A Nice Day Off

From West Shore State Park

 With the Lido sold the plan was simple. Borrow the Lazy Shamrock from The Typesetter and do a bit of daysailing at Dayton. How hard could it be? Well harder then we thought but the results were pretty good.
We left the house around 0830 with the hope of meeting the new owners of the Lido for some sailing. However we did not make the final exit out of Missoula before discovering the port side indicator light was missing off the trailer. Now those who are more unscrupulous then myself may have been prepared to feign ignorance of a non working trailer light. It happens. But when the entire light is missing that makes such a ruse a bit more difficult. With heavy hearts we returned boat and trailer from whence they came. However we decided to continue our drive north and see what we could see. Nothing else to do anyway.
 Upon arrival in Dayton the whole town was abuzz. It was Dayton Daze, the end of summer celebration that turns the sleepy little wine and sailing town into a wonderful zoo. We pulled into the SFYC and made our way inside. The Lady had not seen the inside and was delighted with the amenities. I dropped off our dues and some magazines, Wooden Boat and Good Ol' Boat and decided to walk the docks.
 Set up in front was a pop-up with the sign "Sailboat Rides". There was a suggested donation to the local volunteer fire department for the privilege. Twist our arms why don't you! Donation given we meet with Skip, who invited us aboard one of the twin Capri 22's that the Yacht Harbor keeps as rentals/instruction boats. Motor out of the tight confines, where I had one my first yacht race previously, and sails up. And just like that the magic happened.

Motoring out

Under a full press of sail

Didn't think I was going sailing.

 The Capri was a wonderful boat. Now I've never used a winch before but learned pretty quickly! Or a roller furling jib system. I've since been informed our next boat must have the latter if equipped with a jib. There was also the novelty of a true down below which The Lady tried out.

The plush accommodations. A step up from a Lido 14!

This also met with her approval. We were not out for long but it was marvelous to simply be on the water again. It was over too soon and we were deposited back at the dock. We took the opportunity to walk the dock and enjoy watching the sailboats.

The aptly named S/V Minion

Making sail for parts unknown

Putting some speed on

Heading in

Wooden tender beautifully done

 Our time in Dayton came to a close. We decided to drive north and found ourselves eventually at West Shore State Park. The views as always were stunning.

After a quick lunch we found ourselves near the National Bison Range. Sadly we did not have the time for the full tour but did get a few quick photos.

Our National Mammal

They looked like statues

 Then it was finally time to head home. But not before a short train chase. I couldn't get far enough ahead to take my own photo so I quickly pulled to a crossing and gave The Lady the shot. The result was stunning.

Notice the boat fender in the grab iron there. Photos by KB

A wonderful end to a wonderful day. We pick up the FatCat2 this weekend. I can't wait.

Weekend to Remember

Dayton Yacht Harbor

 Well I think the title says it all. Out in the boat both Saturday and Sunday. Let go of my first real boat. And discovered the joy that is yacht racing. All in the weekend that is traditionally the end of summer.
 Saturday was a simple sailing day. I was taking a family I know out for a sailboat ride.The wind wasn't very accommodating and built all day. Great big boat weather but not so much for my Lido. We ended up sailing out on a fast run, then motored back. A great time was had by all but a day on the water it was not to be. But we did head out to Dayton, where it was blowing 15+ and looked at the boats.

Gloria's and all the boats

  Sunday I woke up earlier then usual. I knew skipper meeting was at 0930 and I would have to leave around 0730 if I had a chance to make it. But my first thought was to roll back over and get an extra hour of sleep. I didn't have to meet Travis, my boat buyer, until 1030. But I simply couldn't. The lady left for work at 0645 and by 0715 I was on the road. Buck, the owner of the Dayton Yacht Harbor was kind enough to allow me to store Esmeralda overnight in the boat yard, thereby saving me the need to drag it back and up again. I had exactly a quarter tank leaving my driveway and 91.6mi to go. I was a bit worried but after splurging what could have been gas money on coffee I settled down to a slow cruise and headed north. An extra $1.36 I found in the seats later I made it hale and sound to Dayton. There was my boat waiting for a day of adventure. The last adventure I would have with her while she was "mine".

