and sidewalk sales.  
We plan to head to Erie, Pennsylvania however.  Can they top this?   We shall see.  

July 25 ,26 …
Erie,  Pennsylvania
We were able to fly the spinnaker  a good deal of the time!  Starboard tack changing to port as the day wore on.  There were numerous fishing fleets out on this lovely summer day.  The guys even got a swim in off the boat.  The landscape is getting noticeably different.  Low lands giving way to hills with the shore line sprouting bluffs.  
We were treated to the Niagara coming out of the channel as we entered.  The Niagara was the flag ship of Admiral Perry fleet.  It suffered severe damage during the battle of Lake Erie. The new Niagara is a replica of the original, providing tours and occasionally a sailing adventure.
We were pleasantly surprise the anchorage was nearly empty and we could have our choice of spots.  Getting in late in the afternoon, we stayed aboard for the evening.  We did have a bit of a battle with the “Skally Wag”, a local tourist boat made to look like a pirate vessel equipped with water cannons.  We were able to fend them off with our super soakers though.


With the new day, we headed to the state park across the anchorage bay to see what there was to do in the area.  The park ranger informed us about the annual Presque Isle ( the name for the park) Waterworks days going on this weekend.  It was a short dingy ride across the big bay to festivities.  The festival area was made up mostly of arts and crafts fair tents, fair food and real horse back rides.  After taking in the sites and absorbing all the free smells we could stand, we head home for lunch.  Then off to the big city for a look.  We dingy’d to the day dock and headed to the Maritime Museum to get a tour of the Niagara… much to our dismay, it was out sailing for the day and no tours till Monday.  So we headed up the hill to town.  The main drag had a few restaurants and beverage establishments.  It went on for longer than we were willing to walk in the humidity.  Not too many ‘shopping’ opportunities, mostly office / business type buildings.  Back at the harbor, we made a stop at the chandlery,  it appeared as though the building had been around for a while but would not last much longer… the floors were heaved up and cracked, slanted a least a foot throughout at varying intervals.  A quick purchase and we were out.   

Tonight Jan treated us to a traditional German dinner, Hamberg Schnitzel including a pilsner direct from Germany.  Music; german sea shanties and dessert; Milka (German chocolate).  It was super!

Dunkirk, New York 
July 27

Winds were predicted to be light on the nose.  We motored for a couple hours then the winds picked up.  Head sail out.  10 knots, Mail sail out.  It was a lovely ride.  Heeling 10 - 15 degrees (leaning) we went along at 6 1/2 knots for the remainder of the trip, 4 1/2 hours.  The sun warmed us and tans are improving.  Our route the last few days has been more or less a straight line and nothing much to dodge except a few fishing boats.  We could see the power plant at Dunkirk long before arrival.  It towers over the city.  It was formerly owned by Niagara Mohawk but the ice storm of ’98 sent them into bankruptcy and is now National Grid.  We were told by a local that the plant is being converted to natural gas.  Although there is still activity about, the plant is relatively quite.  We called on the phone several times to ask for a slip at the highly recommended Dunkirk Yacht Club to no avail.  Guess we’ll have to go it alone.  The chart depths read 2 - 4 feet in the marina but we have been assured we can squeak through.  Rounding the breakaway we spot several individuals standing on the end of the face dock ready to catch our lines.  Thus the reason no one answered the phones. The members have a landing built in the middle of the pier for socializing.   It provides a great view of incoming traffic as well as sunsets (with the power plant as a back drop).  The marina is living up to it’s ‘friendliest marina on Lake Erie’ reputation.   
The entire marina facility is built OVER the water.  A pier extending from shore to the Yacht Club and further on to the boat slips. It makes for an interesting  bathroom experience.  The floor boards not quite meeting up, the water reflecting below your toes through the cracks.  I think if they ever dredged under the ‘club’  they might find a few treasures.  The commodore gave us the skinny on the place then we took much needed showers and headed to the Light House for a tour.  After a bit of a detour (wrong turn) we found it.  Unfortunately it had closed hours before and we had to console ourselves with a look through the rungs of the  gate instead.  We seem to been a dry spell with tourist excursions the last couple days…
It was late and we were tired and hot, so we had dinner at Demitries, the Greek / American restaurant just down from the marina.   
Back at the Yacht Club, we joined John and his wife (Yacht Club members) for a beverage on the balcony.  Later Jim met a former line man from the Niagara Mohawk utility and they spent the evening comparing stories, both having worked the ice storm mentioned earlier.    

Anxious to move on, we cast off the lines just after 8am and headed to Buffalo, NY.  Motoring.  We have already been in contact with one of the reliable boat yards there to help step the mast (remove the mast from the boat) and build a cradle to support it on the deck for the 2 -3 weeks we will spend transiting the Erie Canal.  On further investigation, we learn that parts of the canal are currently closed due to water levels from flooding.  Something we have heard happens periodically.  The Welland Canal is completely closed while maintenance is being performed.  Duration unknown but we do not plan to use that route anyway.  


















