yes dear …

August 30, 2018   Sheboygan, WI to Port Washington, WI  31.8 nautical miles

43°23’20.8″N 87°51’52.0″W
43.389096, -87.864435
Elevation: 580 feet

Imagine that!  A clear horizon 360 degrees view enroute to Port Washington, WI. The breakwater on the south side the harbor entrance had about a dozen fishermen on it as we departed this morning.  There were also about a dozen fishing boats immediately outside the entrance and in the channel. Approximately half of them were charter fisherman and half private. Probably fishing for walleye.

We had to slowly maneuver our way out to deeper water as the Sheboygan River swollen from all the rains washed a lot of garp, branches and trees into Lake Michigan.  We finally got clear of the garp about .75 miles out. Tom compared it to the Sargasso Sea.

All the fishermen Dale talked to yesterday said no one is catching any salmon. Dale still tried. (no luck)
¸. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·…¸><((((º>¸..·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·…¸><((((º>

¸. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·…¸><((((º>¸.
.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·…¸><((((º>

Port Washington

The closest bar in Port Washington was 30 feet from the end of our dock. We walked past it. (to another) Shake of the day!

August 29, 2018, Wednesday   Sheboygan, WI     0 nautical miles  12 statute miles estimated

43°45’07.5″N 87°42’05.6″W
43.752079, -87.701566
Elevation: 580 Feet

2 for 1 Looper Special.  Buy one night get one night free.  How could we pass that up? 8:00 am – Star Spangled Banner was played over the harbor by the Coast Guard and the flag was raised.  Off on the bikes for another adventure!  Mary was still having problems with her bike so she got it tuned up at Johnnie’s Bike Shop. Really eclectic little shop run by Patti, the daughter of the original owner.  Definitely a 5 star bike shop. (sorry, forgot to take pictures)

Mary has Boat Envy

Grand Sturdy 430 – Rope rub rail in a channel, tightened in by a stainless steel turnbuckle.

Art Cafe Food Truck

Kohler Art Center https://www.jmkac.org/

Game of  Thones

Potty Pictures

BTW – Dale took the mens pictures and Mary took the womens.

Days End

August 28, 2018   Manitowoc, WI to Sheboygan, WI   23.7 nautical miles and a lot of big waves

43°45’07.5″N 87°42’05.6″W
43.752079, -87.701566
Elevation: 580 Feet

We could actually see the Manitowoc Lighthouse for minutes leaving the harbor!  It didn’t last for long though. Fortunately the heavy fogged stayed with in a couple miles of shore so we traveled outside the fog bank. Just to keep us on our toes, water was a little rough.  The day ended as the past two has with a kickass storm and tornado sirens.  The fog horn is blowing in the background.

Leaving Manitowoc Harbor

Heading South

Waves were 1 to 4 feet with a few 5+ footers mixed in. It isn’t the size of the that really determines the splash, it’s more the space between them. If the distance is great enough the boat just kinda slips through them. A few of them the splash washed over the deck.

Welcome to Sheboygan, WI

August 27, 2018   Manitowoc, WI      0 nautical miles    25 statute miles

44°05’51.7″N 87°38’53.6″W
44.097698, -87.648234
Elevation: 580 Feet

As expect last night was quite a storm.  Winds gusts in the marina were measured at 59 mph. It was extremely foggy again today so we opted for another day in the marina. Another big storm is expected tonight.

We biked up the Ice Age National Scenic Trail through Two Rivers, through Point Beach State Forest to Rawley Point Lighthouse. All of us agreed that the bike ride through Point Beach State Forest was the best bike path we had ever been on; deciduous forest, coniferous forest, natural dunes and lake shore.   (Make sure you don’t skip the picture at the bottom of this entry.)

Manitowoc, WI to Two Rivers, WI

Two Rivers, WI Harbor

Two Rivers Harbor north pier

We met this older gentleman by the shore pondering whether he was going to go out to the end of the pier today. He said he did it most every day weather permitting. He decided to go because we were going out. It was a bit of a wet ride. An occasional wave broke over the rocks.

Two Rivers, WI to Rawley Point Lighthouse

We got to Two River about 1:00 PM so on a fluke we decide to trek out to Rawley Point Lighthouse.  Riding on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail through Point Beach State Forest was definitely one of the highlights of our Loop so far.

Waiting out the Weather

A thunderstorm rolled through on our way home.

August 26, 2018, Sturgeon Bay, WI to Manitowoc, WI      55.9 nautical miles

44°05’51.7″N 87°38’53.6″W
44.097698, -87.648234
Elevation: 574 Feet

We left Sturgeon Bay about first light with light, early morning fog that was supposed to burn off by 9:00 AM. The fog never lifted.

