Captain Mike.
A "Tip of the Hat", to the crew on day 2.
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A "Tip of the Hat", to the crew on day 2.
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The day begins early with a light breeze from the North as calm seas are an encouraging sign for team Project Lakewell as we board the Voyager Canoe paddles at the ready. Two Bay crossing to navigate 10 to 12 miles across. Little Traverse Bay and Grand Traverse Bay, mighty as they are we set coarse, take a bearing heading and cast off into the clear blue water.
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The crew following the pace set by marathon racer Bob Bradford. Fresh from a good nights rest we stroke with cadence and confidence. Of course the occasional clanging of paddles is heard as we sharpen our skills working desperately to keep pace with Bob, the Bobber Bradford.
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The crew following the pace set by marathon racer Bob Bradford. Fresh from a good nights rest we stroke with cadence and confidence. Of course the occasional clanging of paddles is heard as we sharpen our skills working desperately to keep pace with Bob, the Bobber Bradford.
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Where their is wind the waves will soon follow as we enjoy 1' to 2' foot seas. Gabby thru the coarse of the day eventually gathers speed. The wind at our back we reach over 7 mph. Waves now building and surging rising to 3 and 4 footers. The crew paddling with all their might and determination continues a southern heading.
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My wingman/sailor Brian urgently dons his leather gloves as the spinnaker is full blown and demands his utmost attention. If the Captain looses control at the helm Brian will quickly dowse the sail to save the 26' Voyager Canoe from floundering in heavy seas. We broach the waves a couple times and on command this stellar crew brakes to the right to bring her under control. We mount a charge into a four foot trough creating the sensation of a submarine about to ascend into the depths. Gabby holds her own and pops up like a cork, the bow spewing water and creating its own waves as we continue our blistering pace and white knuckle ride. The crews enthusiasm and laughter is followed by a roller coaster ride never to be forgotten.
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My wingman/sailor Brian urgently dons his leather gloves as the spinnaker is full blown and demands his utmost attention. If the Captain looses control at the helm Brian will quickly dowse the sail to save the 26' Voyager Canoe from floundering in heavy seas. We broach the waves a couple times and on command this stellar crew brakes to the right to bring her under control. We mount a charge into a four foot trough creating the sensation of a submarine about to ascend into the depths. Gabby holds her own and pops up like a cork, the bow spewing water and creating its own waves as we continue our blistering pace and white knuckle ride. The crews enthusiasm and laughter is followed by a roller coaster ride never to be forgotten.
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To the onlooker we would appear to be some sort of weird looking over sized surfboard gathering speed roaring over the surf and crashing thru the waves with such eloquence even the best surfer would be jealous.
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A hard earned 46 mile day behind us we set in the confines and safety of the State Park on the Lelauna Peninsula. Sharing stories of the days adventures, adrenaline rushes and good fortune thanks to the well seasoned crew. We listen attentively, the waves battering the shoreline less than one hundred yards from camp. The wind howling hard enough to blow a Rooster into a beer bottle.....life is good!
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Our crew planing tomorrows southern sojourn following the beautiful towering Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes as we paddle/sail and enjoy the beauty of one of the grandest of all great Lakes. Lake MI.
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Captain Mike
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