Entry #67: N42.49.160, W82.29.397

Wednesday, June 26th & Thursday, June 27th:  Great suggestion Gary.  The friendly marina & secluded setting and raised bridge entry made for a great stay.  Hope to repeat a stay and take the time to visit the town.

With intrepidation, I left the marina around 9 am concerned about the  current under the Blue Water Bridge and the ability of NTL to make cut through it.  Fortunately, the winds were brisk and continued coming from the west.  And again, I power sailed to maximize my speed through the current.  The day was beautiful and there were power boaters everywhere.  Not a single time did one power boater slow down or take my stern.  Their wakes kept slowing me down and/or require me to alter course – each time a disadvantage against the growing strength of the current.  Due to the chop and boaters, I was unable to safely hug the Canadian side during my attempt to pass under the bridge.  I increased the throttle to an uncomfortable 3,300 rpms and held on to both the jib and main sheets while holding the tiller in case a sudden lift presented itself in the 15 knot winds.  I became a bit anxious as I saw my speed slowly reduce from 3 1/2 mph to 2 mph, then 1 mph then 0.8 and 0.7!  Finally at a whopping 0.4 mph NTL broke through and successfully passed under the Blue Water Bridge.  We did it Wilson!  Wilson?  You can open your eyes now.  We did it.

It was mid-day and I finally entered Lake Huron, my third Great Lake.  I shut down my engine and set sail for Lexington under blue skies and a beautiful breeze on my back.  I had just lifted a great weight off my back.  Given enough time, decent weather conditions and personal resilience, my quixotic endeavour is now truly doable.  I felt a sense of relief.

I was in good spirits when I reached Lexington and set Port Sanilac as my new waypoint.  The sunset was beautiful and though I was tiring I was took advantage of both the weather conditions and my spirits setting Harbor Beach as my next waypoint.  I found myself using these waypoints as place setters as I prepared to sail through the night.  As the sun disappeared to the west, the wind began to die down as well.  Soon the water was like glass.  I kept my sails up and took in the peaceful conditions while star gazing. 

I kept munching, checking my heading, the skies and weather and my surroundings in general between snoozes.  At 3 am I saw what I suspected was heat lightning just to the south and west of my position.  I re-checked my NOAA app and found no weather indicated. About 4 am I watched in awe an amazing moon rise from the east.  I took a picture and will post it along with my other pictures at some point.

The winds were coming back and at 6 am I decided to extend my non-stop trip another 45 miles and headed for East Tawas.  Sailing is a lot easier when the weather conditions are moderate. 

It was 6 pm when I docked at the East Tawas State Harbor having just completed a 33 hour 133 ‘nautical’ mile non-stop journey.  I feel good. 

Friday, June 28th:  Though I had planned to set off to Harrisville this morning, the weather wasn’t cooperating with thunderstorms all day.  So I walked to a coffee shop in Tawas and updated my blog.  And tonight I will read a good book.

Take care everyone.

 

Entry #66: N42.28.178, W82.52.845

Tuesday, June 25th:  The fuel dock opened at 8 am.  I filled her up AND my spare fuel canister.  Winds were coming from the west again 10 to 15 knots.  Again, I power sailed to make as much time as possible.  It was peaceful going up the St. Clair River with the exception of the freighters.  I needed to be wary of pinch points along the river and to anticipate were I needed to be when the freighter would pass me.  At least ten freighters passed me going towards Lake Huron before I reached St. Claire .  It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed viewing the homes and cottages.  I received several waves and hellos as I went by.  At one point I saw a bald eagle capture a fish with its talons and fly away! 

Even though I was power sailing the current was holding me down to 3 – 3 1/2 mph.  I kept testing sides of the river where the current might be less but was generally unsuccessful.  The one exception, when the river opened up I found the current strength lowered a bit.

