Log 14 - Back Home In Arcadia
Other than the first day of the trip we have been able to travel without beating into huge seas. We have grabbed weather windows and used them to our advantage. We were able to visit several new destinations and meet old and new friends.
The last several days have given us Northeast winds. We have been able to sail or a least motorsail all the way from Cheboygan to the Straits, to Beaver Island, Charlevoix, Boyne City, S. Manitou, and now Arcadia. All this favorable weather is getting us home several days ahead of schedule!
Last night at S. Manitou was quite an adventure. Winds were forecasted to be NE at 10-20, backing N and diminishing to 10. The anchorage was very comfortable when we arrived. We had a great steak dinner and went to bed.
Unfortunately, the winds increased and veered to the East! A fun wind direction for S. Manitou! Our comfortable anchorage turned into a roller coaster ride as 3-foot rollers came into the harbour. Unlike others our anchor held (as it should have with 10 to 1 scope).
Needless to say we got very little sleep. By 6:15 AM we had raised the anchor and were heading south. Moral of the story: DON'T BELIEVE THE NOAA FORECASTS!
3 hours later:
Mariah was kind to us. After a slow motorsail to Pt. Betsy the wind shifted to the East and we had a beam reach all the way to Arcadia. A great way to end a GREAT trip!
We will probably clean up the boat today and then head home for a day or two. This weekend we are planning on sailing down to Pentwater.
R&R
OK! You guessed it I'm bored! So here are my random thoughts:
- When you have no destination it's hard to decide when to raise the "Sperm Flag." (if you aren't familiar with the flag let me know, it's a long story)
- For once we have been going in the right direction!
- We have fallen in Love with our new auto pilot (Simrad WP30). Otto works on any point of sail and talks to and understands the GPS. TOO KEWL!
- Following another boat because you don't have charts doesn't work.
- The red markers aren't just for freighters.
- No matter what they cost..... charts are worth every penny.
- When Robins Nest goes aground it doesn't always spent the night!
- Throwing the anchor over the side doesn't usually work.
- You can't have too much scope when anchoring.
- As Capt. Ron says "if you get lost you can stop and ask for directions."
- If the word "East" is in the wind direction don't try South Manitou.
- We do miss the North Channel!
- We still hate the long trip home!
- The best investment we made was Robins electronic seasick bands (Thanks P&J)
- When you have a leaking rudder shaft, a bath towel will keep you from sinking (well so far, but we're not back yet).
- Pocketmail is a must!
- I've had fun sending these updates and hope they weren't too boring for you!
Russ