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Category: Adventures

07/21/18

Permalink 02:29:25 pm, Categories: Adventures, 205 words   English (US)

July 21-23, 2018 - Apostles

Saturday would find us at the Apostle Islands Marina. We enjoy visiting this marina as it is so close to town and allows for easy exploration. Dylan likes the marina because of the closeness of the city park. He really enjoyed playing with the other kids in the playground. They even have a really cool looking dragon made of tires to climb around on.

After some playground time, we decided to walk up to town for some brunch. We ended up at the Moneypenny Bistro where they have an outside deck where they allow dogs, actually cater to them with water bowls and dog treats. We enjoyed mimosas and omelettes, delicious.

We then walked over to the local museum where Dylan somehow managed to lock himself in the pilot house that they have out front for kids to play around in. Luckily he was out again pretty quickly and we were able to continue exploring town.

The next day, Sunday would find us heading out to Stockton Island. Nice thing about Sunday in the Apostle's, is you can usually find dock space and we did. The boys enjoyed water time and got a bunch of swimming in before we had to head home on Monday.

07/14/18

Permalink 10:21:44 pm, Categories: Adventures, 2330 words   English (US)

Isle Royale June 29-July 9, 2019

Friday, June 29
We left Andover with a full truck, including a sack on the roof. Not enough time this year to bring up the many supplies we needed since WhimSea was being worked on earlier in the season. The drive up took a solid four hours, what with our usual route still washed out. Looks like it may be that way the whole season.

We arrived a little after 1pm to the vet that would be boarding Bug during our trip. Isle Royale does not permit dogs to the island. The island is home to the longest running predator-prey study (Wolf-Moose) and legend has it that some couple brought their dog to the island in the 80s and the virus it carried ashore decimated the wolf population as they hadn't previously been exposed to it.

After dropping off Bug, we went to work transferring the contents of the truck to the boat and figuring out where we would stow it all. Not an easy feat.

One of the items transferred was a set of new solar panels. Troy had finally found the combination of solar power and inverter that would allow us to generate ice and break our need to visit civilization after four days of isolation. Assuming, of course, he could get it all installed before we left.

We both toiled in heat indexes around 90, but it was well worth the effort. All things were stowed and the panels installed and we tested the set up. Not only did we get ice, but we also had the refrigerator running on high with no problem! Yeah!

After the long day toiling, we felt we earned a beer and enjoyed Patsys Friday Night Fish Fry with a couple of nice cold South Shore Nut Brown Ale's and an early bedtime for all.

Saturday
Saturday would find us sleeping in and then completing the last minute chores and inevitable run to the grocery store for the items forgotten. More food to find places for, but we managed.

We left the marina at 2 in the afternoon in 90 degree weather. Plagued by black flies and melting in the sun, we threaded our way through the islands.

Fog and chill descended as we left Outer Island in our wake, making the sun, when it did set an orange glow in the fog around us.

We picked our watches, I would be up for the first three hour stretch and Troy would bring us in for the rest. Shortly after he laid down, however, I had a strong signal on the radar I was certain was a freighter and thought it heading straight for me. It's so easy to get turned around in the fog. In between trying to see it and pick it up on the radar I must have turned a complete circle, so they blew their horn, confirming for me it was, in fact, a freighter. I backed the engine down until I could spot them, which caused Troy to dash up to find out what was amiss. He came up in such a hurry he wasn't even wearing his glasses!

I spotted the vessel though only the fore and aft lights were visible above the fog. He had tooted his horn again and that helped, since I could not hear his engine above ours and the fog. I sent Troy for his glasses and when he came back I had put WhimSea back into gear and they were rapidly falling behind us.

The boys went back to bed and I continued my solitary vigilance. Given the fog, there were no stars to gaze at, with the lack of light, reading was also out.

