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.