Day 71: Cleveland to Kelley's Island

6 hr, 53 miles. We have a late start today, and mosey on out of the Oasis Marina after 0900 in hot, bright, calm weather. Back on with the air-con! A short, comfortable run today to one of the best-known boating destinations in western Lake Erie. We cruise comfortably across the broad bight between Avon Point and Cedar Point that contains Sandusky Bay, and motor into Portside Marina, Kelley's Island where we tie up at around 1500. We heard yesterday, in a NY canal authority update, that the Erie Canal has been closed again at the troublesome Locks 16 and 17, due to heavy rain and high water. Numerous bLoopers have been caught at various locations. We are so grateful to have finally put that area away behind us!

It's unseasonally hot, and even the locals on Kelley's Island have been caught off-guard. The marina isn't busy yet, but the town in buzzing and there are a lot of watercraft moving around. We leave Preston to his chores, hire a golf cart, and head off to circumnavigate the island.

Upon return, Graeme does his magic again on the grill on the flybridge, and produces Australian lamb chops cooked to perfection. Lorraine has made a tasty rice salad. We dine inside in airconditioned coolness.

Tomorrow we've decided on an early start to get some afternoon time in Detroit.Leggi altro