Another full moon to help with the navigation, although there wasn't much to see. We are west of the primary shipping channels and only spot a freighter after the AIS alarm goes off. Most of the freighters were 8-10 miles from us so no need to worry about collisions. At one point we had as many as 6 targets on AIS/Radar - not sure how the 'old timers' avoided this kind of traffic. One of the targets was interesting as it was a derelict ship, abandoned and stationary but still floating and transmitting AIS information. The information broadcast said it's been abandoned for a year - very interesting since it was in about 250 feet of water. Hopefully one our crew remembers the name of the ship so that we can find out more info. NOAA promished higher winds and waves and we certainly got them tonight. Fortunately the dodger glass was in so we didn't have to worry about getting wet and everyone was comfortable in the cockpit. It is colder than the previous night and someone got the great idea of using the sleeping bags as covers to keep comfortable. A great idea!

As daylight broke we had rounded Thunder Bay and were on the last leg of our journey, this part of the waterscape is littered with fishing nets and the plan was to sail several miles off shore to avoid any entanglements. We were able to spot most of them inshore, eagle eye Ken did spot a couple that stretched across our course and we were able to avoid them in time. We pulled into Presque Isle tired and cold but with the satisfaction of having transited a tough course. Hot showers, warm meals and quick naps later, we are ready to go separate ways. Kat has arrived by car (fully loaded of course - where are we going to put this stuff??) with Vixen our 10 month old Cairn Terrier (on her first sail). Now it's time to regroup, do any maintenance and await the two other boats meeting us.

Oh did I mention maintenance? The cork worked too well. One of the reasons for the drain is to evacuate any water that trickles in from the cockpit or backwashes from the stern. When Mark opened up the wet locker it was full of water not to mention the water that had seeped into the engine compartment. More bailing and drying before I can fix with the 5200. Since I was working in the cockpit, I also decided to empty the 2 extra jerry cans of diesel into the fuel tank. As they say 'things happen' - so they did this time as well. The fuel filler cap which is attached to the filler tube by chain got somehow relieved and into the water it goes. As the guys will testify, the water here is crystal clear, the bottom is about 20 feet deep and as clear as a bathtub but the cap is nowhere to be seen. So off I go to acquire a net on a long handle to dredge the bottom.......