Ready to go

 But who was I kidding? She was never mine. I was her keeper for the better part of a decade. I poured my equity as best I could into her and did what I could to ensure her continued use. And this was the day I'd pass her on for someone else to do the same. I tried to keep these melancholy thoughts out of my head as I headed to boat house for skippers meeting and whatever else the morning had to offer.
 Joining a new group of people is difficult at the best of times. I knew about the South Flathead Yacht Club for years and had corresponded with some of their members. Always meaning to join. The current Commodore works with me on the steam sawmill I run. But the lure of a dingy race is what drew me today. After the big boat buoy races there would be a small boat race, as there had been the last few Labor Day Regatta's. Except I had every intention of making this one. I saw John, the Commodore and made a few introductions, asked where I could find Jeremy, the Race Coordinator and ambled over to what was the big boat skipper meeting. After the very laid back and informative meeting Jeremy and I chatted a bit about our afternoon plans, racing at 1500, and I went to wonder around the Harbor House and the pier area.

The leeward mark

Heading out to race

SFYC Harbor House

Flathead Lake Sailing School in session

 My phone went off and it was Travis. The time had come. We meet up, picked up the Lido and I began the instruction. First up was how to rig the boat. Or more properly how I rig the boat. It's second nature and most of what I do is performed with the single handed sailor in mind. More hands definitely make lighter work. Then the dance of getting the rigged boat in the water. The public slip at Dayton is no where near ideal for sailboats. There was also a procession of motorboats that by right were being launched and recovered so enjoyed the rising sun and wind until our turn came. The wind was out of the east and and on the same side of the dock as the ramp. We'd need to move the Lido around the dock in order to get underway. Not to mention Flathead lake is rapidly being drawn down and there was not enough draft for the centerboard and only just for the rudder. I guess if sailing was easy everyone would do it.
 I parked the car and trailer and returned to the dock. Sails up and we were off. Board down twenty feet off the pier and we picked up our reach and shot out into the bay. Hi-fives were exchanged as we simply enjoyed the thrill of sailing. Much newer for one then the other but the same joy was felt.
 By this time the fleet was out and racing so we stayed well clear and I continued to share what I know of sailing the Lido 14. Points of sail, rig notes, balance, how to pass the tiller behind your back.
 They say you never know how much you know until you do it without thought. As I instructed I was acutely aware of how much I do without thought on my boat. Steering a straight course, tacking and gybing, setting a sail. I was very comfortable in that fourteen foot length of mahogany and fiberglass. And as I let go the secrets I have accumulated I realized I would miss this. Not like in a sad way. But this feeling of if not mastery, understanding and knowledge.

The new skipper at the helm

 Eventually the Typesetter arrived in the Piccup and he went ranging far and wide under a full press of sail. It was hearting to look out over the water and see the balanced lug tall and proud over great waters. The fleet was also out and doing big boat things. With a competent person at the helm I had a few moments to pull out the camera and take in the spectacle.

Windward and leeward

Rounding the Mark. My favorite image I captured.

Beating

 Then it was time for dingy racing. After a few practice runs with The Typesetter we were recalled via text to the transient dock for the start of official racing. One of the things as a teacher is sometimes you feel you could do it better but the student has to learn. I'm pleased to say Travis parallel parked the Lido with an audience and I don't think I could have done it better. First up was a brief skippers meeting where we went over the basic rules, course and start plan. It should be noted I've read about this. And watched a few videos. But now it was time to actually do it.

Skippers Meeting. Lido #1280, Piccup Pram Lazy Shamrock, and a Gig Harbor Captains Gig.

