7.13.11 Beardrop Harbor

7.13.11     Rocks and Rocks  of  Rocks ... aka  Beardrop Harbor

fishing boat from Blind river

We left Blind River in the afternoon of the 12th with a graceful exit that no one was there to witness. We could see all the landmarks the books and charts indicated.  What a difference.   Sunny, windy and warm.  The run was about 15 miles.    Jim set the way points and we stuck to them.  Little room for error with all the rocks.  We had good wind and sailed with the just  the jib at 6+ knots. Rolled it up to enter the harbor and the halyard wrapped around the roller furling.  Always something.  We were able to set the anchor on the first try.  Anchoring is usually the cause of anxiety for me but we are getting our technique down and figuring out the best method for the boat.  We have done little anchoring with this boat only having had it for 2 years now.  

at anchor in Beardrop

The harbor is peaceful although there are several other boats here.  We are using several sources for reference when negotiating and it's a good thing.  One of the books Jake and Sue loaned us mentioned that some of the rocks only have "clorox bottles" tied to them.  Guess what, they were right.  We have seen (sort of) several rocks or their ripples just below the surface.  Go slow!  It really is pretty though.  The land has been scraped clean by the advancing and retreating glaciers and few plants have been able to get a foothold.  Many pine and some birch trees.  Interesting lichen and even patches of blue berries.  No pie making on this trip.  They are so small it would take half a day to collect enough.  Growing up, my parents took me and my 3 sisters to the U.P. and Canada a lot.  Durning blueberry season we would use an old fashioned picking scoop with long tines.  You would use the scoop like a rake and berries along with leaves and what ever else would accumulate in the scoop.  We would fill buckets and take them back to camp.  Another bucket was partialy filled with water and you would slowing pour the blueberries into the water bucket.  the leave were suppose to blow away and the good berries sunk to the bottom.  you would fish out the floaters that were not quite ripe as well as any debris and you were left with mostly decent berries.  Dad  also liked to fish and some of the best fishin' holes are "up north".  This brings back fond memories of our camping excursions.  Swimming always meant really cold water or leaches which of course he could use for bait once mom pulled them off.  Soooo much fun for 4 young girls but I wouldn't trade a minute of it now even though at the time a genuine "cement pond" would have been appreciated.

We spent the afternoon and evening on board.  Actually did some reading which we have not made much time for.  The morning brought another lovely day of sunshine.  We decided to fire up the dinghy and go for a cruise.  We continued back into the harbor and around the island that in-part makes up this harbor which runs along the outer Whales Back Inlet / Bay.  We beached the dinghy and climbed the biggest hill (rock) around.  Splendid views.  Miles and miles of rounded, weathered rocks, many looking like, as the name implies, whales backs.  A few have scraggly  pines or moses.  Some are more established with trees but the soil is poor and the season too short so it will be many tens of thousands years before the land could sustain much else.  

The afternoon brought the departure and arrival of a new fleet.  While we watched it all go by from the cockpit,  we swung to and fro on the anchor peacfully.  By chance a dinghy happened by with a couple we recognized and we welcomed them aboard.  We had met them in Blind River as they were the ones who caught our lines and welcomed us into the port.  They too are on a month long vacation on their boat, Moon Dance.  Kevin and Evelyn, "KevinEleven" , soon left to retrieve their boat from another anchorage.  After dinner we got together for a game of cribbage.  We paired off with opposite spouses.  Let me say up front, somehow the two dyslexic spouses ended up on the same team.  We were at a tie following 2 games so a rubber match was called for.  The beverages needed to be refilled and since Jim doesn't know the "recipe" for gin and tonic or for that matter red wine or beer, I volunteered to go get them.  Upon returning to the game, Jim says, "now, I know you are going to think I stacked the deck but honest.... it's what I was dealt (he was the dealer by the way)".  So he gets this killer hand of like 20 something points.  Right away he starts saying "now make sure you get this right in your "blog"... am I going to have to edit your writing?..."  So let it be know that "they" did win, fair and square.  We'll get em next time though.

Kevin, Evelyn, Jim and Kathy aboard Inishnee

One of the best things for me about traveling is meeting new people.  We now have two "token Canadian" friends to add to our resume, eh. 

Foot Note:  Tony fondly remembers Dave and Rose....wishes they were here.

