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Great Lakes to Inland Rivers
  • AICW Great Loop Segment

Great Lakes to Inland Rivers

A one-way cruise from the end of the Erie Canal to (hopefully) KY Lake. In 2017, Bob Austin invited us to his home to meet Pat and Patsy, Daydream crew who were cruising the Great Loop. Thanks to them ! See Greatloop.org FAQ for more info. Lue lisää
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  • Matkan aloitus
    17. kesäkuuta 2025
    AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    Committee boat for the race
    Snotty conditions, one boat dismasted, one capsized with all crew in the water, one lost spinnaker

    Pesacola to Columbia, TN

    17.–18. kesäk., Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Within three weeks of planned departure, we had three issues that could have cancelled our trip.
    The lawn tractor battery which powers the trailer EOH brakes r drained to 11.5 volts, implying that the truck was not charging it while underway on the last trailer haul. I replaced the seven pin wiring connector from when the 2015 trailer. We recharged the battery successfully with a trickle charger. Ford Engineers insured that the charging pin is not activated unless the truck is in gear, the parking brake is off, all the doors are closed, so the brakes have to be on. I measured only 12.4v then, but with the brake pump on maybe that’s normal. The next Ford appointment was 3 weeks away. We bought a small solar panel to keep it charged up when not underway. And called it good.

    2: The truck air conditioner blower was intermittently not coming on. We had the same issue last year, and if it’s working at the dealer the technicians refusd to do any diagnosis on it. The third time bringing it into the shop it finally was in hard failure mode and turned out to have a burned blower pin harness. For the 3 weeks prior to leaving, the next 15 to 20 episodes of turning on the truck, the blower spring into action every time except twice and then came on within 5 to 15 minutes. We decided to press on.

    3: We had an electrical failure of the windless at the most at the most embarrassing possible time. We were the race committee boat for the annual Navy cup sailboat Regatta race, the largest of our Navy Yacht Club races for the year. When positioned at the precise coordinates needed, the windlass was totally unresponsive. I always carry a Lemar windless clutch winch and the senior race committee member knew how to use it to lower the heavy Manson Supreme anchor, but getting it back up was very difficult with one person having to hold back the control lever and the other dropping the chain down into the anchor Locker where Eileen was trying to keep it from getting too fouled into a huge muddy mess. It was snotty enough to capsize one sailboat with all crew in the water, dismst another and rip the spinnaker on another. Back home I was able to see that a connector had pulled off the solenoid control box, but only because I had a expandable tilting mirror to see such things. We were able to press on.

    There were serious major thunderstorms passing through on our way up to Tennessee, and the I-65 roadway was very bumpy. We enjoyed a quiet night at Hampton Inn and took off the next day. We found it if you're ever Park your seat door and a hotel parking lot you need to place pylons so that some idiot won't block you in.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja

    Columbia, TN to Medina, OH

    18.–19. kesäk., Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌧 72 °F

    A long, hard trailering slog with multiple vicious thunderstorms, buckling roads and an adverse time change. The Holiday Inn Express Medina, OH has a cement parking area beside it for us. Like yesterday, they were full so glad we had reservations and pay $10 extra for the privilege of cancelling within 24h of 4pm. The rig seemed to prefer 60-62 MPH so that's what we went. Don't Fight The Rig.

    We finally came around and ripped out the entire blackwater gravity toilet, overboard and deck plumbing, Y-valve, deck pumpout fixture and replaced it with a 9 inch fold down cleat. Now we have a midship cleat on the starboard side as well as the port. All the engine and 12v rigging runs just under the catwalk so I understand why the factory doesn't

     do it. But with big fenders fore and aft and a fast midcleat secured you get control of the boat while docking. Also, I figure no one will stick a sewage pumpout hose down the new cleat.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    West Canal County Park and Marina, 4 miles east of Tonawanda
    Cruising to TonawandaWest Canal Park slipsErie Canal is pretty narrow in placesRR museum train set, ONLY kids are allowed to operate it

    Medina, OH to West Canal marina launch

    19.–21. kesäk., Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    West Canal county park and marina has the best ramp for a TC255. They have eight slips (all <40 ft except one). The online reservation system shows they haven't had more than one boat there since opening for the season last month. We paid for 2 nights knowing we'd need 3 with the current marine forecast for Lake Erie. Although the Windy blue app was showing 28 MPH winds with gusts to 44 MPH, we had partial protection and a controlled docking. our worst wind challenge launching to date.