It was late afternoon and given my slow speed,  it became clear that I was not going to make Port Huron or the blue water bridge for that matter.  I began to look for potential anchorages or marinas.  A friend of mine (Gary) texted me to be cautious of sunken pylons should I decided to anchor.  He then wisely suggested St. Claire Harbor Boat Marina.  I went under the opened bridge and entered the cute marina around 6:30 pm.  I showered, warmed up a meal and prepared for the next days’ crossing under the Blue Water Bridge before retiring.  Making progress.

 

Entry #65:

Monday, June 24th:  It was 8:30 am and I finally got the bimini and dodger re-installed. When I got to NTL last night I noticed that my work order for an oil & filter change on my Yanmar single cylinder diesel was not completed.  I don’t know what I would have done without her during those Erie storms.  She needed an oil change and I will be depending on her going through the Blue Water Bridge.  The service department opened at 8 am.  I decided to talk to them. 

My oil change was completed at 11:30 am.  In the interim, I took the time to replace my bow light bulbs with the new ones.  As suspected, the new ones were too large.  I removed the burned out port bulb and walked the mile to the marine supply store.  I was on a roll.  I presented my case.  Well not only did I get a full $50 refund (at $24.99 apiece), the correct bulbs were in stock for only $1.99 a piece!  I returned to NTL and installed the new bulbs.  I left the slip late but happy, happy.  My contentment was short lived.

The winds were coming from the west at about 10 knots and building – good I have a long way to go.  I needed to make up so I kept my engine running.   About an hour out the engine began to cut-out.  I revved the throttle to no avail.  She felt like she was running out of fuel.  I put her in neutral ran out of the cockpit with the fuel key in hand.  I quickly poured more fuel from my spare diesel container.  The engine cut nevertheless and after an hour of unsuccessfully trying to re-start her, I finally gave up and called in for a tow.  Sitting drifting helplessly about four miles out, for the first time I questioned my quixotic quest – but only for a moment.  Too coincidental.  I was not out of fuel, she ran beautifully without a hint of issues.  Something had happened in the oil change.  I called JBM service and updated them – politely. 

A little over an hour later, JBM was waiting for me when I reached my slip.   It was late afternoon before my engine was running again.  Too late to depart.  I met a friend and then my son and daughter-in-law at the Watermark, watch Michigan play Vanderbilt in the CWS.  I went back to NTL and turned in anxious for the morning to arrive.

 

Entry # 64: Due to my difficulty in accessing wifi while on the water, I am publishing this entry prior to embarking in an effort to provide the latest information and, with the intent to edit/add at a later date.

Wednesday, June 19th thru Sunday, June 23rd: As previously mentioned I am three weeks behind schedule and need to keep this layover as short as possible. I set Monday, June 24th as my date for departure for Port Huron. I have critical – home and journey related – tasks that need to be undertaken and completed if I am to achieve my objective.

Too many times over the course of this trip, I found myself stressed, regretting that I had overlooked something because of being in a hurry or taking a shortcut. During this layover, I kept reminding myself of this and took the approach of prioritizing and ‘enjoying’ working on my task list. All the tasks on my list I would categorize as non-frivolous and do need to be addressed. However, with the contingencies I have in place, all ‘journey’ related tasks can (and if necessary will) be addressed during the course of my journey with the following exceptions – back-up auto-pilot modifications, SPOTX tracking connection and bimini/dodger repair.

As you may recall, during my Lake Erie adventure, I found my auto-pilot unable to handle the large seas. When I attempted to secure the new back-up auto-pilot it was too large to fit in place. On Friday, I went to my friend Bryan who owns a small machine shop (Infra) in Waterford. I had removed the auto-pilot adjustment bar from the cockpit of NTL and Bryan machined two additional adjustment locations – one to the auto-pilot arm and a second to the bar. On Saturday, I re-installed the modified adjustment bar to NTL and found I was able to fit into place the new auto-pilot. Task completed.

