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<?xml version="1.0"?><!-- generator="b2evolution/0.9.2" --><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/" xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"> <channel> <title>WhimSea's Log</title> <link>http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs/index.php?blog=5</link> <description></description> <language>en-US</language> <docs>http://backend.userland.com/rss</docs> <admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://b2evolution.net/?v=0.9.2"/> <ttl>60</ttl> <item> <title>August 9-19, 2019</title> <link>http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs/index.php?blog=5&title=august_9_19_2020&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1</link> <pubDate>Sat, 10 Aug 2019 00:50:16 +0000</pubDate> <category domain="main">Adventures</category> <guid isPermaLink="false">260@http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs</guid> <description>So many days ahead of us and zero plans except to drop Bug with John for his vacation. Do we go back to Isle Royale? Do we bum around the islands? We have supplies for either option aboard. Before our trip, Troy had commissioned the marina to replace our starter. This will turn out to be very important. But they got the work done before we headed up. Saturday we headed out to Frog Bay to anchor for the evening. Given the lack of wind we motored the whole way and anchored without incident. The boy enjoyed swimming (of course) and we enjoyed not being tethered to land and not having to bring Bug ashore. An excellent anchorage and a very peaceful evening. Sunday, after coffee and listening to the weather, we decided to head towards Stockton Island. We started the engine, pulled up anchor and headed in that direction. We had some wind an decided it would be a good day to take our time and sail there. The wind was somewhat fickle, but we stuck it out until we reached Stockton. But then. No engine. No matter what Troy tried, she just wouldn't start. We had plenty of battery power, but no dice. We pointed towards the marina and debated trying to sail back, but when our speed dropped to half knot, we called for a tow. Thank goodness for Black Warrior and TowBoatUS unlimited towing insurance. At least it was Sunday, we reasoned, the marina would be fairly empty and we wouldn't attract too much attention. Alas, the fate's were not with us as the breakwall in the marina was lined with former shipmates from Knife River! I guess we were meant to head back to catch up with them. We had a great visit and hoped that the marina could fix the engine Monday. Monday, it did end up being a quick fix and the marina felt badly about the issue. We were back off the dock and heading out again towards Stockton and Presque Isle Bay. Thankful that we didn't go to Isle Royale. We dropped anchor and Dylan went swimming. After a bit, he convinced Troy to take him ashore and I dropped a line in the water. We had seen a boat go into the dock that looked remarkably like Rain or Shine, but convinced ourselves that it couldn't be Dave and Debi. The boat was too small, the canvas not brown. Soon, however, I heard a familiar voice from the kayak visiting the boat anchored next to us. It's Dave! We couldn't believe it. He came over to WhimSea and chatted me up a bit before heading ashore to visit with Troy and Dylan Shortly after, there was a commotion ashore. Dylan's submarine had gone missing. All three searched for it for quite some time before Dylan eventually 'followed the clues' and 'discovered' the submarine buried in the sand and marked with a rock, right where he left it. Eventually the boys bid Dave goodbye, making plans to meet up the next day and returned to the boat. Tuesday dawned bright and clear with a fair wind to sail out of the anchorage. Though we hit some areas of little wind, we were eventually cooking along on our way to Raspberry Island where we planned to anchor with Rain or Shine. Along the way we saw our old marina mates from earlier in the week and spent time hailing them on the radio. Suddenly, we were hailed by a new, yet familiar voice. It was Ted and Carol, formerly of the Seven C's. They had sold the boat and left Knife River before we did. They had another boat and were anchored in Raspberry Bay, not far from our intended anchorage. They would let us get settled and dinghy over for a visit. What an amazing trip with so many voices from the past. Alas, it wasn't meant to be as the engine wouldn't fire as we went to anchor. Once again, we were forced to consider a tow back to the marina. Unfortunately, Black Warrior was having technical difficulties and we couldn't reach them. We decided to begin sailing back after making arrangements to meet up with Dave and Debi at Cornucopia Marina the next day. We eventually got the tow company via phone and they towed us back once again. Hoping, of course, for an easy fix. Luckily it was, but by then it would be too late to get the boat all the way to Cornucopia, so we decided instead to drive there and meet up with Dave and Debi for dinner. Unbeknownst to us, the local restaurant had closed so we ended up driving to Bayfield for dinner. We had a great dinner and a wonderful visit before returning to the marina for the night, intent on heading back out again in the morning. The next day found us heading to Raspberry Bay where we were able to connect with Ted and Carol for a great visit and loads of swimming. We also spent some time exploring ashore, more swimming, fishing and boat watching. We were able to spend the last days bumming about the islands and enjoying ourselves immensely before returning, picking up Bug and reluctantly returning home.</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>So many days ahead of us and zero plans except to drop Bug with John for his vacation. Do we go back to Isle Royale? Do we bum around the islands? We have supplies for either option aboard.