Kerm here.
It's been awhile since blogging but we have had guests for the last 10 days and have not had wifi for awhile. Chris will be catching up with her version for the last 2 or 3 weeks later today.
It was nice to have sister Mary and Cecil here for the last half of the Trent Severn Waterway and the first half of the Georgian Bay. They were great guests / crew and we miss having them on the boat.
It's time to get back to the old routines. We're thinking of taking a straight shot to Kilearny on the Georgian Bay in lieu of taking the inside passage. I think we have seen at least half of the 30K islands on the first half of the Georgian Bay inside passage and are looking forward to the North Passage. This is supposed to be one of the best cruising grounds in the world so we are anxious to get started. The straight shot to Kilearny will probably be our longest single day passage but we will have one of the longest days of the year to do it in.
Over the last 3 or 4 weeks we have slowed our daily average by about half. This was partially due to all the locks but also have reduced our speed by a couple of MPH. A side benefit has been that our oil and fuel consumption has improved. The engine also sounds better but it may be my imagination.
The black flakes in the fuel filter bowl seem to be getting smaller and perhaps fewer. I added more anti algae stuff in the tanks along with more fuel a few days ago and this I hope is the reason for fewer flakes. If it's not algae then it's probably a deteriorating fuel filler hose and there is no way I can replace that easily as they buried it. I figure it would take at least a day to get to it with much surgery needed. Putting it back together would take another day or two BUT if I'm going to dig this deep into the boat. I'm sure that there would be other things I would like to take a look at and replace or improve. So bottom line is that I will procrastinate until the boat is in a long term port or the problem gets worse.
We have passed the 2600 statue mile mark. Chris said that she felt bad that the loop trip was half over already. Well, half over if we don't go up the Mississippi to visit the St. Croix. NO, we still have not made up our minds if this is going to be part of the trip. There is also the Keys and the blue water trip to the Bahamas to think about. I refuse to look at this like it's Wednesday of a week long vacation.
I am a bit homesick for Minnesota. Family, friends and the shop. Perhaps it's because Mary and Cecil was here and are headed back. We talked about taking a break around the 4th of July for the O'Donnell party but after checking transportation costs from these back woods and marina costs it probably is not in the cards. Nuts. Perhaps when we get closer to home...
We are looking forward to our next guests... son, Dan and Carrie in the next 3 or 4 weeks. If Dan can't get off work Carrie may be coming alone. Fearless, she is! I can't wait to tell her Dan stories without him scowling over my shoulder. Come to think of it, Dan is also pretty brave to subject Carrie to me without him here to temper the situation. Fearless, he is.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Orillia, Ontario
Kerm here,
Great day today. We went through the Kirkfield Lift Lock. Do a google search, you will be amazed. We also crossed Lake Simcoe today and it was as smooth as glass. We got lucky, just as Dan and I were last year. In a NW blow it's like Mille Lacs and can do the 8' wave thing.
So tomorrow is Severn and then the 30,000 lakes area of Georgian Bay to Parry Sound the next couple days. I have been lucky enough to have been all around the US and many parts of the world but the inside route to Perry was one of the neatest things I've ever done. There is one place that I have been thinking about since last year with Dan and we ARE going to anchor at a special spot.
The 'Belle' ran well today and will probably be ready for a complete maintenance fluid change / check up when Mary and Cecil leave. Mary will be bringing our bimini back to MN when she leaves as it needs to be replaced. There is a place in 'nord east that does a great job at duplicating old stuff. We hope the new one will catch up to us soon. The old top was aged but 70 MPH winds were just too much for it and after thinking about it, repairs are probably good money spent for a hopeless cause.
Great day today. We went through the Kirkfield Lift Lock. Do a google search, you will be amazed. We also crossed Lake Simcoe today and it was as smooth as glass. We got lucky, just as Dan and I were last year. In a NW blow it's like Mille Lacs and can do the 8' wave thing.
So tomorrow is Severn and then the 30,000 lakes area of Georgian Bay to Parry Sound the next couple days. I have been lucky enough to have been all around the US and many parts of the world but the inside route to Perry was one of the neatest things I've ever done. There is one place that I have been thinking about since last year with Dan and we ARE going to anchor at a special spot.
