July 27 - July 28, 2013
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| Beth, Yolanda & Scott aboard Mystic |
After quick, hot showers, we met the Moodys around 9:00 and were headed out the channel by 9:15. We motored south into a strong headwind under dark and stormy skies. Many boats passed us heading North. They were heeled over dramatically in the strong wind.
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| Racing Sailors |
Scott was so excited to get to the Duluth Harbor. Two tall ships were sailing just outside the breakwater. Two more were leaving the Harbor, bursting at the seams with tourists. As we passed, they took photos of us as we took photos of them. We motored under the Duluth lift bridge with several other boats. Making our way around the piers, we got a real close up look at the five tall ships docked in the harbor. There were a LOT of people aboard the boats and a LOT more people waiting in line.
After exploring the harbor and tall ships, we anchored for lunch. We had quite the spread of fruit, veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, smoked fish, humus and chips and salsa washed down with beer. After lunch, Dave was eager to head north again. The trip would take several hours and the weather had not improved. As soon as we left Duluth Harbor we raised the main, then the jib. We had some trouble raising the main, which was reefed. It was my fault for not knowing this. Unfortunately, we tore the main in the process. It's just a small tear which should be easy to repair. My ego took a huge hit though.
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| We were able to motor very close to the tall ships |
It rained off and on during our return trip and the gusting wind increased in intensity. Mystic handles very well in wind and waves but we were heeling over more than I was comfortable with. Dave decided to furl the jib but during the process, the wind grabbed the sheet and broke the jib loose. The sail blew out of control off the starboard side. Scott was able to grab the sheet and tame the jib while Dave furled it. Under only the main, Dave started the motor to help stabilize our ride. We put the boom shade up to help protect us from the wet weather. This is like performing an acrobatic act in rough weather but we managed to secure it over the cockpit. With an hour remaining on the trip, Yolanda and I retreated below to the warmth and shelter of the cabin where we stood in the salon, holding on and attempting to keep our balance. Scott and Dave got soaked in the pelting rain. As soon as we rounded the breakwater, the boat leveled and the waters calmed. On shore it was a whole different kind of day. You would never have known what we'd just endured over the last three hours.
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| Scott and Yolanda ~ Duluth Harbor |
We cleaned up Mystic, as best as we could and settled in to warm up and have a little nap. The plan was to meet up later for dinner but we each decided to cook on board and meet for a drink. Dave and I fell asleep, exhausted. We woke around 8:00 to find it was cold outside so we drove the 1/8 mile to the Moody's boat and joined them on board Della Grace. This turned out to be a good decision. We spent the evening snacking on popcorn with black pepper and drinking Brandy Dr. Pepper cocktails. Scott played Brandy (you're a fine girl) by Looking Glass and we all sang along, laughing like teenagers. We have so much fun with our new friends. I really wish that they would spend EVERY summer on the North Shore. We drove, very slowly, back to Mystic just before midnight and collapsed in bed.
Brandy By Looking Glass:
Sunday morning was chilly once again. We were excited to go agate hunting with the Moodys. Yesterday, Dave and Scott had noticed a lovely shoreline just south of Knife River and wanted to explore there. Someone at the marina told Scott about a good agate beach nearby. We spent the morning looking for these prize north woods stones but had no luck beyond finding tiny pieces. One day we hope to find agates large enough to polish, display and treasure in memory of our summers on Lake Superior.
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| Lake Superior Teepee |
The site of this shack along the Lake Superior Shore took our breath away. We stopped just to take a photo. This is a serene place. We would come back time and again for the peaceful feelings we get here.
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| Lake Superior Shack |
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| Dave & Beth |
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| Scott & Yolanda |
When it was time for us to head home, we each realized that we may not see each other again. The Moodys are leaving for the Apostle Islands this week and we are running the Minnesota half next Saturday. If we go to Knife River it will be for Saturday evening, returning on Sunday. Yolanda will go home to Oklahoma on Thursday the 7th. We chatted about the prospect of not hanging out again which led to us planning how to cross paths again.
Life is a tapestry. It took perfectly placed stitches woven at just the right point for us to meet. If we keep in contact we could arrange those stitches any way we choose. Our next adventure is already on the books. We are talking about going to Tulsa in November to run the Tulsa marathon with Yolanda. Yup, we're certain this is just the beginning of a long friendship!
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