Daily Stats
Start: 5:15 AM - Naubinway, MI (3 miles east)
Finish 1:30 PM - Port Inland, MI (1 mile east)
Time: 8:15 hours
Daily dist: 23 miles
Total dist: 4500+
Companions: None
Weather: Overcast / rainy - SW then S winds 10-15mph (headwinds) 60’s
Notes: Rough day with steady headwinds and choppy waves 2-3’
Start: 5:15 AM - Naubinway, MI (3 miles east)
Finish 1:30 PM - Port Inland, MI (1 mile east)
Time: 8:15 hours
Daily dist: 23 miles
Total dist: 4500+
Companions: None
Weather: Overcast / rainy - SW then S winds 10-15mph (headwinds) 60’s
Notes: Rough day with steady headwinds and choppy waves 2-3’
My strategy of putting in a few extra miles yesterday is paying off. Today in just about the same amount of time on the water as yesterday I logged eight fewer miles. All that distance was lost working hard against a persistent head wind from the southwest. There was barely a dull moment with two to three foot waves moving toward shore in a steady but fast step march. Through rain and fog my eyes became sore from constantly scanning for sneaker waves breaking far from shore over large rocks. It suffices to say that alone, with a loaded boat, and not being in a race, today was about as rough of conditions as I’d care to try to make miles in. To go out and play or do a day trip is another thing, but for the long haul a day like today can wear you out.
Thankfully the rains subsided just before I called it a day and I was able to set up camp without dodging rain drops and even enjoyed some sunshine this afternoon. Now with only about twenty miles between here and Manistique, I just have to slog out one more day into more predicted head winds from the south before I catch up with my parents. I’m pretty excited to say the least.