Occasionally we ran into groups of 5-12 fishermen. The radar really helped out locating and working through the groups.

Good Bye Sturgeon Bay

This was the only color we saw all day.

On the Water

Manitowoc, WI

Bike out to the Lighthouse

Marina

Our bike ride was cut short.  A woman stopped us on the street and told us to seek shelter. A storm was coming. It came. Flash and Crash!

From the Poet Laureate

August 25, 2018, Saturday  Sturgeon Bay, WI  0 nautical miles   Statute miles 0 (slug-gos)

44°49’26.6″N 87°22’20.2″W
44.824044, -87.372277
Elevation: 580 Feet

Still at Skipper Bob’s Quarterdeck. Waves are Lake Michigan are predicted to be at 2-5 feet.  We’ve seen a 3 foot and not looking forward to a 5 foot.

Aftermath of the Free Marina Sponsored Supper.
Skipper Bob’s sponsored a free supper for the marina. Smoked pork and gourmet hot dogs, corn on the cob and everything else including beer and wine.  HA!  A slip here runs about $70.  I think the 3 of us more broke even here with free supper and beverages.

Post Picnic

August 24, 2018, Friday  Sturgeon Bay, WI  0 nautical miles   Statute miles 12.8

44°49’26.6″N 87°22’20.2″W
44.824044, -87.372277
Elevation: 580 Feet

Back at Skipper Bob’s Quarterdeck

While sitting in the marina club room watching the news, another patron ambled by and under the his breath commented “Wow! It’s nice to see someone watching CNN news. It’s not seen around here very often.”  in Trump and Governor Scott Walker Country

Decision Delimiters

The rain isn’t so much of a problem, but the wind is!

Quick Bike Ride to Potawatomi State Park before the Rain   12.8 statute miles

Potawatomi State Park is at the eastern end of the Ice Age Trail. The western end of the Ice Age Trail is in Taylors Falls, MN https://www.iceagetrail.org/

Mary managed to fall over on her bike while standing. She decapitated a finger nail and has road rash up the arm.

From the Poet Laureate (Tom)

August 22, 2018 Sturgeon Bay, WI to Baileys Harbor, WI        28.3 nautical miles

45°03’57.7″N 87°06’07.1″W
45.066038, -87.101967
Elevation: 580 Feet

Dale wanted to fish salmon. Slow cruise up to Baileys Harbor, WI following about 100 feet of water at 2.3 nts. Local guides said salmon weren’t active. They haven’t see a salmon all summer. We tried anyways.

Leaving Sturgeon Bay East Canal

Some fishermen are invasive species!

It’s a BIG lake but for whatever reason the charter boat below crossed about 30 feet in front of us then stopped forcing us to alter course/water depth.  We followed it for a while then pulled lines and moved about a mile ahead to fish.

It was quite a challenge to follow the 100 feet water line at 2.3 nts with the wind and waves.  The boat is also not designed to move that slow. We had to keep putting it in and pulling it out of gear.

Black flies out over the water were horrible! Where did they come from?

Baileys Harbor

It’s amazing how many jet skis and paddle boarders there are. Baily Harbor is no exception.

Taking in the Town

The drive home

August 20, 2018  Sturgeon Bay, MI     0 nautical miles

44°49’26.6″N 87°22’20.2″W
44.824044, -87.372277
Elevation: 580 Feet

Today was a day to get things done!  I can happily report missions accomplished.

Skipper Bob’s Quarterdeck Marina

Awesome marina and affordable.  Dale had a mechanic come over to the boat for more boat therapy.  WOO WOO! The mechanic was able to upgrade the Raymarine chart plotter.  The ‘Gold Chip’ Dale got on the internet should now cover route for the rest of the Loop and the Bahamas.

Boats for sale in the Marina (prices are correct)

Trek to West Marine

We biked to West Marine in town so we could return the defective 50 to 2-30 amp splitter and get one that works. Pleased to say we are using it now!

West Marine item that caught my eye.

We also biked to the Target store to look for a power pack.  Didn’t find one but the clientele was interesting.

WOO WOO!  We did find a power pack at a hardware store.  Dropping the dingy tomorrow!!

Solar Garden on the ride home

Boat people are Awesome

Wonderful people a couple of boats down from us, Steve and Cyndie.  First they lent us a spray nozzle to spray down the boat (cleaning again. How does it get so dirty on the water?). Then they offered to drive us to the grocery store. Cyndie packed my groceries for me before I could even get to it. AND THEN she gave us a gift.  Racine Danish Kringles are legendary delicious.