</p> <p>Before our trip, Troy had commissioned the marina to replace our starter. This will turn out to be very important. But they got the work done before we headed up.</p> <p><b>Saturday</b> we headed out to Frog Bay to anchor for the evening. Given the lack of wind we motored the whole way and anchored without incident. The boy enjoyed swimming (of course) and we enjoyed not being tethered to land and not having to bring Bug ashore. An excellent anchorage and a very peaceful evening.</p> <p><b>Sunday</b>, after coffee and listening to the weather, we decided to head towards Stockton Island. We started the engine, pulled up anchor and headed in that direction. We had some wind an decided it would be a good day to take our time and sail there. The wind was somewhat fickle, but we stuck it out until we reached Stockton.</p> <p>But then. No engine.</p> <p>No matter what Troy tried, she just wouldn't start. We had plenty of battery power, but no dice. We pointed towards the marina and debated trying to sail back, but when our speed dropped to half knot, we called for a tow. Thank goodness for Black Warrior and TowBoatUS unlimited towing insurance. At least it was Sunday, we reasoned, the marina would be fairly empty and we wouldn't attract too much attention.</p> <p>Alas, the fate's were not with us as the breakwall in the marina was lined with former shipmates from Knife River! I guess we were meant to head back to catch up with them. We had a great visit and hoped that the marina could fix the engine Monday.</p> <p><b>Monday</b>, it did end up being a quick fix and the marina felt badly about the issue. We were back off the dock and heading out again towards Stockton and Presque Isle Bay. Thankful that we didn't go to Isle Royale.</p> <p>We dropped anchor and Dylan went swimming. After a bit, he convinced Troy to take him ashore and I dropped a line in the water. We had seen a boat go into the dock that looked remarkably like Rain or Shine, but convinced ourselves that it couldn't be Dave and Debi. The boat was too small, the canvas not brown.</p> <p>Soon, however, I heard a familiar voice from the kayak visiting the boat anchored next to us. It's Dave! We couldn't believe it. He came over to WhimSea and chatted me up a bit before heading ashore to visit with Troy and Dylan Shortly after, there was a commotion ashore. Dylan's submarine had gone missing. All three searched for it for quite some time before Dylan eventually 'followed the clues' and 'discovered' the submarine buried in the sand and marked with a rock, right where he left it.</p> <p>Eventually the boys bid Dave goodbye, making plans to meet up the next day and returned to the boat. </p> <p><b>Tuesday</b> dawned bright and clear with a fair wind to sail out of the anchorage. Though we hit some areas of little wind, we were eventually cooking along on our way to Raspberry Island where we planned to anchor with Rain or Shine.</p> <p>Along the way we saw our old marina mates from earlier in the week and spent time hailing them on the radio. Suddenly, we were hailed by a new, yet familiar voice. It was Ted and Carol, formerly of the Seven C's. They had sold the boat and left Knife River before we did. They had another boat and were anchored in Raspberry Bay, not far from our intended anchorage. They would let us get settled and dinghy over for a visit. What an amazing trip with so many voices from the past.</p> <p>Alas, it wasn't meant to be as the engine wouldn't fire as we went to anchor. Once again, we were forced to consider a tow back to the marina. Unfortunately, Black Warrior was having technical difficulties and we couldn't reach them. We decided to begin sailing back after making arrangements to meet up with Dave and Debi at Cornucopia Marina the next day.</p> <p>We eventually got the tow company via phone and they towed us back once again. Hoping, of course, for an easy fix. Luckily it was, but by then it would be too late to get the boat all the way to Cornucopia, so we decided instead to drive there and meet up with Dave and Debi for dinner. Unbeknownst to us, the local restaurant had closed so we ended up driving to Bayfield for dinner. We had a great dinner and a wonderful visit before returning to the marina for the night, intent on heading back out again in the morning.</p> <p>The next day found us heading to Raspberry Bay where we were able to connect with Ted and Carol for a great visit and loads of swimming. We also spent some time exploring ashore, more swimming, fishing and boat watching.</p> <p>We were able to spend the last days bumming about the islands and enjoying ourselves immensely before returning, picking up Bug and reluctantly returning home.</p>]]></content:encoded> <comments>http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs/index.php?blog=5&p=260&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#comments</comments> </item> <item> <title>July 2019 - Isle Royale</title> <link>http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs/index.php?blog=5&title=july_2019_isle_royale&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1</link> <pubDate>Sun, 21 Jul 2019 00:10:23 +0000</pubDate> <category domain="main">Adventures</category> <guid isPermaLink="false">255@http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs</guid> <description>Wednesday left the house a little after 10 in the morning on July 3rd after loading the truck with the fresh and frozen food, clothes, books and electronics. It is amazing everything that we feel we need to bring aboard. Given the vagaries of the weather on Superior, you never know if it will be baking hot or cold, if we will be outside or stuck below watching rain squalls pass by entertained