Lake Superior Trip, Day 4, Thursday, July 21

0600-Sky has broken cloud cover, there is a light breeze. Will put on the coffee.

0820-Finished coffee, cookies, and my study and prayer time. Now time for breakfast.

A big power boat headed up the channel to Red Rock to pickup fishermen or to drop them off, not sure which?  Sent me rocking and rolling in his wake as he came up from the narrow channel from the fish camp.

0900-Ready to pull anchor.  Wind is questionable. Maybe 12 mph out of the NNW. 

Leg 3a, Day 4, 12.2 Miles - Some Exposure To Big Lake
(Click To Enlarge)

High Cliff Face Along Route
(Click To Enlarge)

1115-Tied up to a rocky shore with an adjacent cliff to climb, not sure it will work due to opening to the Big Lake to SSE. Will have to watch the forecast.  Traveled 12.2 miles.

First Tie Up Was Untenable
Rocky Bottom & Residual Swell From Big Lake
(Click To Enlarge)

Rocky Cliff - Nice Perch
(Click To Enlarge)

Windy enroute but winds were blowing offshore so I hugged the shore and the waves did not have enough fetch to build much. I observed a group of kayakers camped along the shore and one cruising power boat heading in the opposite direction.

I'm thirsty but not hungry but I feel like a beer and some chips are in order.

1225-Dishes done but I don't like the occasional pounding of the boat on the rocky bottom. Will try to move over to the adjacent cove (Marcil Bay) and hopefully find more favorable protection.

Rocky Bottom
Piles On Beach Not A Good Sign!
(Click To Enlarge)

Exposed To Big Lake Through Pass - Not Good!
(Click To Enlarge)

I put on shorts due to warm temps so will have to put my jeans back on because it gets cool on the water when underway and I can't take any sun.  Too bad, I thought this was a site I might be okay with.  It has a nice cliff to climb and wood for a fire too, but will have to pass it up.

Looking Back As I Depart Marginal Tie Up Site
(Click To Enlarge)

1430-Turned out Marcil only had an anchoring option and since I've anchored for two days in a row I wanted to get off and walk around so I passed on Marcil Bay and kept working SW. 

I went another 6.2 miles and found a place to tie up just SW of the entrance to Shesheeb Cove.  It is a real tight cove between two islands but depth looked adequate. There was a cabin nearby on the mainland but I hoped I couldn't see it from my tie up point and that no one was home. I took the narrowest entrance on the SE and promptly ran aground in the waters which were barely deep enough to pass through the extremely narrow channel less than the boats length in width!

Leg 3b, Day 4, 6.2 Miles - Day Total 18.4 Miles
(Click To Enlarge)

Leg 3b, Day 4 Tie Up - Ran Aground In Entry
(Click To Enlarge)

Fortunately, I got off the rocks and did not hit the prop. I worked my way in past a big beaver lodge and found a place I could tie to shore. 

Beaver Lodge - Evidently Not Active
(Click To Enlarge)

I found some rings in the rocks to tie to but could only use one of them.  I used trees for the bow and starboard guy. The bow required an extension. (later this became a problem)

Old Tie Rings With Cable
(Click To Enlarge)

Tie Up In Narrow Channel Between Two Islands
(Click To Enlarge)

The tracking had not engaged, which is the second time this has occurred.  I need to be sure to check it prior to departure from now on.

This is my longest distance in one day so far. Legs of 12.2 and 6.2 for a total of 18.4 miles. In the end I got a much nicer spot. Thank you Lord!

1620-I prepared dinner, grilled tenderloin steak, mashed potatoes, salad, roll, and beer.  No red wine!  Put the dishes in a pan to soak.  Too late to nap. 81F/84F.  To warm to cut firewood so I will hold off for now.  I plan to stay here for two nights.

I'm tired enough to nap but it is just too late and will affect my sleep tonight. 

Still windy, has been all day. I didn't expect all this wind in late July!

1730-I set up the fire ring on the other side of the narrow island out of the wind then gathered some firewood for tomorrow evening.

Fire Ring And Perch On Main Channel
(Click To Enlarge)

Looking NE From Perch On Main Channel
(Click To Enlarge)

I was hot after doing that so I checked the water temp to take a swim to clean up but it was only 58F! Cold, cold, cold! I still went in anyway but only dunked in to get my head wet a couple of times. Managed to trip over a stick and cut the back of my left ankle. Drying off with a white towel I saw blood but couldn't see where it came from.  While putting on my socks I saw blood on part of my clean pants and some on the comforter.  Finally I found where it was coming from. Nothing like getting your clean clothes dirty before you even put them on! I tried to wash some of it out of my jeans and had to put a band aid on my ankle to keep from bleeding into the clean socks too. Always something!

2220-Just came in from the fire. Had some more excitement while sitting by the fire ring doing some filming I heard a large bang from the direction of the boat! I stopped recording and ran to check the boat.  I found the boat had gone sideways dropping the gang plank on the rocks causing the loud noise I heard! 