An hour after Troy went back to bed, the wind abruptly shifted to the north, definitely stronger than the predicted five knots. A cloud also descended on the boat. We were surrounded by clear, whispy whiteness so thick I could not see beyond the cockpit. And it was cold. The damn press relentless, and I had two hours left in my watch. I was happy when 1:30 rolled around and I could wake Troy for his shift. Of course by then the cold had entered my bones and it took some time to get warm and fall asleep.

I woke when Troy slowed entering Washington Harbor, got dressed and went topside. It was warmer above than below. The fog was still present and we were pretty close to the dock before spying an opening. We docked and were tying off the lines when Dylan woke. Arrival time, 6:15 central.

Sunday
Since we arrived shortly before the Ranger Station would open, Michigan time, we thought we would stay awake, so we made coffee and set up the couch, chairs, table and rug.

We checked in and said hello to old friends (Steve!) and returned to our coffee. I bartered a plate of freshly caught and fried fish for a bag of homemade carrot bread and light rain began to fall. So, we put up the awning and earned a hard time from Ranger Steve about 'roughing it' on the island.

We took everything down around 11 and laid down to catch up on some well needed sleep.

Feeling refreshed, full from sandwiches, we trekked to the store for Dylans beloved frozen Icee. There we learned the folks from the store spend some of their off-season in Africa teaching English. How cool is that!

The rain came in with a fury and fervor then, drenching everything in its path and cleaning off the long dead fly carcasses from the passage through the islands. We hung out a bit under the protection of the pavilion before heading below for a movie and popcorn. By the time the movie had ended, the skies had cleared and a dry wind was blowing and the hope of a clear day tomorrow is upon us.

Monday
A beautiful sunny day, though far too windy for the boy to play in Charlie. There were white caps in the harbor and fog in the open water lending a chill to the air.

We set up the chairs and enjoyed coffee and carrot bread. And we didn't really leave. That progressed to breakfast pizza and mimosas.

Though the boy and I did take a walk to the moose exclosure where we saw big piles of moose poop. There were, after all, 1800 moose on the island.

The sun and wind continued with lots of folks stopping by. Steve and Maria Wilson from Detroit, who were staying in the cabins with their three kids among them. They have been trying to visit every state park and were heading to Voyageurs afterword. Steve and Valerie Martin, the Rangers who have worked the island for years. Bob and May on the Eagles Nest regaled us with tales of their three year adventure bringing the boat from Seattle. Wow they had some amazing times.

We were finally able to bring Charlie down from the deck as the wind died with the waning of the sun and the boy was content. He had tried swimming earlier in the day (Troy took him to the boat launch) only to find it too cool to stand it. But now he had the ability to row. He was happy.

We were finally chased in by the mosquitos with night fall. A little browner, a little more relaxed.

Tuesday
Still at Windigo. I made coffee while the boy rowed in Charlie and Troy visited topside. It was a very pleasant day at Windigo. The boy spent the day rowing and swimming and making up stories. The sun was out so we put up the awning and also charged the solar lights. The wind was light but cool when it blew at less than five knots making it nice to sit outside.

At the end of the day the three of us sat in the stillness of the night listening to the night calls of the loons and chirping of the birds.

Wednesday
The day dawned sunny and hot. So hot in fact that I almost jumped in the water! The boy was out of the boat in a flash and in charlie. The weather was unsettled though with wind and storm clouds coming and going throughout the day. We put the awning up and took it down multiple times.

The folks we met in Washburn came in to the dock around mid-afternoon and Dylan finally had someone to play with. I couldn't coax him out of the water, even to eat!

That evening we had invited Steve and Valerie to dinner. The rangers had been working Isle Royale for over 20 years and event met out there. Fascinating folks with a history emeshed with the Park. They had worked a number of other parks (separately) before coming here and calling it home. They had such great stories of the folks that came year after year. The people who used to live on the island that they've met and the adventures shared. Steve should really write a book of oral histories he has heard. It was amazing.

At the end of dinner, the folks from Washburn joined us. Andy and Ally.