by movies. We are ready for all scenarios I think. Thursday and Troy is quite busy installation a new solar panel control box that will allow for better output in more conditions, securing the panels, removing unnecessary items and organizing. It is hot, yesterday the thermostat below hit 91 as we were putting away our supplies. We got some relief from the heat when we went to Patsy's for burgers for dinner, but we were all wiped out, both by the heat and our exertion during the day. Today it is already 80 in the marina at 10:30. Troy filled up our ice stores and purchased flares, we only had to empty and secure Charlie before heading out. Despite the threat of rain and possible thunderstorms, there was little wind and since it will only get hotter in the marina, we decided to head out to Stockton and anchor in the bay. If the clear skies hold (doubtful), we thought we might be able to see the fireworks from Bayfield. Friday's forecast is not promising for the crossing with open water calling for widespread fog all day. While navigation is not an issue with the radar, it is usually cold and damp making things miserable. We departed the marina by 11 on Thursday in bright sunshine and watched the clouds amalgamate over the Bayfield peninsula. There was a sailboat race underway near Madeline and all the boats began heading in as the storm built. Clearly, they cancelled the race. We passed between Madeline and Bayfield listening to the thunder and watching lightning. About halfway up Madeline and the rain hit. It's big thick drops are cold and penetrating. Troy stayed topside under a raincoat and his southwester, but his shorts are quickly soaked through. At least it will be cooler! The coast guard put out a warning to mariners to find safe harbor when we were two hours from Presque Isle bay, but we pressed on. The warning for hail, cloud to water lightning and 30 knot gusts mention only the islands nearest the mainland so we think we are at the northern edge of it. We decided to anchor in Quarry Bay instead since it was closer and the rain was relentless. We missed most of the storms and there was a small break in the thunder allowing the boy to do some swimming which made him quite happy. Dinner of La Choy chow mein topped off by fortune cookies was followed by a rousing game of Yahtzee as rain continued to fall off and on. It was the perfect night to introduce the boy to the Princess Bride which captured his attention and imagination, especially the sword fighting. Friday and the sun is shining hot. The boy got more swimming in as we had our coffee and a visit from Dan and Pam from Pachanga, old marina mates from Knife River. The anchor was up and we were on our way by 10:30. There is little wind so we find ourselves motoring through vast swatches of pollen interspersed with deadheads from the previous days rains washed into the lake. The boy was not happy to give up his swimming hole, but he'll be able to get back into the water at Windigo. For now, he is content to be watching movies on my tablet as we head to the Big Island. The passage was uneventful. The fog came in making visibility low and somehow not affecting the heat of the sun. Troy laid down for a nap and I read and checked the weather. After a time, we switches up so I could nap. The boy alternated between watching movies and checking our progress. After my nap it was much cooler, the sun now completely obscured by the fog. Long pants and jacket weather as we enjoyed a single martini before a dinner of beef stew. The sun set with colors stretching horizontally across the sky in the breaks of clouds and fog. It was a beautiful orange, pink and red hue. After what felt like an eternity, the Rock of Ages Light came into view. As a light among the shadows of twilight. She's always the first sign to let us know we've nearly arrived. The first rock appeared out of the water as black sharp relief in the gathering twilight. There was enough ambient light to see the water and sky with the rocks in sharp contrast. With no moon and the stars obscured the rocks and islets of the entry are deceptive, the twilight gave them shadows on the still water lending the appearance that they were twice as large as they were. The air warmed as the island opened up Washington Harbor to us. We were shocked to see the dock virtually empty with one small fishing boat on the rangers side. Of course there are no lights on the dock save the red warning light. So Troy lighted it with a flashlight allowing me to step easily ashore as he came to a stop. I must admit to some trepidation in docking at night in the blackness given our last experience left me in the water. Troy too. But we came in as easy as can be. All three of us sat at the picnic table that is usually on the dock and watched as fireflies lit in the darkness of the trees. The clouds even cleared a bit showing hazy stars above. It was 11:30 when we docked. 13 hours after raising anchor. Saturday and we awoke by 9am central to a bustling port. One plan in, another waiting to dock. The Voyaguer came in (with some difficulty) while we hit the head and as they departed the Sea Hunter waited to come in. They had trouble with the wind blowing them off the dock so we pulled WhimSea forward as far as we could to give them extra room. We enjoyed a nice, easy day. Greetings from Steve and Valerie. Checking in and a lighthouse talk, followed by pizza and beer at the store. Dylan and I followed that with a walk to the moose exclosure where we saw a moose outside of it. Troy also saw one by the creek while we were out. Oh, and of course Dylan started the day with swimming, the little fish. More relaxing, visit from Steve and Valerie outside of their uniforms. Other hikers too. Dinner was hot dogs and potato salad. While we were dinner for the mosquitoes we took down