Current Likely Cause Of Boat Going Sideways!
(Click To Enlarge)

I re-tied the lines.  The bow line was way too long allowing the bow to work downwind.  I tied it up short using another ring and left the guys tied as they were.  

I went back to the channel side of the small island and read my book and listened to music.  I took several photos and some videos.  I also recorded sounds of waves splashing against shore for future use of the sound track.  Finally I lit the fire and just enjoyed the quiet of the evening.  

I Think This Is An Immature Red Breasted Merganser
(Click To Enlarge)

There is a kind of high thin layer of cirrus clouds or haze, not sure which, so star gazing is not in the works for tonight.  Already a bit late but I will listen to my audio book and hit the sack.  All is quiet and as secure as it can be.

YouTube Video

(Click to Play)

Lake Superior Trip, Day 3, Wednesday, July 20

0650-Up late because the anchorage is absolutely calm. No sounds at all! I was very tired from yesterday's work out launching and crossing Nipigon Bay in rough seas. At times 3' or more. Made coffee to get a start on the day. Had some cookies with my coffee while I did my morning Bible study.

Departing Peaceful Anchorage On A Quiet Morning
(Click To Enlarge)

Heavy fog around, I can only see the closest shore about 100 yards.  It took 4 minutes for the electric bilge pump to empty the rain collected in the bilge from heavy rain last night.

0850-Fog is up and down. Still very calm, with the sun starting to shine through. I finished my morning study time and got ready for breakfast.

1130-Traveled Leg 2 of only 6.8 miles anchoring on the inside channel at the north end of Moss Island. Wind came up as forecast and experienced some slight swell off the big lake that managed to make their way between the islands. 

Leg 2, Day 3 - Nav Chart
(Click To Enlarge)

Looking Out Between The Islands To The Big Lake
(Click To Enlarge)

Navigation Tablet
(Click To Enlarge)

Along the way I observed a couple of white pelicans. Temp in the cabin is 63F, outside is 69F.  It was cool enroute so I put on my vest, but it is relatively sunny. Mostly flat water and a very pleasant leg. I will do dishes now that I have arrived.

White Pelican
(Click To Enlarge)

Island Cabin
(Click To Enlarge)

I can see what looks like a fish camp on the SW end of the channel where I'm anchored.  Bonnie Dahl's guide "The Superior Way" acknowledges that.  I could see a couple of small fishing boats at the camp and a larger cruiser moored in the channel along west shore. I hope they don't bother the peace and quiet of the place.

Anchored In Channel Behind Moss Island (North End)
(Click To Enlarge)

Bonnie Dahl, "The Superior Way" 2008, P.273
(Click To Enlarge)

1220-Dishes are done and fog is back with a cool breeze coming off the Big Lake. 65F/59F. Solar started at 61% this morning, now up to 74%.

Typical Lake Superior - One Minute Sunny The Next Fog & Rain
(Click To Enlarge)

1430-Writing this log after a boat lunch of apples, cheese, crackers, nuts, and wine.  Fog has again dissipated. 64F/59F. Pizza is planned for dinner. May read for a while.

1510-Pizza is in the oven. Salad ready in the fridge.

1540-Opened a box of red wine and it is bad! I have no more red! This is the second box of "Big Sipper-Cab" from Total Wine that has been bad this year.  Not good! To make matters worse, I forgot the box of white wine at home in the fridge! I do have a few cans of white wine that will help but no red. I have forgotten way too many important things on this particular trip!

1630-Finished dinner.  Pepperoni pizza, salad, and cold beer followed by a Hagen Daz bar with Bailey's on top to offset the downer of no red wine for the remainder of this trip!

Pizza, Salad, & Cold Beer - Very Satisfying
(Click To Enlarge)

There is now full cloud cover and a light mist coming down.

I put up the starboard windshield to keep the rain out of the cockpit so I can sit out on the aft deck if I want.  72F/58F. Solar is 100% in spite of the clouds, fog, and rain.

1730-Checked the weather and potential anchorages for tomorrow then went out on the deck to read.

Osmo Action Phone Substitute - Osmo Batteries Were Left In Truck!
(Click To Enlarge)

1950-Wind increased and switched from SE to NW about 12-14 mph. I read the first of Grey Owl's collected works called "The Men of the Last Frontier" but got sleepy and napped a bit just sitting in the chair.  Then I had a bit more Bailey's and read some more.  Wind is still north but dropping in velocity. Waves are slapping the bow but anchor seems firmly grounded. Wind is supposed to go back up in velocity around 11 pm.

2000-I will listen to my audio book David Baldacci's "The Escape" and hit the sack early.

YouTube Video - Leg 2, Day 3

(Click To Play)

Lake Superior-Trip Day 2, Tuesday, July 19

0600-Got up and showered, read my Bible, then heard my daughter Kelly making coffee. So I went down to join her in the kitchen.  

0700-Kelly made quiche with bacon. We ate together while the others slept in.

0800-Nate and Remi finally joined us to munch on a bit of breakfast before taking me to town.

0830-Headed to town.

0900-Kid's dropped me at the rig and I was soon off for the Canadian border and places north.  

