We completed our trip across Lake Erie last night. We left Put-in-Bay, OH around 8:30 am Wednesday and arrived in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada before 11:00 am today. Winds did not cooperate at all (on the stern at a measeley 4 kts until 3:00 am) so we invoked the "3 knot rule" and we motored all 26+ hours.

About 3:00 am thunderstorms hit as we passed by Erie, PA and we rode out 30+ knot winds and a following sea that pushed up another 2 knots. Storms blew over by dawn and we changed course and headed north to Port Colborne.

We motored into the entrance to the Welland Canal and then immediately docked at the Sugarloaf Municipal marina.

One cruising guide we have claimed Sugarloaf to have "resort style amenities." Really?

Port Colborne is a very industrial area serving as the entrance to the Welland Canal. It is an ideal place to stage for transit of the canal, which will take all of one day. The facility is fairly average. It does have a restaurant and bar above the marina office. It is more expensive than the Michigan DNR marinas by quite a bit ($1.50/ft/night). The internet service, which has been problematic in other marinas, seems to work well.

We took a walk to the city center, which has seen better days. Not a destination point whatsoever. This marina will serve our purpose; rest up from the overnight run across Erie and prep for the transit of the Welland Canal sometime this weekend.

FRIDAY UPDATE: We walked into town today headed for the grocery store. In town we found a good sized farmer's market in session. There was a nice selection of locally grown and conventional produce, sausages, cheeses, etc. We loaded up on fresh produce. If you are here on a Friday this market runs from 7 or 8 am until 1 pm. Very nice and a pleasant surprise.

SATURDAY UPDATE: We joined a group of other boaters from Buffalo, NY for dinner last night at Lucy's Cafe & Catering (905) 834-7811, 90 Nickel Street Port Colborne, ON L3K 1B4. This is a great little restaurant that is about a 20 minute walk form the Sugarloaf Marina. You head downtown, then cross Bridge 21 and take the first right for about 4-5 blocks. When you see the sign for the Sports Bar and BBQ place turn left and head another 5 blocks. Lucy's is on the left. It is easy to spot as it is the place with all the cars in the parking lot which is always a good indicator. They serve Italian food and when you walk in the aroma is fabulous. Reasonable prices and great food.