Bristol-Blue Lake Michigan Sailing Adventures

A few weeks ago we got together with some family.  My uncle and I were talking about sailing at night and all the great adventures we've had out on the lake after dark.   Well little ears are always listening. Myles I think figured out that if he could talk us into sailing at night he would be able to stay up past his bed time.  He has been relentless in his pursuit of a night sail.  So Friday we made it happen.   The weather all day was gorgeous with a nice sailing breeze but we held off until night.  Leaving  the dock about 9:30 in the dead calm.  About an hour later the wind returned.  The south side of the lake was super quiet with the exception of a few late night fisherman returning.  The north side had a nice party going on with a great live band.  As we drifted back and forth we went from silent to rock and roll.  It was quite a contrast and very humorous.   Here we are doing a light check before we leave.  For running lights I use the simple clamp on flashlight style.   Ye

So today we were out this afternoon for some fishing and sailing.  The breeze was steady but not overwhelming or overwonderful either.  As we headed out of the dock the fog began to roll in off the big lake.  A steady slow steam of white mist filled in the bay and over the next 2-3 hours it became so thick you could hardly see. We fished first today, anchoring out in the lake and casting a few billion times.  Tangling up our lines and catching nothing.   I hate fishing but kiddo likes it.     While fishing it was nice to watch the local sailing club out racing.  They have lasers, optis and 410s all out sailing together. A Tarton anchored in the morning area and took some time to hoist his main and straighten out some rigging. Once fishing time was over, we sailed a little.  I had high hopes of trying out my kite cam but forgot the string for the kite so that will have to wait until next time.   About an hour later we were d

Well, we swamped the dingy.  Out on lake Hutchins we went for a little playing took a wave over the bow and she went down.  Thanks to some friendly boaters we were quickly pulled back to shore.  Unharmed and everything in the cooler stayed dry... "I knew I carried around an old hard shell cooler for a reason."  Now that there are three of us into boating it may be time to move up a size or two or look for an inflatable.   For you true blue Cape Dory Typhooners note the motor on the back.  Yes that is a British Seagull. What your boat was likely equipped with from the factory.  It's been at least two years since I've pulled the dink out and fired up the old Sea Gull.  I restored this motor a few years back just for fun.  After last weekend it looks like I may be back at it again.  I'll have to get the water out of the gas tank to know for sure but as of yesterday the points are all dried out and I have good spark.  

 We have had a few good days of sun.  BB is pretty sun burnt so she volunteered to stay ashore with Myles and take a few photos today.  Enjoy these shot of Kraken under sail. TY Cape Dory 150 Genoa Typhoon Sailing Genoa Down Sock Up.  Ghost ship.   Spinnaker Set Sled Ride Down Wind Close up

This weekend I had a bit of fun.  I visited the local Michael's and picked up a nice frame for a project I've been working on.  A Cape Dory Typhoon print.   I found the photo online and inverted the colors.  Printed it out on some legal size paper a little bit of trimming and the results a perfectly framed print for our hallway!

It has been blowing here all night shortly after yesterday's post I went and raked the snow off the tarp.  This may have been a big mistake.  This morning it appears that the wind has shredded the front half of my cover.  I'll have to get another tarp here in the next few days and brush off the deck right now no one is going anywhere.  The county, schools, colleges, even the local pizza joint is closed.  The main part of the blizzard is past but now we are in for some serious lake effect snow and wicked cold days. Hopefully these winds will settle down soon the snow drifts are growing pretty quick out there.  Good luck all and stay warm.  Just for fun here's a link to a Saugatuck Harbor web cam.