Entry #75: N44.57.237, W86.27.195
Saturday, July 6th & Sunday, July 7th: I probably am going to lose some followers with the following update but it is what it is. It may be the result of fatigue or it may be exactly as I am about to share _
As I mentioned in my last blog entry, I was concerned about the secureness of my anchor and as I had done during previous anchorages, I had gotten up several times during the night to check out whether or not the anchor was holding. Each time I was re-assured. The winds were light and I was anchored between two anchored sailboats. One to my right about 100 yards and one to my left 100 yards. All of us were facing into the wind lined up as though we were at a starting line.
After confirming my anchor was holding around 3 am, I again layed down and read a bit before falling asleep. Suddenly I was awaken at 5:50 am by Marys’ voice calling out my name. I almost didn’t jump up as I wanted to sleep some more. But reluctantly I decided to look around and to my astonishment, my anchor had released and NTL was drifting in the middle of the main channel some 300 or so yards away from the other boats. I frantically put on some clothing, started the diesel, raised the anchor and left the harbor to begin another day.
I set the course for Ludington, put her on auto-pilot and went below to put on proper attire. The forecast had called for moderate winds from the north. It looked like a promising day of sailing. I put up the sails, turned off the diesel and took a video.
Again, Michigans’ western coastline comprises of sandune after sandune and is simply beautiful. Not so much the skies.
I left Frankfort under the threat of rain. As I began analyzing the radar projections, I saw nothing but major storms lined up to my west. And I still had close to 50 miles to reach Ludington. At least the wind projections were moderate and there were several ports on route should I need to seek safe harbor – Arcadia, Onekama, Manistee. (Though I would only harbor in Manistee under the most dire of circumstances. But that’s another story.)
The winds started out at a nice comfortable 8 to 10 knots with 2 to 3 foot seas coming from my back. Suddenly, I saw a narrow black low hanging cloud develop along the entire coastline. Rain began to pour and I knew I was in for a major storm. I reefed my main to the first position and roller furled my jib 25 percent as both the winds and seas continued to build. The forecast called for winds no greater than 17 knots with seas no larger than 3 to 4 feet. We were there already and it was continuing to build. When I estimated the winds were above 25 knots and the seas 6 to 8 feet, I lowered my main sail but kept 15% of my jib sail up for directional stability. Fortunately, NTL handled the seas superbly as the spar whistled a loud tune in the howling winds. At least we were moving nicely with the seas behind us. At one point I read 8 1/2 mph! Not bad given a maximum designed hull speed of 5.6 mph.
I went through several storms before it started to settle down about an hour before Ludington. At the Ludington Municipal Marina, I fueled and with the assistance of several neighbor boaters, I was able to get into my slip despite the current and contrary winds.
I took a well needed shower. (It’s only been 5 days since my last one! And, yes Mary I brushed my teeth.) I cooked a warm meal – rice and noodles – and settled for the night.
Sunday was a day of well deserved R&R. I figured out how to connect to the wifi – long story had to walk with my computer to the edge of the harbor – and updated my blog throughout the day. I washed dishes, watched the USA womens’ soccer team defeat Netherland for the world cup, had a beer (well maybe two) and a hamburger.
I plan to depart in the morning but haven’t looked at my route yet.
To date: 1818 miles; Lakes Ontario & Erie circumnavigated; Lake Huron one leg completed; Lake Michigan first leg in-progress.
Take care.
Never Too Late For 