Day 53, Wednesday August 14th

Day 53, Wednesday August 14

Okay today we have to at least pull out of the slip.  We wake up to more wind warnings.  We are not a “small craft”, however it is always nicer to be out in less than 20 knots of wind.  There are not many anchorages to the west of Midland especially with good North and west protection.  We decide to head out and see how the wind and waves are and how they will treat us.

A discussion ensues about plan a. b, and c to get out of our slip given the wind strength and direction.  Plan A is to back up 50 feet and then turn and go out forward.  Plan b is back up all the way out including the jig to the north.  The problem in turning is if the wind grabs the bow it is very difficult to turn the 20,000 pounds with only 1 prop about ¾ of the way to the back of the boat.  Plan C is to pull back into the slip if plan a and b are failing.  There are 2 persons to help throw us the lines, so Dawson is sure to be on board when we are pulling out.  Julie starts backing up and everything is going fine, so she shifts directly to plan b as reverse steerage is reasonable and the zig to the north seems plausible.  We do pass very close to the fuel docks but at a very slow speed so can change course if needed.  Yeah success!  We looked like pros coming out of that tiny, tight marina.  The way north is sheltered by the land to the west but once we round the point the winds and waves pick up some steam.  We are still sheltered by Giant Tomb island.  Once we clear Giants Tomb we get the full brunt of Georgian Bay.  The waves are visiting from Killarney.  Our estimation is 2 meter waves and they are on the nose so we make very little headway. 

We decide to head to Beckwith island, which is only about 13 nautical miles from Midland.  It does take us about 4 or 5 hours though even with the motor on.  Even this anchorage is rolling, but we know our anchor will hold and we can get some rest.  We stay on the boat for the evening playing King’s cribbage.  Our wind generator is spinning like crazy.  We can operate as much electronics as we want including the vacumn cleaner.  We do want to compliment our power source with solar, however this anchorage only a wind generator would suffice.

Sorry another day with no pictures.

Cheers Julie and Dawson