Monday, July 10, 2023 Covered Portage

When I woke this morning the first thing I heard was the very annoying sound of mosquito wings buzzing.  I quickly realized that the little buggers were outside and buzzing around the porthole screen. Since I love to watch them do that, I just laid back, smiled and watched. But I will say they do work those screens. If there was a entrance way for them, they would find it. 

Annie's generator has been working great. My routine is to run it in the morning and in the evening. I flip on the ice maker when running it, and make a couple of batches of cubes. Being able to make ice is really beneficial for us. We use to start an anchoring period with 2 of our 4 freezer shelves filled with bags of ice. Now, we can have less than 1 filled with ice, which gives us a lot more room for frozen food. 

We set off fishing at 8;15. We forgot the net so we had to go back and retrieve it. As it turned out, we would not have had to have done that. Some unscrupulous fisher persons had cleaned the anchorage of fish, and there were none left for us. While Peter and I were not happy, we were sure the mates were glad they did not have to deal with fish on board. 

Our most excitement today, not counting the ride back for our fishnet, was Peter trying to get a knot out of his line. That and being harassed By Big Jim about the average price of the one fish we have caught so far - $206 Canadian.

Environment Canada issued a high wind warning for tomorrow. That changed our plans. Since it appears travel would not be good tomorrow, it meant travel today or stay in place today and tomorrow. We elected to travel, while the Orro's elected to stay.

We pulled anchor for the 12.3 mile trip to Heywood Island at 11;30, and were anchored by 1:15 PM. We averaged a leisurely 7.1 knots down the Lansdowne Channel. It was a very pleasant and scenic ride. So far we have traveled 359 miles. On the trip over our batteries charged to 88% which is the highest they have been since we started anchoring.

When we arrived, I had hoped to sneak into this little cove but a sailor had beat me to it. This is a nice anchorage, It's open to north winds but none are forecast. It's pretty, but not spectacular like Covered Portage. Kerry said it reminds her of East Harbor, near Sandusky. That's not a knock on this anchorage, but a compliment for East Harbor. While there were 4 boats here when we arrived, 5 of us pulled in at the same time. Plenty of room for everyone. 

I grilled hot dogs for lunch and grilled precooked ribs for dinner. We read and relaxed in the afternoon. The weather was just beautiful, sunny, warm and breezy. Tomorrow is forecast to have light morning rain, with sun popping out in the afternoon. Winds are expected to be 15-25 from the west. We'll be safe here.

I did hear from John Robertson. He replaced all 4 props, but still has a bent shaft that will have to be dealt with in the States. But he said an even bigger problem occurred - his head broke and no parts are available. Now that can stop a cruise quicker than a rock! And sadly it did. John said he was returning home tomorrow. The "poop and props have worn them down." Kerry and I are very disappointed for them, and for us. We were really looking forward to meeting up with them and hopefully cruising together a little. We are only about 8 miles apart now. John sent a picture of his abused starboard props. Do I see an annual trophy there for some deserving VYC member? 

John was not sure what Rick and Nancy Simpson will do. They are traveling together.