We've been sitting at the docks in Menominee, Michigan, for four days under near gale force winds. They are coming from the north, northeast and have worked the bay into a frenzy. Three to six foot waves build before crashing into the breakwater and splashing over the wall into the marina. The boats are dancing a jig, especially Mystic on her face dock slip, tied off only on her starboard side. Nights are the worst because it's hard to see and the sounds of straining dock lines, halyards, and fenders seem to suggest we'll be swept away at any moment.
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| Memorial Beach Menominee, MI |
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| Waves crashing |
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| Menominee River breakwater walking path Menominee, MI |
The source of all this chaos is a group of low pressure cells to the south. It's like having a bunch of bullies taking turns at our vulnerabilities as they knock us around and cause us concern over our chances of survival. Being on board Mystic is uncomfortable. We have to be on high alert for unexpected motion, like riding a bucking bronco.
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| I count 8 low pressure systems Map from National Weather Service |
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| Wind speeds of 20-30 mph Map from Sailflow |
The shore birds are having a heck of a time too. They must face the wind or risk having their feathers inverted. One exhausted cormorant took a breather on the breakwater ladder inside the marina, seeking shelter against the wind. Like the cormorant, we've been holed up, our heaters are running and the heating blanket is on high.
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| Cormorant hiding from the weather |
Fall has arrived like a toddler's tantrum, howling and kicking! It's time to haul Mystic out. We'll take her south to High Seas Marina in Oconto once the bay calms down. Hopefully, we'll have a gentle final sail that helps us forget the last four days.
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