August 19, 2018  Detroit Bay Washington Island, MI to Sturgeon Bay, MI  43 nautical miles.

44°49’26.6″N 87°22’20.2″W
44.824044, -87.372277
Elevation: 580 Feet

Death’s Door (Porte des Morts named by the early French explorers) is a strait linking Lake Michigan and Green Bay  The name for the area eventually became Door Peninsula.  We pass by Death’s Door bluffs on our way to Sturgeon Bay.

Our original plan was to hang around Washington Island for a while but Tobin factor took over. The power pack/charger Dale bought in St Ignace, WI doesn’t work.  The battery will not accept/hold a charge.  Without a power pack we can’t drop the dingy, making anchoring out a bummer. Sturgeon Bay has a West Marine, Target and a Walmart.  No Costco or Meijers.

Guests

Sturgeon Bay

Bridges

Skipper Bob’s Quarterdeck Marina, Sturgeon Bay, WI

From the Poet Laureate (Tom)

August 18, 2018   Shipyard Marina in Detroit Bay Washington Island, MI to  anchored out in Detroit Bay Washington Island, MI    0.6 nautical miles

45°20’34.8″N 86°55’18.2″W
45.343000, -86.921722
Elevation: 580 feet

Washington Island

The marina we stayed at had free courtesy car we used to drive around the island and get groceries. Beautiful island!

Schoolhouse Beach is comprised entirely of limestone rocks, most about the size of the palm of Mary’s hand. The water is crystal clear.

Anchored Out

Ready. Set. Dang it. Tobin Factor… The power supply Dale just bought to drop the dingy doesn’t work! Piece of crap did not accept/hold the charge.

Oh well.  On the hook enjoying the world around.  (We are only about .6  NM from the marina we stayed at last night.  I’m pirating their internet to post this 🙂  A swim later.

Could it get any better?

August 17, 2018 Beaver Island, MI to Shipyard Island Marina, Washington Island, WI  83 nautical miles

45°20’22.1″N 86°54’33.5″W
45.339473, -86.909293
Elevation: 580 feet

Good Bye St James Harbor on Beaver Island, MI

LOTS of Big  open water until Wisconsin

Hello Washington Island, WI

St Ignace, MI to Beaver Island, MI   40.7 nautical miles

from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan

45°44’56.6″N 85°30’41.9″W
45.749062, -85.511625
Elevation: 580 feet

St Ignace Marina

Best marina yet (but internet is crappy at all of them)

InterAgency Security Drills

Boats from the Coast Guard, Michigan State Police, Sheriffs from multiple counties, St Ignace and Mackinac City Police were practicing explosive device searches and detaining vessel boarding procedures.

Elsewhere in the Marina

Hardware Store conversation

Clerk: What are you looking for?
Mary: My husband.
Clerk: You could find a new one. There are plenty of them here.

Daily Check and Boat Maintenance

Mackinac Bridge

Did we take enough pictures, eh?

Lake Michigan

BTW, the biting flies are terrible!!!!!

Beaver Island Marina

Beaver Island

Yacht Haven, Drummond Island, MI to St. Ignace, MI    46.7 nautical miles

45°51’58.8″N 84°43’06.8″W
45.866341, -84.718551
Elevation: 581 feet

We officially started the Loop today leaving Drummond Island!  Day 1 on the loop!

Boat Therapy

Yacht Haven has two master marine mechanics I talked to two of them yesterday. I wanted to talk to these guys about diesel motors. I had always heard that you don’t want to run a diesel engine at one rpm all day and it’s a good idea to run them hard at least once a day. Also, I had a voltmeter on the starboard engine that was always measuring what seemed to be battery voltage when I had the engine off; when I had it running the meter shows a bit more voltage.

So, the answer to the first question is that I can run these engines all day at the same rpm and I don’t have to run them hard. What I should not do, is run the engines just below the rpms that the turbos kick in because this could cause the engines to go in and out of the turbo kicking in. That would be bad for the turbos. This would mean that I would not want to run engines at 2600 rpms to 2700 rpms because the turbos kick in at 2800. You got that!

The next question was answered by the other master mechanic Brent. He told me that the control panel that is on our boat is exactly the same panel that Bayliner put on their smaller boats. On our boat we can check the batteries at a main electrical panel, but the smaller boats don’t have this panel. So, on the starboard engine which its alternator that charges our house batteries the volt meter is always on, so you can read the battery power at any time. So, the starboard volt meter is always on and there are no problems.

How much did this cost me? When I paid the bill it was $57.00 as Boat Therapy.

So why did I need Boat Therapy?