The SPOTX satellite device is designed to track and locate you should a rescue be required. This device is mandated for the 2019 Trans-Superior International Singlehanded Yacht Race. My device is registered and I confirmed that I was being tracked by the SPOTX organization. I now need to take steps to allow for the race officials and others to be able to track me. I hope to complete my SPOTX satellite device tracking connection today (Sunday).

During the first week of storms and high seas on Lake Erie, I sustained damages to the canvases of both my bimini and dodger during a severe broach. In addition, my bimini frame was bent in several places and I was unable to retrieve while under water a portion of the frame. Wednesday, I undressed NTL and dropped off both the dodger and bimini for an expedited repair. Should we run out of time to complete all the repairs during my layover, though it may be undesirable there is always tape and shock cord for the balance of the journey!

I picked up NTL’s starboard and port bow bulbs and they look way too big – dam. Unfortunately due to the high waters I am unable to access NTLs’ current bulbs. I’m still not certain that it is a bulb and not a wiring issue. So I went ahead and purchased a second portable starboard & port bow light. I plan to confirm the new bulbs are correct when I have access at some point during my journey.

It appears I will not get to address my broken mainsail halyard attachment mechanism located on top of the masthead. I remain without a solution and am uncomfortable with this situation.

Finally, I am keeping my fingers crossed that JBM is able to complete my work order and change the oil and oil filter on NTL’s Yanmar diesel.

As can be expected, spending time with family and friends have been incorporated into my daily set of activities. I’ve lost 9 pounds during my journey and despite my protests Mary is doing her best I gain it back!

I have made a food supply list and Mary and I went grocery shopping Thursday morning. We plan to make a second trip this Sunday morning.

Sunday morning I built a platform for my water, we then picked up last minute groceries and stopped by out daughters’ to see the grand kids and say goodbye.   On the way to Never Too Late (NTL) I picked up my bimini and dodger canvasses (Thanks Judi), arrived at JBM and began loading NTL.  At six we met with another couple for dinner at the Watermark.  I didn’t get to the boat until late in the evening and only had the time to complete organizing the cabin before I retired.  I planned on re-installing the bimini and dodger first thing in the morning before I embarked for Port Huron.

Entry #63: As promised, I’ve begun to retro-fit my entrees with pictures!

Tuesday, June 18th: It’s a big day. My supplies low and both my aching body and Never Too Late in need of tender loving care, a layover at JBM is overdue. I am looking forward to completing this 28 mile leg.

I had startled a blue heron when I lifted anchor at 6 am. The sunrise was beautiful as I motor sailed past a fisherman. The peaceful conditions were hindered with my concern on NTL’s ability to power through the Detroit River current and projected head winds. When I had retired last evening, the winds were forecast coming from the west at 4 to 7 knots. But this morning I found the forecast had changed and now the winds would be coming from the north east. NTL will need to overcome both the current and the projected head winds. With sails limp and at 2,500 rpms, NTL’s 9 horsepower, single cylinder Yanmar diesel was us speeding towards the city of Wyandotte at 2 mph!

As I was taking in the peaceful morning I happened to glance astern and noticed a freighter about two miles away coming up the channel. The channel was fairly narrow immediately in front of me so I checked water depths on my chart plotter for opportunities to move over for the approaching freighter. I saw that there was a widening of the channel to the starboard about a 1/4 of a mile ahead. I noted a red buoy located there. My chart plotter indicated depths of only 2 to 3 feet on both sides outside of the channel all the way to the buoy. As I proceeded to ease to the starboard edge of the channel as I looked back the approaching freighter was now about 1 ½ behind and closing. It was going to be close.

I just reached the buoy when Mississagi passed.

My slow speed actually turned out to be a good thing. About thirty minutes later, I was suddenly startled by a shouting fisherman frantically waving his arms. I had dosed off under auto-pilot. However, given my “high” rate of speed I had time to disengage the auto-pilot and easily avoided him by more than 10 feet. He didn’t wave back as I continued past him. I don’t know why? There were now fishermen everywhere and I took over the helm as I was unable to utilize my autopilot. Sorry, I didn’t have time to take a picture.

