Sheboygan to Racine Addendum

Pictures from the camera on the boat were not available with the last post. Jenny, Eliot and I had a good day looking at familiar scenery as we passed Milwaukee, the Oak Creek power plant and the Wind Point Lighthouse.

I really appreciate all the help from the crews that accompanied me on the trip. Of course Carol, my love, Daughter Debi DeBattista, Carol’s cousin Doug Timmel, my sailing partner Jim Abele, son-in-law Scott Johnson, Daughter Kim Johnson, daughter Jenny Underhill and son-in-law Eliot Underhill every person was of good humor and willing to contribute to the best of their ability.

Thanks Crews!!!!

Jenny enjoying a book in calm seas and the sunshine

Eliot chilling

Milwaukee through the haze

Oak Creek Power Plant, some smoke rising vertically

Home again, Wind Point Lighthouse

Sheboygan to Racine, WI

Well the final day was upon us and it was appropriate that Jenny and Eliot were aboard since they were the first volunteers last year and spent several frustrating days in Charleston with me. We departed about 7:00 and found the wind out of the west at 8-10 as predicted. There was also a two foot residual wave from the previous day from the south with a longer period than yesterday, a bit of up and down but nothing we couldn’t handle. Overcast morning with a 20% chance of rain, but very comfortable lower 70’s on the lake.

We did not see many other boats today, but passing Milwaukee and being able to pick out objects in the city was quite interesting. The Calatrava even from a distance is very distinctive and appears as a bird with its wings out stretched, the Hone Bridge and the US Bank building are quite distinctive. We had seen the top floors of the bank building from about 24 miles away, it starts as just a single blip on the horizon and once 10 floors are visible it is easy to identify.

Good friends are priceless

As we rounded the Wind Point Light house, we began to know htat we were coming home. Carol texted that she could see us from North Beach as we cleared the point. When we entered the harbor several of our friends greeted us standing at the end of the pier at Pugh’s Marina our destination. Ron and Sue, Dave and Christine, and Carol a colorful sign announced that we were welcome. I missed our friends during the 8 weeks on the boat and was quite pleased that some were able to be with us at our arrival. Lynne and Pete joined us a bit later and we all celebrated a successful journey.

“Reunion is Home”



Reunion enters the Racine Harbor



Wow, 8 weeks of adventure

Sturgeon Bay to Sheboygan, WI

Highway Bridge to Door County

Up early requested a 7:00 bridge opening, purchased 150 gal diesel and a pump out at Bay Marine Services and on the water by 8:00. Through the Sturgeon Bay canal  to Lake Michigan, nice morning wind from the west as predicted and little or no wave. One of the first things we do when we enter open water is to program the GPS to our next point as we move down the lake, in this case Two Rivers Point and our destination for the day Manitowoc. The GPS tells us we can make Manitowoc by 3:00 well what is the next harbor, Sheboygan at 6:01 PM; we will make a decision when we reach Manitowoc.

The next part of the process is to check with marinas for slip availability; both Manitowoc and Sheboygan expect to have room for us. All is good and we can continue our journey.

Be Safe



USCG Returning to Port, a real comfort on the Lake

Sturgeon Canal Entrance from Lake Michigan



Kim's Grasshopper, "Dennis Hopper"

Many fine sightings and observations as we travel. We crossed paths with the Manitowoc to Ludington ferry and needed to alter our course to avoid a wreck, unusual. We heard a fisherman on the radio who lost his outdrive and needed help to get back to shore. The Coast Guard offered help, but a fellow boater was closer and offered to tow him back to Algoma.

Just as I confirmed our reservation in Sheboygan, the wind and the seas increased and the waves shifted to the east. We keep saying well if the sea state doesn’t increase we are OK, then the Sea State increases. So we spent the last three hours of the day pushing into 3 foot waves, the boat handles it well and Kim thought she was at an amusement park on a long water ride. I explained she was on a long water ride.



Kim on Reunion, a great 5 day trip

Kim returned to Milwaukee and Jenny and Eliot are now aboard to continue the journey. Many thanks to Kim for the 5 days she spent on the boat, two of the longest and heaviest seas on the entire trip. It was nice to have some “Dad Time” with Kim.

Sturgeon Bay (Marina Day)

Well our first lost day in port due to high winds and waves on Lake Michigan and Green Bay. We began our preparations in time to make the 8:00 bridge opening but were a bit apprehensive due to the high wind out of the west, difficult in the marina potentially rough seas in the Lake. As we prepared a seasoned boater asked about our intentions and after much discussion cautioned our departure. Much additional though and we decided to say at the dock. Tomorrow promises better weather.



One of the Coast Guard Entries

The Wooden boat festival was at the Maritime Museum just on the other side of the bridge. One interesting event was the Sika Challenge Cup. Two person teams are provided 3 sheets of ¼” plywood, 2-2”x2”x8’ boards, 4-1”x2”x8’ boards, 1 caulk gun and Sikaflex-291 adheasive/sealant. They are allowed 4 hours to design and build their boats on Saturday and the race is held Sunday afternoon. The attached pictures tell the rest of the story. Needless to say it was great fun, for both contestents and spectators alike.