    This ramp was our take-out point for the 2021 West Erie Canal cruise, wh took us six weeks to do 165 miles including Lake Seneca and Cayuga. That would equate to a four YEAR Loop. That blog is on the C-Brats site here:

    http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=29899

    Cruising one-way Great Loop segments in a trailer boat creates a lot of logistics challenges to safely store the truck and trailer while cruising. We wouldn't leave the truck and trailer at this unsecured county park even with the permission of the Niagra County sheriff, but that's just us. We found gated secure 24h access lot nearby on Neighbor.com for $166/month, which is way cheaper than the national chains and way more available.
    https://www.neighbor.com/dashboard/73634/rentals

    Consider trying them some day. The county marina RR are clean and cinder-block functional with both Freezing Cold and Cold showers (your choice). After fueling the boat and dropping off the trailer, we got provisions at the incredible Wegman's supermarket and took a Cold shower. We stayed two nights and looked to extend another night after the first night due to NoGo conditions on Lake Erie. Well, guess what? All 8 slips had been reserved by others! The alternate marinas at N and S Tonawanda fill up early on Sat with boats rafting 3 across. We got underway before 7AM and snagged an ideal spot beside the bath house, got a Lyft back to pick up the truck. Well, guess what? The truck AC blower won't come on. We're working on the logistics to avoid having to trailer home to FL in August with no AC. Yuck!

    We visited the Carosel factory museum and the railroad muesem, both fun.

    Well, guess what? Now I'm scared to check if the windlass still works.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    On the Erie Canal waiting for a weather window to open 4 days
    Train set at the RR MueseumWhy you should always know your rig air draft; ours is 13'4" with anchor light folded over1918 RR bridge hasn't been opened sinceThat's why the carousal factories were hereN Tonawanda Gateway MarinaSouth marina across the Erie CanalNY Algona plaza pedestrian walkway over I-90Weekly Tonawanda boat parade

    Tonawanda, NY Erie Canal Day 1

    21.–24. kesäk., Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    The North wall was wide open at 0800 but totally filled up before 3PM. There are open spots on the south wall (run by a different city) but locals say has become unpopular due to poor funding, no dockmaster, closed bath house no bars (drinking bars, not signal strength bars).

    I-90 is toll road thruway, if you trailer yourC-Dory get a EZ Pass $4.95 sticker and you'll save 50% over the 'we'll bill you by plate' option. The Algona plaza is unique in having a pedestrian overpass over the interstate.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    boat parade
    3-4 ft waves on Lake Erie, worse because it's relatively shallowNew folding cleat replaces blackwater pumpout deck plateNew starboard (almost) midship cleatNiagara Falls, American sideAmerican Falls at NiagaraRental Erie Canal canal boatAmerican Falls videoTonawanda boats (most from Buffalo)

    Tonawanda, NY Day 2

    21. kesäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    We had our first hot shower since the Hampton Inn! Just as we remembered, a constant parade of boats converges on the town walls on the weekends. It's quite a show! Overnight we had gusts to 39 MPH (35 sustained is Gale Warning range). The famous TC255 bow slapping in such conditions just doesn't bother us; we find it peaceful. To me it's more of a 'gurgling'. (For our nonboating friends, you always anchor into the wind. The reason we were concerned about the windlass failure is that there is a 200 miles section with no marinas where you have to anchor and Eileen can't pull up the 25# though we could have changed to a 14# or even a 4# Fortress but with less holding confidence. The Mississippi River is one where you want holding confidence). Some non-boater friends are following so i want to help them understand stuff when needed.

    We love the new F150 engines, esp the automatic engine synchronization ation and integrated electric steering. There are other features we haven't tried yet.

