Entry 102: N44.26.639, W81.24.218
One of many reasons I seek _ ‘My experiences – those sought and those I realize – serve as foundation of who I have become. My experiences give me insight and perspective, molding my view on life and my values. But most of all, the insights and knowledge I have gained through my experiences has strengthened my inner self, my self-esteem, my humility, my love of nature and my empathy for humanity.’
Wednesday, August 14th (Day 100) – Though it was quieter, I didn’t get a very good nights sleep. I have come to understand what to expect and the combination of storm forecasts, the distance I needed to travel to reach Port Elgin (57 nautical miles), shoals and rocks along the Ontario coastline and my recent experience with fog gave me concern. But I found myself wanting to complete my journey and the closer I was getting to the Blue Water Bridge (160 nautical miles), the easier it was becoming to lift anchor or leave dock.
Paul Lockwood saw me off. He was a retired rigger and he and his wife were sailing in a 42 footer that had seen better days. His vessel originally was designed to seriously race. But he made modifications for cruising to accommodate his wife. Apparently his children were quite successful and were helping them out. I got the sad impression that he was taking in every moment of their trip as though it was their last hurrah sailing. Paul had left an imprint on me.
The seas were a bit ‘bumpy’ and on my beam when I set out to round the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Once I rounded Russell Island and changed heading I found both seas and wind on my back. The rolling seas became bigger than the winds would suggest. I soon noticed storm clouds developing in the southwest on the horizon in front of me. I had already made the decision to sail through the isolated thunderstorms and commenced to head out into open water. I wanted to sail in deeper water and away from the coastline as a safeguard against shoals and rocks while in storm conditions.
During the course of the day, the winds peaked at around 13 knots while averaging around 7-8 knots for most of the day. before dying down in the early evening. I finally reached the narrow entrance into Port Elgin after having maneuvered between the rocks and shallows.
I had hailed the municipal marina notifying the harbour master that I would be arriving late. I received instructions and found myself tying up on the pier in front of a small restaurant. It had been a long day sailing (14 ½ hrs. and 64 nautical miles) but fortunately uneventful. Though there were good winds and blue skies between the isolated thunderstorms, I hadn’t encountered a single sailing vessel that day. The pier served as a popular jogging and strolling facility and I encountered numerous curious people. One individual was clearly intrigued with my journey and only after I politely expressed my desire to take a shower did he finally ask what time I had planned to depart the next morning did he depart. (He did see me off in the morning.).
After taking a shower, I returned to the NTL, ate a sardine sandwich. I covered my portals (windows) blocking the onlookers and immediately fell asleep.
The next morning I ate a good breakfast before setting off for Kincardine.
Never Too Late For 