Trip Day 8

September 30th, got up about 6:45 am, later than usual. Went through making coffee, eating cookies, and reading routine. Checked the weather to see if I could go to the boat site I planned on. Wind will be 10-15 knots, gusts to 25 out of the south, so protection is important. Wind will be similar for the last leg tomorrow, with a chance of showers again. 

I now think I've been through my first 24 hours without rain and mostly sunny. Very little of that on this trip! That is the downside but the upside is I accomplished most of what I wanted to do and enjoyed doing it despite the cloudy, rainy, and cool weather. The cold is no bother but I would have liked more sun!  

Had to ration my cereal to stretch it to two days, since I forgot the pancake mix, Should be okay though. 

Got away about 10 am, a little side breeze but turned out to be no problem getting untied and away. Motored through the narrows and headed across the lake to Skipper Rock Island, the boat site I had in mind. I was ready to bypass it if it did not work out with the winds, but it looked like it should work. No other house boat traffic. 

Day 8-Soldier Pt. to Skipper Rock Island 
(track is in green ink, click to enlarge)

Satellite Track - Soldier Pt to Skipper Rock Island
(Distance 7.5 NM, ave. spd. 4.3 kt, max. spd. 5.1 kt)

Helm station photo showing the navigation setup, controls, and 12 vdc charging arrangement.
(click for larger view)

Good example of some of the narrow passages between buoys.
(Note: Sorry for misspelling "buoys" in several places, including the above pic!)

Arrived at the site about 11:45 now very breezy but got tied up just fine. Turns out the site is a gem and will be an excellent last site with the current sunny period. After I was secure, I immediately went to work getting my top side fire ring, propane tank, protective tile, and chair off the roof and ready to depart tomorrow. Took the chair up to the shore side fire ring which is in a nicely protected wooded glen. I've been saving up firewood along the way when I find it. Along with what I found here, it will make a nice fire.

Unique site, since it sits in a saddle between the two sides of the island. The breeze just blew right through the opening.  Would be great on a hot day.

This glen with shore side fire ring was nicely protected from the cool wind. I set out the wood to dry in the sun for later burning. Note boat in background.

Kind of a rocky and gravelly landing - Canada in the background

For a snack I warmed up pizza left over from last night and had a sparkling water. Then I got to packing up stuff I'm not using to prepare for off loading tomorrow. Did about all I could do. Later, I had a glass of wine and some chocolates and sat out on the fore deck for while. 

Then I went up to get the fire prepared to start by cutting up kindling, stacking wood with some fire starter, etc. Figured I get the dirty work done first and shower afterward. Sat for awhile on a natural chair in the rocks on the other side of the island and contemplated view for awhile, finally I decided I needed to stay on track and went back to work on the boat.

This was my favorite boat site, although the winds would have to be favorable to use the site. Note rocks just behind boat to port.

Showered up and put away more equipment, food, and clothes; just keeping essentials out. For dinner I'll grill a burger accompanied by a beer and chips. Have just a little wine left for desert by the fire. I plan to take my BT speakers and tablet up to the shore fire after dinner to listen to some tunes.

You can't see it in the photo but there was a natural rock chair in this spot. Great place to sit and look out on the lake and the adjacent island.

Finished the burger dinner, did dishes, and went up to start the fire. Used up all the wood, took a few pics, enjoyed some music, and the quiet of the night. Finally came in at 9:15 pm.  I left just some coals burning and will check that it is out in the morning. 

Just saw a mouse run past my feet and found turds on the counter this morning! The owners have a problem. I suppose the mouse trap under the sink was my tell tale! Whatever the case, it did not solve the critter problem! As long as the critters aren't any bigger than I saw I'm sure I will sleep just fine. One more wake up and it is over anyway.

Last fire for the trip, this one the real thing! I had it burning for about 3 hours. BT speakers on either side of me, playing from the tablet in the boat bag.

I will listen to my current audio book to put me to sleep. I have a five am wake up alarm set. Have to start early to be into base by 9 am, especially if I am to do my normal morning routine beforehand.