Madeline Island Yacht Club

Last night was a vast improvement over the previous night. Flat calm at the Stockton Island Presque Isle dock, and temps in the 50’s. I slept well! After breakfast, I headed out around Anderson Point and across Julian Bay. Pretty smooth. Stayed that way until I was abeam Outer Island. Outer Island, as its name suggests, is the most outer island of the Apostle Islands. There is no protection from the lake along its north shore, where the dock and lighthouse are located. Since today the winds were suppose to be less than 10 kts, I decided to head out there. By the time I got around on the north side, I was seeing 2-3’ waves. Winds were still out of the northwest. Kind of dicey docking, especially solo, with the waves buffeting C-Traveler, but I kind of already committed myself in wanting to go up and see this lighthouse again. If it had been any worse I would have abandoned my approach and turned around. Last year when I was here, Outer Island was closed to walking around the grounds, as the NPS had contractors working on the building’s roofs. I read tonight that a number of years ago, congress allotted funds for the repair of the Raspberry Island lighthouse, and Outer Island lighthouse. However, almost all the funds were used in the work at Raspberry Island light (which is beautiful to tour if you ever get the chance), so only the roof repairs were done at Outer Island Light. After walking around the grounds and taking some photos, I headed towards Cat Island to see if it would be smooth enough to troll. Getting back among the other islands, especially on the leeward side of Cat Island, it did smooth out, so set up my downriggers and trolled for a couple hours. Only had one of my lines trip twice, but no luck on fish for supper! Pulled everything in around 3p and headed for Madeline Island and the Madeline Island Yacht Club Marina. Very nice marina and facilities, and a little more pricey than I would normally pay. ($75 + Tax, for 25’). Arrived at 4p and got my slip, near the facilities. I had my heart set on Grampa Tony’s for ice cream, so ate my leftovers early and then walked Main Street into downtown LaPointe. Found out Grampa Tony’s closed at 3 and is closed on Wednesdays…. Oh well. Watched one of the Madeline Island ferries arrive and then leave, for Bayfield. Stopped and visited with some folks at a pottery shop’s open pottery night. Stopped by one of the shirt & souvenir shops and bought a Madeline Island ball cap to add to my collection. Then walked through Tom’s Burned Down Café to see if they had any new signs. Tom’s is a very unique place that you have to visit at least once if you get to Madeline Island! Another project to work on when I get back home. The kicker’s water pump needs to be replaced. I noticed yesterday when I started it up, that I’m not getting any flow out of the peehole. Nothing is blocked however, as I can run water through its flush attachment just fine. Not having the kicker available with its cockpit controls has made solo docking and trolling a little more challenging. I have noticed a number of C-Dory’s up here. Especially here in the Yacht Club. There are two nearby in seasonal slips, and another one a few slips over from me in another transient slip. And I know of a few over in the Bayfield Marina. We could easily have a C-Dory gathering up here!Leia mais