"Mike and Kathy just hit Lake Huron. Not getting good internet connections but all are safe and having fun."

06/21/07 Left NOTL for Port Weller, Ont. The start of the Welland Canal. Took on diesel at the marina and met our crew at the start of the canal. We need 3 crew on board because of turbulence going upbound, so they can be hired for that purpose. We started at about 10:30 and got to Port Colburne at 7:15. Took lots of pictures of locks and ships along the way. Tied up at the municipal dock for the night.

06/22/07 Left Port Colbourne at 0800 bound we think for Erie, PA. Wind and waves brisk to start, then died a bit and then we motored for 6-7 hours. The last couple of hours we sailed. Last 2 ½ hours were exciting. Anchored in Misery Bay about 8:00.

06/23/07 Left Erie about 1000 bound for Geneva State Park in Ohio. As we left, about 70 other sailboats were leaving harbor for a race - impressive sight. Arrived there about 6:00. Nice marina and Park.. Not much wind getting here - mostly motorsailed. Beautiful sunset.

06/24/07 Left Geneva at 8:20 hoping to make Cleveland tonight. Very few chances to hook up online so far. Will have to transmit in batches. Another low wind day but sunny. Mostly motorsailed. Went to a marina at west end of the harbor, but it turned out not to be very nice and we were locked in for the night - tells you something about the neighborhood. Jeff and cathy visited a friend - we had to let them in on their return.

06/25/07 Left Cleveland about 8:00 and decided to try to reach Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island. Again mostly motor sailing. Getting very hot and this is the third but worst bug hatch so far - they're everywhere including crawling all over us as there's not enough wind to blow them away. Also, had to watch for fishing nets. Arrive at PIB at 5:00. Took a mooring after filling with diesel. Went back to shore for a walk around and nice walleye dinner. Will stay another day because of calm winds and heat and try to make Windsor tomorrow. Over 400 miles covered so far.

06/26/07 Decided to stay another day at PIB. Walked around town a bit and had more walleye dinners. Had a good WiFi signal but the password they gave us didn't work. Jeff had to play with his to connect. Wireless technology has a long way to go.

06/2707 Left at 0700 for Detroit River. Sailed until noon when we were into the channel to the river. As we got closer, we motorsailed and eventually just motored. Went thru a T storm with heavy rain and poor visability. Arrived at Kean's Marina about 6:30. Was able to connect with my cousin Chuck VanDeusen, who lives nearby. Will keep in touch as he will be heading for the UP Friday. We understand there will befireworks tonight off Belle Isle across from us.

06/28/07 left Kean's Marina at 0700 bound for Lake St. Claire then St. Claire River. A long sail and we stopped short of Lake Huron at a very nice new marina - all marinas in Michigan are fantastic - nothing like we have in NY!

06/29/07 Entered Huron - lots of current entering the lake - reminds me of the Peace Bridge where the Niagara River meets Lake Erie. The Lake is rough and we've passed lots of ships. Sailed along the Michigan shore to Lexington. We hit a sand bar leaving the marina - Jeff and Cathy hit as well. The grounding seemed to open an old repair at the aft end of the keel - taking on water which the new bilge pump seems to be handling. The old one apparently is reverse wired (from factory). I gobbed beeswax over the leak and it seems to be slowing it down. Some water trickles down from the stuffing box anyway, which also had to be adjusted after so many engine hours, so it's had to tell which contributes more to the bilge.

06/30/07 Sailed on to Harbor Beach where we anchored in a refuge area - windy night but holding good. We were hoping for less wave action, but the wind kept blowing. We're averaging 10 hours a day - the longest was 17.

07/01/07 Left Harbor Beach anchorage at 0600 bound for Harrisville Harbor of Refuge (again - beautiful marinas with outstanding facilities - tiled showers with heat lamps, etc. Staff are great - they actually seem to like the customers! Long day - we arrived at 7:30 PM.

07/02/07 Left Harrisville at 0800 bound for Presque Isle. This is described as one of the best anchorages on the lake. Good holding but windy. We took the dinghy ashore in wind and waves to get groceries. The dink had developed a leak riding on deck so had to be patched. Good night on the hook.

07/03/07 Another long day - we decided to try to make St. Ignace at the Straits of Machinac, our ultimate destination before entering the North Channel. Tomorrow will rest and the following day we plan to spend the day on Machinac island. Another great marina - did laundry 7/4 and saw fireworks that night.