    Lake Erie is still acting up with 5 foot seas. It looks like more weather days today and tomorrow and calming Tues to the point that we could make some distance (80 miles, one lock...#223 for us... and prolonged no wake zones).

    We've explored the Canada side of Niagara Falls. Today we checked out the American side and took a 1 hour guided walking tour that was interesting with lots of history.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    Tonawanda storage lot on Neighbor.com

    Tonawanda Day 3, Weather Day 4

    22. kesäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    This is our fourth weather day waiting for Lake Erie to calm down. That ties our 4-day wait at Marathon a few years ago waiting for winds to calm. Tomorrow we hope to Escape From New York. Eileen trudged over to the coin laundry and we dropped the truck off at the storage lot. Well, guess what? The truck AC blower spun right up, and did so for 20 starts over 2 days. So we cancelled the Ford service appointment and hope for the best when we’re ready to pick it up from the storage lot here. r

    We walked some of the Empire trail for two hours, about half of that along the Erie Canal, at exactly eight weeks after my hip replacement…doing well! We’re having a Heat Advisory here. We love the baby Canada geese, especially sauteed in butter and garlic with shallots and a few Portobello mushrooms. Only a few boats on the wall today.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    Eileen refuses to take a picture unless her finger is in it
    Presque Isle cut lighthouseWolverine Marina, Erie, PA

    Tonawanda, NY to Presque Isle, PA

    23.–24. kesäk., Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 93 °F

    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.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    Chair repair (thanks to Molly Brown crew for this find)
    Lake Erie in a mellow mood, which is said to be somewhat rareErie shoreOnwards! 105 miles before lunch!Edge of fog bank, worse away from shoreLots of debris, most of it smaller than the boatHorizontal deadhead with 17 passengersTwo more logs you wouldn't want to hit at speedCleveland TC255 owner Tom, who has 'never seen another Tom Cat up here'Oasis North marina, in the heart of downtownYeah, but it's a dry heat wave advisoryDuffy 22, I think converted to electricnight view Cleveland, OHSurely one of the lowest air draft bridges just off the LoopErie debris had to make three 90-degree turns to get into this marina

    Erie, PA to Cleveland, OH

    25. kesäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    We cruised 105 miles of the southern shore of Lake Erie in calm conditions with ony non-whitecapping wavelets, averaging 23-27 MPH. There was an incredible amount of leg size to telephone pole sized logs in the water from recent storms. Also some massive debris fields to avoid. Some were just twigs, but you worry that twig may be6x8 attached to a deadhead tree. If you see a bunch of seagulls standing on the water that is charted as being 43 feet deep, something is just not right. Eileen said it was just not right that those gulls had 43 foot legs. We heard and felt little hull bumps that were TNTC. Lower units never kicked up. We had smooth sailing into the miles long breakwater protecting Cleveland. We again chose a well protected marina with floating docks. Our walk into town was hazy, hot and not humid...53% humidity. We’re at upscale Oasis North marina, which surprisingly does not have AC in the bath house.

    What Broke:

    A bolt that supports the camp chair back. Eileen managed to thread a zip tie through for a temporary fix.

    The 120v helm area GFI outlet that powers all the cooking and coffee went dead. The connectors didn’t look bad (for a 15 year old boat) and the fuse is good. I’ve had to replace it before, but of course the fault could be in the AC panel or wiring. The marina staff said the nearest source would be Home Depot and there isn’t one in downtown Cleveland on the water. Eileen got a Lyft to Home Depot and back with a Leviton GFI just like the old one. It wouldn’t come on either. Eventually, I decided to read the instructions (which I don’t think should be necessary; that’s why I like Garmin stuff). It turns out that the Reset button won’t work unless power is on, and I didn’t have power on in that circuit with exposed terminals while working on it with screwdrivers and pliers. Behold! Powered right up, and we got a $19 GFI installed for $59 if we value my labor at $1.25/hour.