 7.14.11  Losing track of time and date

We must be in official vacation mode.  We had to consult the calendar via computer to see what day it was.  To give you an idea of where we are at, we have only just entered the North Channel from the west side.  It lies on the southern edge of Ontario, Canada, east of Sault Ste. Marie about 50 miles.  The area spans approximately 80 miles east to west.  It is made up of hundreds of islands and scenic bays.  Manitoulin Island lies along it's southern boarder and is the worlds largest fresh water island.  Georgian Bay lies to the east.  

Overlooking Whales Back Channel from a big rock

Many boaters rely on the Cruising Net to send and receive information.  It is done daily via a VHF radio through a land station manned by the Net Host.  Here it is Roy from Little Current, Ontario.  The Cruisers Net is broadcast daily beginning at 9 am on channel 71.  The host gives a synopsis of the world news and local happenings.  Weather updates and any pertinent information he / she deem necessary, followed by check in from the boating world.  Approximately one hour start to finish, the check in taking up the bulk of the time.  Roy, sets the protocol for check in.  Basically whoever wants to, radios in and reports their location.  It is interesting to hear who is where.  I suppose you could then make arrangements to meet up with (or avoid) certain areas or people.  We made an attempt to call in but our location would not allow for a clear message. 

Passing through.... with the dinghy

Beardrop Harbor

Dinghy'd  ashore

7.10.11 Good bye E world for now

7.10.11   Good bye  E   World 

ten to seven, one eye open.  warm winds from the south west.  pretty sure the internet won't work on the next island destination since it's uninhabited.   be safe, enjoy your day.... we certainly plan to.   we're off for Harbor Island, Ontario, Canada

 Cool but sunny on the water

10 pm  We are hangin' on the hook at Harbor Bay Island near the shores of Drumond Island.  Sun has just set.  Officially in the North Channel. Winds died out before even getting back past Mackinaw Island.  Motored all the way, about 8 hrs. Encountered lots of ships.  Made the narrow passage through Detour Village, dodged the ferry.  There are islands in every direction: big and small with areas that are barley visible, some spots not much more than a few rocks and some spindly pines.  Follow the charts and watch for the buoys.  I took the opportunity today to organize the food lockers.  I was tired of playing the "where's the food" game every time I needed somehting.  I even made a cheat sheet to find things, now I have to keep the lists in a spot where I remember.  Lunch and dinner featured the fresh lettuce and herbs from Brenda's garden.  Salad of organic leaf lettuce, wild rice with dill and onion, chicken with fresh sage surrounded in a blanket of prosciutto, finished with fresh lemon.  

Had a great nap and refreshing shower aboard.  Neighbors:  2 Sandhill Cranes, a couple of white tailed deer and a trawler.  

Fly report:  they were back and brought reinforcements. 

ps:  Reminder to Kathy A....  "the hook" is NOT a restaurant

pss: Dave and Rose...  according to our friends who a have a house here, water is too low to get into the bigger of the 2 bays. plus we were to timid to deal with a possible grounding

Fresh from the garden....

Harbor Island Bay

7.11.11   Why they REALLY call it the Blind River... 

We set out this morning from Harbor Bay with Blind River, Ontario our destination.   A bit cloudy, looking like possible rain.  Not much wind to speak of but with so many obstacles (rocks and islands) to navigate around to get to our first way point, motoring is best.  Clouds continued to thicken until we needed our fog horn.  The echo of a freighters horn sounding in the distance  was a bit unsettling.  In and out of fog and rain all day.  So much for weather reports.  It rained so hard it was sideways for a while.  Jim was gracious enough to sit topsides while I stayed below.  Foulies were not an option but required apparel.  To make use of my time I made French Onion soup.  It really hit the spot with the weather so nasty.   After entering Canadian waters, Jim raised the yellow "Q" flag (quarantine) to signify we had entered the country.  Boats on the radar, actually saw a few now and then.  Visibility low with pockets of open sky.  2 power boats came out of the fog just before we entered the harbor mouth. Shore began to materialize and the lower half of the 240 foot smoke stack emerged.  Could this be one of the reasons it's called blind river?  We couldn't see much to help us navigate.  The fog broke as we made our way to the pier, Tony was there to catch our lines with another couple.  Tony may need a whole entry all for himself in the blog.  What a character.  Jim reported to customs with the ships papers and crew report.  Entry was granted.  The "Q" flag was replaced with the Canadian flag that now snaps lively in the breeze.  The clouds and fog have left.  The evening turned out nicely.  We biked to town with the complimentary bikes and had dinner at the Iron Horse Inn and Mustange Grill.  All homemade, no "Gordon's or Sisco's" products to be seen.  A nightcap back on board and Tony returned with the neighbors on their Dinghy.  He seems to be the dockside version of the Welcome Wagon although I don't recall them ever bringing beer and offering their vans for use to strangers in the W. W. commercials.  Check the weather and consult the charts in the morning to see where we'll end up next.