Thursday
Another absolutely beautiful day. The boy was sad to find his friend Simon gone (they had to return to the marina), but he quickly rebounded with a jump in the lake. After coffee, I decided Dylan and I would go on a little adventure. We rowed down to Washington Creek hoping for a moose sighting.

Since the boy kept hanging over the side and putting his hand in the water to 'test the temperature', he affected the boat's trajectory. It resulted in the boat slipping from one side to anther. So, I turned the boat around and began rowing facing forward.

We went quite a ways up the river, even singing our special song (the theme song to Grizzly Adams) before deciding to turn around, or more accurately, start rowing the other way. Of course, the boy kept throwing the track off by putting his hand back in the water, so I turned around again to face the direction we were heading and there in front of us stood a big bull moose! Just watching us a bit before bending down and continuing his eating. He was magnificent. He was also at the mouth of the river so we had to edge by, ever so slowly against the other side of the river. He was an amazing sight with his great, grand rack.

We returned to the boat after and the boy continued his swimming while Troy put up the mast and lies on Charlie in the hopes of a sail later in the day or Friday.

To make it complete, he event raised a pirate flag at the top of the mast. As the rangers had called it a day and taken down the American flag, Troy decided to raise a pirate flag on the pole! The pirate ship WhimSea sacked Washington Harbor! It looked pretty cool and the other boaters must have thought so as well as they took pictures too.

Troy took down the flag and we threw some hot dogs on the grill when we came across some hikers in dire need of food that was anything but dried or reconstituted. We offered dogs and chips and visited well into the evening until the mosquitoes chased us below.

Friday
Another beautiful day, which will prove to our final day on the island. Sunshine and light wind made it attractive to swim but proved to be a tad cold.

Dylan and I again went on an adventure looking for moose in the creek. Alas today we didn't find any. But still, it was beautiful on the creek and we did see an osprey hunting. We'd been watching their displays much of the week. So impressive when they dive for fish that I find myself cheering each time that they succeed.

A nice relaxing day all-in-all. Early to bed as we plan to depart the dock at first light in the hopes of making it back to the marina before dark.

Saturday
Off the dock at first light after making coffee. Troy saw our bull moose friend as we were leaving, but the sun was positioned such that I couldn't see him.

Traveling past the reefs outside the entry we noticed the bilge pump kept going off. This wasn't good. Dylan was still abed and Troy did some investigation, eventually identifying an intake hose that was leaking. He was able to effect at sea repairs and we continued on our way.

The day was sunny, but a fog bank was ahead, so Troy set up a proximity alarm, which would allow some relief from the wind behind the dodger. I took the first watch and sent Troy to napping.

It was there, behind the dodger, I was alternating between reading a book and peering out for boats when the alarm went off. I moved behind the helm to investigate and heart a faint chirping of a song bird. Out here, I thought? In the middle of the lake? Far away from land? And then I spotted her. Flying around the ship and looking for a safe place to alight. She went to port, starboard, avoiding the rigging and quite masterfully, before landing under the dodger and resting.

She hopped about, investigating, and I recall thinking that I would not care if she pooped on things when she took to wing, flew off and popped in the water, then came back! So considerate.

Her last visit, I heard her chirping behind us and I feared she missed. I looked frantically in the water behind us and on the swim platform, only to find her perched on the wheel not a foot away looking at me.

I felt so blessed by the visit that I cannot say. The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful and we reached the marina around 11:00pm.

08/28/17

Permalink 07:24:56 pm, Categories: Adventures, 1980 words   English (US)

August 18-28, 2017 – Annual Isle Royale trip

We arrived at the marina late on Friday evening with preparations to make before we could get underway. There were provisions to load, water to take on, things to do. After a buzz of activity, we were finally ready for bed, excited to be off on our adventure at some point on Saturday.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny. We needed to drop Bug off at the kennel for his week-long stay since dogs are not allowed on the island. We knew it would take quite a while to get there, 100 nautical miles, and decided to hold off leaving until the afternoon. This would allow us to sail through the night and arrive bright and early on Sunday. We departed the dock by 2:00 in the afternoon and threaded our way through the islands before reaching open water. The winds caused a rolling wave which resulted in the boat rolling 15-20 degrees. Though we had the jenny up to help with the roll we ended up a few miles to the each of the Rock of Ages Light. We shifted course and headed to Washington Harbor arriving at the Windigo Dock by 6:00am on Sunday. The boy surprised me by popping up in the cockpit and turning off the key to the engine as Troy and I tied off. After the long trek, we all headed back to bed to catch a little more sleep before checking in.


