Day 1 of the trip – Window of opportunity or sucker hole?

20 years ago on my first sailboat cruise across Lake Michigan, the NOAA predicted winds and heavy seas. But the sky was clear that evening. And, the crews on the 4 boats were anxious to leave on vacation.  Greg Z was on the boat that evening taking part in the decision to go. About 3 hours into the trip, the grim forecast came to reality. It was not a window of opportunity. It was a sucker hole! We were tossed back and forth pounding through some heavy seas. We were too far out or too young or dumb (stupid?) to head for a safe harbor.

This morning, the forecast was 3 to 6 foot seas with winds gusting to 35 from the north. But after breakfast, the wind was still calm and the lake was flat. Greg was on board today as welland particpated in the decision to shove off. We pumped out and topped off at Pugh’s leaving the fuel dock at 11AM. Wind was beginning to build from the north, but the lake was flat. It was our window of opportunity! We passed Kenosha a little ahead of schedule as there were 15 knot breezes and following seas. By the time we passed the Illinois state line winds were still about 15 knots and it looked like the lake was beginning to lay down.

A little south of Winthrop Harbor we began to see the wind and waves build. We were unable to hold a more easterly course to Chicago. When the occasional 6 foot wave hit the beam of the boat at times we rolled as much as a 20 degree heel. Once again a window of opportunity became a sucker hole! At least we have been able to learn over the years. We decided to head for a safe harbor and rolled into Waukegan harbor teing off at the Yacht Club at 2:30. Nothing had broken. Outside of a heck of a surge, we have a nice place to spend the night.

This is an emotional time for me. Leaving so many old and great new friends in Racine is “bitter sweet.” Below are some very kind words in an email from good friend Perry, that seem to echo the support I have received from so many friends:

RUN LIKE THE WIND little wing, be safe and stay in touch, I am happy your underway and your NEW life has just started, I am very happy and excited "emotionally aroused" for you.

For me to see someone have a plan and for it to come to be is very refreshing and satisfying, while it all won't be easy and there will be rough water, that first step had to be taken as you know.

My thoughts will be with you daily and hope you will keep me posted daily as well

PEACE

and oh yea,    " I LOVE YOU MAN"

PERRY/BUCKY and BAILY always