Closing the gap. Translated by Gabby Johnson "the sheriff is gettin nearer"

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.

Mount Ripley ready for snow.

Beaver flying over as we are tying off to the dock. 25 mph 90 degree crosswind - Grace of God got us in and happy to be tied off.

Nebo said 81 miles today. This was our first stop when we left Ashland 8/15/21. Wind will decide if we go straight in or if we make one more stop. The horses can definitely smell the barn now.

 

Comments

Unknown said…
I loved the horses/barn reference. My boating Dad always made a 360 turn with the runabout and called it a 'victory roll', reference to WW2 Uncle Warren, I suppose. 104 bombing missions over China in Copilot seat. Wadded up 2 planes, finished safely in #3. Dad is still hanging in at 92. Have a great Tuesday!!!!!! Dirk
August 30, 2022 at 4:47 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Back to home port.

Image
We got to Ashland marina 9/1 - 3 wind days in Houghton and then a one day calm window - 142 miles. Predawn dog walk - zero wind. Looking back East from the dock in Houghton at sunrise. Ready to leave on our last travel day before home dock. Off the dock 7 AM Eastern. Beautiful morning heading out the Keewenaw canal. The big pond was calm most of the way. Porcupine Mountain ski area. Copper Peak ski flying Some times there was zero wind and others we got up to about 1.5 foot waves. John was with us on the Ark when we left Ashland 8/15/21 - escort boat in 9/1/22. Stopped for a photo about 2 PM Central time - 142 miles 8 hours - included a stop for fuel and a dog walk at Saxon Harbor Ocky droned us but I can't find the drone pictures. Sunset 9/1  Sunset 9/2 Sunset 9/3 9/4 morning temp Nebo report from 9/1 I FOUND OCKY'S DRONE PHOTOS Pretty amazing what the drone can do.  
Read more

George Kemp to Grand Marais and then on to Marquette.

Image
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...
Read more

Getting ready to head down lake

Image
 After 20+ years of talking and planning and 5 years rehabilitating and working on the Ark to get her in ship shape along with getting the captain and first mate up to speed with her operations we are close to leaving the Ashland Marina and starting our Great Loop adventure - this is my first shot at a blog to keep family and friends up to speed with our progress. We will try to post photos and thoughts as we loop out the Eastern half of the USA by water. Ashland Marina - Courtesy  of Ocky and his drone Devils Island in the Apostles Sunset at the Ashland Marina Sunset from our Ashland slip Devils Island lighthouse Isle Royale lighthouse Rock of Ages lighthouse - Isle Royale Raspberry Island lighthouse - Apostles Sunset over the Ark from the Chequamegon Hotel
Read more