    Yesterday the ship VHF refused to power up all day. Fuse good. We weren’t worried since we have three handhelds with us and are staying within a mile of the southern shore. Today it powered right up repeatedly. I suspect it’s been secretly communicating somehow with the truck air conditioner blower.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    Limbs and logs in the protected marina
    Cleveland waterfrontEileen at the aviation women museumThe Coke in space machineSo the label 'rock and roll' was coined by a DJSunrise at North Oasis marina, Cleveland

    Cleveland Day 2

    26. kesäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌩️ 88 °F

    The heat advisory continues. Eileen hiked 1.5 miles to the nearest coin laundry according to Google Maps, but found only an unmarked boarded up empty building. She wasn’t in a good mood after that and took an Uber back to the marina.

    We walked around the city enjoying the sights and visited the International Women' s Air and Space Museum, which was free and air conditioned. After a lemon ice cream break, we toured the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was well done and impressive, but at $45 each it should be.

    A city pier abuts the marina. A pedestrian bridge across the marina entrance has an air clearance of three feet. It provides an alternate route to the pier, and we found it strange that it is staffed 24/7. Some RR bridges require eight hours notice to open. We’re having a great time and enjoying the trip!    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    Lowest air clearance bridge hustoff the Loop
    Glided onto the sand shoal here, Eileen pushed us offPedestrian Bridgewater 24/ 7 bridgemasterMarina sunriseCleveland waterfrontCleveland breakwater entranceTypical marina laundryCaptains lounge

    Cleveland to Catawba Island

    27. kesäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 91 °F

    Cleveland to Catawba Island

    We exited the miles-long breakwater that protects the Cleveland waterfront after a leisurely breakfast and good night’s sleep. The winds are usually from the west, but this morning from the east, setting up 2 foot rolling swells behind us with a comfortable wave period. Nearby Pu-In Bay is to be avoided on summer weekends, and we couldn’t get a slip at the Middle Bass Island SP marina or several others. We finally reserved a slip on this island at a giant marina with a pool, captains lounge and a much-needed laundry. We planned to walk 1.2 miles to the General Dollar store to get some chocolate covered truffles, but it was too dangerous with almost no road shoulder and too hot, so we turned around.

    Automatic NEBO log is here; almost zero time under 20 MPH, just like Colby.

    https://reports.nebo.global/c39be3b5-c00c-4ce8-…    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja

    Catawba Island to Detroit

    28. kesäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Lake Erie marine forecasts were for seas under 2 feet, but the first 15 miles were bigger than that. We got slammed a lot and the wipers got a workout. No video, too dangerous. Our boat does best in these conditions by staying in the ‘transition zone’ between displacement and planing speeds, despite the terrible gas consumption in that range. You do what you gotta do to avoid dangerous slams and maximize safety. That’s the ‘under 15 MPH’ red line on the NEBOLINK route. We had two days in Detroit and really enjoyed the visit. The heat wave is easing. Trip log here:

    https://reports.nebo.global/c39be3b5-c00c-4ce8-…

    Safe Travels!    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    Cute cuts from Rock n Roll Hall re how evil it is
    Millikin marina Detroit 360 videoNavigation sensors help outThe green triangle is a giantic freighter anchored in front of our marinaTouching that AIS target brings up info about itName of the AIS target, so Eileen can contact herAIS target info, page 1 (MMSI is a VHF radio direct ID)1Yes, we DO remember all the words to the song!The round aluminum House of the Future that was notIncredible, vast Ford museumThe biggest steam engine in the worldJohn in the cab, engineers' seatA RR WeinermobileMilliken marina, Detroit (Aubrey marina on Garmin)

    Detroit Day 2

    29. kesäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 88 °F

    We walked around the city (although the WWG official stance is don't go outside any marina, call a taxi) and wrangled up some provisions at a supermarket. After paying, we remove the extra cardboard boxes etc since cooler space is limited.

    We got a Lyft to Dearborn to see the incredible Henry Ford museum...allow a full day for that. There are lots of giant lake freighters passing right in front of the marina, which fortunately has good protection from wakes. The heat wave will soon be over.

    What Broke:

    The 12v helm outlet is dead...wouldn't be surprised if a connecter disconnected in the rough patches.