the outdoor living room and all retired early. Saturday, July 13 finds us heading back to the Apostle's. Todays weather was good for the trip and Sundays seemed uncertain given they are now calling for torrential rainfall on Sunday. We are glad we decided to depart a day early. It was so easy to become part of the island rhythm. The visits from the Sea Hunter and Voyageur bringing new hikers and day trippers on the Hunger. Each eager to start their adventure. Both vessels loading up folks for their return trips home. Throughout the trip, Dylan made many friends. Friends for a day, maybe two. But he enjoyed th time he had with them nonetheless. We were able to entertain Steve and Valerie for dinner. Saw Andy and Ally (from Washburn Marina), met plenty of hikers, fishermen and day trippers. We met a great family from Brooklyn staying at the camper cabin that Troy taught to fish. Dylan hung out with the kids. There was the new intern, Seth, and even a visit from Marty, the historically stand offish maintenance manager! Troy and Dylan did sail Charlie in the harbor. Dylan and I went to the moose exclosure where i saw a moose outside. It was such as trip, as if he hadn't moved, I wouldn't have seen him. I heard him though, crashing through the undergrowth. I looked up in time to see the form of the big bull moose. Ten feet away and then just as quickly he was gone. I didn't even have time to point him out to the boy. We saw two bull moose charge out of Washington Creek, one clearly on the tail of the other. One of the divers from the dive boat Discovery (captained by Ryan) walked toward the fuel dock and ran into a bull lumbering towards the main area. Dylan was able to catch sight of it as it went up the hill towards the visitors center. Our crossing was sunny and without rain or fog despite the threat. We anchored in Julian Bay by the light of a three quarter moon. What a beautiful night. We let Dylan stay awake. The bugs were asleep, the moon and stars were out and the frogs were singing. The boy laid down on the deck, staring up at the stars. He eventually decided he was ready for bed (a first) and went on his own.</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Wednesday</b> left the house a little after 10 in the morning on July 3rd after loading the truck with the fresh and frozen food, clothes, books and electronics. It is amazing everything that we feel we need to bring aboard. Given the vagaries of the weather on Superior, you never know if it will be baking hot or cold, if we will be outside or stuck below watching rain squalls pass by entertained by movies. We are ready for all scenarios I think.</p> <p><b>Thursday</b> and Troy is quite busy installation a new solar panel control box that will allow for better output in more conditions, securing the panels, removing unnecessary items and organizing. It is hot, yesterday the thermostat below hit 91 as we were putting away our supplies. We got some relief from the heat when we went to Patsy's for burgers for dinner, but we were all wiped out, both by the heat and our exertion during the day. Today it is already 80 in the marina at 10:30. Troy filled up our ice stores and purchased flares, we only had to empty and secure Charlie before heading out. Despite the threat of rain and possible thunderstorms, there was little wind and since it will only get hotter in the marina, we decided to head out to Stockton and anchor in the bay. If the clear skies hold (doubtful), we thought we might be able to see the fireworks from Bayfield. Friday's forecast is not promising for the crossing with open water calling for widespread fog all day. While navigation is not an issue with the radar, it is usually cold and damp making things miserable.</p> <p>We departed the marina by 11 on Thursday in bright sunshine and watched the clouds amalgamate over the Bayfield peninsula. There was a sailboat race underway near Madeline and all the boats began heading in as the storm built. Clearly, they cancelled the race. We passed between Madeline and Bayfield listening to the thunder and watching lightning. About halfway up Madeline and the rain hit. It's big thick drops are cold and penetrating. Troy stayed topside under a raincoat and his southwester, but his shorts are quickly soaked through. At least it will be cooler! The coast guard put out a warning to mariners to find safe harbor when we were two hours from Presque Isle bay, but we pressed on. The warning for hail, cloud to water lightning and 30 knot gusts mention only the islands nearest the mainland so we think we are at the northern edge of it.</p> <p>We decided to anchor in Quarry Bay instead since it was closer and the rain was relentless. We missed most of the storms and there was a small break in the thunder allowing the boy to do some swimming which made him quite happy. Dinner of La Choy chow mein topped off by fortune cookies was followed by a rousing game of Yahtzee as rain continued to fall off and on. It was the perfect night to introduce the boy to the Princess Bride which captured his attention and imagination, especially the sword fighting.</p> <p><b>Friday</b> and the sun is shining hot. The boy got more swimming in as we had our coffee and a visit from Dan and Pam from Pachanga, old marina mates from Knife River. The anchor was up and we were on our way by 10:30. There is little wind so we find ourselves motoring through vast swatches of pollen interspersed with deadheads from the previous days rains washed into the lake. The boy was not happy to give up his swimming hole, but he'll be able to get back into the water at Windigo. For now, he is content to be watching movies on my tablet as we head to the Big Island.</p> <p>The passage was uneventful. The fog came in making visibility low and somehow not affecting the heat of the sun. Troy laid down for a nap and I read and checked the weather. After a time, we switches up so I could nap.