The two minute horn went off and we started jockeying for position. I was forward running the jib and acting as a tactician. Travis was helmsman. We had very easy communication with ideas and execution moving both ways. One minute. Favored side on starboard lead to a line of moored boats. Thirty seconds. Planning our escape, watching the line. Ten seconds. "Hit it!" Haul the jib in and we point to the line. Start. Decent start. I think. No penalty at least. First mark is a reach. The Piccup is dead even and the Captains Gig is hot on our heels. We have a major advantage in sail area and boat speed. Look ahead, not back. Shave the mark, go deep. Now it's a tacking duel as we head upwind. The Piccup is behind, the CG is in an excellent position and gaining ground. Suddenly becalmed. The boat herself is indecisive in the wind. CG begins sculling. No protest. We begin sculling. Thankful for the solid oak tiller the Lido is now equipped with. The minutes crawl by. I see Rex, the captain in the Gig, bear away. A wind line! We follow in slow pursuit. Suddenly were on again, mark in sight. We're below and hoping for rights. but the wind is dead to the mark. Forty feet, thirty. It's anybodies rounding. Twenty feet.

Anybody's sailboat race. Photo by Jeremy Keene.

 We're forced to give way to leeward and I think we've lost the mark. But the Gig hits the mark and stalls! A hard kick of the rudder and we are by. Now downwind, centerboard fully up. The helmsman plays the wind like a violin and we're downwind, wing and wing. The Gig is behind but can't get the speed. We cross and the finish horn sounds. We've gotten line honors. And then, to my surprise, applause. The members waiting for dinner have watched our little contest and reward us for the entertainment.  For myself the accolades go to my boat and my helm. I had only a vague idea of what I was doing and trusted pure book knowledge and the wisdom of others to pull us through.

Dayton Labor Day Regatta 2018 dingy race participants.

We go for a victory lap. The Lazy Shamrock has abandoned the race but is still sailing. It's just about time to head in. We do a rounding of the marks for no reason and short tack our way up the pier. A captain congratulates us and we enjoy the good wind and fun. Travis's phone goes off. It's Rose, the other half and we head to the dock to meet her.
 I've been at the helm for the last twenty minutes after the race. Enjoying how the boat responds to my commands and thinking on the years well spent. My last act as skipper is docking under sail with the wind directly down the dock. Board up, gauging the sideslip just so. And when all is said and done just right, allowing the crew to leap to the dock, line in hand. Almost like I knew what I was doing.A find performance that befits the boat and our time. But it's over now. We haul out and derig. I double check that my stuff is off the boat. And we head to dinner.
 And there we do some final paperwork, money is handed over. And the boat is no longer "mine". And I honestly couldn't be happier. Not for not having the boat, but for that it's future adventures will take it far and wide. I may even get to tag along for a few. And that made for a weekend to remember. I pick up the FatCat2 in two weeks. But more on that later.

Rose, Travis, and Lido #1280. Good luck. And Godspeed.