Fog and rain all along the North Shore.

1000-Arrived at the Ontario Border in heavy rain. Crossing was uneventful. Agents asked about the quirky boat. We talked a bit since it was slow.  I was soon on my way.

Border Crossing - Ontario, Canada
(Click To Enlarge)

1210-(1310 EDT) Arrived Red Rock, Ontario. Roads were good. Rain continued but petered out by the time I got there.

Second Leg- 147 miles
(Click To Enlarge)

Walked to the visitor center and talked with the marina manager. Paid for my launch but left overnight dockage pending.

Red Rock Launch Ramp
(Click To Enlarge)

Launch went well, no problems but I caught myself hurrying and forgetting stuff!

Red Rock Area Map
(Click To Enlarge)

1430-Decided to head out. Weather reports differed, and I was not sure, but I didn't want to spend the night in the marina, if I could avoid it. Wind would be on the bow at least, which I could tolerate better if it builds.

1500-The boat started pounding in waves, so I slowed from 7.3 mph to 5 mph to reduce the pounding. Then the wind dropped a bit and I was soon back up to speed 7.3-7.5 mph. But it did not last!

At about 6 miles out, I started to run into rain again and more wind, bigger waves, more pounding and I was taking spray over the whole boat! I began to be very concerned.  The passage to the protection of Nipigon Straight was still 6 miles ahead.

Underway Out Of Red Rock, Ontario - Before It Got Bad!
(Click To Enlarge)

Waves continue to build to 3' or more and I began to pray earnestly for the wind and waves to come down, it was becoming hazardous! It was going to be a very tedious struggle to make the remaining miles but in answer to prayer the wind began to drop about 3 miles from the Straight entrance.  I was soon back to normal speed.

The waves flattened as I entered the Straight. 13 miles behind me, but still 4 to go to the anchorage. The Strait has a dearth of anchorages.

1800-Arrived at the planned anchorage and I was frozen since I could not leave the helm until I reached the Strait.  I finally donned my down vest which helped a lot. 

Once anchored, I fired up the heater and put on some chili. I made a salad and fried my ciabatta to go with it.  The beer mug was in the freezer, nice and cold.

2000-Dinner complete, I was finally warm again.

Went out on the aft deck to enjoy my dessert of Baileys and chocolate covered almonds.

A beaver lodge was nearby and a beaver was munching on dinner (leaves off the branches he had dragged to the lodge). The beaver slapped his tail a few times and circled the boat checking me out. 

2100-I finally headed inside to get ready for bed. I listened to my audio book, but not for long since I was really bushed after the long drive in heavy rain and the tough crossing of Nipigon Bay that scared me plenty!

Not sure what time the T-storm passed but it dumped a bucket load of rain on the boat. I woke to the down pour and worried about water collecting in the bilge since the aft deck does not drain directly to the lake.  (Note: it took 4 minutes for the electric bilge pump to pump it all out it in the morning.)

YouTube Video - Day 1 & Day 2 Of Trip

(Click To Play)

Lake Superior-Trip Day 1, Monday, July 18

0730-Depart White Bear Lake.

0800-Arrive Forest Lake staging location. Cleaned solar panels, pumped bilge, washed windows, loaded clothes, checked lights. Had a glass of ice water with my friend Kate before taking off.

0900-Kate said the prayer below and I was off on this sunny warm day:

"Almighty God, who guided Noah in the building of an Ark and calmed the raging sea, we call upon you to bless Ted, who has prepared this Shanty Sanctuary. Protect and preserve all those who sail in her. Surround them with Your loving care."

Stopped briefly at Moose Lake to weigh the rig after doing the spring modifications then pressed on to Two Harbors for lunch.

Total Trip One Way - 400 miles
(Click To Enlarge)

North Shore Tunnel - Highway 61
(Click To Enlarge)

First Leg To Grand Marais, MN - 250 miles
(Click To Enlarge)

1200-Had lunch at Two Harbors.

1230-Pressed on to Grand Marais. Fog offshore and in some of the bays along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Arrival Grand Marais, MN
(Click To Enlarge)

1430-Arrived in Grand Marais. Topped off the fuel on the truck, $143!

Looking Down The Hill At Grand Marais Harbor
(Click To Enlarge)

1500-Met a group of the old sailor crowd at the Java Moose for coffee.  Turned out most of the sailors were there.  Art and Beth, their son Allan, his wife and two kids, Donny, Ralph and Lane and later my daughter Kelly, her husband Nate, and my grandson, Remi, joined us.  Quite a group and a nice visit.  Cold by the harbor but hot up on the hill where I parked on the street.

1600-Did a show and tell of the boat for Donny, Ralph and Lane.  Walked back to the harbor to meet Kelly, Nate, and Remi for dinner at the Angry Trout.

1730-The kids dropped me off at the rig to retrieve my overnight bag, then we drove to their rental cabin on Pike Lake.  Temps were hot up the hill, mid-80's, and humid.

Had a great visit with the kids and watched a great sunset over Pike Lake.