Boating Adventures

I’m writing this post as Manistique MI is in sight.

Yesterday was a pleasant trip from Drummond over to De Tour for a lunch out, then over to anchor here close to Mackinac Island. The highlight was noodling through the islands to get in to Cedarville. I came in the eastern entrance and out the west.

Today I was underway in the dark at 0700 to do the 70NM straight across the upper section of Lake Michigan. It was dark and rainy until about 30 minutes ago, and is now brilliantly sunny.

I’ll stay here for a couple of days I think. Will watch the weather, but I think a small front is coming through mid week and then north winds, which will be fine.

We’ve entered the US. The cruising permit for Escapade is good for a year. I’m anchored here off Drummond Island.

The weather has been exceptionally nice. Calm, clear, sunny and unusually warm. I’m writing this at 8 pm with all my hatches open, and have been living in shorts.

The forecast for more of the same for the next 5 days. My plan is to explore the Upper Peninsula in that time, working my way along the coast to Escanaba then down into Green Bay. It’s great to have a weather window.

Not much to report. I spent last night at Blind River, and the night before in Gore Bay. There are a few straggling loopers, so I’m not entirely alone in my travels.

Filled up with fuel (510 l) and water and pumped out at Blind River. Previous stop was six weeks and 620 NM earlier.

I’m anchored here in Clapperton Harbour. Nice spot. Weather is lovely, and is forecast to continue into next week.

Today I slept in, had late lunch in Little Current, then continued on to arrive here at dusk. Tomorrow I’ll go over to Gore Bay.

There’s one trawler anchored nearby, and I met a looper from Florida in Little Current. I think those are the only boats I’ve seen underway since leaving. The Anchor Inn was closed today – shoulder season – so I had lunch at a new spot down the street, BEAR. I’ll go back.

I’ve been looking at river levels and thinking more about my goals for the winter. I get a break on insurance if I stay above 30 degrees latitude, and I’m happy to do that. Florida beyond the panhandle holds little appeal for me.

So I’ve added a few southern rivers to my consideration list. First is the Arkansas River, which goes up to around Tulsa OK from its confluence with the Mississippi below Memphis. I’m researching that.

The Mississippi is in severe drought stage. I’d really like to go down the Mississippi, and the Arkansas meets the big river below Memphis.

More views looking fore and aft. The last picture is Picnic Island just west of Little Current. I thought about stopping there, but pressed on here.

Samantha and Sarah dropped me off in Wiarton yesterday.  My car is in Guelpb, and the motorcycle is in Toronto. Next stop, Chicago.

There are east winds forecast for a couple of days. Not great for the trip out of Georgian Bay. I had a window today, so got underway mid-morning. It was pleasant enougb up to Cabot Head, so I kept heading north. I’m now anchored here, sheltered from the east. This is close to where Susan and I spent a night a few weeks ago.

The autopilot works well. I knew it would. As forecast, the wind blew up when we were halfway up the peninsula. Lots of spray and the occasional violent roll, but all good aboard at ten knots.

Lunch in Little Current tomorrow.

I’ve been back in Wiarton the last few days getting Escapade ready to head south. Finally installed the autopilot from Tin Lizzie. That’s been my plan since my old unit failed on my trip north from Chicago 15 months ago, but it took me a year to find all the pieces. Glad I did.

I’m heading for Chicago, but am not in any rush. Target date for arrival is the end of October. That’s five weeks, assuming I leave Monday or Tuesday. Weather looks benign.

My game plan is to spend the next six months on the rivers. There are a few on my list – the Cumberland, Ohio, and Upper Missisippi – that may be off limits due to weather, but I don’t mind winter cruising. So I’ll leave Chicago the second week of November and see where I fetch up. The first decision point after that is at Cairo IL where the big decision is whether to head up the Ohio or down the Mississippi. I’m leaning towards the latter, but have two months to decide.

I’m excited, and looking forward to being underway again.

Susan and I had a lovely trip from Parry Sound to Killarney and up into Iroqois Bay and MacGregor Bay, then over to Little Current and down to Wiarton. We were underway for a week. Here’s a sample of her pics.

Escapade is in Wiarton for another week or two while I complete some home projects, then I’ll head out. The current plan is to head for Chicago and into the rivers for the winter.

I came into the town dock today and gave Escapade a good wash down.  Long overdue.  Now we’re anchored not far away.  Nice quiet spot.

I left Wiarton on Wednesday, and went up to Wingfield Basin.  From there it was to Cove Island just north of Tobermory.  It’s in Fathom Five NP, and I had the whole anchorage to myself for two nights as a front went through.  Then in to Tobermory for a quick visit and fuel, water and pumpout, and back to Wingfield Basin.

Fuel use this year has been very moderate. From May 17 to Aug 18 I’ve used 990 l for the engine and 80 l for heat/hot water. Distance traveled 1,508 NM. I’ve lowered my cruising speeds and can see the reward.

From Wingfield Basin I had a nice trip across the lake to Pointe au Baril and inside down to here.

Tomorrow Susan is joining me for about nine days, and we’re headed north.  Expect lots of pictures! 

I got a new phone and was playing with the zoom feature, mostly to take pics of boats 😀

We had a couple of days poking around San Souci, from the falls at Moon River to Henry’s Fish restaurant. It was my first time there, and I’ll go back.

After dropping off guests I headed across the lake. Stopped in the Western Islands for the night. Beautiful and remote, with lots of birds. Here’s a video.

Escapade is now anchored in Colpoy Bay, and I’ve been largely ashore for the past few days. Getting ready to head out early next week.

It really is gorgeous around here. I haven’t been taking pictures, mostly because I have lots from previous trips. So if you want pics go back in time on the blog. Sorry. I did take one picture today.

Often when I have the urge to take a picture I am otherwise occupied. Getting through some of these areas requires full-time attention. But it’s tremendous fun.

Tonight I’m anchored in Blackstone Harbour, just off the bottom course of the Moon River. I’ve canoed here before. It’s deep in Massasauga Park. It was great finding a way in from the west, and I know the route out to the north. Miles was aboard when I explored that area a few years ago in Mazuka.

I’m going to see how far up Moon River I can go in the dinghy.

Samantha, Sarah and Mallory are arriving shortly by car. More later, with pics.

I haven’t been writing as I haven’t had much to say. The summer has been unfolding more or less as planned.

I had a very relaxed trip through the Trent-Severn. The whole system seems quiet this year.

My multimodal transport has worked well. It’s been easy to unload the motorcycle, so I’ve been on and off several times.

I did a quick fuel tally yesterday, and since leaving Toronto three months ago I’ve used about 850l of fuel. About 100l for heat/hot water and 750l for power. Distance traveled about 1,250 NM.

Today I came out of the last lock, and am now anchored here. Not sure where I’m headed next, but not feeling any pressure to decide.