Sunday we all awoke refreshed and headed up to the Ranger Station to check in. We bought some books and settled on a float plan for the week. The intention was to stay at Washington for only a day or so before heading off to other destinations on the island. Dylan wanted to go for a walk so he and Troy went to the Moose Exclosure and got a chance to see the changes that the Moose had made on the island during their time there.

On the way back the boys went through the Ranger Station and picked up the Junior Ranger book so Dylan could work on getting his Badge for Isle Royale. That evening, Dylan and I worked on the book together, though he did all of the work, mostly needing to be nudged to finish it.

Monday Dylan awoke excited to bring his book up to the Ranger Valerie to show her the work he had done and get his badge. We left Troy aboard the boat and headed up to the Ranger Station. Valerie reviewed his work very carefully and solemnly walked him through his pledge. While I am a bit biased, I have to admit it was one of the cutest things I have ever seen. Dylan was so proud and immediately showed every other person he met his bright and shiny badge. He even had a Junior Ranger vest to pin it on. Good thing he remembered to pack it!

After showing Dad his badge we set up chairs to watch the eclipse. The rangers had glasses for everyone to view it. Dylan found the process a little bit boring and the day was a bit overcast but we were able to view the eclipse until it was about halfway through before the cloud cover completely obscured our view.

Next, Dylan wanted to show me the Moose Exclosure. Since he had gone with Troy the day before he was anxious to show me. We followed the exact same path the two boys had taken the day before including walking to the airplane dock first followed by the Exclosure. He showed me all they discovered the day before. The path took us past the two new camper cabins that they had added to the island, which is an awesome addition for those who want to see the island but aren't quite up for camping out.

While Dylan and I were on our walk, Troy did some maintenance on WhymC (our dinghy), replacing the drain plug since the one we had would leak on us. Since we needed to test the dinghy the boys climbed in and went for a bit of a row. After ensuring they wouldn't sink, they picked me up and we went for a row in the harbor. I had always wanted to take a look up Washington Creek, Troy headed in that direction and we went up the creek about as much as we could in the wide dinghy before turning about. It was amazingly peaceful in there with the birds singing and grass blowing lightly in the breeze. The campground flanks the river quite aways in with the camping enclosures dotting the river along the way. We returned back to the dock and talked about the rest of our stay on the island. Perhaps we would just stay in Washington Harbor. We never spend much time there since it was typically just a jumping off point to the rest of the island (and a place to check in). There were things to explore that were new to all of us after all. We grilled chicken pizza on the boat and had dinner on the dock.

Tuesday was another beautiful sunny day. The temperatures were just perfect in the mid-70s during the day dipping down in the evening. Some nights were getting cold (50s and 40s) but it was helping keep the mosquitos in check. We hoped to rent a canoe to continue our exploration of Washington Creek figuring the canoe would get father along. Unfortunately, there was too much wind and we were denied. Before we could come up with another plan, a familiar looking boat appeared at the dock. It was Bear and his Dad! We met them last year in Rock Harbor. Bear is two years older than Dylan, but they hit it off so well and both remembered each other immediately. Though there are other kids on the island, they all keep very much to themselves and their parents. The other kids we saw were staying in the camper cabins and really hung around that area.