The Dragon boat was fast



The Crab or Lobster Sank



Terry Sawyer and Huckleberry Fran



Rubber Ducky struggled and capsized



The lobster rescue



1950's Amphibi Car

A Sturgeon, sidewalk art

The gear drive rides on a horizontal rack to raise the span

The old bridge here has recently been rebuilt in the same style and construction as the original. Looking at it from the boat it appears that the quadrant rides on a surface as the bridge raises. But how can the bridge both ride on a quadrant and rotate on a shaft. Well it can’t so the quadrant is like a wheel and as it moves the axle shaft must move horizontally either back or forward. The back and forward motion also allows each half of the bridge to mesh with the other. Heavy concrete counter weights balance the sections and when fully raised block any traffic from hitting the bridge, quite clever.

Quadrant rides on the studed rail

When full up the quadrant rotates away from the span

So tomorrow we still need to purchase some fuel and hope to get an early start. Currently, the wind should be light out of the west and we expect fairly calm seas.

Nicolet Bay to Sturgeon Bay, WI

Quiet Morning Anchorage

Look out tower at Pennisula State Park

Cliffs where we hiked with Tom, Debi, Ayla and Adam

Slept in and enjoyed the anchorage until noon, departed to get fuel at Ephraim but the marina was having a regatta and space was at a premium. We traveled about 20 miles down Door County past Fish Creek and Egg Harbor. This is beautiful shoreline so very familiar to us.

We decided to cruise to Sturgeon Bay and get fuel in the morning prior to leaving.  We planned to arrive at 4:00 and were on target, what we did not plan was that the storm forecast for 6:00 would arrive 2 hours early. Lots of boats entering the harbor from the bay at great speed. Some cigarette boats on plane at 50+ mph zoomed past us and the sailboat ahead of us, a bit unnerving.

As we landed the rain began but not as a torrent rather just a manageable shower. Some people wore gear others just got a bit damp. We are at Skipper Bud’s Harbor Club Marina next to the newly refurbished lift bridge.

The trusty Lakeview Pharmacy cup, always at the helm

It rained off and on through the evening and cleared after dark. There are four major events here this weekend including the wooden boat show at the Maritime Museum, so slip space is at a premium. Last night there was a fireworks display about 10:00.

Lots of humidity over the bay prior to the storm

Beaver Island to Nicolette Bay, WI

Sunrise over Beaver Island

Last night it rained as the front passed and we needed to close all the windows and return to sleep, easier said than done as I thought this needs to clear up in the next three hours. When I looked out at 5:45 the sky was beginning to lighten and I could see clouds and sky all is well. As we prepared, the sun raised a sailboat left an anchorage and the sailboat two slips over also pulled out. Trawlers and sailboats need to get an early start to make the distance during the day.

Beaver Island Lighthouse

A long successful day, departed at 6:41 and arrived 6:30 and anchored out here at Peninsula State Park, something I have wanted to do since I began dreaming about purchasing a trawler. East wind pushing us across the Lake but the downside is since it is from the stern it was necessary to steer manually all day.

Several islands on our trip today that kept the day interesting. Since we knew it would be a long day Kim and I spelled each other and were able to take some naps. Steering the boat in a following sea is a series of surf runs follow by rising back out of the trough of the wave. So at one time during the day I saw us traveling at 10.1 knots and then slow to 6.5 knots. The passing waves tend to round the boat up, that is the wave pushes on the keel and stern more than the front of the boat this force pushes the stern past the bow turning the boat around into the wind, known as rounding up. So the key seems to be to have the boat positioned square to the wave that is coming from behind and then allow it to push the boat forward. When it works we accelerate forward and catch the next wave. Since the helmsman cannot see the wave coming from behind the process is more of “feel” than sight.

Isolated cabin on south side of Beaver Island

Great to see Washington Island, the tip of the peninsula and then down past Ellison Bay, Sister Bay and into Ephraim and Nicolet Bay. Kim just mentioned it is comforting to look out of the saloon window and see the park and swim area where we spent many vacations.

Rock Island Passage Light

Rock Island aptly named

Nicolet Harbor Entrance



Anchorage at Pennisula Point, Nicolet Harbor

Finally, I jumped into the water and inspected the bottom of the boat. I have been planning this since New York. All seems fine, the zincs are good the bow thruster has all its blades, the prop is smooth, the rudder a bit rough with I think is barnacle residue. Generally all seems in good condition.

The sun is setting and it is time for dinner. All is Good in my world, I hope all is good in your world too.

Mackinaw City to Beaver Island, MI

Crossing Lake Michigan, open water cruising

Grays Reef Light

A difficult decision today, west wind blowing really hard, this morning rain storms blowing through, but the forecast for the winds to moderate toward the end of the day. Tomorrow, east winds not usual for this time of the year and better for a Lake crossing. The next several days south winds either east south or west south not great for a crossing. We cannot do a crossing in one day but it does not appear we will have two days, one to move south and the second to move west. Consternated most of the morning and checked with loved ones, decided to start the crossing knowing we might get stuck at our next port.