The 'Belle' ran well today and will probably be ready for a complete maintenance fluid change / check up when Mary and Cecil leave. Mary will be bringing our bimini back to MN when she leaves as it needs to be replaced. There is a place in 'nord east that does a great job at duplicating old stuff. We hope the new one will catch up to us soon. The old top was aged but 70 MPH winds were just too much for it and after thinking about it, repairs are probably good money spent for a hopeless cause.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Bobcaygeon
Kerm here,
We're at the same slip that Dan and I were at last Fall in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Good day and time with Mary and Cecil. Boat is running well but we had to stop 3 or 4 times to get rid of weeds. We also appear to have an algae problem with the fuel as I get black specks when I drain the Recor fuel bowl looking for water. Joe or Joe, what do you think? I've been using the additives but maybe I'll have to shock it to kill it once and for all. Oil overflow on the injection unit is still leaking but will go to the hardware store tomorrow and get some O-rings to solve the problem once and for all.
Today, Cecil was driving and I was working on something and Chris said "Kerm, something isn't right, the engine seems to be working too hard for our speed, something isn't quite right". What a crew! It was weeds but it was great that the crew ain't just sit'n there.
We're at the same slip that Dan and I were at last Fall in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Good day and time with Mary and Cecil. Boat is running well but we had to stop 3 or 4 times to get rid of weeds. We also appear to have an algae problem with the fuel as I get black specks when I drain the Recor fuel bowl looking for water. Joe or Joe, what do you think? I've been using the additives but maybe I'll have to shock it to kill it once and for all. Oil overflow on the injection unit is still leaking but will go to the hardware store tomorrow and get some O-rings to solve the problem once and for all.
Today, Cecil was driving and I was working on something and Chris said "Kerm, something isn't right, the engine seems to be working too hard for our speed, something isn't quite right". What a crew! It was weeds but it was great that the crew ain't just sit'n there.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Peterbourough
Kerm here,
Been awhile but we no longer have the mifi from Verizon so we have to rely on free internet at the marinas. Last night we stayed in Hasting hoping for AC and wifi but we got hit by 70 mph winds that took out the power and our bimini. Wild. So we got up early and went to Peterborough where we will meet my sister Mary and her husband Cecil tonight.
Finally getting the hang of starboard ties at the locks. Come in a little hot, touch the front and nail reverse where the rear will swing in regardless of where the rudder is. Go figure. Port ties are, well, still a bit stinky as when you hit reverse (regardless of where the rudder is) the stern moves to the right.
Engine continues to run hotter but I think that maybe I have weeds on the intake on the outside of the boat. The strainer looks OK but I'm seeing bubbles raising up when we have the power on. I'm thinking that if we get a nice day I will go over the side and see what's going on. Burrrrrr. I did purchase snorkel stuff before we left but did not pop for a suit. Stupid, so now I freeze my butt. OR WAIT, maybe Cecil will do it.
Fuel injection unit is still leaking oil. Brother Greg found the parts to fix the problem at the shop but didn't catch up to Mary Ellen for the hand off. Nuts.
Might have Mary bring the bimini back to MN when she goes back and have Al make a new one but we'll see. I'm not bad with a needle so may give it a try myself.
Son Dan is thinking about meeting up with us in about 3 weeks in MI with his girlfriend. I really like having other people on the boat but don't like that we have to be somewhere. BUT, BUT, with MI, it's nice as the pick up can be flexible. It will be nice as Dan knows the west cost of MI and will steer us to the best ports. Also, Lake MI is know for its strange wave patterns so will be nice to have someone with MI experience to help us along.
Peterborough is quite nice. Dan and I were here last fall so know where the Greek restaurant is and where the greasy spoon is for breakfast. What more do you need to know in a port.
I'm taking a nap...
Kerm
Been awhile but we no longer have the mifi from Verizon so we have to rely on free internet at the marinas. Last night we stayed in Hasting hoping for AC and wifi but we got hit by 70 mph winds that took out the power and our bimini. Wild. So we got up early and went to Peterborough where we will meet my sister Mary and her husband Cecil tonight.
Finally getting the hang of starboard ties at the locks. Come in a little hot, touch the front and nail reverse where the rear will swing in regardless of where the rudder is. Go figure. Port ties are, well, still a bit stinky as when you hit reverse (regardless of where the rudder is) the stern moves to the right.
