Entry #78: N43.04.033, W86.14.025 – Heads up this is my 4th attempt at updating my blog.
NOTE: I’m having a pickle of a time trying to post my updates. Each previous attempt somehow has disappeared when I attempt to publish my update(s). I’m stuck in Manitowoc, Wisconsin due to poor weather. That is not good as I’m running out of time to make the Trans-Superior Race start. The good, fortunately I found Manitowocs’ public library. Much to catch up on. (It may be a while before I will be able to publish another update. Please bear with my predicament).
Wednesday, July 10th & Thursday, July 11th (Days 65 & 66): I lifted anchor at Whitefish Lake and headed south beating into 3 to 5 foot waves and south winds at around 7 to 8 knots. The size of the seas were too big relative to the wind strength. I interpreted that to mean that both winds and waves would be building through the day. It turned out I was correct. As NTL rocked up and down into the growing seas, both my lower back and disc began to complain to Wilson who in turn did nothing to help me out. Ingrate. In addition, as the bow of NTL keep driving down and into the oncoming 5 to 6 footer, Poseidon kept demanding goggles and snorkel! I responded, keep me safe and I’ll consider it!
The day turned into a grind and was essentially uneventful with the following exception. Throughout the morning and afternoon I kept receiving texts of encouragement. I greatly appreciated the support as it served to lift my spirits. I began to analyze potential routes and weather forecasts for opportunities to make another qualifier attempt. Due to my itinerary and time, my opportunities to qualify were becoming limited before the Trans-Superior start of August 3rd. Additionally, I would need to consider the I decided it would be best to make my qualify sooner rather than later.
It was late afternoon when I finally made it to Grand Havens’ Municipal Marina late. I reserved a slip for two days with the intent to relax a day for physical and emotional recovery and have a second day to procure needed supplies. I took a well needed shower came back to the boat and spent the evening going over my planned and contingency routes. I felt comfortable with my plan, had dinner, took Aleve together with a heating pad for my aching back/disc and retired.
Thursday turned out to be a very busy day. I got up relatively early rested and feeling better both physically and emotionally. I made coffee and scheduled a 10:30 am transit to Meijers. I used the time in between to update my blog with entrees 77 & 78 – twice! Unfortunately, after completing composing my entries, attempts to save and to publish would fail and disappear! Finally after nearly three hours I completed a third entry and rather then lose it again, I took pictures of my narrative from my cellphone for future re-entry and publication. You are reading my saved entries as I attempt to catch up.
I found Grand Haven to be a very friendly, clean and family friendly community. I took advantage of their fantastic ‘guest’ transit services to pick-up supplies from Meijers. I simply called in and scheduled my pick-up from the marina. At the reserved time the van transit vehicle showed up, I paid my $1.50 fare and was transported to wherever I wished – in this case Meijers. When I completed shopping, I called in again and within 15 minutes I was picked up and brought back a hundred yards from my boat. The vehicles were clean, drivers very friendly and accommodating as I had unloaded my supplies.
As I organized my cabin with new supplies, people walking along the board walk as well as other boaters would stop and often come by inquiring about NTL and my destination(s). After hearing about my circumnavigation attempt, one individual brought his wife and introduced her to me saying this was the sailor I was talking about. She introduced herself to me and said that she had listened to my Sirius XM radio interview earlier in the week! Small world.
A few hours later, a Grand Haven Tribune reporter showed up, interviewed me and took pictures. (She texted me a few days later referencing the published article. The reporter did a beautiful story.)
Needless to say my Grand Haven stay was uplifting and I hope to return there sometime in the future.
OK pray this publishes in my blog!
Never Too Late For 