07/05/07 Took ferry to Mackinac Island. Got there early so were able to walk around before it got too crowded. We walked in one direction until there just seemed to be road ahead - turned around and walked back into town and found the Grand Hotel. You have to pay $12 to go on the grounds or go in the hotel, so were went around back and walked along Pontiac's Trail where a number of beautiful mansions are located near the hotel and look out over the water. From there we sneaked back through the Hotel grounds. We had lunch at an Irish Pub, then rented bikes to ride around the island. That took an hour (8 miles). We finished up some shopping and took the four o'clock ferry back. Long day with lots of exercise. Beautiful Island!

07/06/07 Departed St. Ignace at 1030 bound for Les Chaneau Islands of the UP. Sailed thru the Straits of Machniac. Motor sailed most of the way. Found Government Bay and dropped the hook. Pretty place, but we were surprised at the number of cottages and jet skiis. Nice anchorage but windy.

07/07/07 Left Gov’t Bay at 0900 bound for Harbor Island. Arrived at 3:00 and set the hook in 7 feet of water. Harbor is totally enclosed except for a 100 foot wide inlet, but you guessed it – the wind was south and blowing right in thru that little inlet – Murphy’s Law!! Rained a bit. Kathy spotted an Osprey near sunset as well as a heron.

07/08/07 Left Harbor Island at 1130 bound for Meldrum Bay at the beginning of the North Channel. Mike spotted a bald eagle on the way out to open water. We were beating into an unusual east wind and motored all but ½ hour. Arrived at Meldrum at 7:30. T storm on the way in. Quaint little town with most businesses out of business. Had drinks at a little Inn. Checked back in with Canadian customs.

07/09/07 Left Meldrum at 10:15 headed for Gore Bay. Arrived gore at 5:15. Set the hook and went to town. More services here like an LCBO. Pretty spot.

07/10/07 Stayed another day- went shopping.

07/11/07 Stayed another day at Gore due to gale warnings. We learned afterward that the marina had radioed that the two sailboats anchored in the harbor could come into a dock at no charge – unfortunately none of us hear the hail. I worked on sealing the mast leak that had plagued us and then later in the afternoon we took a long walk into town and along a nature boardwalk around the end of the bay.

07/12/07 Left Gore at 1030 for Clapperton Island. Arrived at 1230 and anchored off Harbor Island (another one). This spot is opposite an abandoned resort. We went ashore and explored the ruins – then walked around the island. We found great rocks – granite, sandstone, knise and mixtures there of. Pretty area indeed – and when we got back we started to see interesting birds. We think a pigeon hawk around the resort, then while looking at soaring birds above the surrounding trees, an eagle! As the evening approached, we saw two eagles – then three!!! They were soaring and playing – maybe younger birds who had nested on that bay. What a sight! We, Otium and one other boat were the only ones anchored in the bay.

07/13/07 At 0930 we left this beautiful spot for the Benjamins, a famous spot in the North Channel. As we approached we saw a huge pink granite outcropping (Croker island). This is one thing unique to the Benjamins – all granite with sparse conifers and lots of blueberries. We anchored in a nice bay on the northeastern part of South Benjamin Island. We explored the island and picked about a pint of wild blueberries. That evening we had cocktails and snacks on Otium along with Terry and Pat from Rochester (Trawler named Brig O Doon). Had a great evening and never did get a real dinner – they had overstock on shrimp and needed to use some – fine dinner! Afterward we got a tour of their boat. They’re former serious sailors – Terry at least.

07/14/07 Senfs took off for Little Current due to lack of ice. Merrills to head towards Whaleback Channel. Wind from the south which is where we’re headed, so we beat into the wind, waves, rain and fog arriving at Little Current at 3:00. One hell of a ride with waves reaching 6 feet. No way we could have navigated without the chart plotter. Got settled, bought ice and had a great dinner at the Anchor Bar and Grill. Great food, but more important, the owners understand customer service better than any restaurant we’ve ever been to!!

07/15/07 Stayed another day, did laundry and plan lunch at the Anchor. Too nice a place to leave, even though it’s the most expensive yet. This is where the North Channel empties into Georgian Bay.

07/16/07 Left Little Current thru the swing bridge. Went as far as Heywood Island’s Browning Cove. Only a 7 mile trip but a nice anchorage. Supposed to be a good place to watch birds, but we didn’t see much. Quiet night.