After Bear and his dad departed, we decided to take a hike up the path along Washington Creek to see how far we might be able to canoe up the river. We explored the camping area, saw plenty of fox scat and a few moose prints along the way. Though we saw no moose, we were pretty sure one was nearby since some of the signs were on the trail on the way back that were not present when we hiked out. The boy was a bit loud so I am not surprised that anything that heard us hid.

We returned from our hike and the boys decided to set up the jenny on the dinghy and go for a sail. I stayed behind and chatted with a hiker and got some good pictures of them out there. The boy was at the helm the entire time and I was able to snap a few good pictures. It was getting late in the evening and even though Troy wanted to add the mainsail, they decided to come in and enjoy the evening.

Wednesday dawned beautiful and bright once again. We took another trek up to the Moose Exclosure. This time the three of us went. Wednesday was also a bit windy so we didn't even try and rent a canoe, instead the boys bent on the mainsail on the dinghy and headed out with Dylan at the tiller once again. Three times the boy steered back to the dock to ask me to come out with them and on the third time I relented. I joined them for an awesome sail. We went around Beaver Island under sail and touched at the dock so we could do a little exploring. I was very surprised to find three camping enclosures! We headed back to the dock for another beautiful evening. We enjoyed an awesome dinner of grilled chicken breast with roasted potatoes and carrots and another beautiful sunset.

Thursday and finally the wind was right for us to rent a canoe! We paddled up the Washington Creek as far as we could until the trees and overgrowth became too much. The creek is so very peaceful and quiet. We returned to the cock and ran into Connie and Dan, marina mates from Washburn Marina. Dylan went swimming and spent hours playing in the dinghy. He played 'man overboard' jumping from the dinghy into the water and climbed back into the dinghy. He is getting very familiar with the boat. So much so we now refer to it as 'his' boat! We enjoyed a wonderful dinner of steak, brussels sprouts and potatoes along with some wine we picked up at the store. We spent a nice evening visiting with Connie and Dan and finally saw a moose. A big bull moose was wading on the shore across from the dock and we could see him eating grass through the binoculars. It was nice to finally see a moose after a few trips without a sighting.

Friday and another day of beautiful sunshine. Three fishing boats came in loaded with kids of all ages. 18 kids total from the age of 4 to probably 18. It was pretty amazing. The boy spent the day swimming and playing in the dinghy. He spent a lot of time learning to row and while we had the dinghy tied to the dock, Dylan had enough line to allow him to row out and back over and over again. He played man overboard again and again. We were able to visit with Steve Martin, the ranger, and talked with him of the benefits of the Walker Bay dinghy. He is apparently considering picking one up for emergencies on the island as it would be a lot more stable than the canoe they have been using. We ended the relaxing day visiting with Dan, Connie and Steve. After they departed, we met a hiker named Scott who talked with us for quite a while. Eventually we were joined by the airplane pilot who was spending the evening on the island. The amount of air traffic we saw during our trip was fantastic. We had never seen that many visits. We learned that they changed their jumping off point from the airport to the Houghton area and the parking lot is full during the summer. They had so much business they expanded to two airplanes. Pretty wild.

Saturday, we departed the dock by first light with the boy still sleeping. There was a bit of a roll to the lake resulting in the need to have someone at the helm during the entire trip. We thought we would try and do the trip in an entire day instead of overnight. When we were within sight of Outer Island the rain started and continued during the entire trip back. By the time we were in the channel on the west side of Madeline, Troy had already changed clothes once, his first set having gotten soaked through and through. Though we thought about anchoring out for the evening, the forecast for Sunday was for more rain so we decided to press on for the marina. We arrived around 8:00pm on Saturday. Not bad!

Sunday would be a maintenance day in the marina. Since we could not get Bug until Monday we took the opportunity to clean the boat and offland more things that we no longer needed. It felt relaxing and a good way to get ourselves back into 'real life' once again. We ended the evening with a pizza from town with Troy and I planning our next trip to the Big Island!

Monday, we awoke early, picked up Bug and headed home. Somewhat bittersweet to be leaving especially as our drive would reveal spots of color among the trees signaling the end of the season.