Engine continues to run hotter but I think that maybe I have weeds on the intake on the outside of the boat. The strainer looks OK but I'm seeing bubbles raising up when we have the power on. I'm thinking that if we get a nice day I will go over the side and see what's going on. Burrrrrr. I did purchase snorkel stuff before we left but did not pop for a suit. Stupid, so now I freeze my butt. OR WAIT, maybe Cecil will do it.
Fuel injection unit is still leaking oil. Brother Greg found the parts to fix the problem at the shop but didn't catch up to Mary Ellen for the hand off. Nuts.
Might have Mary bring the bimini back to MN when she goes back and have Al make a new one but we'll see. I'm not bad with a needle so may give it a try myself.
Son Dan is thinking about meeting up with us in about 3 weeks in MI with his girlfriend. I really like having other people on the boat but don't like that we have to be somewhere. BUT, BUT, with MI, it's nice as the pick up can be flexible. It will be nice as Dan knows the west cost of MI and will steer us to the best ports. Also, Lake MI is know for its strange wave patterns so will be nice to have someone with MI experience to help us along.
Peterborough is quite nice. Dan and I were here last fall so know where the Greek restaurant is and where the greasy spoon is for breakfast. What more do you need to know in a port.
I'm taking a nap...
Kerm
Friday, June 3, 2011
Rome, NY to Oswego, NY
Monday, May 30 Memorial Day
We left the dodgy digs at 'Survival Landing' in Rome at 6:45am and were happy to be underway. By 8:07 we had cleared Lock #21 which was the first time we were locking down. We cleared Lock#22 at 8:30 and entered Oneida Lake at 9:00am. There was a cute fishing village on the edge of the Lake called Sylvan Beach and lots of anglers were out.
Oneida Lake is big but shallow and can get very bumpy when it's windy. We were lucky to have a very calm crossing and we cleared the Lake in two easy hours.
We wanted to stop at a good marina to check into a suspected fuel injector leak so we chose Winter Harbor in Brewerton. They have a good reputation and also the cheapest fuel prices around. We put 100 gallons in each tank and pumped out the black water tank...the Belle is nice and fresh. This marina has a Mercedes for its courtesy car...fancy pants.
Tuesday, May 31
Went shopping for groceries, Kerm washed the boat, and generally took it easy. The head mechanic stopped by to look at the possible leak, tightened up a fitting and said we were good to go.
Wednesday, June 1 (Happy Birthday, Mike)
Started out very nice...Left at 10am after we were told they didn't have room for us for another night. Okay because it wasn't that far to Oswego. By 10:45 we said goodbye to the Erie Canal and turned north on the Oswego Canal. The wind started to kick up and by lock #3 we were wishing we were somewhere else. Kerm already spoke of this in his post...Tough Day on the Belle. It was really bad in the locks. We were getting blown around and once the stern got away from us and we were stretched across the lock. Thanks to quick action on Kerm's part we recovered without serious damage...except to the ego, of course.
We only traveled 28 miles but they were hard fought. We were happy to call it a day and pulled in to Oswego Marina. The locks kicked our butts today.
Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3
Lake Ontario is wild... 20 foot waves crashing over the breakwaters. We are safe in port and staying here until the weather calms down, probably Saturday Winds are howling and it's cold so we are glad to stay in our cozy home.
Kerm got his hair cut. Did laundry, some provisioning, charted our course across the Lake and talked to other boaters who are waiting to cross the lake. Many had similar, or even worse, stories of the Oswego Locks. One sail boat did a 360 degree turn and a trawler bounced off both sides of the walls. We were not the only ones having trouble.
Looking forward to tomorrow...Canada!!
We left the dodgy digs at 'Survival Landing' in Rome at 6:45am and were happy to be underway. By 8:07 we had cleared Lock #21 which was the first time we were locking down. We cleared Lock#22 at 8:30 and entered Oneida Lake at 9:00am. There was a cute fishing village on the edge of the Lake called Sylvan Beach and lots of anglers were out.
Oneida Lake is big but shallow and can get very bumpy when it's windy. We were lucky to have a very calm crossing and we cleared the Lake in two easy hours.
