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.