Detour Village Ferry

The "Q" flag

Cleared Customs

Chart Duty...

   

7.12.11  Sleeping Inn

I got to sleep in this morning.  Jim is off to town to see about weather, charts, provisions... stuff.  Pretty quiet here.  We are thinking Bear Drop Harbor for the next anchorage.  About 15 miles away.  The Kinderman's recommended the spot and we are looking forward to a short passage.  Take care.   

Mackinaw to St Ignace

7.8.11  Mackinaw Island 

We had a great day on the Island.  After a brief morning rain and we were off for our bike adventure.  Temps were perfect and the island was relativly quite.  We rented a tandum bike and set off to peddle the perimitor of the Island.  8 miles around then a few miles on the interior trails.  Great fun.  Lunch on the boat and got some reading in.  Met up with Kathy (Beaver Buddy) and Jon and made plans for dinner together.  

Up untill not, we have felt relatively comfortable leaving the boat unlocked when heading to the showers or marina office etc.  Unfortunatly, we have had a change of heart.  Still not sure what to make of the "incident" but... we met the couple docked next to us.  They admired our boat and asked if they could come over for a tour.  No problem... we shared a glass of wine, small talk and said our good byes since we needed to meet our friends for dinner.  Kathy and Jon just happen to have gotten a slip directly across from our boat so we went over and chatted for a bit.  Stepping back onto the dock I noticed someone getting on to out boat and disapearing down below, then reappearing with my Turkish Olive Oil !  It's the woman for the boat next door.  She jumps down on her boat ... a minute later re-apears, goes back to our boat with oil in hand.  We are all just standing there gape jawed and blinking.  Our boat was closed up, oil in a closed cabinet.  Jim quickly crosses the dock and before she can make her escape he says... "so, everything alright here?"  (meaning what the h*$$ ya doing?)... she says... "oh, I just needed some olive oil."  and off she goes to her boat........ wow.  I would like to add, while she was on our boat as an invited guest, never did we discuss olive oil or where it might be kept... Jim promptly locked the boat!  We didn't see them surface for the rest of our stay.   Now, I'm not stingy but if any of you want to borrow my olive oil... just ask first.

Any who.... we had a lovely dinner catching up with our friends.  Strolled down the main boulevard, ate more fudge and had a night cap at the Mustang Lounge.  It was a memorable visit and a very happy anniversary.     

  7.9.11 Saint Ignace

We left the Island and headed to Saint Ignace to meet up with family.  Motored over. Took on fuel, 22 gallons.  Tied up at our slip and welcomed the family aboard:  Mom, Nancy, Barb, Brenda, Scott, Tate, and David.  Nancy, mom and Brenda cooked and baked loads of wonderful beards, pies and salads... It was a delightful feast.  We had a wonderful afternoon.  Sunny skies, full tummies and  great conversation.  Brenda gave me a ride to the store for provisions.  No fresh herbs or organic lettuce needed.  She brought an amazing array of greens from her organic garden, I think her web site is "Windy Hill Farm" (or Garden).  Brenda is an amazing gardener following in the footsteps of her mother, Nancy.  Mom of course brought me my "fix" of chocolate no bake cookies.... just might eat some for breakfast, after all they do have oatmeal in them.  One lament, I wish we would have had a fishing pole for Tate.  I'm sure he would have been able to catch us dinner with all the fish here in the harbor. With everyone off for home, we topped off the water tanks and put away supplies, making ready for a long day tomorrow.  Plan is to head to Harbor Island to anchor for the night then to Blind River, Canada to check in with customs.  Eyes are tired, morning will come top fast I think.  Till next time.     

7.6.11 Island Hopping

Arrival and departure from Beaver Island was not all that graceful.  Setting the anchor was hampered by issues, specifically the malfunction of windlass which turned out to be a loose wiring connection.

While on shore, we were able to stretch the long muscles and walked around town, all of 1/2 mile.  Checked out the museum/book store and met up with a friend from Saugatuck who summers on the Island.  Eric, invited us for drinks and  hors d'oeuvres  later that afternoon.  St. James Harbor was unusually quite during this visit, having been there numerous times before almost always durning "HomeComing", the Island version of a family reunion.  Multitudes of expat islanders return to affirm their roots, see family and friends.  Picnics, ball games and a lot of ridin' around in pickups sporting picnic tables, lawn chairs and  stocked coolers in the beds.   I spent many summers taking classes on the Island through CMU's Beaver Island Campus Branch.  What a great way to earn college credits in such a beautiful setting. 