05/31/16

Permalink 06:53:53 pm, Categories: Adventures, 846 words   English (US)

Memorial Day 2016

What a beautiful weeekend.

It was to be the first long weekend for the season and our first starting from Washburn Marina after years at Knife River. We had a few extra days and hoped to get out to the islands before the rest of the boating community and securing a dock for the night. We knew our radar was having issues and that the marina hadn't had a chance to look at it yet and looked with trepidation at the fog as we drove through to Washburn.

Friday morning dawned with a little fog, but enough we could see across the bay, so we decided to head out. Radar or no radar. The clouds looked amazing on the crossing to the island, coming across the sky like waves. Given the wind direction and speed, we motored out to Stockton and secured a place on the dock for the evening. The boys were excited to be back at the beach again and we spent time chasing sticks and throwing rocks into the water. I swear, the boy is planning to fill up the lake on his own. It was a little cool that evening, but no one minded. We were on the boat and on the water. Where we are meant to be.

Saturday morning and we saw that the new dinghy was full of water! Apparently the plug had popped out during our crossing. So we brought her ashore and emptied her out. While we were ashore, the other boats in the harbor left so we thought we would move to the other dock as it is more comfortable. No dice. The engine wouldn't start! Troy spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out what was going on, but we were not able to get her started. Now we would need to formulate a plan to sail out of the harbor and back to the marina. It is very disheartening to have diesel problems so early in the season. It isn't like this is our first time without it, but this shouldn't be happening. We are bummed. But the boys made the best of it with playing around with the dinghy. Dylan got his first lesson as coxswain and was doing really well.

Sunday morning dawned bright and clear which is awesome given the forecast to date! The boys decided to take out the dinghy out. First Troy with the sails up and then he and Dylan. Poor Bug got left behind and was very disappointed by it. But he got over it. They had a great time sailing about the harbor and even got yelled at by the Park Rangers for 'sailing in the harbor', even though they are the ones who honked at them and sent them in! Oh well. The wind picked up during the day and we helped a few folks to dock that day and even got a chance to meet some new people which is always good. We decided to stay another day as the weather would not be right for sailing out of the harbor anyway.

Monday and the weather is grand! Others came in throughout the day yesterday and filled up the harbor but by early morning, most folks were gone and it was just us and a couple from Washburn left at the dock. We decided to turn WhimSea around on the dock, making it easier to sail out of the harbor and avoid both the big rocks at the end of the dock and the shoaling in the bay. Given we had pulled a boat off the shoal in previous years, it was a big concern. But we sailed out without issue and soon had both sails up and were heading towards the marina.

We debated about the idea of sailing into Washburn marina. Troy being of the opinion we should, me, not so much. It is a little scary to think of having no propulsion and having to stop the boat. We called Black Warrior Marina and arranged for a tow in. We were lucky to get wind the entire way back, even though we had to beat the entire distance, the sun was shining on us at least!

Black Warrior brought us in as pretty as you please and got us to the dock on the wall. There were storms predicted for Monday evening and into Tuesday so it is good that we decided to cut our vacation a little short, especially without a running diesel. Now we can only hope that the marina finds the problem soon and resolves it without a huge bill at the end!

I have to say that I am very lucky to have Troy. Not only did he bring us back without any concern, he kept everyone's spirits up, acting as if having no diesel was no big deal, even though I knew it frustrated him to no end. The boy didn't even realize anything big was happening. There was still plenty of fun on the beach, in the forepeak wrestling and in the dinghy.

07/25/15

Permalink 07:08:04 pm, Categories: Adventures, 1828 words   English (US)

Isle Royle, July 10-20, 2015

Friday … We left the marina a little after 2:30 on Friday afternoon after packing her up with ten days’ worth of provisions, clothes, and of course, toys. We were all missing Bug already but were excited to be heading out on a new adventure. Departing the marina we thought we might have a favorable wind for our trip, but it turned out to be a land breeze, we motor sailed when we could, but would end up using the diesel for most of the trip.