07/17/07 Left Heywood at 1030 and headed for Frazer Bay. Went to the end of the Bay behind Blueberry Island. Only a few boats – beautiful spot to anchor. I walked thru to Portage Cove on Landsdowne Channel. Went ashore on the Island to pick blueberries – not the best spot we’ve seen, but we got enough for Kathy to make a pie – great tating pie. We thought we saw an osprey. Very nice spot – on of the best so far.

07/18/07 Left at 1130 headed for Baie Fine – negotiated the fiord almost to the Pool and anchored along the shore about a half mile short. The pool is so clogged with weeds it fouls the prop. We met a group from Montreal and had drinks on board their Nonsuch.

07/19/07 T storm in the AM – protected but still pretty wild. After a while we took the dink up to the pool and then climbed to Topaz Lake, which reminded us of Green lakes back home – deep, green and dead. Picked about 4 cups of blueberries for another pie.

07/20/07 Headed back out baie Fine but when we got to Mary Ann Cove, we decided to stay there. Spotted an eagle. We went on out of the fiord to get cell phone contact – Kathy wishing Michael well for his Mount Snow race this weekend. I called Leslie to wish her a happy birthday. Cell phone and VHF reception inside these high walls is non-existent, so we’re out of tough much of the time – tough even to get voice mail. I think Chuck VanDeusen left me a voice mail but with the reception and my terrible hearing problem, I missed most of it. I’ll try to give him a call prior to reaching Detroit area – I’ll giver him a little more notice this time.

07/21/07 A great trail exists to Frazer Hill where you get a fantastic view. So Jeff and Cathy, and Kathy and I set out for the top at 0900. Reached the top at about 10:30 after a few wrong turns. This is one of the best views every – Kathy says it looks like a National Geographic picture(s). at noon we set out for Killarny to reprovision. Jeff and Kathy went on to the pool. No wind but we got there thru the Landsdown Channel by 1530. Stocked up etc. Will have Walleye tonight at Herbert’s.

07/21/07 Arrived killarney Mountain Lodge where we had dinner and explored the town. The next morning we took on ice and pumped out before leaving. Neat town, but provisioning was very expensive.

07/22/07 Left Killarney at 1130 for covered Portage Cove. Beautiful spot but very popular. Lots of boats – We anchored just outside the Cove where all the sail boats seemed to gather. Took the dinghy into the cove itself.

07/23/07 Jeff and Cathy joined us and anchored outside too. Kathy made Blueberry pie for all. We hiked around the cliffs overlooking the Cove.

07/24/07 Left Covered Portage for Snug Harbor. After arriving at 1215, we watched a Tartan 37 go aground at he entrance. Jeff and I went out to help in our dinks. Finally with the help of a C&C 27 we were able to pull him off the shoal. Nice quiet place with clean, clear water. We anchored and tied to shore.

07/25/07 Stayed another day at Snug. Watched another boat hit the shoal and went to help along with Tom from yesterday’s Tartan grounding. Finally, as we pulled and tried to lean the boat, a cigarette boat came along and pulled, finally freeing him. That afternoon we hiked over to Frazer Bay to a beach with lots of fossils. Another peaceful night with no more groundings. We went out to the shoal and floated a milk bottle to mark the shallow area.

07/26/07 Left Snug for Killarney to reprovision before moving on to north western Georgian Bay. Did laundry and got more groceries.

07/27/07 Left Killarney Mountain Lodge at 0930 after fueling, pumping out, taking on ice, etc. Left with a bit of fog. Sailed a little bit, but mostly motored or motorsailed. We went to the northeastern part of Georgian Bay to The Bustard Islands. We anchored in the Northeastern corner in a narrow bay with only a couple other boats. We took the dinghy to another anchorage and explored the many bays and islands.

07/28/07 The next morning the boat was covered with gnats requiring a thorough cleaning. Kathy spotted a black bear on the far shore. The rest of the day we just hung out, went swimming, fishing and more exploring.

07/29/07 Departed the Bustards for Bad River Channel of the French River, a narrow and complicated passage between rocks to an anchorage that didn’t look all that cool. But, there were rapids flowing into it. We took a ride to shore and climbed some cool rock formations and there we found the motherload of blueberries and picked enough for at least two pies and additions to our oatmeal. Kathy made a pie and we invited neighbors on the next boat to share pie with the four of us. Turned out Mike and Janet know folks from Cazenovia (they’re from Toronto).

