Log of sv 'French Connection'

15 August 2012
11 August 2012 | Sarnia
10 August 2012
08 August 2012
07 August 2012 | Pt Elgin
03 August 2012
31 July 2012 | Beardrop
30 July 2012
24 July 2012 | Presque Isle, Michigan
22 July 2012 | Harrisville
21 July 2012 | Harbor Beach
21 July 2012 | Sarnia, Ontario
19 July 2012 | Sarnia, Ontario
16 July 2012 | Harsens Island, Michigan
16 July 2012 | Middle Bass & Grosse Isle
28 June 2012 | Catawba Island
31 July 2009 | Catawba Island

Shaken not Stirred

03 August 2012
Tony & Kat
Photo of the four of us on FC at Eagle Island

That title seems more appropriate for the last post as well as this one. Since Beardrop and the squall, we've had great times and reflections. On the latter the four of us came up with a 'did well/do better' list when faced with the same predicament - part of which we deployed at our next anchorage. Weather like that certainly binds people together.

From Beardrop we headed over to Gore Bay for two days at the marina. Nice facilities and nothing has changed much here. Typical housekeeping issues were completed - boat washing, laundry, grocery shopping, etc. We had a great dinner at 'Inn on the Bay' and the little grill north of the marina still serves great food - just be sure to order 'unsweetened tea', their regular tea is mixed with lemonade. Even though the daily treks have been short after leaving Mackinac Island, it was nice to take a couple of days to veg out.

Most of the time we're either sailing or motor sailing - we've sailed more this time than on any previous trips so that has been a nice plus.

From Gore Bay we headed over to Eagle Island for an overnight anchorage. We decided on Eagle since everyone was talking about how packed the Benjamins were. And after all, both have trees and lots of granite. However, we were all a little apprehensive about anchoring, but the old saying: 'if you fall off a horse......' applies to anchoring also. Soooo we'd better start anchoring soon.

The weather was pretty interesting as it continued to build all morning 10+ true to about 18+ from the south/southwest - again a good decision on Eagle. Since we were going across the NC we had the fetch with big quartering rollers slightly less than comfortable ride but we all faired well. Finally into Eagle it was a little calmer but still blowing 15 true. I was surprised to see 6 boats in there already and again we were a little apprehensive anchoring. When it's blowing out of the southwest, Eagle reminds me of the Bight at Norman in the BVI's with its venturi effect. But no problem our anchors held in that wonderful NC mud/clay. What was disappointing; the lack of wildflowers in bloom and no blueberries - guess we're about three weeks late. On the other hand we saw a spectacular rise of an orange full moon over the trees while being serenaded by a couple of loons. Does it get any better that that?

From Eagle we were off to Little Current and the beginning of the southern trek. We were able to have a great sail most of the way with 10-12 kt winds out of the northeast - however, it was downright cold (recollections of the guys trip on Lake Huron) I even had gloves on (no Mark I didn't have the quilt out).

While I was navigating, Kat went down below to make espresso with whipped cream - how decadent! Once we got into Little Current off came the fall clothes and back into short sleeves and shorts.

We're now watching the weather closely since the extended forecast for Georgian Bay is pretty crummy for Sunday/Monday 25+ out of the south - yuk! We may pass on Killarney and go directly to Tobermory tomorrow.
Comments
Vessel Name: French Connection
Vessel Make/Model: Beneteau 423
Hailing Port: Catawba Island, Ohio
Crew: Tony & Kat
About:
We started sailing 27 years ago on a 17' boat in Chicago. Once we found out small boats and big lakes don't mix we quickly upgraded to a 30' then progressed through 34, 38 and our most recent acquisition is a 42. [...]

Who: Tony & Kat
Port: Catawba Island, Ohio
NAVIGATION HELP Note the links on right sidebar, you'll see a photo gallery. Click on it and you'll see photos from our trips. If you'd like to see a larger image just click on the photo. Also there's a link to our email. Current Position: Click on the map and it'll show FC's current position along with where we've been. At the lower left you'll see a link to Google Earth, free software that will show a satellite photo of the same map. You'll need to download the free Google application first. Also on the side links you'll see Sam and Dan's links plus individual links to all of the blogs we've written up. Cheers Tony & Kat
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