It's Coming Togeher Nicely

Julia L. in Sin City awaiting her move north

 It's been a busy week here in the Big Sky Country on my personal sailing front. Last Saturday I took my squire, Tethian, out sailing for an adventure. We launched out of Big Arm and by all accounts it was grand. Winds were higher then predicted and stayed that way. If I had a slightly larger boat it would have been a long and comfortable sailing day. I have small boat and while never frighting it was most decidedly uncomfortable at the helm. With our weight Esmeralda never heeled but her helm was telling me the wind was higher then she would have liked. The waves in that area due to the nature of the bottom and the topography create short, breaking wave sets that do a great job of unsettling a short drop keeled boat. I did not run out of my quotient of fun but it was tested. Tethian's father sails a full keeled race boat to some acclaim on the lake and he is used to that stability, power and sure footedness. I'm not ashamed to say my Lido is lacking a little in each department in comparison. But a good time was had by all. We finished the day riding  jet skis at his family's lake house and me loosing my glasses in ensuing fun. But it was worth it.
 Sunday was  day of rest and I took the opportunity to list my beloved Lido 14 for sale. I drove home after an errand to a gentleman looking her over. He had the feel of a collector and not someone who would take the heavy use of such a boat seriously. We parted ways and I'm not unglad he didn't seriously pursue ownership. But I did end up selling my boat that day. To a young couple enamored with sailing and wanting to know all about it. I can't buy enthusiasm and desire. And that is was my boat was built for. So I'm meeting my buyer up at Dayton this Sunday were we will annoy the big boats in the buoy race and I'll do what I can to teach him a bit about this pastime I love so much. And when all is said and done I will kiss my boat good bye and she'll be off to new adventures without me. And I could not be happier for her. The Typesetter might pop by with the Piccup and I'm sure a boat race will ensue.
 What about the catboat? Well fear not. In a mutual bemoaning that six weeks was a long time with the boats current owner we decided to half that time. Instead of mid October it will be the second week of September and a rigging demo in a parking lot in Beaver, Utah. The lady and I will overnight at a hotel then daysail the Clark Canyon Reservoir before bringing the boat home. I shall not be boat-less but without a "large" small boat for only a week after the loss of my Lido. Then the real work can begin.

Full and By

Looking west towards Lakeside

 Full and By: Making best speed to weather by keeping the sails full; sailing close-hauled but not pinching; that is, born off enough to keep the sails driving. This direction to the helmsman is a compromise since the ship will sail faster, but not as close to the actual course to the destination
 If there is a term to best describe my most recent sail then the title says it all. In my years of sailing I've not had a better day on the water. Couldn't have asked for better weather or better company. Ticked of a few bucket list items and had a generally great day messing about. The end could have been better and as I write this my boat is stranded 61 miles away on the hard. But how it got there, now there is a worthy tale.
 We left out of Wayfarers State Park right down the highway from Bigfork, MT. I've been in this area before when I go to visit the Q-Class sloops as the Flathead Resort. I've never launched out of this area before but there were rumors of a classic wooden boat show at the Marina Cay on Bigfork Bay and we thought it would be fun to annoy the power boaters. With me for this adventure were The Typesetter, Smee to my Hook, and Dan an aspiring sailor who's longing for the foam and crest made him an ideal companion on this journey.
 We launched with out incident and headed NWbN, beating in to lovely Force 3. With the Lido herself weighing less then the weight on the rail we sailed flat and fast, taking the waves in good turn and generally sailing "out there". I took the opportunity to do a quick Facebook live broadcast performing a sea shanty I'd written and it was back to wonderful sailing. What can I say other then that? The sun was hidden by high clouds so it did not beat upon our heads. The water was the famous Flathead blue as far as the eye could see and there was very little traffic to impede our progress. Indeed one of the mighty Q-Class sloops did come out upon our waters but wisely beat south to not cross tacks with our merry band.

That bridge is Lido height and not much more!

 Eventually we made our way back past the Flathead Resort and had Bigfork off our starboard bow. There is a bridge on MT-35 at the entrance to Bigfork Bay that I can now say with certainty is about a foot higher off the water then the mast head of a Lido 14 with the lake at full pool. We were not sure as we approached this obstacle if we would have clearance. I have been featured on a few episodes of "Doing Stupid Things In Small Sailboats" and was unsure if this particular shenanigan would make the cut. We managed to sail into the bay in style, something few sailboats I'm guessing have ever attained, not to mention attempted. And while sober even! As we came under the bridge was there ever traffic! SUPs, kayaks, pontoon boats, ski boats and all manner of craft crowded the bay as we attempted to thread the needle with shifty winds of varying strength. We were hoping to find a public dock to really thumb our nose but as with most things Flathead it was all pay to play. And to add insult to injury there were no fleet of classic wooden boats in sight. So we came about and tacked back out. Took a few dozen short, shallow tacks to do so and I'd be wrong to say I didn't almost suck up the throwable float cushion a few times. But we made it out, slapped a no wake buoy and headed out triumphantly back into the lake.

