19 July, 2021. At the top of the mitten

 

57SM;  8.3 hours

Another planned long day.  Cannot pass up decent weather days here on the Great Lakes.  Pretty good sleeping at anchor last night, but wind did come up and begin to rock the boat around 0300.  There are bail out options along our planned course, but they were around 20 miles apart, so nothing real quick.  Studying the weather; Serenity remains under the influence of a high pressure system with clear skies and hardly any chance of thunderstorms until real late tonight. Winds forecast to be light to 10-15 mph during portions of the trip, generally westerly winds but clocking around more to the NW the last couple of hours.    So, areas of near calm and one foot or less waves to other areas of stronger winds and choppy two foot waves.  We are traveling today with Curt’s Dream; at least headed the same direction and time.  Coffee complete, gear stowed and checklists complete we were ready.  Anchor raised and stowed at 0620; we retraced our electronic bread crumbs out of the harbor and into Lake Huron.  Wind and waves as expected choppy and sloppy.  This continued for the next three hours as we pressed ahead.  Near Huron beach, which was about 5 miles south, this large bay crossing of almost 3 hours, the water was nearly calm, gently rolling swells with little wind chop.  How nice.  Rounding the corner at High Banks, winds stiffened and came from the NW at with gust around 15 mph.  Decent two foot wind waves made the last two hours slightly uncomfortable but not unsafe.  Spotting the red buoy signifying  Cheboyan, MI harbor entrance was a welcome sight.  Within a mile we were in the calm but flowing current of the Cheboyan river headed to the fuel dock at the county marina.

Taking on 33 gallons of diesel fuel at a ok price, we contemplated spending at night or two here, but this marina was a decent walk to downtown Cheboyan.  Ahead less than a mile was the city wall in the center of town with prices at $1.00/foot including electric and showers.  We had to wait for highway 23 bridge to open on schedule at 1/4 past the hour.  Once opened we eased up the river to the wall and secured at 1430.  (Map). Around supper time the harbor master/police man came by collecting money and providing the shower codes.  We visited with him as he was very friendly and offered suggestions on things to do and see.  

End of another long travel day on Lake Huron

We currently are planning a two night stay.  Boat maintenance tasks of oil change with new filter, fuel filter changes and rebuild of the racor external fuel filter.  This filter housing swirls the fuel in a lower bowl before sucking up the fuel through the fuel filter then on to the engine main fuel filter.  Since leaving Florida in late March, all the refuels, sloshing around with the wave action, causes any crud, bacterial growth or dirt particles to get left in the bottom of this bowl.  There is a low point drain, but not 100% of the particles drain out.  I only rebuild and clean this external filter housing when I have a rebuilt kit.  Ordered two a month ago and with the kit, can now disassemble, clean, replace consumables and put back into service. Will also resupply groceries and paper products while here.

Kim’s wall video

We will probably hang around the area for a few days and do tourist stuff.  We also need to do some planning as we complete Lake Huron and begin the journey down Lake Michigan.

5192 SM journeyed; 1923 hours hobbs.