This was the first and longest leg of the trip to Florida, 76 NM to the Upper Entrance to the Keweenaw Waterway from Grand Marais, MN
The stats are as follows: max winds to 25.5 knots, max boat speed 8.75 knots, average speed for the crossing 6.3 knots. Started the day at 0525 sunrise and passed the light at the entrance at 1730. 12 hours for the crossing. The higher winds made the difference and shortened what could have been a 15.2 hour day. Cutting off over 3 hours was a real plus.
Conditions were up and down but mostly windy all day. I started out with not much wind on departure but after about 15 NM it picked up and stayed windy all day. Had fog, rain, sun, more fog, then sun again. Waves were mostly 3-4 feet with an occasional 5 footer. A little rolly since the wind was strong out of the SW the day before and the waves were still there.
Didn't pick up any ships on AIS until more than halfway across, was worried it wasn't working, but it was. One ship approached to within 2 NM.
Sea conditions smoothed out as I approached the Entrance. Not as much wave action but the wind actually picked up after dropping for awhile.
Stayed warm inside with the furnace going most of the morning. Outside temps (OAT) were 46 degrees F most of the day and with the wind the chills were very low so I did not spend much time out in the cockpit!
Water temps were a consistent 39 degrees F most of the way which contributed to the cold OAT.
Listened to Sirius Classic Radio programs from the 40's and 50's most of the way. Kept busy keeping the log, taking photos, etc. Made breakfast before departure and lunch underway.
I am currently in a nice quiet anchorage in the Waterway, about 3 NM in. I will try to do a repair on the CB here in the morning if I can find sandy bottom. Water temp is about 63 degrees so a little cold to be working in the water but hopefully I will not have to be in long!
After the fix tomorrow I will go into Houghton and tie up at the public dock for the night and relax a bit.
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