Day 7,8 &9, Crew Booted

I've spent the last three days putting some significant miles on my boots. Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island and the Stockton Island wilderness had exceptional vistas and challenging terain. At a minimum, I've seen close to 35 trail miles over the last three days (which is 3 times the distance we've sailed during the same time). My Captain's boots are not as well traveled; electing only to do only a one mile hike with the crew.

Today I packed my ration of crackers and water in my pack and traversed Stockton Island for a total of 18 miles. Stockton Island has the highest black bear density in North America.... and I can provide some verification. My hike to a deserted stone quarry was extremely remote and the only tracks I saw on my return were my tracks going out and fresh bear tracks (big paws). Of course, I wasn't concerned since I read the National Park bear brochure and took notes during the Captain's safety speech. However, after seeing the tracks... I picked up my pace and spent the remainder of my trail time whistling tunes and talking to bears out loud.

Day 6 Sleep Deprivation

The Ship's Clock is very accurate and the time standard for the Captain Log. It is located on the bulkhead outside my cabin approximately 5 ft from my head. The Captain treasures this time piece and cleverly uses it to keep his crew on edge.

Every God Damn hour it strikes the number of bells for the hour. "Cling Clank, Cling Clank, Cling......" at a volume sufficient to wake up any soul within 5 boat lengths. To further aggrevate me, it even strikes once on the half hour.

It is impossible to fall asleep anytime before the midnight cresendo. After 5 nights of clanging, I've developed a slight immunity allowing me fitfull rest until 4 AM... a noise threshold I'm not yet able to overcome. My Captain wisely uses his ability to snore loudly to mask the clanging and sleep deep into the morning.

Ahhh... it's time to turn in.... 4 AM comes quick....

Day 5 Starboard to Port

I was in the head when, without notice, the engine fired up. The Captain decided we were moving to a newly assigned dock at the Madeline Island Yacht Club. Upon arriving on deck, I was disappointed to see that the Captain had already removed the starboard stern line. I felt I let him down... up to this point, I exclusively handled all lines. In an attempt to reassert my abilities, I efficiently changed all the dock lines and fenders from starboard to port while Royal Eagle steamed the 150 ft to our new dock. Cleating that last line while the Captain shut down the engine brought me a sense of satisfaction that I restored confidence in the crew.

Day 4 Coffee Embargo Lifts

Black River was a primative port, so it was time to break out the illegal substances. I smuggled some Folgers coffee (good RoviSys client) aboard at a previous port.... It took Captain Kip only a few seconds to detect my covert brewing and rush to the galley. To my surprise, the Captain endorsed my actions and unveiled a sophisticated brewing system he had stashed aboard. His step-by-step demonstration prepared this pleeb to become self sufficient with my caffeine consumption.

The 35 NM passage to Madeline Island was pleasant and uneventful. The Captain does an excellent job detailing the ship's business on his blog.... so I will refrain from those important details.

In an effort to conserve water and ensure no interruption of our water supply, I have not showered in 2 days. Topping the tanks in Madeline should reinstate daily hygene.

Day 3 Before the Mast (Aug 4)

This is sunset from Black River Harbor, which was quiet and off the beaten track. Our 32 NM trip over from Ontonagon was in cool sunny conditions. This was our second day of motorsailing into a persistent west wind.

Not much in Black River except hiking trails and native forests. I laced up my boots and hiked for 3 hours to two waterfalls and a not-so-scenic ridge. My captain and the couple from Red Sky (who we met in Ontonagon) joined me for the first hour before returning for naps.

The Captain whipped up some refreshing Pina Coladas and a gourmet spaghetti dinner for the four of us. While cleaning up the substantial mess, he informed me to cut back on water usage and conserve valuable vessel resources. My transition from a 54 ft vessel has been a bit bumpy.

Day 2 Before the Mast

I awoke at sunrise to walk into town to buy coffee. The Captain informed me last night before turning in that caffeine was prohibited in his diet, so it didn't exist aboard. I wonder what other surprises are ahead of me.

Our departure coincided with the first opening of the lift bridge (second heaviest in US) at 9 AM. Our 49 NM trip to Ontonagon was pleasant in calm seas and temps in the 60s. We motorsailed the entire way into a 10 kt wind off the starboard bow. Gitche Gumee was well behaved today.

The Captain did a great job barging into the lives of two other boats which arrived with us. We had a great steak and potatoe dinner with Elaine, Joe, Stan, and Linda aboard S/V Red Sky. We should see them again at Madelain Island later this week.

Tomorrow we set sail for some wilderness, Black River Harbor. The harbor has no facilities, but lots of hiking and fishing.... and we may get weathered in....

Day 1 Before the Mast

After traveling nearly 7 hours out of Minneapolis today, my travel weary family dumped me off on the wharf in Houghton, MI and promptly hit the road for Mackinac City. I now have a better perspective on all the complaining crews who have met the Bumboat in remote waters.

The Captain was in good spirits and appeared excited to have new crew to train. After a short ship orientation, Captain Kip masterfully cooked up a tasty tuna cassarole, with peas on the side. My first duty as crew was dishes.

My experiences before the mast will be updated as cell coverage permits. Most of my communications will be from my cell phone utilizing my thumbs and its marginal camera. So... bear with with any rogue keystrokes and images not up to my usual standards... Keeping this activity stealth is impairitive to avoid confiscation of crew property.