07/30/07 Left Bad River at 1015 and headed for Brit hoping to connect with Todd and Debbie Cornell from Manlius. Unfortunately, they just sold their boat and left with the buyers on Saturday. We went to the Little Brit Inn for dinner and inn keeper, Jim knows Todd as do many others here. We enjoyed the dinner and showed us brass fish shaped room number plates Todd had made. Too bad we missed them by only two days – it’s clear they will be missed around Wright’s Marina. Tomorrow we head for Tobermory – weather permitting.

07/31/07 Crossed Georgian Bay to the tip of Bruce Peninsula – a bay called Wingfield Basin. While anchored in the basin, 27 boats from Collingwood came in. We met a couple, Gillian and John, who invited us all over for a drink – a very friendly group. We all hiked to the light house which is maintained as a foundation. You can even be an assistant lighthouse keeper for $300 a week.

08/01/07 Left Wingfield at 0930 and were actually able to sail to Tobermory. Tobermory is a neat little town and small harbor, but a tourist destination. We saw lots of dive boats and tour boats in the harbor as well as the big ferry to Mantoulin Island. All very crowded, but a good place to take on water, etc.

08/02/07 Left Tobermory at 0600 planning to get as far as Kincardine, a Scotch town on the way down Lake Huron. This is sort of the turning point as we are now headed for home – this could, however, depending on wind and weather, take a month. We will probably end up back in Cazenovia the end of the first week in September. Kincardine is a neat town and we may stay a day or two. We have to at least be able to hear the phantom piper play his bagpipes from the lighthouse at sunset – a Kincardine tradition.

08/03/07 Explored Kincardine and had great fish and chips near marina. Heard the piper tonight.

08/04/07 Stayed another day because during July and August they have a pipe band that marches down the main street from Victoria Park and everyone (thousands today) march after the pipe band which goes back to the Park for a concert. This is a neat tradition and made the extra day’s stay worthwhile.

08/05/07 No way to get onto the net most places. Must be my computer just isn’t compatible with WiFi. Jeff has no problems! Today we left Kincardine at 0730 after taking on fuel and pumping out. Started with SE wind and nice sailing, but within a couple of hours the wind was on the nose (as usual no matter which way we’re going) and it became a 9 ½ hour slog to Bayfield. Arrived there at 5:00. Big waves and wind on the nose!!!

08/06/07 Left Bayfield for Sarnia at 0730. Bayfield was a nice little town with a shopping area a mile a way. We had dinner at a nice pub. Combined sailing with motor sailing or just motoring. Stopped for a swim, our last in Huron, a couple of times. Arrive at Sarnia yacht Club at 5:00. Ate on board and shared one of Kathy’s wild blueberry pies with Jeff and Cathy while watching the sunset on lake Huron.

08/07/07 Left Sarnia at 0700 headed down the St. Claire River. The current is so strong, we got up to 8.9 knots and by noon we were in Lake St. Claire going into big waves that calmed a bit before long. Passed lots of ships and arrived in Detroit at 3:00. Finally connected with my cousin Chuck and his wife and daughter and had a nice visit and dinner.

08/08/07 Left Detroit and down the Detroit River at 0700. The current was with us and we made good time. We tried to sail but little wind and very hot. I have to calculate motoring time when we get back, but I bet we motor 80% of the time, including motor sailing. We arrived at Pelee Island in Lake Erie at 4:45. Bad storm that night glad we weren’t on the hook.

08/09/07 We decided to stay and tour the Island winery – good choice and we enjoyed the wine.

08/10/07 Left Pelee at 0600 and arrived at Fairport, Ohio (home of tartan & C&C Yachts) at 7:15 p.m. where we anchored in the harbor. A bumpy night but we held fast. Jeff and Cathy sailed on to Geneva.

08/11/07 left Fairport at 0615 and stopped at Geneva to pump out and take on fuel. We sailed on to Conneaut and spent the night at their Boat Club – a very nice place with nice people. First night free if you have a reciprocal club agreement – something for NPA to consider. Had a nice dinner a local restaurant.

08/12/07 left Conneaut at 0730 and arrived at Barcelona, NY at 5:00. This is a hidden jewel – a neat little harbor and adjacent town with an historic lighthouse, which is for sale for only $785,000. Stayed two days and spent time in an antique marine store and had a nice dinner on shore. Was able to buy fresh perch at the local fishery.