Dinner was at the Shamrock of course then retired to the boat for a quite evening.  Thursday 7 am we pushed off and as stated above, met with a douse of humility.  A grounding, although brief.   Not our preferred way to exit the harbor.   At least here you can see what you have run aground on, the water is crystal clear.   Some reverse throttle put us back on course and we were off, literaly.   Within an hour, Beaver Island was shrinking to aft, Garden and Hog Islands on the port side. The water was flat and mirror like, our wake the only cause of disturbance.  The wind prediction was for calms, but we were soon met with sailable winds.  Raised the main, pulled the gib and skipped along at 4 and 5 knots.   Today would be momentous for us.  Mackinaw Island, the goal.  Consulting the navigation charts and setting waypoints to make sure we would clear the infamous "Grays Reef".  The passage was WELL marked with huge structures, bell towers and abandoned light houses, so it turned out easier than I anticipated.  With the Mackinaw Bridge now on the horizon a Hobbit breakfast (number two) was inorder.  Bacon, dill toast and mimosas.  Crossing under the Bridged was quite exciting and surprisingly noisy.  Those of you who have driven across the Bridge are aware off the iron grid in the middle lanes to reduce windage.  The whine from dozens of cars driving overhead forced the conversation on the boat to a near yell.  

Lake Huron is now under the keel!   Next stop, Mackinaw Island.   The harbor is small and really busy with ferry traffic.  Multitudes of people coming and going constantly aboard dozens of water craft.  Dodging ferries and their turbulent wakes, we tied up for a pump-out then retreated to our slip, thankful to the DNR staff who assist in catching lines and tieing off.   This is a state run marina, nice facilities.   It is by far the busiest and noisiest harbor we have visited to date.  Even tied up and safe in the break wall, there is a constant swell and noise commotion from the ferrys coming and going.  

We showered, ate dinner on the boat and went for a stroll.  We were treated to free fudge at Murdick's.  I only wanted a partial slice but the gal behind the counter said they weren't allowed to sell partial slabs. We declined and she said maybe if you try it you will come back for more... so she hand over a lovely piece of silken, creamy dark fudge, free of charge.  A nice tip is in order for the young lady.  I am from "up north", Johannesburg to be exact.  We have a term up here for the tourists.  I'm sure it must have started on Mackinaw Island but is used widely by the locals up here.  We call them "fudgies"  and as the name implies, they all have to buy a hunk of fudge before returning to where ever.  Having lived away from the area for so long now, I guess I am now the fudgy.... Not sure how I like that.   

We washed the sweet treat down with a beverage at the Pink Pony.  Made famous by sailors after completing the Chicago to Mac Race which takes place every July.... A huge event which draws first class sailboats and crew from all over the world.  Our wonderful inland sea has gained the respect of many once they see and experience it for themselves.  It's a huge body of water with a mind and weather pattern of her own.  She demands respect while upon her waters.  

Tomorrow, we celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary.  Considering renting bikes for the morning.  that ought to be interesting, haven't ridden a bike in a really long time.  We are also meeting one of my original  "Beaver Buddy's" in the afternoon.  We met years ago while taking classes on Beaver Island.  Looking forward to catching up.  

Geeze, I almost forgot ...the FLY report.  We had virtually no biting flies today.... a small hatch of May Flies was all.  Yeah! 

A Beaver Log, now a totem

At Eric's for hors d'oeuvres

need I say more?

St James Harbor

The Light House and old Boat House on the harbor point at Beaver Island 

Gray's Reef Light... 

Hobbit Breakfast

The Mighty Big Mac !

Almost....

We made it!

7.5.11 Attacked by Cannibals AKA Leland to Beaver Island

We laid over in Leland for the 4th.  The town had a nice parade in the afternoon.  Typical small town affair with old cars and the local band.   The "Hairy" Cherry Queen made an appearance as well as the Leland Enjoyment Society.  We would like to have joined if only we were able to stay longer...Darn.  Had a good rest, did some organizing and turned the aft cabin back into a berth instead of a garage just in time for the arrival of our first official on board guests.  Son Ben and Miss Amy joined us for the evening.   They are on a whirlwind tour of Michigan highlights before heading back home to Jersey.   They saw us off around 9am Tuesday.  They are off to see family in Gaylord and Jo-burg while we are heading to Beaver Island for the next leg of the trip.  After that we'll be sailing new territory never having gotten farther than Beaver Island in our old boat, Vacilando.  She was an Albin Ballad 30 made in Sweden.  Lovely and spry and extremely well built.  We thank her for the many lessons learned aboard as she was quite forgiving of our inexperience while we learned to navigate our way through sailing.  We hope She and her new crew, the Stevensons are happy with her purchase.  