We motored past the outskirts of the apostles, having dinner as we passed Outer Island and shaped up our course. We would take shifts throughout the night, with Troy taking the first shift so I could get the boy to bed. I had the 1:00am-4:00am shift. The night is particularly amazing on the lake, especially in the middle like that. Before heading to bed, there was a spectacular sunset. A bright orange ball descending into a dark purple blue hue of the sky. Because of the haze the sun didn’t color the clouds like it usually does which was remarkable. When I came topside, Troy pointed out the Northern Lights, playing off Minnesota and the weather buoy to our stern. We’d never seen that before.

A few freighters passed and the moon rise was a sight to see. An orange fingernail slice that appeared over the horizon before being hidden by a fog that would envelop us bringing with it a dampness. Thankfully the boat has radar and I knew we were leaving the shipping channels.

Saturday … We arrived at the island around 8:30 in the morning, the island shrouded in the fog that had arrived the night before. As we got closer, the top of the island, the Greenstone Ridge became visible, but only briefly. We spotted the first of the buoys marking the Siskiwit entry. After passing the last buoy the fog cleared, like the Island opened her doors for us.

We had decided to spend a day or two in Hay Bay, planning to approach the dock (if it was open) and anchoring if we found it not approachable. All the books and maps indicate we should have plenty of water, but we were skeptical. As we entered the bay, two sailboats were leaving, leaving it wide open. We approached the dock and were pleasantly surprised to find plenty of water for WhimSea. Another first for WhimSea! And what a wonderfully excluded place with the only approach via boat, though there is a campsite, you need a boat to get there and no hired vessels

WhimSea at the dock in Hay Bay

Troy and I relaxed and settled in. Dylan stripped naked and pulled out his fishing pole. After a quick lunch of hot dogs and corn on the cob on the grill we convinced Dylan we all needed a nap when it’s really Troy and I that did after our night long trip.

Dylan fishing in Hay Bay

After our nap Dylan continued playing with his fishing pole practicing his casting, though we did convince him to put clothes on after a sliver in his foot made him consider what would happen if got one in his bum. Periodically we heard the moose crunching through the woods with the telltale snapping of twigs. We waited breathlessly for an appearance, but were unfortunately disappointed. Perhaps another day.

Sunday … We slept late and enjoyed our coffee and carrot bread on the dock while Dylan continues his fishing practicing. We played no music and the quiet was so amazing. We heard the birds and gulls, woodpeckers pounding away in the forest, the ducks fishing nearby. We heard the wind as it rustled the leaves in the trees and caused the water to lightly lap at the shore.

A rabbit munched his lunch nearby and butterflies alternated between playing nearby and resting and soaking the sun.

Boys on the dock

Sunday afternoon would bring a rain squall that chased us below, but we didn’t mind. Time has shifted and returned us to a place that matches the rhythm around us. I am in heaven, unplugged and disconnected with those I love most near me (though I admittedly miss Bug).

The rain extended through the night so we had a dinner of spaghetti Bolognese and garlic toast, listened to a story and put the boy to bed.

Monday … The rain continued through the night with thunder and lightning added. The morning dawned foggy and very wet, which would continue for the day. Today was destined to be an inside day. The rain would continue through the day with the wind coming up in the night increasing to 20 knots, pushing us against the dock. I could feel the boat heel against the dock, breaking my sleep.

Tuesday … Tuesday morning dawned clear but very very windy with the gusts of 20 knots continuing from the northeast, making it cold as well. We wiled away the morning practicing our casting while the wind blew itself out.

We listened to the weather, had a sandwich and decided to head for Rock Harbor intending to stay either at the Daisy Farm dock or at the marina at Rock. We figured we may arrive before they close, but could settle up in the morning. If we found the marina full, we would backtrack to the dock or anchor in Moskey Basin, another beautiful bay. We arrived at the marina and found an available slip and were surprised to find the marina still open, as well as the restaurant. What luck

We enjoyed dinner followed by our traditional walk to the America dock so we could take a picture of WhimSea in the marina. We have done that every year we’ve visited Isle Royale and stayed in the marina.

