July 4th - July 11th, 2006

July 4, 2006 Tuesday
We finally left the dock at 07:45 CDST and left barker’s Island behind us and headed off to the Apostles Islands. We left the dock without incident. The wind was good but died about 10:00a.m. so we started the diesel and did the calibration of the auto pilot. About noon the wind picked up to about 5-10 mph out of the southwest. We decided to try our new spinnaker. It worked well and was easy to get up and down. Sailed most of the way to the Apostle Islands and anchored southeast of Raspberry Island.

July 5, 2006 Wednesday
We moved from Raspberry Island to Rocky in anticipation of going to Isle Royale. We sailed almost the entire way which was great! As soon as we anchored though the winds switched to the South/southwest and we moved across to South Twin Island for the night. During the night the winds switched between Northwest , west and southwest which made our night rather long due to getting up to check the anchor.

July 6, 2006 Thursday
Left for Isle Royale-made a night crossing-used the spinnaker a good bit of the way-made great time with it, 5.5 to 6.5 knots out on the lake – saw 4 – 5 big freighters out there going out of the lake or back to the twin ports of Duluth/Superior. The sunset was gorgeous as well as the sunrise! Mark didn’t sleep hardly… he let me sleep from about 10:45-5:30 (just before sunrise) Very sweet of him. Made Windago, checked in and registered to spend 5 nights on Isle Royale.

July 7, 2006 Friday
Anchored out most of the day behind Beaver Island near Windigo. Took a nap and tried out our wet suits (top half) and went for a swim. After the Wenonah III left the dock at 4 pm (EDST) we moved over and moored for the evening. Offered a beer to Scott Thum and he immediately quit fishing. Slept good this night.

July 8, 2006 Saturday
Left Windigo Harbor for Hay Bay. The weather was not too good. We took a few waves over the bow. We had wind gusts on our meter at 35 mph. Ranger Steve Martin helped us leave the dock. Very nice man. We need to send him a note when we reach the Atlantic. I think he has a similar dream.
We motored and used the jib sail. We were traveling about 7 to 8 knots most of the way. Anchored at Hay Bay with 2 anchors due to high winds.

July 9, 2006 Sunday
Woke up at 2 am and 6 am to check on how the anchors were holding. Sunrise was just beautiful! No sooner did we oooh and ahh about that, the winds changed directions and we could see the front moving in form the NE. We decided not to stay. Mark found out the anchors had gotten tangled during the night. He had to work hard to get them apart and stowed so we could leave. He had to do this in the rain of course- thank goodness for our new rain gear! We motored over to Chippewa Harbor as the winds were out of the East and to charge the batteries. Anchored in the second basin and took the dinghy around to explore after taking a nap and watching a movie. Dinner was relaxing and we went to bed early because we were a little tired. (before 11 as most nights sunset is after 10) Talked to Ranger boat (Ranger Pete) about the weather and lake conditions. (Ranger Cliff only said Hi and ran the boat).

July 10, 2006 Monday
Anchored at Chippewa Harbor Second Basin still. Hiked to Lake Richie and went swimming and fished a little after lunch. Caught and released about 6 Northerns of various sizes. Mark caught the only one big enough to keep. One the way back we picked about two cups of blueberries, yum! We plan to have them in muffins or pancakes for breakfast. Three powerboats came into the second basin and one sailboat wanted to also but there was no room for them. Cool night but warm day. Swam off the back of the boat- VERY COLD!! refreshing though when you got out.

July 11, 2006 Tuesday
Made a picnic lunch and hiked to Mason Lake today. No fish and it was not as nice as Richie Lake. Picked some more blueberries. Came back and cooked a pork roast on the BBQ. UM-UM good!! We leave tomorrow for Copper Harbor. We hope for clear skies and fair winds. Our stay here at Chippewa Harbor, Isle Royale has been a good one. We’re alone in the harbor at the moment. One canoe snuck by earlier.