Soo to Grand Marais, MI

Departed the George Kemp Marina about 0830 to arrive at the Canadian Lock at 0900 when they opened.  I was 10 minutes early even dragging my feet.  I called the lock, no answer.  I called and called...finally at 0925 they answered.  Couple kids running the lock and I suspect they had a late night last night!  They made excuses that were quite weak. 

The good part was that I was in the lock alone, in calm conditions, and it was simple to lock through.  It was close to 1000 before I was out the upper gate.  

 Soo Locks - Canadian Lock North Side

Ship traffic was busy on the River.  Met two ships and two passed, including one tug.  See pics.  Winds on Whitefish Bay were much higher than predicted and on the bow so it was a rough slog to the Point. 

Approaching Lower Gate Of Canadian Lock - Sault Ste Marie

Departing The Lock

International Bridge

Two Ships Meeting In The St Mary's River



I'm Just Outside Channel To Avoid Both Ships



Escape Capsule On Stern

Bow Wave Of Tecumseh

Another Ship Downbound

From The Stern

Pointe Aux Pins Front Range - St. Mary's River

Tug Pushing Barge Upbound

 Soo Locks to White Fish Point Anchorage - 09/01 - 35.9 NM

I anchored out along the shore north of the Harbor of Refuge to give it a try instead of going into the tight anchorage of the harbor.  Winds were forecast light they would veer to the east, but not until morning.  I planned at 0400 wake up so figured I would just leave early if it got uncomfortable.  Bottom was sand, so good holding. 

Whitefish Point Light From Anchorage

Sand Spit At Whitefish Point - Ontario Shore In Background

Sun Finally Coming Up Over Ontario Coastline On Way to Grand Marais, MI

Anchor was up about 0545, long before sunrise around 0700.  Rounded the Point and two commercial fishing boats passed by in the dark, coming from the Harbor of Refuge and headed off to the NNW.  

Whitefish Pt. to Grand Marais, MI - 09/02 - 45.3 NM

Crisp Light - A Lonely Spot SW Of Whitefish Point

Sunset - Anchorage Grand Marais, MI

Sunrise - Anchorage Grand Marais, MI

Red Sky In Morning...Sailor's Warning!

Passage to Grand Marais was smooth and I got a good boost from the wind though I kept the speed above 5 knots with power assisting, since the leg is 44 NM. 

Arrived in the harbor and anchored by 1430, so I made good time.  Grand Marais was buzzing with people since there was some type of celebration going on for Labor Day weekend.  Had dinner ashore but debated whether I wanted to even attempt it with all the people.  It was okay but I would have preferred eating aboard Dash. 

Wind came up last night blowing 10 kts with gusts to 20 kts.  Had a leisurely breakfast and fueled up the engines.  Will buy 10 more gallons to ensure I have enough to finish the trip.  About 185 NM until I reach Ontonagon, MI, my winter port.