7.2.11 En route: Left Saugatuck Saturday 7:05 am made the pier head at 7:30.
Sorry we had to miss Nolan's 9th birthday today...We love you and Happy Birthday!
Fabulous morning, sunny, warm and the Stouts were there to see us off. Winds were brisque and the seas near 4ft. Considered a reef but decided there was no need. The boat loved it and so did we. Made great time all day, Mid 7 knots with a few 8s. "Chris" the new auto pilot held his (her?) ground and we haven't touch the wheel since leaving home. Jim got to name the auto pilot since they were so "intimate" this winter. He spent hours installing it and several phone calls to "Chris" the autopilot guru at Alfa Marine Systems Inc. I figured that was fair since I named the boat (Inishnee) after visiting the real Inishnee in Ireland. It is a lovely but rugged snippet of land on the Southwest Coast of Ireland near were Jim's grandfather was from. Inishnee means the Island of Nee in Irish. I knew the minute I saw the place that would be the name of our boat, which by the way, had not even been chosen and was only a distant dream.
The days breakfast and lunch underway consisted of fruits, veggies and leftover chicken since it is tricky to cook at a 15+ degree heel. Mid day brought in a heavy haze that some might call fog. Sweaters worn most of the day though we heard the weather report and the main land was 80-90's. We repeatedly used our sounding horn since visibility was only a few boat lengths. We also used the radar for the first time. Obstacles could be seen within a few miles but we never saw them materialize. By mid afternoon the fog dissipated and the the seas were nearly flat, the winds calmed but still we were doing 5 + knots. Having a super time although we could have done with a lot less flies. It looks like a massacre with all the fly carcasses... We only saw one boat that was leaving Muskegon very late in the afternoon, pretty sure it was returning to the Milwaukee area since it was a race boat and the Queens Cup had been completed that morning. Congrats to Jake and crew for 2nd place!!!
I though I would make our first dinner out somewhat special so I made Beef Burgundy ala Rachel Ray 30 minute meals. Candles and a sip of wine made for a lovely meal with Lyle Lovett singing about boats in the background. Probably should have been playing "Saturday Night at Sea" .
So, you may be wondering who won the Captain and Admiral debate. Well, I am composing this off line and off shore just south of the Manitous. I took the first watch and was treated first to a delightful sunset, the water turned silky ink dappled with splotches of pinks and blues. Then off in the distance the echo of thunder. Well, it actually turned out to be fireworks. All up and down the shore for as far as you could see every little burg was lighting up the sky with an array of sizzlers, sparklers and weepops. What a treat.
Jim took over watch around 11:30pm. His shift met with several ships passing too close for comfort, rule of tonnage always wins so he gave a wide berth with a side of apprehension. The heavens treated him to a few shooting stars and one spectacular meteor taking an unusually slow trajectory through the night sky. The winds dwindled to nearly nothing by daybreak and the iron jenny was put to use. Well... at least we'll have hot water for the day to freshen up. Not firm plans about where we'll be tonight, discussing the possiblility of Leland. That would be a nice harbor to spend the 4th and see the sights. The roller fulling has been reset, it's 24hrs since we left home and I am headed back up for my turn on watch.... Life is good!
Update: Today was rather uneventful although I was inspired by a call from the Dedoes' talking about their breakfast of sausage and pancakes at the Tower Harbor Yacht Club so I made bacon and pancakes with fresh raspberries. Yummy. The day brought mostly motor sailing. Winds light and on the nose and of course more flies . Several freighters past us going through the shipping lanes. We made landfall in Leland after aproximatly 33 hours on the water, 4:30 ish pm. We are docked near some really super people playing really LOUD music by groups we have never heard... Can't tell you how much we are enjoying it! Went to town for dinner to celebrate our first real passage with Inishnee. We will lay over here in Leland through the Fourth. The garage (aft cabin) needs to be organized and the shed (dhingy) is holding more than her share. A good dousing to rid the cock pit of fly debris is also in order. Next harbor / passage thinking of Beaver Island. If you have not been there before, it's quite a treat. Quiet, laid back, friendly. The way people live in modern times without all the hustle and bustle... where are you going to go in a hurry on a 20 mile Island with only one paved road of about 4 miles and everybody knows everybody... If you ever should happen there, the Shamrock Bar is a must. Nothing real special but just about the most hapnin' place on the Island. Trivia note: years ago I met Bob Seger there. A bit of a let down since he was quite lubed up and blurry eyed. Great memories though. So the sun is setting, there are fireworks at the park up the hill but it's lookin (and feeling) like an early night here on the boat. Good night all....
In the shipping lanes....
Ready for the voyage....
Just after sunset....
Well this is fun hearing about your trip! Nice to mark your ports along the way. I'll have Tate help me map your path out when he comes home on Friday after the week at his dads house.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! What and awesome adventure for you and Jim! I look forward to your updates! -Adam Bayne
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