Posted at www.svsweetescape.com
We left the Charlevoix Marina Thursday morning but we didn’t leave Charlevoix. The weather forecast was for high winds and big waves on Lake Michigan through late Saturday night and so we decided to anchor in Oyster Bay, a very pretty cove on the north side of Lake Charlevoix. We felt that this bay would provide good protection from the forecast northeast winds.
So, we pulled into Oyster Bay and anchored among three other sailboats, again increasing our scope in anticipation of yet another test for our ground tackle. This is a beautiful but popular bay that is surrounded by expensive homes and we immediately drew the ire of one of the residents who complained that we were too close to her dock. Initially that was true but as Brian payed out 100 feet of anchor rode and the boat drifted back that 100 feet, the woman apparently became satisfied and we never heard from her again.
We would stay here until Sunday morning, most of that time boat bound because the weather was not favorable for using our dinghy and there really isn’t anyplace to land a dinghy anyway. So what did we do for 2 1/2 days? Not much really. We read, watched movies and television and did a few minor boat projects.
We were able to get a weak Wifi signal from one of the homes there. We use a Wifi booster called The Wirie AP. This device not only boosts any wifi signals in the area but will scan the area looking for unsecured networks, connect to them and will then act as it’s own wireless network on board that we can access with our wireless devices. With this system we are able to send and receive email and update this blog.
Late Thursday afternoon, as predicted the winds started howling from the northeast. We saw sustained winds over 25 knots with gusts close to 40 knots through noon on Saturday. Again, no problem dragging although we did chafe halfway through the line we were using to snub our anchor.
By Saturday afternoon the winds had died down and all at once it seemed like the fleet had come in. Boats started arriving in droves and began anchoring all around us. The party was on, lots of drinking, music and people in the water.
We decided to put our dinghy in the water. We are having problems with our Tohatsu outboard. The engine will start and run fine and then die for no apparent reason. It is a real struggle to keep it running. After a few quick circles around the bay interrupted by the engine shutting down, we gave up.
Our plan is to replace both the engine and the dinghy as soon as possible. Aside from the engine problem, we have found that both are inadequate for the kind of cruising we do. Anchoring out so much, we depend on our dinghy a great deal. We need a dinghy and engine that will plane on top of the waves rather than plow through them. Our current dinghy makes for a very wet and uncomfortable ride in anything more that flat water.
One of the boats that showed up anchored very close (too close) to us and immediately began dragging it’s anchor as it’s occupants were busy partying in the water and onboard. We noticed this boat too close at the same time that it’s operator did. He indicated that they would move away which they did. Only to re-anchor and then drag toward us again!. This is why you need to understand the importance of proper scope. Brian watched the guy reset his anchor the first time he moved and it was obvious that he was not paying out enough anchor line.
Sunday we conclude our northbound journey at Mackinac Island. When we leave there on Tuesday, it will be all east and southbound.
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