Temagami Trip 2022

Day 15, Monday, September 26

0700-56F/52F. Solar 51%. I will make some coffee and have a few cookies while I read this morning.

0930-Study and prayer time is done. Time for breakfast. It is still raining steady and has been all morning. Wind is out of the NE and is rocking the boat gently. I need to move but hope the rain stops so I can do it without all my heavy rain gear I would need to wear.

Verse of the day is Job 26:7-14 "He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness. The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke. By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces. By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent. And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?"

1040-Rain continued so I put on my heavy gear and departed the site heading NE.

1200-Arrived at the new site. Tied up in the rain as it continues!

Leg 9, Day 13 Track - 5.8 Miles
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New Boat Site - Panels Up
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Leg 9 Destination Detail
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Jeff's Map - Leg 9 Destination Features
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1250-Finished dishes. I will notify the folks by satellite my new position.

1350-I put up the panels but it is still rainy with heavy clouds so I will not likely get much.

Beautiful Site - Hard To Enjoy In The Rain!
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1550-Finished dinner of grilled burger, chips, and a cold beer. I'm trying to figure out where to go next. Most sites are exposed to the N to NNW winds I expect tomorrow.

YouTube Video

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1620-Went out and walked the site for potential of using the fire ring but there were still some sprinkles the whole time I was checking out the site. A no go! I guess I 'm stuck inside again. I found some moose droppings during my walk about.

Mini Island Adjacent To Site
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1840-67F/55F. Solar 34%. I finished the second book in the collected works of Grey Owl titled "Pilgrims of the Wild". A favorite. I will get ready for bed and listen to my new audio book by CJ Box "Nowhere to Run". It's still raining outside.

Rain Never Stops!
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Temagami Trip 2022

Day 14, Sunday, September 25

0645-56F in/50F out. Solar 81%.

0800-Bible study in Proverbs and 2 Chronicles. Verse for the day is Proverbs 24:10: "If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!" 

0900-68F/52F. Solar 78% with 34W of input; it is holding its own. Finished reading and prayer time.  Now I'm making breakfast.

Strangest rain. Just a slow light sprinkle all morning yet sunlight breaks through occasionally.

0920-Finished breakfast. Will take down the panels and get ready to move out. 68F/53F. 

0945-Departed the boat site.

 

Boat Site - Baie Jeanne

1130-Arrived at the new site traveling 7.3 miles on Leg 8. 63F/58F. Solar 77%.

Leg 8, Day 12, 7.3 Miles - Did Some Exploring

Jeff's Map Of Area

1300-Finished dishes. Stowed empty wine boxes, water bottles, and other empty containers under the aft deck.  Fished out my 4th water container of the trip.

I will do some reading and have a glass of wine. Cloud cover is heavier. I  had hoped it would stay thin so my solar could come back up to 100%, but now that is not likely! Nevertheless, the solar is still 77%.

1450-I made a cup of hot chocolate and added some Baileys and read more out of Grey Owl. I then dug out the second box of cabernet since I'm drinking up the last of the first box.

Site Is In Channel Exposed To NE/SW Wind & Waves

Fired up the heater since it is 64F in the cabin. Would prefer about 68F to 70F for sitting around reading.

Aggravated my hip hiking yesterday and had to take several Ibuprofen last night to get to sleep, even after reading a while, which usually puts me right to sleep. Very uncomfortable sleeping on either side if the left hip gets sore.

Dinner will be up soon, but first I will take a look at the charts to determine tomorrow's destination. 

Experimented with my backup solar generator battery to see if it will charge the primary. It will, but for some reason the engine won't, not sure why? I need to research that.  I suspect the engine generator is not putting out sufficient power. It shows a charge briefly then stops. Perhaps it is right on the edge of the output needed.

Looking SW - Panels Hunting For Rays!

1545-Grill is heating. Dinner will be grilled chicken, potatoes, salad, roll, and wine.

