11 June, 2021 Family reunion

22 SM; 3.2 hours

 Beautiful sunset with calm waters as we prepared to close out the day.  Anchorage video  Most of the weather apps we use predicted calm winds; briefly after midnight an increase to 10 mph decreasing by sunrise, less than five.  Around 0200 the boat was moving around too much for the planned winds and we are in a pretty exposed anchorage.  Anchor was holding and just wave slap and a bit of roll, we went back to sleep.  At 0500, the reality of looking outside did not match current forecasts.  Winds pretty stiff from the ENE at 10-12G18. Shaping up to be a bit bumpy crossing the 20 mile long Oneida Lake.  Checklists completed and anchor lifted at 0700 we eased our way back into deeper waters and headed NW, rejoining the marked course to steer clear of shoals, rocks and obstructions.

Screen snapshot of NEBO tracking app

Stern quarter 1-2 foot wind chop

Westbound does not look too bad

Almost across

Glad we were downwind as we crossed the lake.  Stern quarter wind chop pushing stern around, made heading keeping a constant chore, but you just get after it.  Nothing too bad and still waiting on the "forecast" 5 mph winds to appear--never did.  We are headed to Winter Harbor marina just a mile or so inside of the lake as the Erie canal begins on the Oneida river.  Kim's brother and sister-in-law live 20 minutes away.  This marina has the cheapest rates--$0.90/per foot transit fees, with reported superb restrooms, showers, laundry and a courtesy car.  We were greeted into our wall spot located inside a protect basin away from the main channel, by two very friendly and knowledgeable deck hands.  Serenity all secured at 1000.  Once shore power connected and verified, we checking in at the office and got the codes for the facilities.  Boat cleaning, interior and exterior first on agenda.  Once completed it was lunch time.  

Serenity at Winter Harbor

Marina video

Kim's brother and wife came to the docks at 1800.  We gave a tour of our little boat and visited nearly an hour.  Kim and brother Curt reminisced abut their youth on Oneida lake and Johnnies pier 31.  Interesting stories.  We finally headed out to a restaurant where conversation and good food reign for several hours.  In younger days we all might have closed the bar, but tonight we just closed the restaurant.  We went for ice cream afterwards.  Excellent.  Arriving back aboard at 2230, one of the latest nights we have been out in some time.  We are generally asleep around Looper midnight (2030).  Light rain began, and it was a peaceful sleep secured to the marina wall.  Tomorrow it is sightseeing with the family.  

4335 SM traveled; 1787.2 hours hobbs