7 July, 2021. Hello Detroit; goodbye Lake Erie

64 SM; 11.2 hours

Another 0400 wake up call.  Big lake and weather decisions required.  Near shore weather reasonable waves and winds.  Across the lake will be rough.  Lingering all day is the increasing threat of thunderstorms and significant weather to the north transiting west to east and drifting south.  Planned travel day with the other two loopers; Sea Moor and Curt's dream.  Coffee and final weather check and we decide a go.  Untied the lines at 0525 and into a fresh breeze, eased from the protected marina into the rolling waters of the harbor.  Generally westerly, for the first hour, Sea Moor suggested at turn north and a more direct route toward Detroit.  It was not too bad and radar apps were clear of storms.  So three boats in a line turned northerly.  An hour on the new course, while not unsafe, it was uncomfortable mainly due to the nearly beam seas and waves 2-3 feet.  Nearshore forecast was one foot or less.  So here we were following herd decisions, when we had studied nearshore weather forecast, and we don't like following the herd sometimes.  Nearly a five hour open lake crossing lay ahead.  Nope.  We bid farewell and turned due west and headed toward the western shore of Lake Erie.  An hour of on the bow 2-3 footers but not too bad or uncomfortable.  About 8 miles from shore there were less white caps and improved ride conditions.  So we angled a bit more NE and set course toward Monroe, MI and a well protected marina.  This family owned marina took my call and confirmed availability and sent me arrival text message.  Very nice.  This was our go/no/go decision point once we reached the channel marker into the Monroe area.

Weather forecast during a day of hot temperatures and very muggy conditions with unstable airmass and approaching cold front verified increasing risk of thunderstorms.  Reaching our decision point, we check weather: winds, radar apps and it appeared good to go for another couple of hours it would take to reach the Detroit river entrance light house.  We turned more northerly toward our desired destination.

Detroit river light house in hazy skies

Reaching the light house, it was another 22 miles up the river to our destination.  The Detroit river maintains a 1.5-2.0 mph current toward Lake Erie.  It was not going to be a fast trip up the river.  Visually there were building puffies all around. but not threatening yet and the further up stream we went the less exposure and big water.  The big great lakes freighters plow north and south between the lakes on this waterway.  They are not slow, moving at nearly twice the speed of Serenity and they have the right of way.

Over taking Serenity at 13 MPH.

We remained on the far edges of the river/channel to stay clear of commercial traffic and faster, wake generating yachts.  At least the east/west shorelines were close and we could tell we were making progress.

Approaching river/channel US side heading north

Continuing to watch the weather radar it was a race at our slow pace vice the faster pace of moving thunderstorms which would get to the destination first.  About 10 miles out, severe thunderstorm warning/special marine weather statement was issued over channel 16.  Weather was behind and to the port side of us moving NE at 15 knots.  We cannot go faster in Serenity even if we wanted to.  

Ambassador bridge connecting US/Canada

Detroit skyline

GM towers just before state park marina

About 30 minutes from our destination, the severe weather to our SW was dissipating, and only light rain showers caught us.  There was heavy rain to the NW but movement seemed slow enough that we would make the marina in time.

Another blessed day, we approached William G. Milliken State Park/Harbor in calm winds and sprinkles.  Our slip had been previously assigned via telephone call and we slowly make our way in and were secured starboard side too at 1630.  (map)  Our marina video

So thankful to have Lake Erie transit completed.  Departed Buffalo, NY on 6/30, arriving Detroit 7/7.  Eight days and 324 SM.  It is a challenging lake in a small slow boat.  One of the most difficult weather guessing miles of the entire trip so far.  Big, big water remains ahead as we proceed along the Michigan side of lake Huron and maybe Lake Michigan in the coming weeks.  Only planned to move with favorable winds/waves and thunderstorm risk zero/slight.  Ahead, Lake St. Clair is not a push over.  Winds forecast out the N-NE at 10-15 produces a 1-3 foot swell coming from Canada and we have to transit the western shores on the US side.  Undetermined length of our Detroit stay.

4867 SM traveled; 1872.8 hours hobbs