Entry #89: N45.59.865, W83.53.976
Monday, July 29th (Day 84): I awoke to light rain and 10 knot winds coming from the west. This confirmed last nights forecast for the day. It was approximately forty-five miles to De Tour and with last nights forecast with the exception of light rain, the 10 knot winds coming from the west would male it a good day sailing. I should make De Tour by the middle of the afternoon. So I thought before leaving the slip. As was my practice, I re-checked the forecast prior to embarking.
The weather forecast originally calling for 10 knot winds from the west with 1to 2 foot following seas for the day was updated. By mid-day winds coming from the west were now forecast to increase above 35 knots with 3 to 6 foot seas and thunderstorms! And tomorrows’ forecast would be more of the same.
Again, I’m in battle with the weather conditions. I’ve already lost nearly 3 weeks and have to forego circumnavigation of both the North Channels and Georgian Bay. Now my on-time arrival to Superior is becoming a risk! I have to find a safe route to De Tour.
I began studying the charts and decided to take a closer look at the Marquette Bay where the Village of Hessel was located and the entrance to Les Chaveaux Channel. Marquette Bay was approximately two hours away and though this route to De Tour was longer, the channel would offer protection from the strong winds and flat water. That’s not the first time I benefited from local knowledge. Years ago when I was backpacking on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia in Canada, I was trying to decide which of two campgrounds to spend the night. An Atlantic storm was forecast and one campground offered good protection however, it was also known to be infested with black flies. A second campground was exposed offering little protection but was known to be free of black flies. I shared with an Acadian local my quandary. His advise was to make camp at the exposed campground as he was a lifetime resident of the area and the national weather forecast was wrong in forecast a storm. I took his advice and as it turned out, there indeed was no storm. I was so glad I had taken his advice.
I decided to again follow the advice of the sailor from St. Ignace. I entered Les Chaveaux Channel just as the winds and seas were becoming quite challenging. Though the channel was narrow and winding, the cottages and landscape was very peaceful and scenic. I needed to concentrate as I slowly made my to the end of the canal. I would need to make the last two hours to De Tour in open waters. Tired, I decided to anchor in the channel and take a snooze. 30 minutes later I was on my way to De Tour. It was early evening and both winds and seas were calming when I safely arrived into my slip. I made 52 miles in a little over 11 miles. Thank you, Robert Lehman.
Never Too Late For 