</p> <p>The boy alternated between watching movies and checking our progress. After my nap it was much cooler, the sun now completely obscured by the fog. Long pants and jacket weather as we enjoyed a single martini before a dinner of beef stew.</p> <p>The sun set with colors stretching horizontally across the sky in the breaks of clouds and fog. It was a beautiful orange, pink and red hue.</p> <p>After what felt like an eternity, the Rock of Ages Light came into view. As a light among the shadows of twilight. She's always the first sign to let us know we've nearly arrived.</p> <p>The first rock appeared out of the water as black sharp relief in the gathering twilight. There was enough ambient light to see the water and sky with the rocks in sharp contrast. With no moon and the stars obscured the rocks and islets of the entry are deceptive, the twilight gave them shadows on the still water lending the appearance that they were twice as large as they were. The air warmed as the island opened up Washington Harbor to us.</p> <p>We were shocked to see the dock virtually empty with one small fishing boat on the rangers side. Of course there are no lights on the dock save the red warning light. So Troy lighted it with a flashlight allowing me to step easily ashore as he came to a stop. I must admit to some trepidation in docking at night in the blackness given our last experience left me in the water. Troy too. But we came in as easy as can be.</p> <p>All three of us sat at the picnic table that is usually on the dock and watched as fireflies lit in the darkness of the trees. The clouds even cleared a bit showing hazy stars above. It was 11:30 when we docked. 13 hours after raising anchor.</p> <p><b>Saturday</b> and we awoke by 9am central to a bustling port. One plan in, another waiting to dock. The Voyaguer came in (with some difficulty) while we hit the head and as they departed the Sea Hunter waited to come in. They had trouble with the wind blowing them off the dock so we pulled WhimSea forward as far as we could to give them extra room. </p> <p>We enjoyed a nice, easy day. Greetings from Steve and Valerie. Checking in and a lighthouse talk, followed by pizza and beer at the store. Dylan and I followed that with a walk to the moose exclosure where we saw a moose outside of it. Troy also saw one by the creek while we were out. Oh, and of course Dylan started the day with swimming, the little fish.</p> <p>More relaxing, visit from Steve and Valerie outside of their uniforms. Other hikers too. Dinner was hot dogs and potato salad. While we were dinner for the mosquitoes we took down the outdoor living room and all retired early.</p> <p><b>Saturday, July 13</b> finds us heading back to the Apostle's. Todays weather was good for the trip and Sundays seemed uncertain given they are now calling for torrential rainfall on Sunday. We are glad we decided to depart a day early.</p> <p>It was so easy to become part of the island rhythm. The visits from the Sea Hunter and Voyageur bringing new hikers and day trippers on the Hunger. Each eager to start their adventure. Both vessels loading up folks for their return trips home. Throughout the trip, Dylan made many friends. Friends for a day, maybe two. But he enjoyed th time he had with them nonetheless.</p> <p>We were able to entertain Steve and Valerie for dinner. Saw Andy and Ally (from Washburn Marina), met plenty of hikers, fishermen and day trippers. We met a great family from Brooklyn staying at the camper cabin that Troy taught to fish. Dylan hung out with the kids. There was the new intern, Seth, and even a visit from Marty, the historically stand offish maintenance manager!</p> <p>Troy and Dylan did sail Charlie in the harbor. Dylan and I went to the moose exclosure where i saw a moose outside. It was such as trip, as if he hadn't moved, I wouldn't have seen him. I heard him though, crashing through the undergrowth. I looked up in time to see the form of the big bull moose. Ten feet away and then just as quickly he was gone. I didn't even have time to point him out to the boy.</p> <p>We saw two bull moose charge out of Washington Creek, one clearly on the tail of the other. One of the divers from the dive boat Discovery (captained by Ryan) walked toward the fuel dock and ran into a bull lumbering towards the main area. Dylan was able to catch sight of it as it went up the hill towards the visitors center.</p> <p>Our crossing was sunny and without rain or fog despite the threat. We anchored in Julian Bay by the light of a three quarter moon. What a beautiful night. We let Dylan stay awake. The bugs were asleep, the moon and stars were out and the frogs were singing. The boy laid down on the deck, staring up at the stars. He eventually decided he was ready for bed (a first) and went on his own.</p>]]></content:encoded> <comments>http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs/index.php?blog=5&p=255&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#comments</comments> </item> <item> <title>June 28-30, 2019</title> <link>http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs/index.php?blog=5&title=june_28_30_2019&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1</link> <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2019 23:30:10 +0000</pubDate> <category domain="main">Adventures</category> <guid isPermaLink="false">256@http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs</guid> <description>I debated about whether this post belonged in WhimSea or Whimz given that it involves both! We are so far into the season already, but the spring weather of 2019 has not been kind to getting the boat ready for the season. That coupled with the fact that the boy has school, makes it hard to just 'run up to the boat' for an overnight. We spent a busy weekend prepping WhimSea for our upcoming trip to Isle Royale. So much food and drink to put away. We were able to clean out the water tanks, scrub the decks and install the solar panels despite the heat (it was surprisingly hot). With the sun beating down on us and only an intermittent breeze. But we got through and got it done. So nice to have the RV to return to at night for a good nights sleep. Overnight the storms came up with thunder and lightning in the night. In the morning the waves were crashing over the breakwall. The parking lot was full of puddles and the place was soaked and humid. We left the marina around 10:30 and hit a local restaurant for breakfast before heading home. We now have a scant two days to be ready to head out!