1630-Dinner is finished. Great as usual. Very cloudy, but not currently raining.  Not a good night to have a fire since there is a light breeze and it is only 56F.  I will go up and walk around the site and consider if a fire is feasible, but I'm not very hopeful since all the wood is wet.

YouTube Video 

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1800-I set up the fire ring, then went up to sit and listen to music while enjoying the view. As usual the rain drove me back to the boat...very disappointing! 63F/55F. Solar 74%. At least I got almost an hour by the fire ring.

1830-I sent some satellite messages while listening to music. I may switch to my audio book and eventually hit the sack. 66F/54F. Had the heat on for a while to make it more comfortable while sitting around. Solar 73%. Will go to bed early tonight.

Temagami Trip 2022

Day 13, Saturday, September 24 (Layover)

0710-50F/41F. Solar 57%. Slept late because I woke in the night and had to read to get back to sleep. There was a clear sky (at night!) so I stepped out on the aft deck to look at the stars, standing in my skivvies in 41F, it actually didn't feel that cold.

Early Morning Fog
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0900-Finished reading my Bible, which was interspersed with taking videos, pics, and cleaning off the panels. Clear skies this morning so I need to take advantage of any sun I get! I'm hoping to hit my goal of 100% on the solar battery, which would be the first for this trip. The verse today is from Jerimiah 5:3, "Lord, do not your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; you crushed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent." Of course this is in reference to Israel's apostacy.

Quiet Peaceful Morning
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1000-Solar 75$%, up from 57% over 300 watts input. May be the first 100% for the trip since departure from White Bear Lake, if the skies remain clear a couple more hours.

Sun Shining Through The Fog
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1030-Finished morning reading and prayer time. Also pulled the kayak up to sponge out the water so it is dry for the trip I plan. Time for breakfast first. Solar 84%!

1100-I will go fly the drone now that breakfast is finished. Shredded wheat, toast with peanut butter, and OJ. Got my gear together for the kayak trip.

1215-I hit the first 100% on the solar battery this trip! It calls for celebration!  Instead I will go kayaking, which in itself is another reason to celebrate since it is the first kayaking I have done this trip too.

I found an opening in the trees near the camp site where I could climb out with the drone but had to cut away some small bushes under the opening to make a flat spot on the ground for landing and taking off. A tight location for flying. I made three flights with the drone and made one flight over the portage to the adjoining lake to see where I need to go with the kayak. 72F/66F.

View From Portage Back Toward Boat
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Jeff's Map With Local Features
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Track Of Kayak & Hike
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1530-Just returned from kayaking and hiking. The combined miles was 1.8, about 1 mile hiking and .8 on the water with the kayak (see track for Bae Bleue. Found some moose droppings on the trail.

Flooded Old Two Track
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Portage & Trail Head
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Need to wash dishes and make pizza for dinner afterward. It is clouding up again!

1615-Dishes are finished and pizza is in the oven.

1630-Solar still 100%. This will help a lot based on the expected cloud cover over the next four days.

YouTube Video

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1900-I sat on the aft deck quietly sipping some Bailey's with chocolates for dessert hoping to see some critters, but none were observed. I tidied up for departure tomorrow anticipating rain.  I rigged up the kayak for towing and took down the clothes line, closed the starboard windshield, and took the chair inside so it doesn't get wet. Dark clouds in the SW. I'm feeling tired so will get ready for bed and either read an E-book "Primary Target" by Jack Mars or listen to my audio book "Operation Joktan". 66F/57F. Solar 100%. Praise the Lord for that!  

Temagami Trip 2022

Day 12, Friday, September 23

0615-49F/40F. Solar 18%.

0745-Went up on the roof briefly to face the panels to the east to take advantage of the early sunshine. Some clouds. Solar 15%. Then back to my Bible study time.

Sunrise - Bodes Well?
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0815-I finished my study in Proverbs and 2nd Chronicles. Verse for the day is 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

0915-Finished my reading and prayer time. Now time for breakfast. Solar 25%, 240 watts of input at this early hour.  67F/66F.

