I am happy to report that we completed our Thunder Bay to Rossport
cruise without any serious mishaps. I'll try to tell the story over a number
of postings so as not to get too boring.
The trip begin on a sour note as we found our five gallon fresh water
container had split a seam spilling the contents into the bilge and onto the
cabin carpet. We had a wet carpet for the first half of the 11 day trip.
This was not a serious problem as we drank filtered Lake Superior water
throughout the trip.
We left Thunder Bay in the evening on Friday July 24 for the five mile
crossing to the Welcome Islands. This crossing was uneventful with light
winds coming directly from the islands. We were unable to sail directly to
the islands as the wind died with about a mile to go. The log entry says
that we finally started the motor after tick-tack-toeing about in light wind.
The Welcome Islands have a dock for use by cruisers and a nice hike to
the Welcome Island light.
On Saturday we left early for the crossing to Thunder Cape (about 8
miles) and our planned stop at Tee Harbour. I was worried about this
crossing due to the amount of open water. My worries were unfounded
as the day was too calm for sailing with glass like water. We did not sail
until we rounded Thunder Cape. The last three miles to Tee Harbour
were done with a full main and jib in some of Lake Superior's most
spectacular scenery. Tee Harbour is within Sleeping Giant Provincial
Park. It has a wonderful sand beach. We spent the day playing on the
beach. The boat was tied off in the shallow water with a stern anchor
and bow line to shore. At about 8 pm we moved off shore for our first
night at anchor. All was fine. It should be noted that on this particular
Saturday this wilderness harbour was extremely busy with 16 boats
sharing the anchorage. The split was about 50/50 American and
Canadian.
More later.
Ray
P19 #953 "Water Wings"
Thunder Bay, Lake Superior