Both these incidents told me two things. Sailing distances is not a walk in the park. One needs to be always alert, always anticipate and always be aware of potential contingencies. These two incidents also suggests that I may be a little tired.

As I weaved around the numerous fishermen and passed by the ‘Gordie Howe’ International Bridge being constructed, we approached the Ambassador Bridge around noon. Under a gentle breeze, I found our speed had increased to nearly 3 ½ mph. Conditions remained mild as I passed the Detroit and Windsor skylines. It was warm and for the first time I was able to remove my semi-dry suit and take in the warm sun.

We finally entered Lake Saint Clair. As the breeze picked up a bit under the blue clear skies, I asked myself, “Why couldn’t the weather have been like this on Lake Erie?”

I made better than anticipated time and docked at JBM just after 3 pm! YEAH!

Upon Reflection: The circumnavigation of Lakes Erie and Ontario has been quite the challenge to say the least. In my blog Entry #36 I projected my Lakes Erie and Ontario circumnavigation chronology and timetable. I also cautioned that this was my plan, dependent on many factors outside of my control and knowledge. Indeed, it has taken me double my projected return to JBM. I will need to minimize the length of my layover and take advantage of every opportunity to recover time if I am going to achieve my single season five Great Lake objective.

43 Days & 1,250 Miles, Lakes Erie & Ontario Completed, (3) Lakes T0 Go!

Entry # 62:  Beginning to input pictures!

Monday, June 17:  If you have never been to Kelleys Island think about the TV series ‘Murder She Wrote’ and the atmosphere of a typical sea coast New England village.  Friendly, relaxing, quaint in a good way with down to earth folks.  Hourly ferries bring cars and passengers to and from the mainland.  Very nice and I would not hesitate spending a relaxing visit or even summer in the future.

I left the sleepy nearly empty marina around 8 am.  The cool winds were coming from the north east at 8 knots.   I set course for the mouth of the Detroit River.  I was relaxed and enjoying the warming sun and beautiful views of islands and motor cruisers.  By late morning the winds had picked up to 15 knots with 2 to 3 foot seas – AS FORECASTED WOW!

My autopilot seemed to enjoy the conditions as well as the incessant whistling had ceased.  With sails set and course laden, it was time to make arrangements for repairs and maintenance on NTL.  I needed to repair my damaged dodger & bimini canvases as well as the bimini frame.  I incurred damages and lost part of the frame during the storms in the first week.  As a temporary measure, I had secured the remaining portion of my bimini frame unto the cockpit with tape.  And, I had shock corded the bimini canvas.  It didn’t look pretty but it was functional.  I called a good friend who new someone who had a heavy duty sewing machine.  I was able to schedule repairs during my layover in JBM.  Heaven sent!  I contacted another friend who owns a machine shop in regard to making necessary modifications to my (new) back-up auto-pilot.  My starboard and port bow light bulbs had apparently burnt out and I was using my back-up the past several weeks.  Every marina I had stayed at did not have it or could not get it in time.  So I began making calls.  It took me nearly a dozen phone calls to locate and order replacements.  $24.99 EACH!  For A Bloody Light Bulb!  Highway robbery!   They are scheduled to be at a marina supply store near JBM when I arrive.  And finally, you may recall the incident were I had my mainsail halyard failure.  What I was able to do was use my boom halyard for raising and securing my mainsail.  I need to figure out a way to get up to the top of my mast evaluate what repairs needs to be made and complete the repair before leaving JBM.  It remains a TBD.

Back to my sailing.  I had made good time and was approaching the mouth of the Detroit River in the late afternoon.   The winds were dying down, the water was like glass and my sails were flapping.  I chuckled thinking that a month ago I was nearly in the exact spot in 37 knots winds and 8 – 9 foot seas coming from the east and northeast!

