Monday, June 24, 2013
 |
| Minneapolis Shoal Light |
The day got away from us, we left Vinette around 2 pm which was much later than we hoped. Dan, his brother Jeff and the yard worker Tom helped us launch from the dock after lashing the dinghy to the bow. They directed Dave out of the harbor, "Keep the boathouse directly behind you. If you can see the South wall, you are too far South; if you can see the North wall you are too far North." Dan mentioned that Mystic pulls to the port side when in reverse. Dave nodded acknowledgement.
We had hoped to leave Escanaba under sail but we motored 4.5 hours into a stong SW wind. Originally we thought we'd aim for Jackson Harbor on Washington Island but Dan convinced us that "Rock Island is a must see!" We arrived at Rock Island at 6:50 pm. There were beautiful rock buildings on a white rock beach. Large patches of white dotted the shoreline, over rocks and grassy areas. I knew it had to be flowers which it turned out are called "Snow In Summer", PERFECTLY named! There wasn't anyone around but people came out of nowhere and everywhere to help us dock the boat (our very first time).
 |
| Rock Island Boat House ~ Door County WI |
We could dock inside or outside of the finger dock. Inside looked narrow and shallow so Dave aimed for the outside. Paul, the Harbor Master, motioned him inside saying there were 7 feet of water. Our draft is 5'3". We went inside and Dave mastered it as though he'd been doing it for years. Paul was a sweetheart, friendly and knowledgeable. He informed us that we were the first sailboat of the season. It was a cold spring in Door County.
The island was formerly owned by Chester Thordarson, the man who invented the transformer. His children sold the Island to the State of WI after his death. Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Island_(Wisconsin) to learn more about this fascinating man.
 |
| Rock Island Light |
We went on a 4 mile walk around the Island, visiting the beach, the lighthouse and the burial site of Chester Thordarson, a humble resting spot for someone of such importance. I suppose it was his wish to be buried on his beloved island.
The island is banked by round white rocks. The south facing beach was sandy, the North facing side was cliffs. Thordarson brought the beautiful snow in the summer 'Cerastium tomentosum' to the island. I want this growing in my gardens.
 |
| Snow in Summer |
The island was peaceful and quiet. There were lots of people camping. Bathrooms available but no showers. We plan to visit again. Thanks to Dan Branson for recommending this "must see" stop.
Musing for the day:
How to start the motor
o Key in, lever in at Nuetral
o Push to align 1st
o Synchronize by moving lever forward and back a couple times
o Turn key to "heat", hold 5-10 seconds, light comes on
o Turn key to start, engine starts
o Walk back to make sure water is pumping out the back
Left Escanaba @ 2:06
Arrived Rock Island @ 6:50
4 hours 45 min on engine power
No comments:
Post a Comment