Day 9, Leg 7

Saturday, September 14th

0534-63F/58F. Still dark.  Turned on the heat.

0615-Studying while drinking coffee with some Pecan Sandies.  Although still dark, there is some light in the east.

0656-Now good morning light.  Low cloud scud but no rain.  Waves are not big, but are coming around Devil's Mtn. rocking the boat causing hull noise as it slams into the rocks.  Annoying but not serious.  I will make breakfast early and try to beat the higher winds forecast for later today (SW 18-30 mph).

0733-Departed the boat site at Devil's Mountain. 71F/57F. Wind 15 mph.

Today's Travel Was In The Black Box
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Marine Chart Indicating Today's Track
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                                                Jeff's Map Indicating My Boat Site Search

                                                                                         (click to enlarge)

                                                                                    

Blustery Fall Day!
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1033-Arrived at boat site in Whitefish Bay of the North Arm.  72F/59F. Wind is not as forecast! NW at 10 kts with breaks in the clouds, some isolated showers, and sun at times. Had to check three potential boat sites before I finally found one that was suitable.  Even so, this one is marginal for tie points and rock bottom obstructions.  Had to try approaching twice before I found suitable depths and reasonable tie points.  Solar battery is up from 0% to 27% using the engine 12 volt adapter enroute, rather than the sun.  Distance traveled was 9.6 nm (11 sm), it took 3:00 hours, and I averaged 3.2 kts (3.7 mph).

Video: Whitefish Bay Boat Site - Unique Tie Up

Port Tie Points-Bow Line and Guy
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Starboard Tie Points-Using Rocks, No Trees Within Reach!
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1055-Put out the solar panel with sun showing through the clouds, but 10 minutes later had to put it back inside the cabin due to a gusty rain squall moving through. Blew the panel off the portable table on the foredeck even with weights holding it down.

Solar Panel Blew Off The Portable Table So I Put It On Deck
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Very fitful weather and not quite as forecast, at least for the winds. If weather turns for the better it's only about a mile to kayak down to the Napoleon Mountain portage.  I could scout the pass over to Sharp Rock Inlet with kayak at the same time.  Or, I could use the drone to scout the passage into the Inlet to check for shoals.  We'll see?

Push Pole (12-14') Carried On Side Deck In Case Of Grounding
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1129-A float plane flew over in the rain and low cloud scud, not wise, but lots of water around to land on, I guess, if he got into trouble.  Wind is NW at 10-15 kts (not as forecast!).  I picked this site because the forecast said there would be a SW wind, but now the boat is somewhat exposed if the wind gets much stronger!

1146-Plane dropped his passengers and went by returning to base, but I couldn't see it?

1200-Sky is clearing. 71F/58F.

1307-A minor crisis, my 6 gallon paint pail (shower pail) took a hike in a strong gust of wind, though it had some water in it!  The NW Wind is supposed to be SW and it would not have happened in that event since it would have been protected by the cabin.  It must have drifted off since I did not see it on the bottom or floating anywhere around the boat.  I even looked downwind with the binocs!

I can use the original tank, which has about half the capacity, but on cold days it would be difficult to circulate enough hot water to heat up two of the smaller containers in a timely fashion.  Second half of the shower would be cool!  We'll do what we have to do!  Frustrated with this contrary gusting wind.  Had to retie the lines twice already!  May need to just take a nap?

1426-Read some, slept a bit, now up again.

1613-Sun in and out, rain comes and goes, and the wind gusts! 70F/63F.  Had dinner of grilled salmon, coleslaw, potato salad, hot roll, and white wine.   Will skip doing dishes again due to my water shortage.  I'm trying to conserve my remaining water.

1629-Solar came up from 27% to 36%, with sun in and out.  Enjoyed dessert.  Getting shower ready to use.

1823-Listened to audio book for a while, then switched to paperback.  Too windy to use shower.  Fridge pilot blew out earlier today, maybe even yesterday? Freezer foods had thawed out!  Not happy about that but but got pilot going again.  The pilot is very difficult to see; a poor design!  Though the fridge works great, otherwise.

1844-Went outside to take a photo or two and ended up finding my shower pail!  That's a relief since it is so much more efficient, thank you Lord!  However, I put away my clean clothes because it is just too windy to take a shower when it is only 58F!  The shelter helps but it is still pretty chilly when wet with that air temperature and a stiff breeze!  If winds are favorable tomorrow, I will paddle over to the portage, hike over to Napoleon Mountain (754 m), and climb to the overlook to do some more drone videography.

Shower Bucket Rescued! Blew Off The Stern. Not Sure How It Got Here?
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Video: Walking Back To Boat, Found Shower Bucket!

Skies Still Threatening After Dark!
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