After checking down the weather this AM, we decided to move ahead and leave the relative comforts of Sault Ste. Marie and finally head into Lake Superior. We enjoyed a beautiful, cloudless day for July 4th, and terrific fireworks last night. The forecast for early morning rain showers held true but for the majority of our 92 mile ride prognosticators said it would be favorable. And, they were right. We were underway at 0900 and the Canadian lock had their gates open and ready for us. A leisurely lift up to Lake Superior levels and we were soon out and on the “other side”! Our ride up to Whitefish Point was smooth (glass like) to a slight chop. Once we rounded the Point winds from west was building waves to the 1-2 ft range and an increasing fog. NOAA forecasted patchy fog but we were able to run at cruising speeds until a fog curtain descended on us and I reduced speed to 8.5 kts for nearly an hour until the fog began to lift. However, with the fog lift, winds increased and the seas grew to 2-4 ft but head on. Back up to cruising speed we scooted our way along the southern shore of Lake Superior to the breakwater marking the entrance to Grand Marais harbor. And just in time because another wave of fog was moving across the lake and into the harbor.


Grand Marais means grand harbor in old French, it is appropriately named because it is a grand harbor. Well protected from all wind directions, it is reported to have a sand bottom for easy anchoring.


We’ll go exploring for dinner but it shouldn’t be too hard to choose since there are only two restaurants in town.


Lake Superior is vast. And cold. Still. Check the pictures for today’s reading! Today’s run took about six hours and I burned 110 gal of fuel. Munising and Pictured Rocks is the next stop. We have pretty good Internet connection but no TV.