    The twin displays are no longer communicating with each other.

    What Broke But TThen Fixed Itself With No Intervention OtherT han Prayer:

    The rooftop AC was intermittently icing up and shutting down, but has worked reliably during this heat wave!    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    Lake St Claire in a mellow mood, which is rare
    27 MPHPerfect cruising conditions!US sideCanada sideGiant freighterPort Huron, Bridge Harbor mari aHeated poolWhat is the air clearance in feet?State harbor of refuge port Sanilac3New docks at Port Austi

    Detroit to Port Huron, MI

    30. kesäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    Detroit-Port Huron, MI

    This was a pleasant and easy river cruise, plus across Lake St Clair, which is shallow and therefore can be rough when the wind picks up. We had an easy, enjoyable passage. Canada is on one side, the US on the other (in so many ways, eh?).

    We are learning to use the DNR Michigan website to make marina reservations at state harbors. About every 30 miles Michigan has a master plan to establish “ harbors of Refuge” which be tiny indentations in the shore protected by heavy rock breakwaters. They average $1.50 per foot, which is an excellent value. The website is easy to navigate with reasonable cancellation and change fees. Port Huron/Riverside is the first time we saw no slips available. Lucky us found a giant marina 2 miles upriver for $50/night with free shorepower, free laundry, nice AC captains lounge and heated pool with very attentive staff. The Dockmaster was waiting for us as we entered, and the Manager met us at our slip and gave us a ride back to the office.

    Having a great time; the Nebo link log is here:

    https://reports.nebo.global/c39be3b5-c00c-4ce8-…    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja

    Port Huron-Port Austin, MI

    1.–2. heinäk., Yhdysvallat ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    Port Huron-Port Austin, MI

    This was another pleasant cruise in great conditions on Lake Huron. Cruising the Great Lakes in a trailer boat is not to be taken lightly. Both of these MI DNR marinas were very clean and well managed. Port Austin has brand new docks and utilities. The water is a beautiful light green and amazingly clear.

    We are surprised to have so many days that are not in our NO GO criteria of NOAA seas over 2 feet OR sustained winds over 22 OR gusts over 26!

    A beautiful area with great boating. Our slip was right next to the boat launch ramps, which is always an amusing place to be. We walked the town (which doesn’t take long) and shared a double scoop of Amaretto Cherry With Fudge Chunks ice cream. The water is clear, cold and spectacular. All the Michigan marinas to date require the dockhands to handle and pump the gas. They always politely ask permission to come aboard. We’ve never seen this before. Another first was two low bascule bridges we barely clear at 9’6” with the water level on the air draft sign at “580”. We finally figured that was in Centimeters.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    It finally calmed down a lot...enough to take video!
    Eileen is a great driver with WAY better eyes than mine!SunriseCheyboygan County marinaCrisp summer air and lovely waters!Feels great!Clean bath house with plenty of hot water + shorepwer is all we need!Another sunrise

    Port Austin-Alpena, MI rough patch

    2. heinäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Port Austin-Alpena, MI

    We use NOAA, Great Lakes Portal (NOAA), the ‘blue’ Windy app (allows choice of the different models) and local knowledge for marine forecasts. Each predicted 1 foot waves and 10MPH NW winds. The winds get friskier with daytime heating, so we put in 100 miles before lunch, starting prep at 0445 or so.

    The first video is after abandoning the direct path into the wind and sailing due west across Saginaw bay. If those waves are one foot then I am at least 12 feet tall…and we can’t video the rougher stuff. The second video is after reaching the western shore, giving partial protection from the west component of wind.