Dan manning the tiller.

 The wind was still up so we headed NWbN out across the lake. We had no real plans but we saw 3 to 4 knots as we charged across the north end of the lake. Granted we were not going fast by big boat standards but right hauling by Lido standards. We crossed the Sargasso Sea at the mouth of the Flathead River and bore off to avoid it. It gives you a right start when suddenly you're surrounded my marine growth that reaches up from the depths where moments before the bottom could not be seen!
 At about the half way point I queried the crew and asked them if we should continue on to Lakeside, far away on the other side or return home. The call was forward so forward we went. What followed was two hours of fine sailing, good conversation and decent food. We all took turns at the tiller and enjoyed finding the groove of the boat as she careened over the waves munching on the famed Flathead Cherry. The boat took it like the champion she is. Never once was she unsettled or unsure and footed along merrily. Not bad for a 56 year old! Esmeralda is a fine boat and I will miss her when she goes.
 We hit the doldrums around 1600 and with no wind at all attempted to paddle and nap for two hours within sight of our objective. At last the wind picked up and we sailed into Lakeside, a bone in our teeth and joy in our hearts. We docked under sail and decided we needed to get home. A call to my nephew set events in motion to do just that. A pontoon boat ride later and we had the boat on the trailer and were homeward bound.
 It was not to be. The trailer developed a fault and left it stranded in Pablo with my former brother-in-law. But even that cannot diminish what was. The finest day yet I've had. Looking forward to more like it.

Safe at Lakeside and looking forward to more.

Curiouser and Curiourser

Michalak boats at the 2009 Rend Lake Messabout, Rend Lake IL.

 In the lead up to building my FatCat2 I reached out to to one of the only other known builders of the craft on Facebook. I figured he could tell me a bit more about the vessel I had decided to build and what it was like to sail. I never expected to learn that he had moved and was considering parting with what the designer called the prototype! After a very serious amount of deliberation lasting approximately two second I decided to begin talks on the possibility of me acquiring the the boat.
 I'm pleased to say that today I've entered into a gentleman's agreement with the owner to take command sometime this early fall with hopes for a few sails before the weather turns. It will be traveling from sunny Las Vegas, Nevada to reside here under the Big Sky.

2009 and the FatCat2 prototype was splashed at the Rend Lake Messabout.

Second year at Rend Lake. New Dacron sail, gallows and a 2hp Evinrude.

2011 and third time is the charm at Rend Lake.

2012 and full sail.

Between outings at Rend Lake 2013.

2014 and still looking pretty. Notice the winch to help with raising the mast.

 I also stumbled across the build blog for the craft. There were no pictures remaining and I had to use the Internet Wayback Machine to do it but it was really cool reading about how the boat was built and a few of the obstacles that had to be overcome. A cracking good read as Tom Cunliffe might say.
This does mean selling Lido #1280 but it's a good time for that too. Tonight, or rather early this morning I'll be picking up a new boom and getting that boat ready for sale. Bittersweet but time. I'm sure I'll get a few more Lido sails in this summer but it's time for something that's not a slightly high strung, two crew thoroughbred.
In the conversations I've had and the very few videos I've found everything seems to point to a cruiser in the FatCat2. There is the space of a twin bed up front. Room to put a grill on the back. Space enough for a portacastle for longer distances. I see no reason why two people with the ability to share close quarters couldn't have a good weekend afloat in the boat. And since that's what I need we seem to have fit the bill.
 Currently we're finishing up some mid season work on the Piccup and come August we'll hit the water once more. We've filled in weak areas on the hull, repainted, added a skeg and will be remaking the mizzen.

Why Catboats?

Beetle Cat sail. Lake Union, Seattle, WA.