08/14/07 Left Barcelona at 0700 headed across for Port Colborne. Arrived there at 3:00. Explored the town, bought groceries and had fish & chips at a pub. Stayed at the municipal dock in preparation for canal passage.

08/15/07 Started thru the Wellend at 1130. Made good progress until the 4th lock where we got stuck behind a large ship, so after that we had to wait for the ship to exit the lock and then refill before we could get in. We arrived at port Weller dock at 7:00, tied up for the night and cooked our perch. Noisy night with ships going past plus the canal is well lit.

08/16/07 Left Port Weller at 0900 and again motored most of the trip to Wilson, NY arriving at 1:00. The protected bay here is where I spent many a summer as a kid. The old cottage looked similar, but the big difference is that Wilson has become a sailboat haven – 3 marinas and 3 yacht clubs. Tied up at the state park dock and explored the island.

08/17/07 Left Wilson at 0700 and did a bit of sailing and motor sailing. Approached Rochester and went thru a thunder storm with high winds and waves. Finally got into harbor at 6:00 where we met friends Dave and Claire Barone. We stayed at their home in Fairport AND slept in a real bed for the first time. Even hooked up to Dave’s hard wire but the computer cannot find the server, so I guess my computer is at fault. No more contact via the net possible – I give up.

08/18/07 Stayed with Barone’s for two nights.

08/19/07 Left Shumway Marina at 0630 headed north east across the lake. Mostly motorsailed. Conditions fairly calm. Arrive at Waupoos at 6:30. Anchored near the island across from the marina next to the Merrills.

08/20/07 Took cab to Picton – left notes on our friends’ boats. Shopped and had an early dinner. On returning to boat, we had a message that our friends were in fact at Picton but cell phone contact impossible – can’t call Canadian numbers. Left a message for them and moved in to the marina.

08/21/07 Took another cab to Picton and connected with friends. Spent day with them and had dinner at Lake on the Mountain Inn.

08/22/07 Stayed another day and hiked to cidar mill and winery. Had dinner at the Duke of Marysburg Pub. Weather forecast is for big waves.

08/23/07 Left Waupoos at 0930 after taking on fuel, water and pumping out. Started off as a nice sail until a thunder storm hit, then we took sails down and motored to Stella Bay at 2:30. Dropped the hook and enjoyed the rain.

08/24/07 Stayed at Stella.

08/25/07 Left Stella at 1000 and arrived at Kingston Marina at noon. We actually arrived at Kingston a little after 1100 but had to wait until noon for the Cataraqui bridge to open. We were on bulkhead and during the afternoon a mink trotted down the dock next to us. The mink are very bold this year – we’ve seen several during daylight hours. We shopped and then had dinner at Curry Village, then listened to the Blues festival for a while.

08/26/07S stayed another night – had breakfast at Pan Chanco, met Barones at the ferry dock, the went to Kingston Brewery for a couple of beers and snacks.

08/27/07 Moved on to Brakey Bay on the way to the Islands. Good holding and basically a nice anchorage. Swam and grilled dinner.

08/28/07 Left Brakey and anchored at Beaurivage where we met up with Jeff and Cathy and went to Binnacle Island to hook up with the Andersons and their guests. Big party with lots of food.

08/29/07 Another day at the party island – more food and of course, liquid refreshments.

08/30/07 We moved to Gan Marina to get water, pump out and shop. Had lunch at Gananoqua Inn.

08/31/07 Back to Beaurivage. Another evening of good food and drink, plus Jim and Holly Scherzi arrived.

09/01/07 Another day of the same.

09/02/07 left Beaurivage at 1130 and arrived at Cape Vincent town dock at 4:00 pm.

09/03/07 Left Cape Vincent at 0915. Wind out of the west and we had to buck big waves coming out of the river. Wave height didn’t diminish much, but we were able to sail most of the way back to Sackets. Arrived at Navy Point at 3:00. Our slip wasn’t vacant, but we were glad to be back home once again, even though the 2 ½ months has been a real adventure. Will take as much off the boat as we can carry and head for Caz tomorrow. The car was not happy being left. Battery went dead and Jeff had to help me jump it. Brakes are acting up and the noise in the from wheel is probably a dried out CV joint. All in all, not too bad.