Judy and I arrived at Port Superior on 13 July about 1800 with the Subaru fully loaded. We started stowing provisions and continued the stowing process through much of the next day. We topped off our three internal water tanks with 100 gallons of drinking water, topped off the fuel tank with 30 gallons of diesel and brought 7 gallons of gas for the outboard. We also stowed three 5 gallon jerry cans of diesel having heard that the marinas along the north shore were not able to supply fuel this year.
Departing Susie with Pigeon Point in the distance.
On the 15th we motored out of PSM about 1430 for a nice beat to Presque Isle Bay off Stockton Island. We visited some friends then went to bed with the alarm set. At 0400 of the 16th we hauled the anchor, secured the dinghy to the foredeck then motored around Anderson Pt. and turned north. There were thunder and lightning to the S and SE but clear ahead. By 0500 we had left Stockton behind and were doing 5.7 kts over ground as we passed Outer Is. We raised the main and continued motor sailing along our course North. Around noon, fog began to set in and we were 31 miles from Susie Island, our destination. We made good time and had our anchor down in the Susie anchorage by 1800, a 14 hour crossing. We used about 10 gallons of fuel.
Rainbow over Tee Harbor
The next day we motored the 24 miles to Thompson Is and tied up at the wharf. Along the way we called the number on the Canadian RABC to report the wine we had aboard – as required. They knew nothing about it and sent us to another number, also puzzled as to why we were calling. We recorded badge numbers to verify that we had, in fact, called to report. We spent a couple of days at Thompson with lots of rain and thunder storms passing through then went on to Tee Harbor and picked up a mooring. A bald eagle marked our arrival and soon a double rainbow appeared.
Guidebook route through Walker’s
On the afternoon of the 20th, we slipped our line, headed for Edward Is., passed through Walker’s Channel then into the anchorage west of the channel. Some friends were anchored there: Pachina Mia and Winter Solstice. The next day we sailed most of the way to Loon Harbor, set the anchor and stayed three nights. The anchor was well set. We had gusty winds from NNW. We saw gusts to 33 kts. Our solar panel served us well – after three nights at anchor we were only down 20 amp hours.
On the 24th, we hauled anchor, motored in light winds and headed for CPR Slip. One of the few hard dates was looming: I had arranged to do a concert at the Serendipity Gardens restaurant in Rossport on the 28th and we were to meet my brother there the same day.
Allegro at anchor in Woodbine
We were watching the weather and there was some heavy stuff coming in a couple of days. We didn’t want to get stuck and miss the date so we left CPR the next day for Woodbine – one of our favorite anchorages. We motor sailed with 12-18 kts of wind on the nose and got our anchor down. The next day, the outlook was not so good so at 1830 we decided to up anchor and move the 10 miles to Old Man’s Pocket.
Allegro at the dock in Rossport
The heavy winds had not arrived yet so on the 27th, we tried to raise the anchor a 0730. A log was fouled in the chain. I had to get into the dinghy to clear the chain before we could depart. There was not wind so we motored the 8+ miles to Rossport and tied to the dock. The next day, my brother and wife arrived and I had a very enjoyable concert at the Serendipity.
Weather approaching Rossport
It proved good that we came into Rossport on the 27th. The next day, the winds really piped up from the North. We observed 38 kts at the dock!
On Monday, 29th, we departed Rossport for a motor sail to Woodbine with Les and Jo aboard.