WhimSea in Rock Harbor, traditional photo

We returned to the boat and hung out in the cockpit for a short while before we were chased below by the mosquitos. It has been a wet year and they are thriving this year. After putting the boy to bed, Troy and I returned to the cockpit for some star gazing. A chill to the air meant we shared a blanket. Despite the lights from the marina and the Ranger docked nearby, the milky way was clearly very visible along with millions of stars. I spotted at least three shooting stars and wished on them all.

Wednesday … The Ranger blew her horn before departing in the morning. It was a beautiful sunny day. The breeze had a slight chill to it, which countered the strength of the sun very nicely. A lazy morning of coffee and carrot cake combined with sailing of the Endeavor, Troy’s R/C Sailboat. Troy and Dylan participated in the ranger-led nature walk while I took a call from work, the only break in our vacation routine.

That afternoon we met some fishermen that were over from Minnesota, Neil and his son Bear come to the island frequently and did some trout fishing while on their way to Rock Harbor. Bear is a couple of years older than Dylan, but they got along famously, sharing a movie and having a great time playing with the fish in Neil’s live well. Lucky for us, Neil wanted to do more fishing between Rock and their campsite, which meant we were treated to some freshly caught trout. It was pretty easy to change our plans for dinner after that. We soaked a plank and put it on the grill that night.

Dylan & Bear

Thursday … Thursday would find us taking a hike down Stoll Trail before returning back to join the ranger-led nature hike to hear about lichen. We followed it with fish sandwiches at the restaurant for lunch.

Troy picked up a game for Dylan from the Park Service on fishing that we all enjoyed playing. We spent time playing the fish game followed by a balanatined chicken on the grill. And since we had a fire going, finished with s’mores with some folks that were staying at the lodge.

Dylan at the dock in Rock

Friday … Friday would find us leaving Rock Harbor for another dock. Showers and a fuel up and despite the fog, we decided to head toward Caribou Island hoping for another new dock to visit. Troy had read about it and its proximity to Cemetery Island and thought it would be a great place for the night. Alas, we would find the dock full so we pressed on to Daisy Farm. Dylan got in more beach time and some wading before a dinner of steaks on the dock. We tried to get in some more star gazing, especially hoping to show Dylan the stars completely unobscured by the lights of the harbor or nearby boats. Though the mosquitos were quite vicious, we spent a little time above deck gazing at the Milky Way with him before the fog returned and the force of the mosquitos chased us below.

Saturday ... We were now faced with the need to return to Washburn. We had to be back on Monday to get Bug from the pet boarders but felt we had time to do some hiking before heading out. We hoped to make it to the fire tower and find that the fog would be less dense farther up, but made it about halfway before turning around, realizing not only that it wasn’t going to lift, but also that weather was heading our way. Now would be the time to depart.

We left the island shrouded in fog once more having to navigate with the radar through the harbor. The fog would stay with us much of the way, but eventually would open up showing us a lake blue and clear and storms on the Michigan shore. The wind built through the day eventually increasing to 20 knots as the night came on.

We pounded into a 20 knot headwind most of the way home. Since it was on the nose we motored the whole way with the bow rising and falling in loud thuds as she hit the building waves. They would build to 5 to 7 feet during the night, throwing things around the boat and loosening the shelf in the forepeak taking it completely off the wall.

Sunday … We navigated through the apostles and pulled into the dock at Washburn in a fair amount of wind. After arriving in the marina, we went out for pizza before doing some work aboard, packing things up for the trip home.

Monday … We headed out to get Bug almost immediately after waking. We all missed him during our vacation, but the island does not permit dogs, for good reason. The wolf population is already decimated and couldn’t take any outside contamination. It’s hard to be home among civilization again, but it was a wonderful trip. We’re already talking about how to get back out there.

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