1015-Breakfast was blueberry pancakes, bacon, and OJ. Solar up to 40% from 15% in mostly sunshine. Getting prepared to move, but I'm in no hurry.

1050-I finally got away from the site on Leg 7 of the trip. Headed south to a site that might work on an island.

YouTube Video
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Reef Abeam!
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Mostly Sun For A Change!
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Island Rejected - Too Exposed To Wind & Waves
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Sun was replaced with increasing clouds through the morning, got to Island 441, but it was too exposed to wind and waves so I headed for an alternative site on the south end of Baie Bleue, which gave the feeling of motoring up the upper reaches of the Amazon.  Narrow and full of obstacles as well as shallow. 

Leg 7, Day 10, 9.8 Miles
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1300-Arrived at the new site.  Leg 7 was 9.8 miles. I deliberately traveled slowly to get the best sun, despite the cloud cover. Clouds were less dense on arrival so I immediately set up the panels to face south. Now I have dishes to do!

Destination - Leg 7
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Jeff's Map - Destination Leg 7
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1630-Decided I better set up and take a hot shower while it was relatively warm outside. Feels good to be clean and in fresh clothes again. Dinner will be late tonight.

1815-Finished cleaning up after a dinner of grilled shrimp, mashed potatoes, salad, ciabatta roll, and white wine. Now I'm enjoying my evening treat of Bailey's with chocolate covered almonds, a favorite.

I'm quite worn out with all the activity of moving, putting panels up and down, rigging the shower, and taking it back down again. I will sleep well tonight.

1915-I sat out on the aft deck for a while but it was pretty cool and even with my down vest I got cold.  62F/53F. I hoped to see some critters in this remote place, but no luck!

I will listen to my audio book and hit the sack. I will likely layover tomorrow.

Temagami Trip 2022

Day 11, Thursday, September 22 (Layover)

0635-55F/47F. Solar 11%.  It is hump day, half way through this trip. To celebrate I will bake coffee cake this morning.

0920-Coffee cake was great as always. Bible study this morning was in Proverbs and 2 Chronicles.  In 2nd Chronicles it describes the tearing away or split of the Kingdom of Israel because of Solomon's apostasy, described in more detail in 1 Kings 11:1-13 and 31-33.  Such a sad ending for a king who started off in such a right relationship with God.  He was given so much wisdom yet he failed because he walked away from God.

The verse for the day is from Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God."

Finally Some Blue Sky!
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0925-After Bible study I went up to align the solar panels for best sun angle. It misted again and is mostly cloudy and cool. 67F/50F. Solar down to 8%! I also tightened the port guy and starboard bow line. I will continue my reading and prayer time and hold off on a move at this point since it is quite windy (NW).

Starting my new book by Hugh Ross, "Designed to the Core." Hugh does a great job of demonstrating scientifically the harmony of the Bible and science. For related info see https://reasons.org/.

1010-Finished my morning reading and prayer time. Time to make breakfast. 68F/50F. Solar 13%. Up 5% despite clouds.

Little Activity On The Lake
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1040-Finished breakfast now debating a move or to wash dishes? I will need to adjust the panels soon. 

I adjusted the panels to face east. Then washed dishes and sent a message to family that I would stay put for today.

1200-I cut and split firewood for this evening. 

1400-Laid the panels down for better angle and went in to take a break and have a glass of white wine and respond to satellite messages. I'm soliciting advice on trapping "Skinny" the mouse who so far is not taking my bait. So far he simply ignores what I put in the traps. I tried peanut butter, steak, and my own candied pecans made from maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, and salt. If that doesn't attract I will have to touch it up with some peanut butter. 

I will read for a while.

Still Windy!
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1630-I made dinner of pork roast, potatoes, salad, warm rolls, and red wine. Took out my frozen foods to put in the fridge to thaw for tomorrow. 

Solar is now up to 40% up from a low of 8% this morning. 68F/50F. Heat has been on all day. Partly sunny this eve.