</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>I debated about whether this post belonged in WhimSea or Whimz given that it involves both! We are so far into the season already, but the spring weather of 2019 has not been kind to getting the boat ready for the season. That coupled with the fact that the boy has school, makes it hard to just 'run up to the boat' for an overnight. </p> <p>We spent a busy weekend prepping WhimSea for our upcoming trip to Isle Royale. So much food and drink to put away. We were able to clean out the water tanks, scrub the decks and install the solar panels despite the heat (it was surprisingly hot). With the sun beating down on us and only an intermittent breeze. But we got through and got it done. So nice to have the RV to return to at night for a good nights sleep.</p> <p>Overnight the storms came up with thunder and lightning in the night. In the morning the waves were crashing over the breakwall. The parking lot was full of puddles and the place was soaked and humid. We left the marina around 10:30 and hit a local restaurant for breakfast before heading home.</p> <p>We now have a scant two days to be ready to head out!</p>]]></content:encoded> <comments>http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs/index.php?blog=5&p=256&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#comments</comments> </item> <item> <title>August 2018 Isle Royale Trip</title> <link>http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs/index.php?blog=5&title=august_2018_isle_royale_trip&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1</link> <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2018 19:28:24 +0000</pubDate> <category domain="main">Adventures</category> <guid isPermaLink="false">249@http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs</guid> <description>Headed up to Washburn on Thursday night after work. We were on the road by 6:30 and made good time all the way to Moquah. There was still a detour in place due to the flooding in the area, so we had to go through Moquah to get to the marina. We had an appointment to drop off Bug and didn't want to keep John waiting long. As we turned down towards Moquah and were surprised to find traffic stopped dead. It turned out there was a fatal motorcycle accident just outside of town. We were held up for a little over a half hour while the emergency crew came in. Since they came from Ashland, we didn't see anything, not even flashers, so it was really odd. We finally made it to Washburn and dropped off Bug and hit the sack, planning to pack the boat in the morning. Friday with northeast winds called for, we knew it would be a fight to the island, so we stayed at the marina and got a lot of work done. The water heater now works, got a new set of batteries and some gelcoat repair done to fix a gouge made in the Apostle Islands Marina. An early dinner of fish and chips from Patsys and early to bed followed. Saturday and we were off the dock by 5am and headed to the Island. We had a fairly uneventful crossing. There were some swells left over from Fridays winds, but we ended up motoring the whole way. Fifteen hours and we were dropping the hook in Washington Harbor. Sunday found us in fog waiting for space at the dock. We waited for other boats to depart then pulled up the hook and headed to the dock. Both the Voyageur and the Sea Hunter came in after we were docked. The Sea Hunter was carrying a group of folks that travel about taking lighthouse tours. We hoped the fog would lift enough for them to see the lights around the island. Of course the boy went swimming and later in the day a sailboat docked with another seven year old boy giving him the boy someone to play with. Abbey Road, who was carrying a crew of Boy Scouts were also there and really good with the boy, giving him tours of their boat. They even jumped in and did some swimming with Dylan. The next day, Monday, Abbey Road departed, but another boat slid into her spot, which is actually our favorite berth as it gives Dylan a good place to swim and play on Charlie. But he enjoyed himself just the same having learned the joys of jumping off the boat and climbing the dock ladder. Charlie was still on deck and we weren't up for taking her down just yet, so we went for a hike looking for thimbleberries. While we did find a few, there weren't many ripe enough quite yet. It was a beautiful hike though. Not too many hills to worry about and there was even a beautiful little amphitheater on the nature trail overlooking a stream. So peaceful and serene. More swimming followed the hike and then dinner and a movie before bed. Tuesday and the other boats on the dock departed. So we worked WhimSea around to our favorite spot and the boy got to do even more swimming. We did a bit of entertaining. Elmer on the Wind Calm was back and we met Tim who had his 20-something foot sailboat at the finger docks. We also got some fish as Elmer had come in with both Trout and Salmon and when he went to bring it all ashore, he