A week on Board without the dog!

We decided to leave the dog at home in the care of my in-laws, so that we could go across the water to the good old U.S.of A.

we planned on being in Erie PA for the July 4th celebrations, but spent Canada day in our marina to view the fun of the boat parade through the harbour......great fun, but with overcast clouds and a cold breeze, not the best way to start July.



Boats a plenty with Canada and port Dover as the theme....thanks to Brian Jones of D6C for the photo!

We checked the weather on Tuesday, and things didn't look good for either side of the water, but on Tuesday afternoon, we decided to set off, after a calm spell appeared over the lake.

We hit turbulent waters off the tip of long point, but having made the turn south, we surfed with the waves and made great time.

Louise even managed to grab some sun on the way over.

Having crossed the imaginary line in the centre of the lake, I welcomed Louise to the US, and said that they knew that we would be coming.
As we approached 5 miles from shore, we saw a boat heading straight for us, at warp speed.....and yes, a huge Rib, with 4 300hp mercury motors came up alongside with 4 armed guys on board.

Having answered the questions you would answer crossing any border, the guys wished us a great stay in Erie, and sent us on our way.

We fueled up, went to Dobbins landing to clear customs, and whilst there scratched the hull of the boat on the sea wall.....I was, and still am not impressed!

We then went into Commodore Perry's marina, and were welcomed there like we always visited......given a great spot on the transient dock mere feet from the pool and hot tub area. Very nice!

 

The weather was sunny and hot, and we hit the pool to cool down.....got speaking to a couple of members who offered us without reservation the use of their car if we needed to go out to buy anything! wow!

 

We did go out on the Wednesday, walked many miles to explore Erie, the waterfront and into State Street into Downtown.

 

We had a lazy lunch, and headed back to chill out on the boat, and in the pool. We did have a brief storm that day, but nothing much to keep us from doing anything. We also went out to stock up on groceries and Wine.

 

Evening over the bay.

 

Dobbins landing.

 

The old Warner theater.

 

Liquid lunch!

 

 

Thursday bought us the joys of watching our American friends party with their families.

This then concluded in one of the most spectacular fireworks displays we have ever seen, and they were in the harbour, on a barge right in front of us at the marina, so we had the best seat in the house.

 

 

So Friday morning bought us an early start to get back across the lake, but a weather system sat over us at 7am, so we waited it out and left at about 10.30 in sunny \ cloudy conditions with little wind.

 

Louise doing her lines and fenders.

 

 

Leaving Commodore Perry's....we will be back.

 

Dobbins landing.....memories for the wrong reasons!

 

We left the harbour and set off on our course north....and a mile offshore, hit glass calm waters for most of the trip back.

 

 

Louise once again took the helm for a good portion of the trip home.

 

We arrived back at Port Dover in an hour and a half thanks to calm waters......and cleared Canada customs using Canpass.

 

We then spent the weekend on the boat, and the dock with everyone asking how we fared on our own crossing the lake.

 

Altogether, an awesome trip. and yes, we will go back again.

 

The weather on the lake can change, and we did our homework checking all the sources we can, so we didn't take this trip lightly. But with lots of planning, a good trip plan, and letting folks know your leaving and eta times, things went well.

 

Here's to many more trips across the lake!