Leg 19 - Fairport, to Conneaut, OH (Day 27)

0???-USCG came by and woke me from a dead sleep in the middle of the night! The more efficient portable Davis anchor light did not work and I had not used the standard anchor light, the USCG saw this. Of course, why wouldn't they?  The good part is they just asked me to turn on an anchor light so I wouldn't get hit by another boater. No ticket, thank goodness!  I've decided the Coast Guard is watching my satellite position and know where I am at all times!

The bad part was it was in the middle of a needed night of good sleep! Only five hours sleep the night before.

0430-Then my backup alarm went off at the regular time, forgot to turn it off the previous day! I had set the primary for 0500 to get an extra half hour of sleep. The best laid plans of mice and men!

0500-The regular alarm went off. Very humid, hazy. Made coffee, read, and had breakfast.

0630-Pulled anchor and got underway. Passed the east breakwater light. Had to dodge some fish net markers.

0730-Approaching the nuclear power plant to the east. Scubbed the cockpit area where there were some greasy foot prints left from the engine work, and while I was at it scrubbed the whole area.

NOT INTENDED, BUT IT SURE HAS AN OMINOUS LOOK!
NUCLEAR POWER PLANT JUST EAST OF FAIRPORT

CLOSER SHOT, LESS OMINOUS, BUT IMPRESSIVE!

0800-Stowed some of the anchor gear but left the rode out to dry some more. Two power boats passed east bound as I washed dishes. Water filter needs to be changed again.

1000-Two sailboats passed west bound, then soon two others passed same direction. Tried to call marina by phone. No contact. Filled freshwater tank, since I will likely be at the Municipal Pier and may not have services.

1045-Finished replacing the ceramic water filter and cleaned the one I took out. Batteries got low last night with the heat (fridge) and being at anchor with anchor light on.  Gen is running to boost the batteries and help the fridge out. Ran out of gas in the gen so refilled that and got it running again.

Approaching Ashtabula, OH harbor entrance, will be going on.

ASHTABULA HARBOR LIGHT

Got no response from my phone message so may just go to public pier.

1115-Rolled out the genoa to boost the speed, engines still running @ 3400 RPM to maintain average speed (5 kts). Fridge is not yet responding to all the power input, just too hot! ETA is just after 1300. Got all the fender boards and lines ready to use. OAT 76F, cabin 85F.

1315-Tied up at Municipal Pier, no charge for 24 hrs as long as you leave after that, but if you stay more, and I will, then you pay for the whole time...seemed odd.

Filled 2 cans of gas and dumped them in the main tanks.

1700-Went back for 2 more cans of gas to refill the spares I used for the main tanks.

Winds tomorrow leave the boat exposed to waves from the north so I'm looking for a hidey hole. The harbor is all small boats so there is no slip that will fit this boat.

THE PROBLEM
WINDS FROM NORTH ENTER DIRECTLY INTO HARBOR

THE BLOCKING STRATEGY

Found one wall that would at least be better aligned to the wind and waves, but it was privately owned by another marina. 

A QUIET AREA NEAR MY HIDEY HOLE

Manager showed me a better place around the corner from the main pier and near the small boat ramp. It will do the trick, it will be protected from the brunt of the wind and waves, see charts.

1800-Moved over to the new spot with the help of the manager and his assistant. Much better, no power or water, but safe!

THE HIDEY HOLE

THE BLOCKING CORNER

1900-Showered and went to the local BBQ. Great! Brought left overs home for lunch tomorrow.

2000-Back at the boat, T-storm passed through while I ate.  Took some quick pics and talked with some folks interested in the boat.  Lots of "Looky Lou's." Small town with mostly fishing boats so a larger cruising cat is a novelty.  Had a glass of wine, listened to some music, checked weather to finish off the eve.

2100-To bed!