    After that a rather pleasant passage of 100 miles to Cheybogan, MI county marina before lunchtime. We plan four nights here and a Uber/ferry trip to Mackinaw, which may be too wild for us with the July 4 holiday. The Alpena Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center (free/donations) is worth a visit.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    We LOVE seeing true America on our adventures. Everyone is so nice.
    Sweet! We will never forget this parade!Must have been 60 fire trucks! Cool!Nearby volunteer Fire Dept thanks Sponsors here. Sweet!They are ready for anything,except hot weather.Local landscapers floatEvery parade should have at least one Allis-Chalmers tractor!Every parade should have ar least one Farmall tractor!'Merica!1884 vintage lighthouseAfternoon wind waves in the inlet

    Alpena-Cheybogan, MI

    4. heinäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    NEBOLINK log:

    https://reports.nebo.global/c39be3b5-c00c-4ce8-…

    Local cruisers have validated that our “get to a marina before lunch” is the best option for a trailer boat with our NO_GO criteria on the Great Lakes. To date the DNR marinas have been clean and well managed, although not luxurious for under $1.50/ft. The heat wave is finally over, and it was 50 degrees this morning! We turned on the heat and wore sweaters. The Cheboygan July 4 parade was a hoot. It looked like every fire truck from all surrounding cities and counties attended, with full sirens and horns blasting. Eileen (a Philly girl) said it was the only parade she has ever attended that had so many fire trucks, farm tractors, a dump truck and a guy on a unicycle.

    After it warmed up in the afternoon to 76 degrees with a stiff breeze, the coarse sand beach park filled up with adults and kids joyfully swimming in the 63 degree water. We still had our sweaters on. We planned four nights here.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja

    Cheboygan Day 3

    5. heinäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    Cheybogan Day 3

    Today we took an Uber to Mackinaw City to catch the ferry to Mackinac (pronounce ‘Mackinaw) Island. The fort has an interesting history ($18 admission) and great views from its perch. The Tea Room restaurant has great views overlooking the city and lake below. We met Colby and Rosanne on C-Traveller, who are in a slip here. They gave us some great advice on options. Because the prevailing winds are from the West, we plan on slipping down the west coast of Wisconsin to limit that. We had four weather NO-GO days on Lake Erie, but none on Lake Huron. We may have one in a couple of days for sliding over the top of Lake Michigan, but that’s not bad at all for a trailer boat cruising the Great Lakes. The island is a very touristy resort town, of course, with centuries of competitive fudge makers and lots of ice cream parlors. It’s a don’t miss spot, but not exactly our cup of tea. We’re glad we went and had a great time.Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja

    Cheyboygen Day 4

    6. heinäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    It’s a cool rainy day…perfect for chasing down problems!

    The displays weren’t talking to each other because a network plug somehow got un-plugged. I suppose enough boat motion could pull out the spring loaded tab on a RJ45 connector, but I haven’t seen that before.

    The helm 12v lighter plug had a connector pulled off the back. The builder unfortunately made that wire (a lot of others) only long enough to barely reach, so I couldn’t replace the connector. So I bypassed it with two replacement wires from the fuse box under the helm. Still dead by multimeter in the socket, but has 11.6v at the terminal blades. Total three hours…there is a lot of wiring in that compartment. I’ll order a replacement from Amazon and arranged to have it shipped to a Harbor Host in Sturgeon Bay who agrees to accept it. No other pictures today. Safe Travels!    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    11

    Cheybogan Day 5 to Mackinaw City

    7. heinäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    The next few marinas will be in small towns without supermarkets, so we hiked five miles to WalMart and back with five big bags since the Uber driver doesn’t wake up until 10 AM and we have to leave the marina before 11 AM. It was weight training without the gym. We enjoyed a short and pleasant cruise along the northern shore of the Straits with beautiful weather, low humidity and a nice breeze with a few bumps whitecaps. The water is amazingly clear (and cold at 63 degrees). We walked to the Bridge Museum, which is in a pizza parlor, and the tourist district, with fudge shops and ice cream and T-shirt shops galore. We always select a slip with a view of the boat ramps when available. That’s how we learned the 1,027 Things You Should Never Do When Launching A Boat. Also, we just broke over 6,000 miles on the Loop!