Sunday, July 26, 2015

Canada - New Crew

Detroit from Windsor 
July 18,19
Windsor continued….

The morning breaks sunny and warm, actually hot.  Jim, Jan and I pack some water and head to downtown Windsor to see the sights.  City bus with air conditioning.  I can't believe we are so thankful for air after having spent soooo many days bundled up.  Everyone sitting within 4 or 5 seats welcomes us to town and gives us tips on where to go and what to see.  We get off a couple blocks from Caesar’s Palace (casino) and the waterfront.  The city is nearly void of pedestrians, much to our surprise for a Saturday… Many of the people we do see however are sporting  ‘The Color Run’  tee shirts and their bodies are nearly covered in colored powder dye… from the 15K race.  It is a fund raiser for … ?  what do you call it…. hmmmm …. oh yeah, Alzheimers.  The race course traverses the river front.  Along the route the participants are pelted with ‘color’ head to toe.









The Finish Line 
It looks so fun but…. it’s pretty humid and can't be altogether comfortable… but what a great cause. 
We continue our journey about town…  Caesars Place, etc.  Kind of funny… Jan is asked how old he is by security at Caesars Place… not asking to SEE his ID though.  He says, 28.  ‘Ok.  enjoy your day.’   (He is legal by the way… )
We lunch at a a fantastic middle eastern restaurant.  Fresh and tasty.  Back to the boat, we ready the dingy and head to Peechy Island across the river channel.   It is a park for day visitors only.  We walk around a bit.  See remnants of a what was a summer home for the 'Walker’ family years ago.  They made / make whiskey. Today, there is little left of the once private estate.  Some foundations, a street light post and a once lovely ornate bridge.  Visitors today, enjoy picnic areas, a steam where wading and relaxing are common.  
color me happy ...
Back to the main land,  we shower off and have dinner.  Brian (Afeica) pops over for a chat just as a power boat losses it’s engine and crashes into a boat behind us… then another!  They manage to make their way to a nearby slip, smoke pouring from the engine compartment…  Ironically, the boat’s name is … No Problem… we see no flames and the owners continue there ‘festivities’ while the boat cools off … (They are still at the slip the next day)  

Pelee Island :  19
under the Ambassador Bridge 
The next morning we head to Peele Island.  Our last Canadian stop.  The current gives us an extra push down river.  Windsor to the port side, Detroit to the starboard.  Sunny and warm.  We cross under the Ambassador Bridge and over the Tunnel… Up ahead we can see and smell the American Iron works complex.  It is huge, going on for miles.  Iron ore piles, coal and scrap metal line the river banks with countless facilities for processing all this stuff.  Freighters loading, off loading or waiting at anchor are common sites.  This eventually gives way to greenery and housing along the river.  A couple hours and we are in Lake Erie.  The shallowest of the the 5 Great Lakes.  There is a favorable breeze and we set the sails.  It turns out the be the BEST sail of the entire trip (so far).  Winds on the beam (side), steady at 12 knots.  Jim sets the course and the entire day we sail.  We spot lots more trash and oddly enough a “gold” fish… about 6 inches long…Sadly, it is belly up… We enjoy the temps in summer wear and even ride the bow with waves lapping our feet.  Having Jan aboard affords extra eyes and hands,  Jim gets a break from navigation duties.  
Not far off from our destination, the waters turn limey green with allege… Thick enough to roll like carpet in our wake.  If memory serves me right, last year, good portion of the lake was covered with algae  preventing water usage for drinking, etc.   
refineries etc...




Peele Island Harbor

Secure to the dock on Peele Island.  Following the advice of the locals here as well as the guide books, we opt out of showering / water here.  The water has a faint yet distinct sulfur smell that lingers on the skin for quite a spell (so they say), although we could barely detect any smell. The toilets are stained yellow gold from the mineral deposit in the water.  We take a quick walk but rain threatens to soak us so we retreat to the boat.  There is little to do on the Island.  Example, Jim asked the young attendant… “so, we are only here for the night...  What should we see or do?”   Response… “well, …. I guess you could walk to the bakery,  or get an ice cream cone.”  Oookaaay.   Dinner on board, corn on the cob and chicken with ‘Nicki’s Marinade’.  Very tasty.   Walking down the dock, I spy another gold fish!  Alive and about 8 inches long ….hmmm.  We are visited by a neighboring boater and musician, James.  He has been playing for an hour or so in his cockpit.   He single hands his boat, following in the footsteps of his 80+ year old father, who is currently headed to the North Channel, alone.   He shares some stories of his life as a musician / song writer and a sailor.  
Sleeping is fantastic with an breeze funneling into the boat from open hatches.  
I don't care for the neighbors... we're leaving !
Algae 

Put-in-bay … sort of… July 20 , 21 …
The next morning,  while shaking off the remnants of sleep, I notice something in the water near the boat adjacent to us.  Getting the binoculars… Frick!  Snakes!  2 huge snakes are on the neighbors swim platform.  Another, head popping up and down in the water, it climbs up and around an outboard motor.  Then Jim reminds me of a ‘Dirty Jobs’  episode… The snakes of Lake Erie.  Put-in-Bay… OMG… we are headed there next!  
We again run into (through) the green algae en route to Put-in-Bay 
Customs ... 