dropped his fillet knife in the water. We have one on board and gave it to him. He was on the first few days of a fishing trip and not having a knife would really curtail it. While we meant to have the fish that evening, the talking went on much longer then expected. We met three guys from Detroit as well. They stopped by looking for some whiskey (which of course we don't have) but Troy broke out the scotch instead. A little while later a hiker came up begging for some beers. It turns out it was his first trip and he was from Northeast Minneapolis, but they arrived too late to buy beer from the store. While we had no beer to offer, we were able to give him a couple of bottles of sparkling wine instead. We found out the next day it was his honeymoon, so it was pretty appropriate. Dinner of hot dogs, the fish would have to wait, a movie and bed. Wednesday and it was calm enough, at least in the morning, to take Charlie down and work on her. Troy redid the standing rigging with Steve's help and now she is much more taut. Unfortunately, the wind came up and we were not going to put her in the water since Dylan would just beg to go out. Dylan put on his ranger hat and vest and was up at the Visitor Center telling everyone of the wonders of the island. It was sweet of Val to come and tell us what a good job he was doing. And I almost forgot the swimming! Steve had put on his wet suit and dove for Elmer's knife so he and Dylan jumped in together a few times. Dinner and the fish is finally cooked, it tasted great grilling them on cedar planks. Thursday and it is still too windy for Charlie. But Steve is still off work so he came down and offered a tour of his boat Jibou, and it is sweet. Beautiful interior, the rudder is so smooth and it looks like a great pocket cruiser. Friday and Dylan finished his book to earn another park badge. We went up to the Visitors Center so he could go through his booklet with the ranger. He was pretty proud to earn that badge and everyone in the Center stopped to watch him repeat his oath. Since we were at the Center, Steve brought us in the back offices and showed us all the pirate flags the rangers had made for the Island. They were pretty cool. Afterward, the boys got the sail on Charlie and took her out for a sail. Saturday and we headed back towards Washburn. Since we had a little time yet, we stopped at Stockton, dropping the hook in Julian Bay. It was a beautiful night and so relaxing to be able to stop and chill a bit on the way home. Sunday we went back to the marina and picked up Bug who was very excited to see us. In talking with John, it sounded like Bug had a vacation of his own with lots of hiking and playing with John, his dad and his girlfriend. Another awesome trip in the books.</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Headed up to Washburn on <b>Thursday</b> night after work. We were on the road by 6:30 and made good time all the way to Moquah. There was still a detour in place due to the flooding in the area, so we had to go through Moquah to get to the marina. We had an appointment to drop off Bug and didn't want to keep John waiting long. As we turned down towards Moquah and were surprised to find traffic stopped dead. It turned out there was a fatal motorcycle accident just outside of town. We were held up for a little over a half hour while the emergency crew came in. Since they came from Ashland, we didn't see anything, not even flashers, so it was really odd. We finally made it to Washburn and dropped off Bug and hit the sack, planning to pack the boat in the morning.</p> <p><b>Friday</b> with northeast winds called for, we knew it would be a fight to the island, so we stayed at the marina and got a lot of work done. The water heater now works, got a new set of batteries and some gelcoat repair done to fix a gouge made in the Apostle Islands Marina.</p> <p>An early dinner of fish and chips from Patsys and early to bed followed.</p> <p><b>Saturday</b> and we were off the dock by 5am and headed to the Island. We had a fairly uneventful crossing. There were some swells left over from Fridays winds, but we ended up motoring the whole way. Fifteen hours and we were dropping the hook in Washington Harbor.</p> <p><b>Sunday</b> found us in fog waiting for space at the dock. We waited for other boats to depart then pulled up the hook and headed to the dock. Both the Voyageur and the Sea Hunter came in after we were docked. The Sea Hunter was carrying a group of folks that travel about taking lighthouse tours. We hoped the fog would lift enough for them to see the lights around the island. Of course the boy went swimming and later in the day a sailboat docked with another seven year old boy giving him the boy someone to play with. Abbey Road, who was carrying a crew of Boy Scouts were also there and really good with the boy, giving him tours of their boat. They even jumped in and did some swimming with Dylan. </p> <p>The next day, <b>Monday</b>, Abbey Road departed, but another boat slid into her spot, which is actually our favorite berth as it gives Dylan a good place to swim and play on Charlie. But he enjoyed himself just the same having learned the joys of jumping off the boat and climbing the dock ladder.</p> <p>Charlie was still on deck and we weren't up for taking her down just yet, so we went for a hike looking for thimbleberries. While we did find a few, there weren't many ripe enough quite yet. It was a beautiful hike though. Not too many hills to worry about and there was even a beautiful little amphitheater on the nature trail overlooking a stream. So peaceful and serene.</p> <p>More swimming followed the hike and then dinner and a movie before bed.