As I was motoring up one of the three channels, I received a call from a golfing friend who lives on Horse Island.  He generously offered me a slip at his place for the night.  Unfortunately I had passed his place over an hour ago and graciously declined.  Tired, I anchored in a little cove about half an hour later and fell asleep.  I made 45 miles today.  It was a good day.

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Portside Marina on Kelleys Island.

Entry # 61:  N41.35.596, W82.42.753

Sunday, June 16th:  After 41 days I was anxious to complete circumnavigating the second Great Lake and get home for needed repairs to the boat, rest my body, enjoy home cookings and seeing my family and grandchildren – not necessarily in chronological order.  If I could make Kelleys Island today I should be docked on Lake St. Clair on day 43.

I was up before 5 am getting ready for an early start.  Kelleys Island is part of the island chains north of Sandusky, Ohio which includes Put-In-Bay and Pelee Island.  I targeted Kellie Island because it was the most direct route home.  If the weather was promising, I would take the rhumb line (52 miles) to the island.  If high winds or storms were forecast, I planned to follow the coastline to Sandusky and then cross north to the island.  The second route added an additional 10 nautical miles and thus another day to the trip.  From Kelleys’ Island it would only be 75 miles (or 2 easy days) to Jefferson Beach Marina on Lake Saint Clair.

The evening before the forecast called for north eastern winds 5 to 17 knots, 2-4 foot seas with chance of showers.  No storms or lightening in the forecast forecast.  I decided to take the rhumb line.  Another learning experience.  I left dock at 6 pm in thick fog and a cool breeze.  I checked my Marine App to check on location and direction of ships in the area.  Satisfied I proceeded to set sail and power towards my waypoint in the dense fog.

Around 10 am the fog was beginning to lift and behind it the wind was filling in initially from the west.  By 10:30 am the fog had lifted and the wind had changed direction now coming from the northeast – as originally forecast.  While the winds were at 8 knots the seas were 3 to 4 feet – unusually high for the strength of the wind.  I didn’t think much about it at the time.

By noon I had made the halfway mark, however the winds and seas had continued to build and were now gusting at 22 knots with 6-7 foot seas coming at 45 degrees starboard stern.  I reefed my main and set my jib at 50% while taking the tiller from my complaining auto-pilot.  I wondered why were the seas so large?  Then it came to me.  When I studied the wind patterns and their strength the previous evening, I remember seeing that the west and central part of Lake Erie were projected to have up to 30 knot winds and 7 to 8 foot seas.  I was on the west side of Lake Erie and saw a much more moderate forecast.  And of course, I had based my decision to take the rhumb line on the moderate weather forecast not thinking that the waves and winds on the east would hit the western part of the lake as well!  Another lesson learned.  Boy I felt like a dummy.

I was making great time (6 to 7+ mph) and arrived and docked at Portside Marina on Kelleys Island at 5 pm.  After checking in the 3/4 empty marina, I took a shower and had a nice warm meal.  As I fell asleep all I could think about is 45 more miles to the mouth of the Detroit River.  Yes.

 

 

Entry #60:  If it weren’t for not having power I might still be in Mentor!

Saturday, June 15th:  I left my dock at 8 am under overcast skies, winds blowing out of the SW at 17 knots and seas 4-5′ building to 6′.  The rains came mid-morning with storms forecast (again!) for the evening.   The extra day laying over refreshed me and I despite the conditions I was feeling both chipper and determined.

Nearing 40 days since I left Jefferson Beach Marina and until today I saw a total of 2 sailboats on Lake Erie and 5 sailboats on Lake Ontario.  Today however as I headed west, I passed three sailboat races and at least three dozen sailboats.  The warmer weather and more moderate conditions are being welcomed.

My auto-pilot has been complaining over the last few days during the inclement weather and when powered, gives out a loud whining whistle.  I finally turned it off and took the tiller for most of the day.  Otherwise the day was uneventful.