 Because there is something right about a catboat. When I informed a good friend I was thinking of the FatCat2 (FC2) his first question was "Why a catboat?" That's a good question indeed. Their perceived vices are well known, the come from the other side of the continent and they are the epitome of anachronism when it comes to a sail craft in the 21st century. And there I think lies the answer. At least for me.
 This whole sailing thing started when I realized I had a burning desire to go to sea on a sailing ship from centuries past. And that it was a feeling I couldn't get rid of. So I built a boat and here we are. But it wasn't to go cruising on a modern cruiser or ride the cutting edge of technology in an AC yacht. It was to be a man of iron in a wooden ship and see the watery part of the world as it was then. Or at least through the pages of Melville and Alexander Kent. But that's tough to do in a land locked state. I'm not sure if the Royal Navy has ever BEEN to Montana and whaling is decidedly not an industry that ever took great root here. On account that we have no whales. Or salt water.
 But as a nautical romantic I'm drawn to these things. And what is more in line with that then a true working sail craft from the era? Nothing to my eye, well damn little anyway, looks as proper as a catboat under sail. Ghosting along on some foggy New England morning with the days catch a mere glean in the eye of her skipper and the ships cat just now waking up. The moan of a far off foghorn and the clang of a bell buoy. You can taste the salt air when you look at a catboat! It's for cable knit sweaters, pipes in teeth and a proper cap to top it off. That is a catboat. At least as I see it. It's the whole form. The barndoor rudder, the gaff rig, the oval windows the way even a plain jane catboat has a grace and a purposeful elegance.
 We've attempted this road before when I ordered the plans for the Skat. Which I still have here. Somewhere. But that isn't quite the full boat I need. No guarantees what will happen when I happen across the safety stashed plans mind you. But as I examined what I needed in my near future a 12' open cockpit boat wasn't quite it.
 See the Lady of the Manor while indulging my sailing obsession as it ebbs and flows with the seasons is not what I would call an enthuastic sailor. She runs a good foredeck and can be counted on to be a level head when mine is decidedly not but she is content to be a passenger. And as skipper it's my job to ensure her comfort. And sitting on a hard plastic seat in a fourteen foot centerboard sloop is not her idea of a great time. And as the seasons progress it's becoming less of mine as well.

The Lady of the Manor on the jib.

 I've touched on this before but I would really like a weekend boat. At least I think I would. Something to bring down on Friday, sail till Sunday and drive home well spent. And if I can do it a manner that the Lady would like to join me on occasion all the better. The Lady enjoys her beauty rest and informed me that a place to take a nap, a 'down below' if you will would suit her needs greatly while sailing. Someplace to occupy other then a plastic bench in a plastic boat while we go careening about the briny deep in search of my nautical fantasies.
 Now Jim Michalak designs fine boats. So that was the logical place to start. I have towing weight to consider, aesthetics of the thing, overall saltiness, ease of build and the list goes on. I was very attracted to the beach boats but one thing I couldn't abide by and that is a split top cabin. Call me old fashioned and a stick in the mud but if you're going to put a cabin on something make it a proper cabin. And that alone narrowed my choices. The love of the cat rig narrowed it further and the desire for a lower trailer weight left only one choice. The FC2. This process was started and finished in four days. From the time I decided I needed to build a new boat to pulling the trigger on the plans. They arrived four days later.
 So now I have the plans, an idea of a build timeline and what needs to happen in order to meet my projected splash date. I have a design for a boat that speaks to me on such a nautical level it makes my arm hairs stand on end. And I'm really looking forward to building again. Of course this means letting go of a majority of my fleet including Lido #1280 but I think we're both okay with that. After all we've had many adventures and I could not have been blessed with a finer first real sailboat.
 The last thing I'd like to point out as to why a catboat is the fact I sailed my first one just this last year. You can find that adventure down the blog but it was wonderful. I don't think the smile left my face from the minute I saw it at the dock to hours after the lesson. The photo at the top of this post is the background on my phone. That 45 minute sail simply cemented the fact I had to have a catboat in my life. As a matter of fact I think I professed that to the lady as I was tying the boat up afterwards. And she agreed. Because there is just something right about a catboat.