1845-I went ashore and made a fire but it was less than desirable. Wood did not burn well, wind was blowing hard, and the temp when I came back to the boat was only 48F. Not sure what the wind chill is but I could not sit much and had to just stand close to the fire to stay warm. I will have a Bailey's and hit the sack.

YouTube Video

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1930-Ran a 30 minute time lapse of the sunset and the wind blew the tripod over so I don't know if I got anything! Very frustrating.  At least it appears the camera is okay, I think? My newest! I won't know until I use it again. Now it's bed time.

Temagami Trip 2022

Day 10, Wednesday, September 21

0100-Mouse onboard! I set up two traps baited with peanut butter and he apparently didn't even sniff the stuff.  He may be trap wise?

0620-Waves began to rock the boat through the night making noise on the rocks and making it difficult to sleep soundly.  63F/61F. Solar 54%.

0725-Preparing to depart this site, it is becoming untenable and will only get worse, given the wind direction (SSW). Will have to study and do breakfast later. It is cloudy and spitting rain again. What else should I expect!

0815-Departed the site on this very dreary morning but at least no rain while I retrieved the kayak, put down the solar panels, and retrieved the lines.

It has been spitting rain and mist all morning. I checked my original planned site but decided it was too exposed to the NW winds and waves that I expect will arrive tonight, so I moved on.

Planned Destination Was A No Go!
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0930-Arrived at the alternate site. Leg 6 was 6.5 miles with the diversion. Fortunately it stopped raining, so I didn't have to bundle up in rain gear which always works up a sweat with the tying up activity. 

Leg 6, Day 8, 6.5 Miles
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Jeff's Map - Showing Area Features
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Secured the boat, but it is still misting off and on, so I holed up inside the boat and finally had breakfast of granola, peanut butter and toast. 

Tie Up Arrangement-Gang Plank Deployed
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Leg 6 Destination Detail
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New Site - Typical Weather!
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I will now finish my usual morning study that got interrupted by the wave action. The current spot seems okay. It is sheltered from the SSW wind and should also be protected for the NW wind to come later. Forecast says sun this afternoon, but it certainly doesn't look like it right now!

1045-Finished my Bible study.  The verse of the day is "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me." Ps 51:10.  It is hard being steadfast in trusting him for good weather right now!

1130-Finished my book by David Jeremiah "The Coming Economic Armageddon" and will start "Designed to the Core" by Hugh Ross.

1315-Read out of the Grey Owl Collected Works, then washed dishes, and put the panel braces up on the roof in preparation for angling the panels to the west, if cloud cover reduces some.

1400-Made some hot chocolate and added some Bailey's. Really tasted great!

Finally put up the panels facing west. We were supposed to have sun by now!

1500-Started preparing for dinner. Sun did finally come out so I quick went up and wiped down the panels to maximize gain.

YouTube Video: Sun Finally Came Out Briefly

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Unfortunately Trees Already Shaded The Panels!
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Had steak tenderloin for dinner, with mashed potatoes, salad, roll, and a glass of red wine. Dessert was the usual ice cream with Bailey's over the top.

1645-I did some video ashore and now debating whether to mess with a fire, and as I write, it is once again raining! Will it ever end?

Had to close up the windows and doors because it began pouring down, accompanied by thunder. I had maybe 45 minutes of sun.  Stop! Stop! Stop!

1745-I am quite discouraged with this trip. The persistent cloudy and rainy conditions makes it difficult to kayak/hike, which I had hoped to do a lot of. The forecast for the next four days is for cloudy or rainy conditions, except for Friday. I will have to use more of the backup battery just to get to Friday!

Cloudy Rainy Weather Just Does Not Let Up!
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1800-Solar down to 35%. 70F/65F. Not sure what to do tomorrow. Winds will be quite brisk out of the NNW up to 17 or 18 mph. Only one spot looks good and that's in Bleue Baie, a place called Makinak Point.

1940-Read out of Grey Owl and had a glass of Bailey's.  Getting dark so I will hit the sack. 66F/58F. Solar 32%.