Saturday, July 5, 2025, Covered Portage

We had a beautiful, quiet evening with no wind or water movement at all. About 7:30 a little unexpected sprinkle came by. No rain is in the forecast. I spent some time trying to organize our photo contests. We have two going on now simultaneously which is somewhat hard to keep track of.  One at a time in the future would be better. I just sent Contest 3, Rocks and Trees to the Karpinski's for judging. 4 entrants this time. Contest 4, July 4th Food, went to sister Marty for judging.

Kerry had a note on my Keurig to get her up in time to have time with me before the day's activities started. I thought that was really nice of her to get up early so we could enjoy our morning beverages together. Will it happen again?

Peter came over for a double cappuccino. I must be slipping as a host as I completely forgot to offer him our favorite powered white donuts. He gladly accepted once I remembered to offer. I hope the grocery in Little Current has a good supply as quantities are getting low. 

Later, Peter picked me up for our first fishing expedition of this trip. Totally no success fishing today. Peter did have a big bass hooked but he jumped off before he could be bonked. As for me, no bites, and lots of bird's nests in my line. Better luck next time - we hope!

Kerry made BLT's for lunch for us. Afterwards I took a little dingy ride. It was a hot afternoon in the sun,so not much outdoor activity took place. I am shocked that were only 12 boats here at midday. Maybe boating really is down up here. 

Kerry and I sat on the upper deck for awhile this afternoon. The breeze was cool and refreshing. We planned our cocktail hour on our dingy. We had invited the Orros to have cocktails with us on our dinghys, but they were having guests from a nearby boat. Peter and Marianna were scrubbing Voyager and it made my iced coffee even more enjoyable while watching them work.

At 5:00 we motored upwind to the entrance to the anchorage. Kerry had brought snacks and dinner sandwiches for us. I brought gin and vodka martinis. We enjoyed our drinks and food as we drifted downwind through the anchorage. It was really pleasant and something we will do again. 

While drifting downwind we saw a family of real ducks passing an anchor duck at work.

When we reached the bottom of the anchorage we started to motor back upwind for another run. We passed a couple on a 3500 Tartan sailboat who waved at us and invited us over. 

Sheryl and Wiggins were on the s/v Eriesponsible, out of Sandusky Sailing Club. We knew many of the same people. And as it turns out, we had actually met them in the doggy store (Happy Tails) in Cuyahoga Falls. We both had beta fish on our boats and somehow, while shopping in that store, we bumped into them and this subject came up. (I think Kerry told Sheryl that she was looking for  fishbowl to take on a boat.) Talk about small worlds! As it turns put, they are traveling with the couple that are visiting on Voyager. We exchanged boat cards and hope to bump into them again. 

Sheryl, Sadie and Wiggins from Sandusky Sailing Club

We visited with Sheryl and Wiggins for a long time, until the mosquitos came out and chased us home. They are great people. It's their first trip to the NC. I could not believe how well informed and prepared they are. Wiggins said he studies a lot. One of the great things about cruising is chance encounters like this. We all hope to meet up back home too. Sheryl sent a picture of us to our mutual friends Alice and Kevin Miller. That's the couple we cruised with last year to Buffalo. 

Don and Kerry on our still nameless dingy as seen from Eriesponsible

We turned in early as it seems we always do on this cruise. As I often say, we went to bed before the solar lights were on. Heavy rain is expected tomorrow, then winds are predicted to pick up in the evening.

Our plans are to leave here tomorrow. Sometime this coming week we will go to Little Current for two nights, then anchor again until we go to Gore Bay on Sunday. Sunday is the Orro's 40th Anniversary and Marianna loves to be in Gore Bay for the celebration.