Buffalo to Home Port

Tuesday, July 18. 2006
Here we go again......it's 6:30 AM and we are off to Dunkirk. Some of the locals told us it is a fun port . Unfortunately the wind and waves were in our face. We were able to sail only three hours out of the eight and arrived in Dunkirk at 2:30 PM. We docked at Chadwick Bay Marina which gives a discount to USBoat members (very reasonable) . We rode our bikes, checked out the Maritime Museum and had a great dinner.

Tuesday, July 19, 2006
A 6:30 start and we are at Preque Isle State Park Marina in a mere 8 1/2 hours.
We decide to anchor out in the far west end of the bay and Mike proves to be quite adept at securing the anchor. We settle in next to a great old boat, Mike grills a couple of steaks and as the boat gently turns we enjoy a circular view of wonderful sights.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Fairport is a 70 mile trek so we started out at 5:45 AM and were delighted we were able to sail. The sky had been overcast all day and we had our weather gear handy. We did not anticipate the severe thunderstorm with 50 mile an hour winds that came upon us. Forunately Mike had dropped the sails, we had our life jackets on and he was able to keep the bow pointed into the weather. Our Bimini took quite a beating and will require substantial repairs but we we have gained confidence in our boat and Mike's sailing skills. We docked at Geneva State Park once the weather subsided and just missed another storm.

Friday July 21, 2006

The weather looked OK as we headed for Vermillion. Just past Lorraine we sighted a Lake freighter. I can tell you the name: American Fortitude because we had a very close (I would say too close) view of the ship. It's difficult to judge the speed of the freights and the Captain wasn't sure if he should turn and go behind it or pass in front of it. You be the judge.

We anchored at the Vermillion Public Dock this trip and had a great view of all the comings and goings of the locals out for an evening cruise. There are some great old boats at Vermillion.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Only 55 miles to our homeport Anchor Point in Curtice, Ohio. Three to five foot waves and 15 MPH wind with 25 to 30 mile an hour gusts provided rather challanging. At first riding the waves was fun but became tedious after three or four hours. It was a good feeling to be back in our home port. We survived the Buffalo excursion so its looke like we are destined to do The Great Circle