Earlier on the trip traveling from Houlton to Marquette we brought the boat up to 2800 rpms to kick the turbos in. All went well till the port side engine dropped ten grand rpm in about one second. I shut the engines down and everything seemed fine, so we bought the engines up to 2800 again the turbos kicked in and ran fine for about 3 minutes than the same thing happened. The port side engine rpms dropped like a rock. This was very disturbing to me and I could not think of what was making this rpm drop when the turbos kicked in. Well, Tom had been texting his kids and his daughter Emily suggested changing the fuel filters, we changed the filters and the there is no problem with the turbos “thanks Emily”.

Other Therapies

Departing Washington Island

The channel leaving Washington Island is quite narrow.  As we neared the exit fishermen in small boats deliberately moved into the the channel making it almost impossible to progress forward. Mary kept the boat slowly, cautiously nudging forward.  She should have run them over.

Summoned

Happy Ending. Dale will not be on the next America’s most wanted. However, he needs to plan on being summoned again in October 2019.

Across Huron – more big water (not a lot to see)

Mackinac Island

Grocery Shopping

Dock Tales

Our first Dock Tales on the Loop were hosted by two very gracious people from North Carolina,  Pat and Edit Mason on the Esther Girl.  Next time on our boat!

Poet Laurate (Tom)

Heading out from Drummond Isle
West across Huron for forty mile
Tonight we dock in another place
If you’re looking at maps it’s St Ignace
Officially on the “loop” today
On that route they plan to stay
Drummond’s Yacht Haven we were happy to find
Had mechanics with answers, helped ease our mind

If you’re in that part of the lakes I’d say
It’s worth your while to spend a day

Yacht Haven on Drummond Island, MI Lake Huron   0 nautical miles

46°01’31.0″ N 83°44’54.0″ W
46.025278, -83.748333
Elevation: 580 feet

Starting with the Poet Laureate (Tom)

The crew was in peril
The first mate went feral
Said make this ship sterile
She had us over a barrel
Threatened us with our suppers
Coming out of the scuppers
So we answered with yuppers

And cleaned the boat from top to bottom and we stayed put today.

Photos (from Tom)

Tom worked really hard today!  He even had time to do the dishes.

Today’s Agenda

Today we our staying at Yacht Harbor on Drummond Island, we are going to clean the boat and do some repairs. Every inch of the boat was incredibly dirty from the helicopter activity so close to the marina yesterday. One of the reasons for staying here is that we get a discount for being members of the AGLCA (America’s Great Loop and Cruisers Association) docking is a dollar a foot and 10% off on fuel. Another reason is Yacht Harbor has a well-known its marine repair facility.

I would like to talk to a mechanic about the engines just basic questions.

Drummond Island is where a most of the people who do the loop cross into the USA. Yacht Harbor Marina has a customs kiosk.

and flies the yellow quarantine flag at the end of one the docks.

The AGLCA has two conventions a year one in Alabama in the fall and one in North Folk Virginia this marina send  a person to these conventions.

The boat next to us last night was a 56 foot Carver. We talked to the owner, a great couple. They had battery trouble just a few days ago. xxx , smelled something down in the battery compartment and went to investigate.  One of the D6 batteries was was venting though the vent holes in all the caps to the battery. He had not seen anything like this before and thought he should remove one of the caps. When he did this the acid under pressure spray all over the battery compartment and his hand. As he started cleaning the acid and noticed a flap off skin hanging from his hand. The acid had burned a patch of skin off his hand. It’s an ugly looking burn.

Yacht Harbor – No kidding

Huron Jewel – hand made 60 foot 2 masted schooner

https://www.DITallShip.com

August 13, 2018 Sault Ste. Marie, MI to Yacht Haven on Drummond Island, MI    43.8 nautical miles

46°01’31.0″N 83°44’54.0″W
46.025278, -83.748333
Elevation: 580 feet

From the Marina

Hell of a Copter Training

So close to the marina their dust left our boat filthy. (We clean tomorrow)

It’s not rocket science. It’s diesel science.

The turbos screamed after this!  Thanks for the tip Emily Fly.

First Contact!

We met our first Loopers, Mark and Judy Divoll on the Grand Banks ‘Serenity’.  I got so excited I forgot to take a picture.

St Lawrence Seaway (and Ste. Mary’s River)

Current added about 4 nts wind took away 1 nts = 3 nts to the good at least part of the time.

Drummond Island, MI

Gauntlet Thrown for new Poet Laureate Position

Yes, you are a pirate two hundred years too late
Cannons don’t thunder there’s nothin’ to plunder
You’re an over forty victim of fate
Arriving too late, arriving too late

~Todd Holmes