Left Sault Ste. Marie at 0815 this morning under overcast skies, 7C, calm waters. Motored down the St. Mary's River with a following 1-2 kn current, keeping mid channel and out of the path of big tanker ship traffic. Doug cooked a gourmet breakfast while underway. We managed to sail once out of the channel, each of us taking 2 hr. shifts at the helm. Today's top speed was 7.8 knots over ground with 5.8 over water. Top winds today were 28 knots but sailing under head sail only was no problem. Doug & I were dressed for winter and Andrew was in shorts and a light jacket! Life jackets are mandatory on deck and the helmsman must be tethered in at all times - captain's rules! For those of us use to sailing in remote regions without traffic, this is a great introduction to marine traffic and AIS systems. We were worried worried about 100 ft wide tankers in St. Mary's River but once we experienced the first one there was no issue. We are now in the North Channel on Lake Huron and arrived at our destination of Milford Haven and anchored down at 4:20. Only 1 other boat in the anchorage. We enjoyed a cocktail with the last of Keith's gin. It gave Doug the courage to test the waters. He's now trying to convince Andy & I that it's really not that cold!!
Enjoyed a great steak BBQ for dinner and are now chillin' for the evening. Doug's reading and Andrew is teaching himself the harmonica ( everyone needs a hobby!) Fishing line is in the water but no takers yet! We are off to Meldrum Bay tomorrow and hoping for sunny skies....
Joann
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