This is my very very happy face. As I'm trying to not end up on the leeward side.

It's like the DC-3 of small working boats.

The Newest Addition to the IP&NCo. Fleet. Coming July 2019!

The Circumnavigation of Bull Island

Majestic Flathead as can only be seen from the water.

 The sailing year has been a busy one. And another check of the old bucket list with a  mighty sail around Bull Island on Flathead Lake. The plans for the day were much grander but if we missed the stars we hit the moon. The craft for this grand challenge was my trusty Piccup Pram Lazy Shamrock. Primarily because the Lido is laid up with a bum boom. Nothing a few hose clamps and Guerilla Tape couldn't fix but until the new boom shows up it's moved up to primary boat.
 The plan was to head north out of Finley Point, through the narrows and maybe take a peak at Big Arm Bay from the south. We didn't get anywhere near that far but it was a good thought.
 We arrived early and launched. Finley Point is not set up for sailboats but we rowed out and raised the rig. A brisk breeze blew us towards the narrows and we tacked back and forth with our objective, the narrow passes between the Bull Islands in sight.

They look close don't they?

The Typesetter at the helm.

There were very few boats out this early in the season.

 What we did not know was we were fighting a two knot current from the north. Now Flathead has no tide but we were sadly unaware of the NS current that is a result of the outlet of the lake into a river to the north. So we tacked. Tried to get the angle, tacked again. Had the angle, lost the angle, tacked again. And again. And again. We first aimed at the east channel. No go. So we headed for the west channel. Now there was an outcropping of rocks with a navigation maker on it near the entrance of the narrows. As we tried to make our way north we must have passed it more then half a dozen times. Never getting closer but getting good angles on it.

I have the feeling the seagull was as perplexed as we were.

 Now as things happen landfall for a vary obvious reason was needed. Now one of the things about Flathead is a huge portion of the land surrounding is privately held. Outside of the established campgrounds and fishing accesses it's private land surrounding the lake. We didn't care much and fell off to to the west looking for a good beach. Now one thing the Piccup does well is this type of gunkholing.  After a decent reach we found a beach that fit what we needed. Mainly a place to put the boat. The shore was not maintained and littered with deadfall and other storm debris. But we made a decent landing, got what needed taken care of and posed for pictures.

Our beach of choice.

First real landing we've done.

He's just happy we made it to land.

 Due to a funneling wind into the pass between Big and Little Bull we added a reef and shoved off. After determining the reef was not necessary we shook it out and started the two dozen or so tacks that would head us north to the bottom of the lake proper. The Piccup throughout this showed excellent manners and we managed a decent headway to windward. It was during this time we saw some bald eagles perched on a tree and the resort boat Shadow out for what we figured was a shakedown cruise. It was simply lovely sailing.

This guy was quite noisy. Baldies sure sound different then what you think.

Shadow does not corner. It drifts.

The point of Finley Point.

Returning to the barn.

Due west.

 As we rounded the point the wind all but died. The Typesetter took to the ash spanker and we made good time around the other side of the island and on into Finley Point. I did my part by steering and doing a Facebook Live session while he rowed. Storms were forecast for that evening and as we put the boat away it was obvious we had gotten off the lake in time. And the wind picked up. So after our traditional McDonalds meal we headed home. We had a great time and got a feeling for what the east shore of the lake holds. I will say it's much more hit and miss with the winds from what we have experienced on the western shore. However Finley point is one of only two locations in the state park system where you are allowed to sleep on your boat while docked. So it has that going for it.
 As my myself and the Inland Packet line we have ordered plans for a new boat. A Michalak FatCat2. It ticks the boxes of being cat rigged, decent size, a place to get out of the weather and a gaff rig. Hope is to splash early summer of 2019. But more on that later.