If you have never sailed or boated on the Great Lakes, one of the very unfortunate occurrences are the lake flies.  If the winds are light, and they are today, thus the motor sailing, the flies descend upon you from seemingly nowhere.  They love your ankles so we spend a good deal of the time with feet stretched out on the cockpit cushions manned with swatters.  Not the worst way to spend a day I know, but they are quite the distraction.  They not only take take full advantage of your lower extremities but also of their fallen comrades on whom they feast.  I am very thankful I took the time to make a screen for the companion way opening, it at least impedes their progress into the lower portions for the boat.   It is unclear to me how they survive so far off shore.  We have even had them come aboard while crossing the lake to Milwaukee, a span of nearly 80 miles.  As an added bonus today, the flies are using our vessel as their brothel, mating in mid air.  We do take this as a challenge though and are getting pretty good at midair connections, ending pretty poorly for the entwined couple.  

On a different note, we had an interesting phenomenon happen while on the Lake today.  We could see our breath though the temps were comfortable enough to don swimwear.  We surmise it is because the Lake water is still quite cold, the air unusally dry and we are giving off a humid gas... and no, we have not eaten beans recently...

The seas are pretty calm, barley 1-2 feet.  Mostly swells coming to meet the port quarter aft.   No freighters as yet.  The Manitous and the Fox Islands are now behind us.  Have a vague plan to stop at South Manitou on our way home the end of the month.  We spent one long, windy, wet night at anchor there years ago and would like to give it another go with better ground equipment.  Hopefully explore the Island too.  3:00pm

Update: 9:45 pm  Some say that boating is 99 % boredom and 1 % sheer terror.  Well, I would like to offer another calculation.  Drop some of the boredom and add in a few percentage points for frustration!   On approach to Beaver Island the winds picked up and we decided to sail the last hour.  It was great!  In short order we were easily doing 7 1/2 knots.  Heeled at 20 degrees, more than I care for but it was exhilarating with the sun beating down, wind in our hair and the Beaver Ferry leaving the harbor.  Rounded the point, past the green marker rolled the head sail, dropped the main and headed to the bay to anchor.  It's about 5:30 pm.... Came into the wind which by now was easily 20 knots, dropped the anchor and of course it didn't hold in the grassy bottom.   Jim went forward to engage the windlass and it wouldn't work.  Several trips up and down from bow to anchor locker, tools employed and no resolution.  Out with the manual winch handle and start crankin'.  The sky had clouded over with the front moving through but at least no rain.  With a bit of effort Jim raised the anchor hand over hand and we reset it with no problem.  Nearly 2 hours had past since entering the little harbor.  So tomorrow it's up with the anchor again by hand and off to the marina to investigate under better conditions.  At least it's a good place get repairs done if needed.  Many reliable boat mechanics here.  All in all it could be worse.  We actually made it past Muskegan without any mishaps.  Background: in the last several years we never made it past  Muskegan when heading north without incident...  So, here we lie at anchor, winds have calmed and all is secure.  Ducks pecking away at the hull.  Our good friend Larry says, owning a boat gives you opportunities to fix it in exotic places.   Beaver Island may not be too exotic but we aren't at work and it's not snowin'.... Sliante!  ( Irish for cheers! )

Ben, Amy, Kathy and Jim at Leland Harbor

The approach to Beaver Island finally brought the NOAA predicted 20+ knots... 

Great angle to see the heel

The Beaver Island Ferry leaving harbor as we enter 

7.4.11 EN Route: Saugatuck to Laland Harbor

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....

Ready for the voyage....

Just after sunset....

In the shipping lanes....

7.1.11 Eve of departure: Tower Marina, Saugatuck, MI

Well, we are loaded down and ready to cast off tomorrow at 7am.  We had a nice evening on board at port with friends and family to wish us well and toast our adventure as well as several phone calls from friends.  The weather appears to be cooperating for  tomorrow after todays deluge of rain, no need to wash off the bird poo!  Not sure if we will sail through the night Saturday or go to port, the Captain and the Admiral are still debating.  I guess we'll wait and see what the day holds.