Kelly’s Island – August 9, 2014

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Aug 092014
 

Aug 9, 2014 Cleveland – Kelley’s Island
Heading out early to Kelley’s Island. We made reservations for Portside Marina. There were only a couple places on Kelley’s that could accommodate our size even though there are several marinas listed. The lake was breezy but the waves were okay. Only about one metre or so with a NE heading. We got to Portside at around 11:30. There were a bunch of boats already waiting for slip assignment and the harbourmaster was ready for us but we had to wait until the others were assigned. Tough in those winds. This marina has a fixed wall facing east and a floating dock beside that. It accommodates the large boats side by side along a long channel with stern in. Captain was a bit nerved at this with those NE winds wanting to push out the bow. He got in without trouble, then had a beer. We had a quick lunch then headed out on a 4 hour bike ride around the island. They rent golf carts a plenty here so dodging golf carts, cars, bicycles and pedestrians downtown was crazy. Once out all was good. Beautiful warm afternoon riding we saw glacial grooves formed during the glacial age, a secluded beach along a hiking trail, and lots of tourists. Those golf carts are everywhere. We think the bike ride was the way to go.
 

 

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 Posted by at 3:50 PM

Cleveland – August 8, 2014

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Aug 082014
 

Aug 8, 2014 Erie – Cleveland OH
So we plan a route to Cleveland. The lake was calm and we left early. A beautiful day on the water dodging sailboats and fishing boats. We’ve never seen so many. Making our way to Cleveland which is about a 3 ½ hour travel time for us, we start to plan our island hopping. Discussing which islands, how long and of course there is that Cedar Point day that is an absolute. Getting into Cleveland there is an outer harbour and inner harbour layout against the swells of the Lake. However, upon needing diesel and a NE wind, tie up for said diesel took manoeuvring. Captain Scott is amazing even in bad winds and no bow thruster. It did take about 4 tries to get in but he did it and we had our slip assignment. We stayed at Lakeside but have since heard about a city marina beside the Science Centre downtown. I think we’ll be stopping there on our way back. Kids have needs too, apparently. Lakeside is a nice marina with a small pool, restaurant and bar. There is a small area to shoot hoops and a small climber for the little ones. Not near anything for supplies or attractions though.
 

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 Posted by at 3:49 PM

Erie – August 7, 2014

 2014, Western Lake Erie  No Responses »
Aug 072014
 

Thursday August 7, 2014 Beaver Island to Erie, PA
So we are off. I received the call to get ready to take the vacation down Lake Erie. We haven’t planned out the details of the trip but we have been this route before. I really want to stop in Erie at Presque Isle and stay on the hook. Crossing fingers the Captain is “on board” with this idea. As we head out down the Niagara River towards Buffalo, stop for a quick diesel fill up and weather is on our side. Unfortunately it is a northeast wind, which is not normal. The waves and chop will be a bit higher than usual. But we are leaving early for calmer lake travel. Yes, the Captain agrees that Erie will be a great stop.

We pull into Presque Isle Bay and drop anchor. The winds were good but building. That’s okay. They won’t affect us. This bay is sheltered on all sides and its a warm one too. We decide to play and swim for a couple hours. Then take “Low Voltage” out for a tour. What a gorgeous afternoon. Skipping stones, swimming, just enjoying the calm and view. As I start to make dinner and turn on the Generator, she quits. Fault. Scott knows what it is and has a spare part. Impeller is replaced but really, did Scott need this on our first day out? If you followed our blog from a couple years ago you might remember that Erie is the place that he had to take a look at the sensor that we replaced in Sandusky. The part turned out to be a bad part so we limped home from Erie back then. Again, the gen impeller goes in Erie. I’m beginning to wonder about our luck here!!! OMG and the mosquitos at dusk. We had to go inside.
 

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 Posted by at 3:48 PM