Tonawanda, NY to Presque Isle, PA

Escaped from New York! Black Rock Lock and canal protects boats from the rapids ( 12 MPH) and shoals in the upper Niagara River for three miles (6 MPH speed limit). It was an easy five foot lift. Peeking into Lake Erie we were slammed by three footers (two foot marine forecast), but found if we moved toward the southern shore instead of straight across it was calmer–a moderate chop- along the 12-20 foot deep contours. This gave partial protection from the minor southern wind component. The wipers got a workout. All fresh water for the new Yamahas! Wolverine Marina in Erie, PA is very well protected with floating docks at Presque Isle near Erie, PA. The heat advisory continues, but we walked uphil and shared a black cherry Italian water ice that hit the spot! The marina is extremely well protected down a narrow fairway between a convention center and Sheraton that has a 65 foot high pedestrian bridge between them over the fairway.

This weather portal for the Great Lakes is pretty cool:
https://www.weather.gov/greatlakes/

We also like the blue Windy app for marine forecasts. The forecast for tomorrow's 105 mile leg is better with waves 1 foot or less.Les mer