Looping with the Chequamegon Ark

The winds have been unpredictable and the calm days fewer and singular in the forecast so broke out of the Marquette harbor and headed for open water.  Still strange that we don't have this view leaving the Ashland harbor. Work boat headed out just before us - unstable sky but relatively calm water. Looper Dome - largest wooden dome in the world. One of many light houses today. Lots of brownstone cliffs lining the Michigan shore of the big pond. Lighthouse on a rock just East of Keewenaw Bay. This was on the other side of the same little island - I was sure I would remember the island but this was when the pond got a little angry. Keewenaw Bay wind and weather buoy - one that we have been checking for days on the Wind, waves and weather forecast site we track. Solar panels on 4 sides and unknown gadgetry. Safe harbor mooring wall heading into the Portage ship channel - ie Keeewenaw canal. Sea plane base just East of the Houghton County marina - 4 Beavers that fly to Isle Royale. Mo

The winds have been picking up and unpredictable so we stayed hoping for a real calm day. Monday the 29th seems OK so we are making the run to Houghton - if we can get a marina slip. Houghton puts us 1-2 days from Ashland marina. I don't think I posted these Nebo runs - this one is Grand Marais to Marquette. Sault St Marie to Grand Marais. 5 Live bands right next to our marina in Marquette for their annual Harbor Fest. They have a dock similar to the Ashland Soo Line that was torn down in 2012. The Ashland Soo Line was 1800 feet long - this one is 979 but still impressive.  

We waited out the rain and low visibility at George Kemp and it was the right choice. We were able to run on plane all day and got into Grand Marais early. Visited looper friends Terry and Connie who we met during our time at Kingfisher Bay in Demopolis, AL. 8/27 we had more wind than predicted but we were still able to run on plane and got into Marquette about noon just as the wind was picking up steam. Leaving George Kemp at sunrise - helped off the dock by Scott - skipper of the Jenna Lou II that was docked very close to us in Ashland for a year - they are just starting their loop and we wish them smooth cruising and a great time! Looking at the Too locks from the down stream side. Ditto We have mastered or at least greatly improved our locking technique just in time for our last lock. 21 feet up into the Big Pond After raising 21 feet - the view differential is always interesting. Last lock opening Lock open but gate still down so we float and wait. Freighter tied off in front of t