Another Year of Adapting

We finished our America's Great Loop adventure last August and began making plans to cruise to new places for the summer of 2022. The Georgian Bay was tempting us with it's scenic and secluded islands and anchorages. There are, literally, thousands of islands to explore. It is the home of Baie Fine, the largest fresh water fjord in the world. Dave cruised there in our 23 foot Coronado, S/V Keewatin, back in 1982. He hasn't stopped talking about it.

Canada across from the Detroit River

We've been planning our visit all winter. Covid restrictions were loosening and Canada was opening up to boat traffic. Unfortunately, it was easier to enter by any means other than by boat. Most of the small craft customs entry reporting sights were closed. We would have to go back to Detroit to enter Canada. We began to rethink our plan A. 

After wrestling with what we wanted to do as opposed to what we could do, we decided to go with Plan B and stay put in Marinette, Wisconsin. We are right across from Door County where there is much to explore. We love Lake Michigan and are excited to see more of it as well. We can hang out at the marina and make lemonade from the lemons of the current world condition!

Just as we were about to reserve a slip at NestEgg Marina for the summer most of the Canadian entry ports reopened. This gave us options; lots of options, for our summer adventures. Much of our cruising involves adapting. We've changed plans, course, and schedule countless times aboard S/V Mystic. Unfortunately fuel prices are continuing to rise. The number of cruising boats has increased and marina space is limited and at a premium. Instinct and experience is telling us to stay put. We will go with the flow like we always do. Door County, Green Bay and Lake Michigan have a lot to offer. Once we launch Mystic our summer plans will come together. They always do! 

Last weekend, we drove five and a half hours to NestEgg Marine where Mystic sat for the winter. As soon as we arrived we noticed that the cover was sitting oddly at the bow. We figured out why when we unzipped the sections, relaxing the tension. A ton of water poured over the side. Apparently, heavy snow created a pocket that collected rain. Our cover looked a bit stretched out but the water did not make it through to the boat. The Surlast fabric held up well.

Weighted pocket just inside our lifeline
Fabric puckering caught our attention

Our next discovery was a tiny squatter setting up housekeeping on our cradle. Mama Dove built a sparse twig nest and laid two beautiful eggs between our hull and the cradle. They are larger than we expected. She watched us do our work but showed no signs of leaving.

Dove keeping an eye on Beth

Unfortunately, our new foster chicks will delay our launch further. This wasn't part of the plan but we're looking at it as an opportunity to finish up projects at home and on the boat. We'll spend another year of adapting with adventures slipped in wherever we can! We can't complain; messing around with boats is not a bad way to spend the summer!