</p> <p><b>Tuesday</b> and the other boats on the dock departed. So we worked WhimSea around to our favorite spot and the boy got to do even more swimming. We did a bit of entertaining. Elmer on the Wind Calm was back and we met Tim who had his 20-something foot sailboat at the finger docks.</p> <p>We also got some fish as Elmer had come in with both Trout and Salmon and when he went to bring it all ashore, he dropped his fillet knife in the water. We have one on board and gave it to him. He was on the first few days of a fishing trip and not having a knife would really curtail it. While we meant to have the fish that evening, the talking went on much longer then expected. We met three guys from Detroit as well. They stopped by looking for some whiskey (which of course we don't have) but Troy broke out the scotch instead.</p> <p>A little while later a hiker came up begging for some beers. It turns out it was his first trip and he was from Northeast Minneapolis, but they arrived too late to buy beer from the store. While we had no beer to offer, we were able to give him a couple of bottles of sparkling wine instead. We found out the next day it was his honeymoon, so it was pretty appropriate.</p> <p>Dinner of hot dogs, the fish would have to wait, a movie and bed.</p> <p><b>Wednesday</b> and it was calm enough, at least in the morning, to take Charlie down and work on her. Troy redid the standing rigging with Steve's help and now she is much more taut. Unfortunately, the wind came up and we were not going to put her in the water since Dylan would just beg to go out.</p> <p>Dylan put on his ranger hat and vest and was up at the Visitor Center telling everyone of the wonders of the island. It was sweet of Val to come and tell us what a good job he was doing. </p> <p>And I almost forgot the swimming! Steve had put on his wet suit and dove for Elmer's knife so he and Dylan jumped in together a few times. Dinner and the fish is finally cooked, it tasted great grilling them on cedar planks.</p> <p><b>Thursday</b> and it is still too windy for Charlie. But Steve is still off work so he came down and offered a tour of his boat Jibou, and it is sweet. Beautiful interior, the rudder is so smooth and it looks like a great pocket cruiser. </p> <p><b>Friday</b> and Dylan finished his book to earn another park badge. We went up to the Visitors Center so he could go through his booklet with the ranger. He was pretty proud to earn that badge and everyone in the Center stopped to watch him repeat his oath.</p> <p>Since we were at the Center, Steve brought us in the back offices and showed us all the pirate flags the rangers had made for the Island. They were pretty cool.</p> <p>Afterward, the boys got the sail on Charlie and took her out for a sail.</p> <p><b>Saturday</b> and we headed back towards Washburn. Since we had a little time yet, we stopped at Stockton, dropping the hook in Julian Bay. It was a beautiful night and so relaxing to be able to stop and chill a bit on the way home.</p> <p><b>Sunday</b> we went back to the marina and picked up Bug who was very excited to see us. In talking with John, it sounded like Bug had a vacation of his own with lots of hiking and playing with John, his dad and his girlfriend. Another awesome trip in the books.</p>]]></content:encoded> <comments>http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs/index.php?blog=5&p=249&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#comments</comments> </item> <item> <title>August 3-6, 2018</title> <link>http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs/index.php?blog=5&title=august_3_6_2020&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1</link> <pubDate>Fri, 03 Aug 2018 18:54:33 +0000</pubDate> <category domain="main">Adventures</category> <guid isPermaLink="false">248@http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs</guid> <description>We arrived at the marina Thursday evening, loaded up and put on water determined to head out in the morning, regardless of the forecast. They were calling for a small craft advisory with 10-20 knots of wind. The morning dawned bright, sunny and warm with the wind directly on our nose, of course. We headed to Stockton Island in the hopes that the weather report would keep other boats in the harbor. We were in luck. We arrived to find space and with the boys begging for a swim. The thunderstorms that followed us from the mainland were building ominously, but there was enough time for the boys to get a swim in before we were chased in by the rain. After the storm passed, they were back in the water spending hours together swimming. We spent the weekend at the dock with the boys getting hours of water time in before heading back to the marina on Monday.</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>We arrived at the marina <b>Thursday</b> evening, loaded up and put on water determined to head out in the morning, regardless of the forecast. They were calling for a small craft advisory with 10-20 knots of wind.</p> <p>The morning dawned bright, sunny and warm with the wind directly on our nose, of course. We headed to Stockton Island in the hopes that the weather report would keep other boats in the harbor.</p> <p>We were in luck. We arrived to find space and with the boys begging for a swim. The thunderstorms that followed us from the mainland were building ominously, but there was enough time for the boys to get a swim in before we were chased in by the rain. After the storm passed, they were back in the water spending hours together swimming.</p> <p>We spent the weekend at the dock with the boys getting hours of water time in before heading back to the marina on Monday.</p>]]></content:encoded> <comments>http://whimsea.net/blogs/blogs/index.php?blog=5&p=248&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#comments</comments> </item> </channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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