002 Rocky River to Lorain Lunch and Fuel Stop.
Great Loop Prologue, May 25, 2016
The Epic Saga of the Sea Marie. May 25, 2016.
Rocky River Metropark Boat Launch.
Good morning. I slept well on the port berth. My cabin cushions are like me; aging gracefully. Still, looks good but getting soft with a little less bounce to them. So I found that doubling them by adding the starboard cushion provided additional padding for these aging bones. And as a bonus adds a little more much-needed space for stuff on the starboard side. Stuff that this summer will get the utmost scrutiny. If it's needed for safety it stays, bonus points for items that can pull double duty.
Sweet Lorain, Ohio. This was a planned stop. To refuel and to meet my daughter Jennifer and a couple of the grandkids, Luke, and the only curly-haired girl in our family Finley. I have been to the gas dock on the inside of the river in the past but not to Spitzer Marina on the east side of the river. My daughter informs me there's a public dock near the restaurant, Jackalope. It was this restaurant where my wife, Colleen, and I met with our new inlaws for Jennifer's wedding rehearsal dinner. Like with my son Greg at the Rocky River, the timing of our arrival was spot on. And to my rescue, I was supplied with a spoon, a fork, and a knife.
Lunch was delightful as we sat outside enjoying the cooling breeze. We got caught up in family gossip and an inquiry to the waitress about the gas dock provided a phone number to call and have the attendant ready for my arrival. We said our goodbyes and hugs all around as Luke and Finley had a hand in helping me cast off the public dock to the gas dock.
Docking a boat is not like parking a car. For one thing, I have no brakes on the boat. I can and I often do throw the outboard in reverse which slows us down but it's not immediate action. So you plan your strategy. Take in your speed, the wind direction and strength, and any current if there is one. I don't feel any current; good. The wind is not a factor. The Sea Marie will approach the dock on her starboard bow where my fenders are hanging in place. There are two narrow docks jutting out from the shore, about two boat lengths apart. Heading for the inside of the right dock, I slow to a crawl, make a slow turn to port, and lightly touch the starboard bow to the bulkhead where the gas pumps are located. Marine gas is not as cheap as car gas cause it doesn't have any ethanol which I was told is better for all outboards. My eyes scan the gas pump for the price, $3.79 a gallon. Ok, I only need six gallons, should be plenty. Cedar Point Marina in Sandusky Bay is only 25 miles away. 5 easy hours of motoring if and a big if the weather holds.
Comments from 2016:
Carolyn Collins Lupica Our very own old man of the sea. Enjoy your adventures, Henry, I love your posts! Safe travels my friend!
Henry Krzemien RN Thanks, Carolyn!
Jeff Cochran, Have you considered a mattress topper?
Henry Krzemien RN Not at the moment. But I will, thanks. Weight will be a serious consideration much like in my backpacking days. May need to cut off the toothbrush handle to save weight.
Jeff Cochran Well, a good night's sleep is precious...
Juan Rivera, I so wish I could hang out with you in your boat. What an adventure!
Henry Krzemien RN ...and I'm taking a bike. I'm on the lookout for a lightweight folding bike with 26-inch wheels. I have one (Port Runner by West Marine) with 16-inch wheels but the seat post is an inch short. And it should be able to carry groceries and/or a 5-gallon gas can. Otherwise, I'll get folding pedals and take my Raleigh along with the rear mountain bike rack for panniers. Thinking about a makeshift bike rack on the stern rail. Space is becoming a premium commodity. Need the mind of an engineer to configure this. Are you Available? Times like this I wish the boat was docked in my backyard or my house at the marina but now she's 50 miles away.
Laura B RN What a fun adventure!
My morning Joe and meds. To be honest I disdain taking medication. Unless there is a valid and reasonable purpose for them. For the past decade during the winter months, this body has seen much less activity than the prior years. Those early years of cross-country skiing, winter camping with Explorer Post 101, and even a stint with the Metro West Nordic Ski Patrol demanded a high glycemic intake. Life was good but family responsibilities and work requirements shortened my outdoor pursuits. So it happens, slowly, almost unnoticeable, the ruination of athletes and movie stars, yes, the misery of weight gain and its associated health problems, high blood pressure, and adult-onset diabetes. So pills I take for I fully understand the consequences of the alternative.
Clear a Path. I was fortunate to be docked so near the Metropark restroom. As we know the human body is simply an amazing thing. The mechanism that controls our metabolism is phenomenal. When something's not right our body finds ways to make it right. When mother nature calls you best respond in earnest. So a little planning ahead would be a word to the wise mariner. Luckily my personal marine toilet went unused, this time.
Set a Course for the Open Seas. No need to fly the rags this morning. A light southerly breeze sequesters Lake Erie into a quiet slumber. Running on the iron genny at half throttle makes an easy 5-mile-per-hour voyage. 5 mph makes calculating distance easy on the brain. A 50-mile journey would take 10 hours to traverse. But sailing isn't like driving a car on cruise control, stuff happens; winds stiffen, drop down, or change position. Waves may form from one direction and then come from another. An easterly current may be weak, strong, or nonexistent; going with you or against you or wanting to push you to one side or the other.
Having sailed Lake Erie for some 30 years now I know nothing stays the same for long. And like the good gambler says you got to know when to hold ‘em when to fold 'em and when to walk away. But for now, I motor onward.
Comments from 2016:
Jack Wendling Was going to ask you if you had ship-to-shore and if you used it much, or better yet a Ham radio. We might talk sooner than I thought!
Henry Krzemien A ham radio would be a nice diversion but all my conversations will be local and on either the cell phone or VHF Marine Radio.
Zenbivy is fantastic. Light. No noise. Held air and shape. I really love that one. I'm not small and it helps me amazingly. Lmk how urs works out. Definitely enjoying. Want to finally learn to sail and take a power class. ♥️ Can't wait to hear more⛵
Backpacker's mat would save u weight and space. I chose the zenbivy. they also have a dry bag u can purchase. Ik most of my friends like the thermarest neolite xl. Calm seas.♥️