Great Loop Day 034 Oct 1, 2016. St Joseph Benton Harbor to Hammond Marina, Indiana
St Joseph Benton Harbor to Hammond Marina, Indiana
“There are three types of water, freshwater, seawater and rainwater. Rainwater will go where no other water can find to go.” - Jeff Berman
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Day 34 Saturday, Oct 1, 2016. 60.0 miles in 8:30 hours. A new speed record for voyages over 60 miles. This was my third and last long-distance travel on Lake Michigan. From here in Hammond Indiana, it's an hour and a half sail up to Chicago's Navy Pier and the Chicago River.
I left West Basin Marina saying goodbye to the Michigan shoreline in light rain and was greeted out on the lake by long low rollers from the North as I traveled southwest. I have not found a way nor may there be a way to accurately convey the sight of a large rolling wave as it approaches, gently lifts the stern, lowers the bow, and sends the vessel surging on the surf forward. As the Sea Marie approaches the midway point of today's travels the rollers increased in height to about 4 feet. These were the highest waves encountered on this lake and among the gentlest waves. At times I felt these waves caress and coddled the Sea Marie as if thanking her for visiting Lake Michigan's shores if not apologizing for keeping us in the harbor under Small Craft Advisory warnings.
It wasn’t all uneventful. We had an intense moment weatherwise. I can easily see storm clouds building in the sky to my port side on the eastern shore. A check on my Radar Express app showed storms building and worse heading in a westerly direction… right in my direction. A large low-pressure system south of us in central Indiana spinning counterclockwise was sending heavy rain from East to West. One large cell was developing southeast of Michigan City heading toward that city and out into the lake. My back home friend, Edward Durma, and I texted each other on its intensity, position, and movement as I made my way westward. The storm cell was moving fast at around 20mph from the northeast toward me and if it held would have reached me in a couple of hours. The radar phone app records radar scans in 10 minutes frames and each scan revealed new information.
Was it intensifying or changing direction? Did I have everything on board prepared for an onslaught of heavy rain and winds? Ed and I watched and waited for each new scan. It seemed like an eternity. Then the pattern began to show the intense red band was turning orange and then yellow. It was showing signs of diminishing and losing strength but dark green bands were still present indicating moderate to heavy rain. The low-pressure system was inching eastward and taking its rain with it. The storms were now in front and heading southwest and out of my way. The darkened clouds overhead were thinning a bit and sunshine would filter through. Crisis avoided.
The miles ever so slowly ticked off on my GPS. 50m, 45m 40m to Hammond traveling on average 7.0 mph with the aid of the waves. Outboard humming at 3/4 throttle. Waves 2- 3 feet at this point and far apart. The winds were easterly near shore and out further in the lake's northeast. Waves from the last 2 days of heavy winds were from the north and hitting me on my starboard quarter. Later as the day progressed a new set of waves developed slowly at first from the east. Interesting to see the waves compete for dominance. Eventually, the eastern waves would win and give me a gift of a following sea and a corresponding increase in speed. The average climbed to 7.1 then 7.2 and held, at times reaching 10.7mph for short durations. Everything is in my favor.
Most of the shoreline was cloaked in a silent shroud of haze. Only vague outlines of hills in the distance. Sometimes obscured completely. Just the Sea Marie, the lake, and me. Ok, Mickey too who slept through, as usual, the entire voyage. Then through the mist towards the Southwest barely discernible an outline of factories and smokestacks. Gary, Indiana. I must be close to Hammond Marina. Still miles away. Soon I see a bulk carrier freighter making its way North. Then out of the mist, off the starboard bow, the skyline of Chicago!
Oh, how it brightened my mood. The home of the Cubs and White Sox, the Bears, Al Capone, and Al, Peg, Bud, and Kelly Bundy.
Finding the fuel dock in Hammond Marina I filled my Main gas tank and a 5-gallon can that I transferred to my main tank while underway. 5.6 gallons. That's what it took to travel 60 miles. I was given my assigned berth, tied off the dock, and settled in. The fuel dock personnel neglected to give me the password for the WiFi and the need for a gate card to visit outside the marina. A call to the office was a voice recording. They left for the night. Approaching several people on this dock I was able to at least get the password. Tomorrow the mast comes down.
Several seasonal boaters stopped to say hello and offered me a beer. I walked over to Al and June's boat when June offers a hot bowl of chili. And just the way I like it. I was delighted! As if their hospitality wasn't satisfied June offers a pork chop and her special pickled asparagus the likes I have never tasted such delicacies before. What a fantastic welcome to Indiana. Thank You, Al and June for a wonderful evening on your boat.
Much work today as I prepare to lower and store the mast on the deck. To all... Fair Winds and Gentle Seas...
Comments from 2016:
Brian Bortz, Again I have to say what an amazing adventure you seem to be having. Someday I hope to do something similar by bike, some kind of long trip with nothing to worry about except the adventure itself. Continued safe and enjoyable travels!
Bob Meredith, I've always had a thing for Peg Bundy/Katy Sagal.
John Schriber Safe travels my friend. Was great to meet you and a delight to follow your travels.
Pogo Bob Well done, Henry! Welcome to my home state. Glad you were able to sample "Hoosier hospitality"
Phyllis Lemasters Mickey seems to be enjoying the ride
Diane Lamoreaux Looks like you are moving along. Keep safe. Sure are meeting many people.
Camille Sandrock WOW! You are putting on some miles. Stay safe!
Jacki Liptak Great picture of Mickey!
Henry Krzemien RN Mickey says thanks, Jacki!
Sherry Thaler Yes, I agree, great picture of Mickey. Glad you're seeing the Chicago skyline....one of my favorite cities to visit!!! Looking forward to seeing pictures when you get there. Sail on!!!! (Should be nice weather for a few days in Chi-Town till Thursday according to the Weather Channel app on my iPhone!!)