We wanted to stop at a good marina to check into a suspected fuel injector leak so we chose Winter Harbor in Brewerton. They have a good reputation and also the cheapest fuel prices around. We put 100 gallons in each tank and pumped out the black water tank...the Belle is nice and fresh. This marina has a Mercedes for its courtesy car...fancy pants.
 |
| That boat behind Warren is not the Southern Belle, this was taken on our back deck |
Tuesday, May 31
Went shopping for groceries, Kerm washed the boat, and generally took it easy. The head mechanic stopped by to look at the possible leak, tightened up a fitting and said we were good to go.
Wednesday, June 1 (Happy Birthday, Mike)
Started out very nice...Left at 10am after we were told they didn't have room for us for another night. Okay because it wasn't that far to Oswego. By 10:45 we said goodbye to the Erie Canal and turned north on the Oswego Canal. The wind started to kick up and by lock #3 we were wishing we were somewhere else. Kerm already spoke of this in his post...Tough Day on the Belle. It was really bad in the locks. We were getting blown around and once the stern got away from us and we were stretched across the lock. Thanks to quick action on Kerm's part we recovered without serious damage...except to the ego, of course.
We only traveled 28 miles but they were hard fought. We were happy to call it a day and pulled in to Oswego Marina. The locks kicked our butts today.
Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3
Lake Ontario is wild... 20 foot waves crashing over the breakwaters. We are safe in port and staying here until the weather calms down, probably Saturday Winds are howling and it's cold so we are glad to stay in our cozy home.
 |
| Lake Ontario...taken on a calmer day |
 |
| Warren found another 'log fish' friend |
Kerm got his hair cut. Did laundry, some provisioning, charted our course across the Lake and talked to other boaters who are waiting to cross the lake. Many had similar, or even worse, stories of the Oswego Locks. One sail boat did a 360 degree turn and a trawler bounced off both sides of the walls. We were not the only ones having trouble.
Looking forward to tomorrow...Canada!!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tough day on the Belle
Kerm here,
Had a great breakfast and were planning our city day when we found out that we had to clear out of the marina as they had to put a bunch of mondo yachts in. O' well. So we headed to Oswego on the Erie Canal and then on the Oswego canal going north.. The river was at flood stage and the wind was blowing stink. This was one of the most difficult days of all of our years of boating. There were only 7 locks but each one was a bugger. Lock 5 was the most screwed up we have ever been in a lock. EVER. So I guess we have some touch up to do on the boat. Wind, undertoe and few ties. Tonight Chris and I are a mess, we just want to have a couple of drinks, eat and go to sleep.
So for all you tech people. I did have to jamb it in reverse and really nail the throttle and, I don't know if maybe I overdid it. When I was coming into the marina the trany sounded a bit howlie and perhaps some vibes. Paranoia, perhaps because we go across the big water the day after tomorrow when the wind calms down.
Kerm
Chris here
Humbled and beaten up. Today we looked like crass amateurs in those locks at times. I talked with a guy as I walking over to the marina office and he said he would rather be out on the big water than in the Oswego Locks when the wind is blowing like it was today. He said not to take it too hard it happens to everyone. Nice to hear but I still feel beaten up. GOOD NIGHT, don't call us!!
Had a great breakfast and were planning our city day when we found out that we had to clear out of the marina as they had to put a bunch of mondo yachts in. O' well. So we headed to Oswego on the Erie Canal and then on the Oswego canal going north.. The river was at flood stage and the wind was blowing stink. This was one of the most difficult days of all of our years of boating. There were only 7 locks but each one was a bugger. Lock 5 was the most screwed up we have ever been in a lock. EVER. So I guess we have some touch up to do on the boat. Wind, undertoe and few ties. Tonight Chris and I are a mess, we just want to have a couple of drinks, eat and go to sleep.
So for all you tech people. I did have to jamb it in reverse and really nail the throttle and, I don't know if maybe I overdid it. When I was coming into the marina the trany sounded a bit howlie and perhaps some vibes. Paranoia, perhaps because we go across the big water the day after tomorrow when the wind calms down.
Kerm
Chris here
Humbled and beaten up. Today we looked like crass amateurs in those locks at times. I talked with a guy as I walking over to the marina office and he said he would rather be out on the big water than in the Oswego Locks when the wind is blowing like it was today. He said not to take it too hard it happens to everyone. Nice to hear but I still feel beaten up. GOOD NIGHT, don't call us!!
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