Rather than going south we decided to move to Beaver Island 35 miles from Mackinaw City and mostly due west. Since the wind and waves were to moderate toward the end of the day we decided to leave at 1:30 for a 5 hour cruise to Beaver Island. We arrived by 7:00 a bit later than planned but the first 12-15 miles we were pushing through 3 ft. waves that slowed our progress. The autopilot took us through the heavy stuff and performed well all day.



Lighthouse for sale, fixer upper

At one point we identified an abandoned light house and a 58 ft. marker on the horizon, there was also a barge that was moving through the offset channel area. But there was an unidentified object on the horizon, we looked at the chart and looked at the water. We identified it must be between two other markers we could identify but what was this strange object? Well a bit of further investigation revealed that it was the tug pulling the barge, but because they are 600 feet ahead of the barge they appear to be separate objects. In this case 600 feet was three barge lengths or 8 tug lengths. It appeared they were separate objects. The puzzle solved we went back to our routine.

Nice Little Marina

 So all in all a good day, began our crossing and enjoyed the travel. Tomorrow we get up early; it will be a long travel day.

Neighbors relaxing

Presque Isle to Mackinaw City, MI

Sun Break, cloudy and cool

Cool, Cool, Cool long pants and jackets. The weather prediction was spot on today, 10 mile NW wind diminishing all day. Waves subsiding, fog before 8 and clearing later. We departed Presque Isle at 6:30 and arrived at 3:30.

The last 14 miles we could see the Mackinaw Bridge rising from the lake, really cool. Some freighters and a little recreational traffic. Nice north woods feel and smell even on the water. The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island has a great view of the straights and there is lots of activity in Mackinaw City, tourist town. Kim is on her way and we expect her about 7:00 and plan to go to dinner in town.

The Bridge Amazing

Good travel day!! Scott leaves tomorrow and Kim will begin a 4 or 5 day voyage, we hope to be in Wisconsin by the end of her time.

Tonight there was a live group preforming in the shops area and we enjoyed the music as Kim crossed the bridge. We went to dinner and enjoyed a relaxing time. The adjustment to being on the water and the boat and then the readjustment to land life is surprisingly extensive.

The Lighthouse at Presque Isle

Mackinaw Ferry Service

Harrisville to Presque Isle, MI

We passed several light houses

The storm front moved through the area last night with only a little rain and it was fairly calm with a slight breeze from the northeast when we departed at 8:00 this morning. We expected the wind and waves to build through the day but needed to make progress towards Mackinac City. Quartering sea for the first half of the trip off the port bow, a bit of rock and roll until Thunder Bay. Once around the corner, then head on into the wind and waves. The autopilot worked very well and held our course throughout the day. But the sundeck furniture said they had enough and started toward the door. We corralled them back to the sundeck once the waves subsided a bit.

Scotts boating endorsement: Driving the boat is better than sitting on the couch!

Great, I think???

Manuvering to shore

We saw two freighters on the way one some distance off and a second behind us but close to shore as were we. The freighter passed us and then seemed to be crossing our path, at Stoneport the freighter headed for shore directly in front of us, I guess he had an appointment with a bunch of stone. Really nice to see this large boat maneuver toward the loading area.

Our stone freighter

We stopped short of our planned destination due to the building seas and wind and stopped at Presque Isle Harbor a Michigan DNR sponsored marina. Fairly new and well managed and kept nice dock house and deli across the street.





Safe behind the rock wall

Hoping for better winds and seas tomorrow.

Harbor Beach to Harrisville, MI

Harbor of Refuge

One of the few times we will lose sight of land is the crossing of Saginaw Bay. Today we read mixed weather reports some said the wind would diminish and others said it would stay at 10-15 from the SE. About 58 nm of open water between the two ports with little place for refuge. We decided to leave as early as possible, so up a 6:00 and we weighed anchor about 6:45 after our normal morning routine of checking and warming the engine, checking the instruments, washing down the anchor rode and anchor and of course making coffee breakfast is usually later.

Nice quiet coast line to the PTE AUX BARQUES LIGHT and then open water to Harrisville our destination. The wind did build most of the day 15-17 knots from the Southeast up the bay to our port stern quarter. We used the auto pilot the first couple of hours and then steered manually the rest of the trip. Scott learned how to surf a 40 ft. 25,000 lb. trawler as we reached Harrisville in three foot waves.

Notice the flags

Sunny and cool and another successful 58 nm day. The Harrisville Harbor is a Harbor of Refuge built by the Michigan DNR for the town. Harrisville manages the marina and it is within walking access of the center of town. Harrisville has a quilt shop so I saved a bunch of money because Scott does not quilt.

We arrived about 3:00 and settled in, took a walk about town, cleaned up and Scott prepared flame broiled chicken, nothing but the best. We expect rain tonight and tomorrow morning, not sure about traveling yet.  

Olympic Trawler Surfing Champion, Scott Johnson