Day 3 - The Perfect Fall Sail

We slept in! The heater was definitely welcome. We ate our breakfast in the cockpit and gave the table an inaugural use (by us at least).

After breakfast we decided that Apostle Island Marina (AIM) should be the new home for the Chinto, so we inquired at the marina office about a slip for next year.  And then it got interesting. After December 31, the marina will no longer be managed by Bill Peterson. So no reservation can be made. Understandably the staff, who were going to be out of work come the first of the year, didn't have great things to say about the change.  Being resourceful people, we went to City Hall, learned that Bill is retiring, and that they're looking for a new marine service provider. It doesn't sound great for those who currently have slips at AIM, but it might be perfect for us. So we chatted with Billie, the city clerk, and put in a slip reservation for 2024. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Back at the dock, we topped off the air in the dinghy, Tom put the 3.5 hp motor on it, tied her tight to the Chinto, and we headed out!

It was a lovely day! We started heading north, but decided the wind might be better to the south. When it was at 8 kn, Tom pull up the main sail and jib. We sailed south to Houghton Point, just north of Washburn before tacking back north. We could wistfully see Grant's point to our left and the ski hills of Michigan beyond. The skies were so clear!

The sailing was so smooth that we took turns sitting on the deck by the mast.

While heading south a sea kayaker crossed in front heading to the north side of Long Island.

Such a good sailing day!

Wistfully looking at Grant's Point.

By 4:30 or so, we anchored off of Madeline and took the dinghy to the beach. There were 3 other boats moored, but they looked little more than unattended props reminding you that anchoring here gives free access to Madeline.

The island was so calm. No tourists hurriedly getting off the ferry to see as much as possible before catching a returning ferry. Only us walking brisker than necessary, heading to Tom's Burned Down. On our way, a man who was unloading tripods and other camera gear  from his car, pointed out the loud cawing of birds. It was honestly amazing! And as soon as I hit the record button on my ornithology identification app, they went silent. Couldn't have been a more organized resistance. After a long pause, a few started tweeting and cawing, so I can tell you with (pretty) great certainty that we heard European Starlings and Red-winged Blackbirds.

It was comforting to see that Ed's house is still against the war machine, Woods Hall is still flourishing, and the gyro stand is still there and now has a beverage cooler.

Tom's Burned Down did not disappoint. Mostly locals, seasonal residents, and electricians (can you imagine redoing wiring at Tom's?) along with their dogs were holding court at the bar with some others sprinkled around at tables for 2 and 4. 

By 6 or so, we took the dinghy back to the boat by way of the Madeline Island Yacht Club. A bride and groom were having their photos taken on the beach dock as we rowed passed and as I ungracefully climbed up the ladder from the dinghy. Thank goodness for photos shop's ability to crop and erase.

Back at the marina, we met Todd and Barrett who know Ken and Carol. They've been aboard the Carol Ann and quickly told of their upgrades from a 27' Catalina to a 46' Catalina Morgan or some such thing. It has hvac, thrusters, self furling main, windlass and a washer and dryer. To be fair, it's their summer residence as they work remote. They are going to Pike's next year to avoid the perceived drama at AIM. 

To top off the day, Tom made a delicious dinner of steak and fried potatoes. We went to sleep with the screen in. At 1 a.m. I closed it when it started to fully rain. The comfotable sleeping temperature was lovely while it lasted.