Entry # 74: N44.37.780, W86.13.783
Friday, July 5th (Day 59): A belated Happy 4th everyone. Around two in the morning while anchored in Cathead Bay rain arrived. (Either the rain was un-forecast or the storms were coming earlier than predicted. I quickly got up and closed the windows and brought in items from the cockpit.)
By 6 am the next morning, the rain had subsided but I was surrounded with dark clouds everywhere but to my east. With no internet I texted a friend to look up the weather for the area. Gratefully he responded that it was forecast to be a great summer day with the possibility of a few shower events. Excellent, I lifted anchor and slowly made my way heading south in the light and fluky winds. It was already warm – too warm – and with the threatening skies I was feeling uneasy.
I slowly…did I say slowly? I meant to say I turtuled my way towards Frankfort. During this eternity of hot weather, little wind and my declaration of war against biting flies, I experienced another butterfly visitor. This time it was not a monarch, however all is good. It was otherwise an uneventful day and I took in the beautiful Michigan western coastline consisting of sandunes, trees, enormous summer homes and tranquility.
It was after 9 pm and post sunset. I honestly can’t tell you how, but somehow I made Frankfort anchoring with three other sailboats in a part of Betsie Lake designated for anchoring. It was a noisy night as one could imagine but I fell asleep without making a meal. I would be awaken periodically by the fireworks and celebrations. Each time I would peer out to confirm that my anchor was secure. This anchorage was known to be insecure and I wanted to make certain my anchorage was firm.
Its been 59 days and over 1,750 miles since I undertook this journey. And thus far, during this quixotic venture, I’ve completed two Great Lake circumnavigations, one leg of a third Great Lake and have entered a fourth Great Lake. I can’t count the number of storms or encounters and for the most part dealt with successfully. But even after a weeks’ layover to re-supply and repair last month I’m beginning to feel a bit tired and worn. Someone asked me a month ago how I was doing – physically & energy wise, mentally & emotionally. My response at this writing, on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is highest – physically & energy wise (6); mentally (8); and, emotionally (8). O/A Assessment: Plenty left in this tank to reach my windmill. But after four straight days of anchoring, I can use a layover day
Take care.
Never Too Late For 