    NEBOLINK log:
    https://reports.nebo.global/c39be3b5-c00c-4ce8-…

     We’re sleeping with a blanket and turning on the heat in the morning. What a great escape from FL in July!    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja

    Mackinaw City-Fayette SP, MI UP

    8. heinäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Locals + NOAA + Windy Blue app +Great Lakes Portal all agreed on seas under 2 feet and light winds from the SE, which indeed proved to be correct. We made 32 MPH hurdling along the UP on Lake Michigan, which can’t be done very often. We are tucked into a remote, well protected cove in a SP marina. The area was an 1860’s pig iron blast furnace company town that was abandoned intact after the trees were all chopped down and better steel making tech was discovered.

    https://www.michigan.org/property/fayette-histo…

    We are still amazed at the water clarity and pleasant temps (lows 56 highs 75 with 5) humidity). There are lots of walking trails. The showers are a 0.6 mile walk from the marina, but at least you don’t get all sweaty walking back.

    NEBOLINK log here:

    https://reports.nebo.global/c39be3b5-c00c-4ce8-…

    We’re now at 841 miles on the Great Lakes on a trailer boat and still laughing every day and every night. Be safe out there!    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    Cruising through "Death's Door"
    Washington Island state ferryLimestone bluffs at Fayette SPA deer on the trailSame deerProtected cove at Fayette SP marina. No same day reservationsAbandoned steel making company townWater clarity is always amazing...and cold at 63 degreesDetroit Bay, Washington Island, WIWonderful nights at 56 and days at 78 with low humidityPark next to Shipyard MarinaWashington Island parkPrevailing West winds make advisable for trailer boats to go down the WI side. Silver boxes are SCA

    Fayette SP, MI UP-Washington Island

    9. heinäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    The usual suspects all agreed that winds gusting to 25 would fizzle out in the afternoon…an anomaly around here. That’s what happened, and we had swells from the north behind us and a few cat sneezes, but no drops on the windshield. A few more pics from Fayette including a deer on the trail. It was only a 32 mile jaunt, but we deserved a short day after a long day (we started prep at 0445). We enjoyed seeing the islands in Green Bay and the pleasant, crisp weather. This area was called "Death's Door" before modern nav and lighthouses, over 111 shipwrecks.

    NEBOLINK log here:

    https://reports.nebo.global/c39be3b5-c00c-4ce8-…

    I’m disappointed they only show color coded boat track speeds to 20 MPH. We plan to head to Sturgeon Bay, then back out into Lake Michigan, hugging the western edge of WI for protection from the prevailing west winds. A shot of the Portal screen shows the higher waves on the eastern side of the Lake, all the silver rectangles are Small Craft Advisories, all on the east side.

    I forgot to mention how back at the Black Rock Lock Eileen found a new technique…there were short ropes at 40 foot spacing, so there was no way for each to hold one. She used the head window to grab the rope, so she was closer to the middle of the boat with the fore and aft fenders keeping the boat centered. It worked well.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    1Shipyard Marina, Detroit Bay, Washington Island, Door Peninsula, WI
    WI Door Peninsula shoresShipyard Marina Washington IslandDetroit Bay, Washington IslandDetroit BayBeautiful Door County shoreline viewsshoreline with limestone bluffsFish Creek 2h free city wall, Door County, WIFish Creek, WI, marina parkGreens and flowers galoreLots of vintage homes, and motels and cottagesAmazing flower displaysFlowers everywhere (except winter)Fish Creek Beach swimming area (63 degree water and yes folks were in it)Door County shorelineOur air draft is 9.5 feet and slid underQuarterdeck marina

    Washington Isle-Fish Creek, Door County

    10. heinäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ 🌧 70 °F

    Washington Island-Fish Creek, Door County, WI

    Colby advised a visit to Fish Creek and we really enjoyed it. Since we don’t cart around a dinghy, we look for a free 2 hour city wall like theirs. We took a lot of pics, and Penguins only allows 20 per footprint. There are lots of flowers, historic houses, and tourists. After lunch we continued on to a 5 star Sturgeon Bay marina. Door County, WI has been a tourist mecca since the 1800’s with gorgeous water, scenery and wildlife.