Tired and nearing Cleveland, I hailed a number of marinas but all were full!  Finally, Eastwater Municipal Marina granted me docking at their entrance.  I secured NTL, took a shower and were my usual routine, had dinner (a can of salmon), studied the charts and went to sleep.  I made 28 miles today and over 1,100 miles for the trip to date.

Entry 59:  N41.43.494, W81.20.451 _ Did you know that Mentor, Ohio is the birthplace of the 20th President.  President James Garfield was elected in 1881!

Thursday, June 13th & Friday, June 14th:  It was 7:30 am before I left dock for Loraine, Ohio – a late start.  I was again debating whether or not to leave the comfort and hospitality of Lake Geneva Marina given the forecast of 23+ knot winds, rain and thunderstorms.  The evening forecast was even less desirable with growing winds coming from the west.  Radar and satellite indicated a line of heavy thunderstorms were to the southwest and several scattered thunderstorms were west and north of my projected route!

If I could maneuver and avoid the scattered thunderstorms while hugging the coastline, Loraine 44 nautical miles away should be reachable.  If I fell short and needed safe harbour, then East Lake, Fairport Harbor, then Mentor Lagoon then Cleveland where along the way.  Plenty of options.  After contemplating the options, I finally decided to head out.  I prepared for a tough day not anticipating just how tough the day was going to be.  And, here we go again….

It was overcast, raining off and on as I headed west.  The winds were at 5 knots and slowly building.  The seas 1 to 2 foot.  In Geneva On Lake Marina, NTL was docked in front of a 50′ cruiser from Stuart, Florida.  While extending courtesies with her owners, a retired couple, I looked up at the bow of their cruiser and glanced down at the stern of NTL – about a 7′ height difference.  They departed just before me also heading west but for planning to stop over in Cleveland.  As I followed behind them, I could see the cruiser slowly extend her distance until disappearing on the horizon in advance of the storms clouds.  Hmph, a sense of loneliness – come back, come back!

The winds and seas continued to pick-up reaching over 20 knots and 6-7′ waves.  I was busy making certain everything was secured as I kept an eye on NOAA and numerous weather stations.  Lightening hits were to the southwest of me but west and northwest there were isolated clouds with rain showers only.

As I continued to progress at 3 mph, a thin black cloud line suddenly formed to the southwest of me.  I was about a mile off the coastline in 25 to 30 feet of water.  The conditions were worsening and I decided to seek safe harbour in Fairpoint.  However the line of back clouds were now over Fairpoint and with lightening strikes indicated on my weather stations, I decided to continue heading west to avoid the bypassing weather.  Within what seemed to be minutes the dark clouds were over me.  I had a sickening feeling.  I already had my sails down, checked my auto-pilot and went below securing the hatches behind me.  I then moved as far way from metal as I could in my little cabin.  wrapped myself around my sleeping bag and closed my eyes so I wouldn’t be blinded in a lightening strike.  As I sat in a corner my back aching, black and blue, broken fingernails, hands raw from rope burns and tired eyes I thought about my family.  After a few minutes and feeling more optimistic I began thinking about my close call experiences over the years and how I had really enjoyed catamaran and DN Iceboat racing.  As quickly as the storm came it passed by.  I really need to be better at reading and anticipating the weather.  Upward and onward.

Seas and winds continued to be a challenge as conditions worsened.  I was physically drained.  I’m not going to make Cleveland never mind Loraine today.  Mentor Lagoon was 6 miles away.  I called into the marina and explained my situation. The municipal marina manager (Scott Robbins) indicated that their docks were under water regardless they would find a place for me.  He then gave me instructions.  That re-assurance gave me the energy I needed.

I cannot understate my appreciation for the over and beyond hospitality extended to me during this trip.  Scott is just another example.  Not only was I able to secure docking, he came over gave me his home number to call should I need anything, directed a pizza place to deliver me a pizza that evening, brought me a McDonalds breakfast and newspaper the next morning!  And as he handed me my breakfast said with a genuine smile, “The forecast calls for higher winds and 10′ waves, looks like your spending another day.  You have my number.”  I was speechless.

