Oahe Trip Day 15, Sunday, May 29

0400-69F/58F.  Poor sleep last night due to the heat.

0600-Finished my morning study routine and breakfast, next I need to wash the dishes, complete the remaining chores and be off.

0635-Ready to hit the road.

0700-Got gas at a nearby gas station and was on my way.

1615-Arrived Forest Lake, MN, my destination and staging point. I made one stop in Watertown, SD for lunch. 435 miles, 9:15 enroute with a 45 minute stop. 8:30 was the total drive time.  Another successful and enjoyable trip!

YouTube Video - Last Day On Lake & Trip Home (28th & 29th)

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Oahe Trip Day 14, Saturday, May 28 

0540-60F/54F. Up and at um! Pull out day, last day on the water for this trip. Solar 69%.

0730-Solar 66%, the low for the trip. Finished my morning study and prayer time. Made breakfast. Will wash dishes before departure so I don't have that to do when I arrive at the marina.

08720-Departed the anchorage.

Departing Anchorage Heading For Marina
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0920-Arrived at Spring Creek Recreation Area.  Leg 10 was 4.7 miles.  The parking lot is full, I forgot it was Memorial Day weekend! 

Docking went as planned.  No pressure to hurry, though boats kept coming and using the ramp, but usually one slot was always open so I could take my time.  No big snafus, but as usual the dock was too short to have the boat tied to the dock while backing the trailer in.  I had to let the stern drift out as far as the line would reach, even so the guide post put pressure on the line when the trailer reached the boat.

Leg 10, Day 14 - Arrival Spring Creek Rec Area
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Otherwise all went well and it took approximately 40-45 minutes.  I was fortunate to be able to park back in the same place which is out of the way.  The lot was over full with trailers parked on the grass so it was amazing someone didn't take my spot while I loaded the boat on the trailer.

Main Boat Ramp - Long Steep Incline

Spring Creek Marina Detail
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1130-Having lunch with a cold beer.  Undecided about eating aboard or in the restaurant.  We'll see? I would like to find a shower though. I know they have them since I asked at the store.

1330-Other than the Bimini's the boat is pretty much ready to go. I walked all over looking for showers and finally did the right thing and asked for directions!  I walked some more to check them out and will go over after it cools off.  It is too hot right now 81F/89F.  Solar 100%.

Total Trip Distance 93.8 Miles On The Water
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Panels were dirty so I cleaned them to get max efficiency on the way home. The half sandwich for lunch filled me up so I won't eat until later. I'm mostly thirsty anyway. I'll piddle around to see what else I can do to get ready.

1530-Been reading all afternoon waiting for it to cool before cooking dinner. Not likely to happen soon!  Now 87F/90F. Hot, hot, hot!

1620-Finished dinner.  Chicken tortilla soup, with a fried ciabatta roll, salad, and a cold beer. Will head over to the store for some ice cream at about 5 pm.  87F/86F. Solar 99%.

1800-Got checked by the "Park Ranger" not sure what that is.  No issues. Time to shower, though it is still hot.  84F/83F.

2000- 81F/80F. It felt good to have a long hot shower before driving home tomorrow, since it was so hot today.  I was feeling pretty clammy.  Got back to the boat and finished bundling up the Bimini's.  I'm pretty well set but will need to make breakfast in the morning and wash dishes before departure.  I'll set the alarm for 4 am. Listening to my new C.J. Box audio book before I hit the sack, unfortunately it is still too hot!

2045-Still listening, T-storms threatening, too hot to sleep.  Being off the water really makes the difference for sleeping temps.  80F/77F. Solar 95%.  A "Ranger" (cop) came by late and shined the headlights on the rig and looked for awhile, not sure if they were checking to see if someone was aboard, or just curious about the boat. Finally dozed off. 

 

Oahe Trip Day 13, Friday, May 27

0330-Got up, couldn't sleep. Went out to look at the stars.  Pretty spectacular with the clear skies!

Started the coffee and warmed up the coffee cake muffin to have while I study.

0545-Finished study. Making breakfast, moon rising, Early light beginning to show.

0610-Breakfast finished. Getting ready to depart.

Early Morning Start
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White Pelicans
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On The Fly
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Though Rare There Are Rocks

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0845-Arrived at new site. Traveled 8.1 miles on Leg 9 of this trip.  

Nav Chart - Leg 9, Day 13
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Destination Detail
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Weber Grill
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Tied up and put things in order and then made a couple of drone flights, likely the last since I will be too busy to do it at the landing tomorrow. 

Wind is forecast to be 22-25 mph this afternoon.  I'm lined up with bow to the wind at about 145 degrees.  Tie downs seem solid. 60F/68F. Charging all drone systems.  Solar 83%.  Traveled over 80 miles so far on this trip.

