I have no idea who reads these postings, but I suspect the answer is "nobody". I look at it as an alternative Ships Log, so I guess the effort is mostly for us. Two days ago we returned from an incredible 3 week trip to England. This was our first ever trip to the UK, so we were filled with high expectations which were more than fulfilled. Heartfelt thanks to all of the innkeepers at the various places we stayed, and a special thanks to Tom Hooper, our Rick Steves guide in London.
After our arrival in Baltimore on 4/24 we were very busy with getting the boat out of storage, launched, and prepared for the season. The list of boat jobs was very long. The England trip was 5/6 to 5/26 and Eos was safely cared for at Pleasure Cove Marina during our absence. During the next few days, provisioning and preparations for leaving the Chesapeake will keep us very busy. The list of "must do" items is very long. If nothing changes (Ha1) we hope to depart the Chesapeake by 5/31 with a tentative itinerary of:
Waterford NY by 6/10
Erie Canal to Oswego NY by 6/24
Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay on Lake Huron by 7/18
Kilarney on Lake Huron by 7/28
Sault Ste Marie by 8/13
Back down Lake Huron to Grosse Pointe Michigan by 9/1
Through Lake Erie to Buffalo by 9/12
Back across the Erie Canal to Waterford by 9/25
There are some concerns that may change the plan, as always when cruising. We were able to take some careful measurements while Eos was in the storage shed. Overhead clearance with the mast and antennas down should not be an issue, but draft is a concern. The controlling depth of the Trent Severn waterway is 6', but anything over 5' requires signed waivers and not guarantee of making it. In the shed we measured a true draft of 5'8" and I'm guessing that in fresh water it may be 5'10". Two inches between the keel and a granite bottom creates a certain level of anxiety. We may decide to go the long way around through the Welland Canal to bypass Niagra, and then up Lake Erie, past Detriot, and into Lake Huron. This is a lot longer distance, but no more time since the Trent Severn is slow.
Best wishes to all of our familty and friends, and I hope you will follow along as we set off on our Great Lakes adventure. I'll post again as we leave the Chesapeake.