    NEBOLINK log:
    https://reports.nebo.global/c39be3b5-c00c-4ce8-…

    We’re having a great time with great weather and water and seas under our over 2 ft/22MPH/28 MPH gusts NO-GO criteria.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    1It seems to spend more time open than closed
    22 blocks away, also opens a lot @ 12 feet5 star Quartermaster Marina10 story Sturgeon Bay Maritime MuseumMuseum viewing deckLooking West torwards Green BayLooking East toward Ship Canal into Lake Michigan1Our 900 miles on the Great Lakes in a trailer boat to dateForth-order Fresnel (fray-nel) lighthouse lensNav Lights exhibitMystery blades, maybe Nibral?Stainless steel mystery blades1An example re the COLREGS quiz answers

    Sturgeon Bay Day 2

    11. heinäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Sturgeon Bay Day 2

    The local AGLCA Harbor Host, Tim Kneeland, dropped off the Amazon stuff we ordered that was shipped to his house and toured our boat (which doesn’t take long). He even offered the use of his car for shopping or visiting the beautiful local State Parks. Don’t forget to contact HH on your loop for local info and help if needed.

    We visited the Sturgeon Bay Maritime Museum ($14 geezer fee), a ten story tower with exhibits on each floor. We took the elevator up and walked down. Well worthwhile. Quarterdeck Marina has beautiful grounds and a captain's lounge, a huge pool, HVAC bath house, laundry, gas and floating docks…all the things we look for. We stayed extra days to enjoy the city, take a break, and avoid facing the unusual South winds when we head down to Chicago. Winds are forecast (for what that’s worth) to shift westward over the next few days.

    I got a minor scrape that’s getting infected so we got a cab to the Urgent Care clinic to get an antibiotic. It had a robot prescription issuing machine right on site that fills the bottle, attaches the label, and drops it into the bin exactly like a Coke vending machine, but with a $4 convenience fee, and a lot more noise. That saved us $40 in additional cab fees, so a good deal overall. We’ve never seen anything like that before!

    We passed a fenced area with huge SS and Nibral parts and could not figure out what they were. I don’t think large prop blades are bolted on, plus the shape is wrong. Sing out if you have a guess.

    I included a pic of Navigational lights at the Museum. Here is the night navigation lighting trivia quiz for the month:

    Usually, NAVAID lights are flashing, but vessel lights are steady burning. Name five exceptions where vessels (excluding emergency response vessels) will exhibit flashing lights. A free emoji to the first correct answer! (Hint: COLREGS).

    What great summer weather and water!    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja
    1

    Sturgeon Bay, Day 3

    12. heinäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Sturgeon Bay, Day 3

    Eileen says she has never been to a Root Beer Festival, so we had to go. It was sponsored by the Historical Society and was very interesting. Of the six major national brands, all are Wisconsin products except A&W. We bought tickets for the ‘flight of six’ root beer tasting and voted for A&W for first place. It was just like a fine wine tasting event. I’m not sure we’ll ever again attend a Root Beer Festival. You should go if you ever get the chance.

    We took a nice walk to the organic foods store and several parks, then prepped for the next day's long run (130 miles in the morning) to Milwaukee before the afternoon winds kicked in.    Lue lisää

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  • AICW Great Loop SegmentGreat Lakes to Inland RiversMatkaaja

    Sturgeon Bay Day 4-Milwaukee, WI

    13. heinäkuuta, Yhdysvallat ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    Sturgeon Bay Day 4-Milwaukee, WI

    We exited Sturgeon Bay though an 1860 canal cut to Lake Michigan and enjoyed yet another calm day hugging the WI coast as shelter from the west wind, while planning to get settled prior to thquae afternoon winds kicking up. McKinley is a state marina, and the first marina ever where the gas dockhand would not accept a $5 tip due to state rules. We took a nice walk into town and along park trails. Every day has been smokey from Canadian wildfires with frequent health advisories. Too bad for the photos, also.

    The 1860’s cut to Lake Michigan is a slow-wake zone, though not marked that way, even on AquaMaps.

    NEBOLINK log:

    https://reports.nebo.global/c39be3b5-c00c-4ce8-…    Lue lisää

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