Climbing The Hill To Check Out The View
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Nice Protected Cove
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1010-Dishes are done, brushed my teeth, and trimmed my beard to avoid scaring anyone back in civilization! Very few boats observed on this trip, except for the one Sunday when the fishing tournament was going on.  Since that day I observed only one other boat and maybe two before that.  Only talked with the one ranch owner and his two boys.  Otherwise no contact with anyone!

Wind As Forecast - Main Channel Lake Oahe
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Cloudy and cool now, 66F/62F.  Not what I expected!  It must be going to clear up later but this cloud cover will not allow temps to reach the forecast of high 80's, unless it does.  One fact about this Lake modifying the temps a lot due to the cold Lake water, currently about 46F.  If there is wind, it is like turning on the A/C!  Reminds me of Lake Superior.

Hills Are Greening Up
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I will likely make a chicken salad sandwich for lunch since I was up so early and ate breakfast early as well.

1130-Had lunch, chicken salad sandwiches, chips, and white wine. Got all fenders out and deployed ready for docking tomorrow.  Got dock lines ready too.

Read for a while then took a nap.

1330-Got up from my nap. 77F/83F. Looks like temps will reach the high forecast after all! No significant wind yet. I will read some more to warm up and then take a walk up the hill.

Looking Back Down The Hill
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1630-More reading, then listened to my audio book on the aft deck.  Decided to make dinner of grilled burger, chips and and frozen mug of beer.  Great meal! 82F/86F

1700-83F/87F.  Temperatures are still going up!  Finished "Die Trying" by Lee Child and now listening to "Free Fire" by C.J. Box.

1800-84F/86F. Still listening to new audio book.  It is hot but at least there is a breeze.

2020-I read on the foredeck in the shade for quite a while but my phone battery got so low I had to put the phone on the charger and switch to the aft deck and listen to music while glassing the slopes for wildlife.  Observed one mule deer.  T-storms moving in from the SW.

2120-Spotted three white tail deer and they nicely posed against the skyline of the hill with the sun setting in the west behind them.  I tried to get a pic but the light was low.  

Storm Threatening!
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Took a time lapse of the approaching T-storm and sunset on the spur of the moment. Hopefully it will be a good video. Started to rain so I had to close up the windows and doors.  Got a few more sunset pics, but it was spitting rain. Time for bed.

One of Two Deer Silhouetted By Setting Sun  
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YouTube Video - Day 13

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Oahe Trip Day 12, Thursday, May 26 (Layover Day)

0600-53F/50F, solar 75%.

Baking coffee cake this morning to have with coffee. Sun just coming up over the hills.

0830-Coffee cake turned out very well this time around (took 29 min.). Excellent with coffee. Finished my morning study routine now time for breakfast. I plan to layover today.

0920-Breakfast complete. 76F/69F, solar 76%.  I may fly the drone for a few more flights today.

Looking North -Lake Oahe
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1100-Made two drone flights. Scared myself on the second one! I sent the drone up the valley to film where I observed the coyotes hunting last evening and it was quite a ways away and the battery was getting low so I intended to hit the return to home (RTH) button to have it come back to me on its own. Instead I accidently hit the landing button!  It began to land out in the valley somewhere and I panicked.  I finally hit the pause button, but then lost the app display, so I hit the RTH button on the controller since it seemed to be going back into a landing mode again!  Fortunately, it came home without incident.  I was not looking forward to a search for a lost drone just as the day was getting hot.  I escaped by the skin of my teeth!

Wildlife Observations - Coyotes, Mule Deer

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Will do something less nerve racking this afternoon like reading my new novel.  Finished the other one and now I'm reading "Everyone Dies," by Michael McGarrity.

Experimented with charging my KaliPak backup solar generator using the A/C power brick powered by the primary solar generator (inverter).  I could have used my separate portable solar panel (120w) but thought I would see how the primary performs on this cloudy day charging the backup battery, as well as powering the fridge/freezer. Primary solar is now 82%. 

1300-I've been reading on the aft deck. Had a snack of white wine and dry roasted peanuts. 76F/81F. Getting pretty warm!

Charged up the KaliPak, then connected the Mavic 2 power brick to charge and left the KaliPak plugged in as well. Solar 83%. (See pic from yesterday)

I'm ready for a nap but will switch to my new audio book (Reacher) and listen for a while first.

1400-Listened to "Die Trying" by Lee Child. Will take that nap as part of my day of relaxing. Nice cooling breeze coming off the cold waters of the Lake.

1500-Got up from my nap. 79F/86F, hot! But the cooling breeze continues to come off the Lake so it is still pleasant in the cabin.

1540-Checked the video output from the drone flights and also the weather for tomorrow.  Will check weather again this evening to get a good read on what to do tomorrow. I may reposition around the point to my southeast, or go to a place in the harbor at Spring Creek, depending on winds. It will be hot and a high chance of rain on Saturday, the day for pulling the boat out. The question is, does that mean T-storms or just rain? The forecast is not precise enough to know at this point.