I spent the day scrubbing my deck, tightening my side stays and studying the map.

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Entry #58:  The good news is that I am updating my blog at a marina with wifi.  The bad news is that I am updating my blog instead of sailing due to high winds forecast for tonight.

Tuesday, June 11th:  The forecast was for cooling temperatures, winds out of the NW in the 20’s (knots).  After yesterday, I was not looking forward to another grinding sail (my lower back and right hip issues), so I decided to rest another day.  It was good walking the four miles to and from Starbucks.  As I was walking a police officer on a bike rode by and said a friendly hello.  That struck me positively.  I have say, both the harbor setting and downtown of Erie are very impressive.  After updating my blog, I walked back to my slip taking in the beautiful harbor and spent the rest of the day doing wash and thinking about tomorrows’ sail.  After analyzing several apps on the long term weather forecasts for the western part of Lake Erie I was having difficulty deciding what course to pursue.  Do I take the longer route and follow the coastline or do I take more of a rhumline.  All the forecasts called for 30 to 40 knot winds coming from the west later in the week.  But as I’ve experienced the inaccurate forecasts due in part to the instability of the weather gave me an uneasy feeling.  And NTL does not have the speed to run away should in complement weather show up.  On the other hand, I’m running close to ten days behind my projected schedule and both budget and supplies are running low.

I was approximately 140 to 150 miles from the mouth of the Detroit River as the crow flies.  Ten days behind schedule and running low on supplies and budget, I needed to make-up sailing distance and was hoping to do an overnight.   Tomorrow’s forecast during the day called for 10 to 14 knot winds from the south during the day.  Ideal for NTL.  However, in the late evening and through the night, storms were being forecast with winds over 25 knots coming from the southwest.  An overnight strategy was not advisable.

Geneva On The Lake Marina in Ohio was 58 nautical miles.  Given the favourable forecast, if I leave early,  I should be able to reach the marina before the heavy winds and storms arrive.  With the extra days rest I felt good and decided to go for it in the morning.  Throughout the night I re-confirmed the favorable forecast.

Wednesday, June 12th:  It was a beautiful morning, I made coffee and hot oatmeal and left early.  The morning winds were light coming from the south east building to 10 to 14 knots as forecast.  I took in the beautiful sailing conditions.  Winds together with 2-3 foot seas seemed ideal for NTL.  Late in the morning I began to notice the winds slowly clocking to the southwest – earlier than forecast – and, the winds would periodically die down only to pick up.  It was a bit frustrating as changes would require constant sail adjustments.  Tiring but I was making progress.  It was at this time that I noticed my CBP patrol vessel a couple hundred yards to my starboard heading west at a high rate of speed.  I waved as they went by.  There were no other boats visible.

In the early afternoon the winds began to build until I found in necessary to furl my jib 50% and reef my main sail.  The forecast for winds to blow 25 to 30 knots in the late evening had come early!   Why was I not surprised as the weather has been both unstable and unpredictable through-out my trip.

Bursts of winds caused NTL to heal over 20 degrees and the 6’+ waves from the west resulted in me being tossed forward then back in the cockpit.  Fortunately I had learned to secure the cabin during this trip.  However, after 4 hours of this pounding, my right hip began protesting and I wished I had my Michigan helmet and pads on.   Throughout this trip, I never doubted NTL’s ability to handle these conditions.  NTL would heal (at times 20 degrees) with each wind burst and take on the oncoming seas tracking steadily on the course ordered.

I made better than average time and reached Geneva on the Lake Marina around 6:30 pm.  I felt a sense of accomplishment as I finally made my planned waypoint.   AND the marina had a functional WIFI!

Tonight I feasted on a can of tuna, updated my blog and prepared for tomorrow….

Take care everyone.