Lake Erie can be real cruel.
A week on board and a visit to our neighbours.
Well with great weather predicted, we looked forward to a week away with planned visits to Erie PA and onwards down to Ashtabula OH.
We set off on the Sunday morning with glorious sunshine and not a breath of a breeze. This should be good!
Within a few miles of shore, we picked up a breeze and light chop which Olli took in her stride, and we continued on towards the lighthouse at the end of Long point.
The water at the end of the point is always a bit messy, with water coming from all directions, but today was a little worse than usual. We continued on, but were slowly reducing speed to deal with the onset of ever bigger waves. We had to slow to a crawl at one point for me to go and fix the rear stowage compartment door that had become loose with all of the pounding. Not fun out on the transom with the boat bucking up and down with Louise trying to keep her straight for me.
We then set off again, with the waves and wind getting bigger and stronger by the minute. We decided to continue on, as we were now closer to the States and the Lee of the land than turning and heading for home.
It was at this stage that Louise noticed something strange out on the bow, and we quickly saw that the Anchor was loose and slapping up and down in the bow anchor holder. This is not good. Once again, Louise took the helm, and I went onto deck with the bow pitching about 6 feet into the oncoming waves. I then had to investigate, and saw that the constant pounding had thrown the security chain out, and allowed the anchor to loosen. We secured it all again, and set off, not knowing if the anchor had gone far enough over to damage the front of the hull.
we got within 2 miles of the US before we could see land, and the lee then flattened the waters for us. At last, some respite. My comment to Louise on the way several times was..."not as advertised".
the weather networks and marine forecasts had not predicted any of the weather we encountered. That is Lake Erie for you. Never Ever take her for granted.
After fuelling up and then checking in with US customs, we headed to Commodore Perry's marina again, a really nice place to stay when in Erie.
After tying up, we began to relax after a stressful crossing. And good news, no damage to the bow from the Anchor. Just another thing to keep an eye on as we are underway.
Louise with a well earned glass of wine.
We stayed in Erie for 3 nights, getting a rental car for a day and doing some shopping there, tax free of course!We did have some odd weather at times, from awesome sunsets..........
We even visited the beaches on the state park of Presque isle. Deserted on a weekday, but still a nice place to visit.
We then decided to travel down to Ashtabula, Ohio, a trip of maybe a couple of hours.
Again, we set off in calm weather, but once again, the lake lulled us into that false sense. The waters rose up to 6 to 8 feet swells which made the last 45 minutes uncomfortable again. Again, no prediction of this in all the forecasts.
We arrived into Ashtabula's large harbour and again began to relax. Just the lift bridge to get through after the half hourly opening happened.
We then entered Ashtabula Yacht Club, and were directed into a really narrow berth between a large cruiser and the start of fingers for smaller boats. The wind was calm and Olli slipped into the berth with help from the locals.
After 2 nights here, we had seen quite enough. Bridge street is a very quaint area with historic buildings and stores, but just outside of that, the town looked to be still in the midst of the 2008/9 recession, with poverty showing in buildings and infrastructure.....a long walk had Louise and I sad at how this town shows outside of the port area. The people we met were very friendly and welcoming, but I think other than an overnight to get somewhere else, this town is ticked off our list for a visit.
We then went back to Erie for a night, prior to travelling back to Canada. We were met once again in CPYC with friendly faces, and our friends from Dock 2 Port Dover took over the transient slips. We had a great afternoon and evening with them all, with lots to drink and lots to laugh about.
We set off the next morning leaving our friends behind, and fuelled up prior to leaving for home.
We were met outside the harbour by multiple go fasts on a weekend fun run....... although the pictures don't do it justice, the noise with all these setting off was awesome.
so we set off north, and had an awesome run home in almost flat calm waters all the way.
We then spent the weekend at the marina, and met our friends who travelled back next day.
All in all, a great trip, but one that reminds you constantly to respect the lake.....it can change really quickly.
The sight of water going over the hard top as you plough through waves is not something you wish to see....it is after all, pleasure boating!