YouTube Video - Lake Oahe

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1750-Finished dinner of grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, salad, roll, and white wine. 

Winds are gusting stronger than forecast, but it helps with the heat. Now 83F/85F. I'm down to shorts and short sleeve shirt, which helps staying relatively cool. The wind makes it difficult to grill since it drastically effects the temperature output of the grill even with max flame. Chicken took over 20 minutes and normally 16 minutes is plenty!

1930-Back to reading "Everyone Dies" and checking satellite weather again.  It looks good to make a move in the morning and perhaps avoid going into the main harbor at Spring Creek until Saturday.  I will make the final call in the morning. Either way, Saturday will be hot and likely wet since chance of rain has increased. I'm disappointed with the forecast.

2110-Listened to my audio book in the cockpit.  Wind dropped and it is cooling off fast. 73F/68F.  I will listen a bit more from the bunk. I plan to get up early in the morning to ensure I make a good decision about repositioning. Solar is 95%. The solar performed well today despite clouds and the heavy load of charging along with powering the fridge/freezer.

Oahe Trip Day 11, Wednesday, May 25

0500-49F/42F. Heat on, solar 82%.

0700-69F/46F. Finished coffee, cookies, and my routine study time. Will have a good breakfast before departure.

0730-Breakfast was great! Getting ready for departure.

0920-Arrived at new site at Red Woman Creek. Leg 8 was 10.6 miles. Stress free, calm seas, blue sky, but clouds threatening to SE. It is a warmer today but an extra layer (fleece vest) made a difference in staying warm in the cool morning air.

Boat Site - Destination Leg 8
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Stopped enroute to fill the shower pail with fresh water for a shower tonight, I'm over due!

Leg 8, Day 11 - 10.6 Miles
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Destination Detail - Leg 8
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On arrival I went ashore without tying up first in order to launch the drone and re-approach shore to film the whole tie up procedure.  Unfortunately, I used up enough battery getting initially launched that I had to get another battery to finish. I just used the return to home feature and let it land itself.  I think I got the whole process on video.

I had one battery left so I did a few additional video shots of the boat and area.

The Drone With Floatation For Over Water Ops
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Backup Solar Battery (374w) Charging The Drone Battery Brick
Charging A Drone Battery
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1130-Washing the dishes and may make a snack later on.

1150-Dishes are finished so I will walk around and take a few photos of the site and check things out.

1230-I walked further up the slope of the highest hill in the area and took some pics and walked back. Very pleasant walk.  Some firewood around, but scattered. 

The Main Lake - Viewed From The Hill
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Vacuumed the cabin floor.  Need to keep the house clean! 

Now it is time for a snack. Drone batteries are almost re-charged.

1600-Listened to music on aft deck after lunch and sipped some wine enjoying the surrounding beauty.

Decided to set up the shower in spite of a pesky breeze Figured it was warm enough 73F/72F.  I need to tweak the entrance to the shower curtain so it closes better, but otherwise it worked fine.  Feels great to get cleaned up and put on some clean clothes.

Setting Up Shower Catch Basin, Water Source, and Hot Water Heater
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Quick Set Up Shower Frame
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Curtain Up - Ready For A Shower
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Put all the shower gear away and will consider dinner in another hour or so. Sunny and warm with some puffy clouds around.

1800-Finished a wonderful steak tenderloin, with mashed potatoes, a hot ciabatta roll, salad and all the fixings, accompanied by plenty of red wine. 71F/77F. Definitely warming up!

I plan to go up to the top of the tallest hill and watch the sunset tonight. May put on my hiking boots for the trip. I plan to layover tomorrow.

Notes: Get a SS foot rest for helm seat, towel rack for above the heater, SS wear strips to protect bow gunwale from gang plank, and a support for kayak cover to prevent puddling.

View From The Hill
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2125-Hiked up the hill packing my chair, camera, binoculars, wearing the Osmo Action on my chest, along with a bottle of water, my PLB, spotting scope, and tripod, etc.

The Perch
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The purpose was to scope out all the surrounding terrain for wildlife and I was successful in spotting two groups of mule deer, one group of four and another of three, feeding in separate locations. 

Mule Deer Feeding - Blurry Due To Hand Held 1200 mm Lens at 1/3 Mile
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My goal was to see a coyote and I got that in spades as I watch a pair of coyotes work there way down a valley searching for prey and taking their time doing it.  They would divert off the trail in their search from time to time when they either heard or smelled something to go after.  They eventually either saw the boat, sensed it, and went up the hill to one side, which put them directly downwind from me and off they went. They knew I was there. Really fun to watch them hunt made my day!

Will listen to my audio book and hit the sack, I'm bushed!

YouTube Video - Leg 8, Day 11

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