The Adventures of Ocean Girl

SPAR ISLAND

September 21, 2010

Distance: 21 NM

Vessel: 'Joan' C&C 38

We departed Thompson Island first thing in the morning at 0600, bound for a hike on Spar Island and then going back to Cloud Bay (our final destination). At 0800 we arrived in the anchorage at Spar Island. We set the anchor, took the dinghy to shore and did the two most scenic lookouts! It was so nice to hike in the fall. All of us were so happy to end the trip with these spectacular walks. Around 1115 we were back on the boat, eating lunch and moving in slow gear. The winds were beginning to pick-up closer to 20 knots from the South West, we lifted anchor just before noon and started to motor sail towards Cloud Bay. We all got sprayed really good that day. The winds were funneling between all the Islands and the Main Land. Once we got 'Joan' back into her homeport of Cloud Bay we experienced a little problem with the mooring line and our propeller. I'll just leave it at that. It got caught, and then untangled with some effort from everyone. Packed all our belongings, the food and did a couple trips to and from the dock. It was a wonderful experience to have gone with Malcolm Rogerson, Zack Kruzin and Krista Patterson. Lake Superior will always have a place in my heart and hopefully I get to re-explore Isle Royale some day. :) peace.

Seas: 1.5m

Wind: 15 – 25 knots, South West

Breakfast: bagels and jam.

Lunch: everything left behind!

THOMPSON ISLAND

September 20, 2010

Distance: 0 NM

Vessel: 'Joan' C&C 38

Spent approximately 5 hours in the Sauna at Thompson Island. It was the best day in ages. Washing our hair three times each, jumping in the freezing bay after heating the sauna all morning. We went hiking and took pictures from the lookouts. The day started off sunny and then overcast and stronger winds from the North East in the later part of the afternoon.
Seas: 0.5m

Wind: 10-18 knots East North East

Breakfast: not applicable!

Lunch: Quesadillas!

Dinner: more snacks.

ISLE ROYALE, 88 Nautical Miles

September 19, 2010

Distance: 88 NM

Vessel: 'Joan' C&C 38
We decided to make a push for Thompson Island, back to Canada. Instead of staying to explore the north side of Isle Royale. Everyone onboard was craving a sauna and not looking forward to the rough seas coming ahead in the next couple of days. So, we left the dock from Rock Harbor at 0910 and making our way around Blake Pt. around 1000. It was sad to say goodbye to Isle Royale, but we were all so excited for the long day of sailing across Superior and watching the depths. 750ft at one point! That’s awfully deep if you ask me. We had pre-made wraps, so we wouldn’t need to cook while sailing. Each taking our turns at the helm. I think that was my longest day on the wheel. Instead of aiming directly for Thompson Island, we decided to go towards the Sleeping Giant and go for speed and then tack our way towards our destination later on. Sibley Peninsula was slowly getting bigger and bigger. As the sun was setting we encountered two other ships in the commercial shipping lane. Cooked our curry with the gimbaled stove. Zack was beyond excited to be cooking while ‘Joan’ was healing at 35degrees. It was a long day, but loads of fun… Krista got a little sea sick at one point and then got fresh air and came back to her old self. Around 2230 we arrived at the docks in Wray Bay on Thompson Island and rafted up with another sailboat.

Seas: less than 1m
Wind: 10-15 knots
Breakfast: fruits
Lunch: Wraps (elk, cheese, spinach, avocadoes, tomatoes, onions,etc.)
Dinner: Curry Chicken and some hot chocolate with tim tams for dessert.