Thick. Scummy.  We catch a mooring ball and call for the free water taxi.  We have to clear U.S. customs before playing tourist.  Passports in hand, we hop aboard the water taxi and disembark at the ‘Boardwalk’ where we walk the short distance to the call in box for customs.  The downtown has a carnival atmosphere.  Golf cart and bike rentals.  Bars and restaurants and tons of do-dad shops to purchase your souvenirs.  It’s sunny and warm.  We are ready for showers and a night on the town when things come to screeching halt.  U.S. immigration requests a face to face with Jan… the nearest location… Cedar Point. Really?   The conversation goes something like this…. “Is there someone / way that Customs can come here?  we have just travel nearly 20 miles?  No you have to come with your boat.  No, you can’t take the fast ferry.  No, there are no other options.  Yes, you have to come today… now…”   WTF…. (sorry).  With no other viable options, we return to the boat, release the mooring ball and make our way OUT of the harbor.  13 miles to go, a few islands to negotiate  and some ferries to dodge.   We are able to sail at a good clip and at least it is an enjoyable ride sliding through the waves via wind power with the sun on our faces.
Cedar Point 
We were instructed to go to the fuel dock at Cedar Point, the very large amusement park and call in from there.  … “No you can’t check out the park while you wait. Tell the marina you MUST stay put at the fuel dock….”
OK.  Just shy of an hour later the customs agents arrive.  Full uniform.  Very official.  Very polite.  A quick introduction and they decide Jan gets to see the sites from the the back of their car.  Although Jan has all the necessary paper work, he needs a stamp IN his passport and they want his fingerprints.  Lucky Jan,  he gets to make more new friends.  Welcome to America!    
atop the Admiral Perry Monument 
It is now going on 6 pm.  It’s been a long day.  waiting for Jan, we assess our options.  …Take a slip at Cedar Point for the special non holiday rate of $95.00 per night plus another $30 each (4 - 10 pm rates) to go in the park if desired… or head back to Put-in-Bay…. 
As promised, Jan is returned within the hour and we are back on the water hoping to make Put-in-Bay by dark.  The monument to Admiral Perry towers over Put-in-Bay at 352 feet, it is easily seen in the distance.  Dinner under sail, veggie burgers and curried couscous.   Catch the mooring ball, get a much needed shower on shore and a drink at Hooligans.

The morning dawns with a slight cloud cover.  We eat and pack a bag for shore.  The Monument to Admiral Perry first up.  Admiral Perry, 28 yo, defeated the British in a one day battle here at Put-in-Bay in 1813 (War of 1812) enabling the U.S. to control Lake Erie enabling them to control the midwest via the Great Lakes.  Of those who fought 4 of 5 died!  some as young as 10…   The monument commemorates this battle and the men (boys) who fought here.  The view from the top is stunning. 
We continue on to the Fisheries station were the Dirty Jobs episode was filmed.  The ‘Snake Lady” isn't around today and fortunately for me, neither are the snakes!  They have recently been removed from the endangered list… I guest that’s good …. We opt out of the ‘cave tours’… having seen these before in other locals.  We circle back to town and retreat to the boat for afternoon siestas.  
Our last evening in town, we head back to take in some night life.  For all the hoopla, this is a pretty sleepy place mid week.  We almost didn't come due to warning about the party atmosphere and hordes of people.  The streets are pretty empty for the second night on a row.  ???  We have a beverage at the Mojita Bay Bar then off to the local (only) brewery.  We decide on drinks and Jan is asked to show Id… Which has happened a few times., no problem.    The young lady behind the bar says… ‘ I can only serve US citizens ….’   Blinking!   We say WHAT?  She says, ‘state law.  I can only serve people from the U.S.…’  She says this with a straight face.  There are around 6 others at the bar and all are looking at us like   ????  Really… Yeah.  Really.  (we are one short hop from Canada… They don't serve foreigners ? .. )  So, we pick up and head out.  ??? State Law?  hmmmm.  We end up at The Upper Deck on the Boardwalk.    “Rita’  the bar tender knows what business she‘s in.  We get drinks and no ‘state law’ crap. (sorry).    She makes me a Brandy Alexander … OMG   It is soooo good.  I will not think about the calories …. google this and then go find someone to make you one!   
The Upper Deck (adult beverage establishment) has a lovely tradition.  At sundown they lower their HUGE flag to the music of a patriotic song, over a lout speaker…. Tonight, ‘America the Beautiful.’  Jan has his beverage without any fuss.  Back aboard, we plot a course for Cleveland…  We hear  Cleveland Rocks… let’s hope so.

BTW … Happy FIRST birthday to grandson Keegan… we miss you!  Is was good to hear you giggle / squeal…  



Dirty Jobs episode : Lake Erie Snakes... filmed here 









The Mojito Bar, swing up bar 

Golf cart transportation