We’re ready too. Road trip to Ohio. There is always an adventure waiting. Then a side trip to Shanksville Pa. to the flight 93 memorial. Moving.Already started. There is a bit to be said for being able to cruise at 70mph before you launch. Lake Powell in March. Just a bit early for stripers.
Ah...
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Hope to be in Desolation Sound this summer if our Canadian friend allow their COVID infested neighbors in. Gulf Islands, BC.
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That's exactly why we decided to keep our boat in Erie, Pa when we bought it. I like Lake Ontario better than Erie and it's closer to our cabin in NY, but it's a long way to anywhere with the boat. With it in Erie, we do summer trips each year up to Lake Huron and Michigan. I have never bonded with Lake Erie, though. I'd rather keep the boat up on Lake Huron, but that would require even longer car trips to get to it. If we ever decide to take it to salt water the extra distance in that direction wouldn't really matter as it's a long trip, as it is.I am envious of those who have access to extended cruising grounds. Lake Ontario and the Upper St Lawrence have great places to visit, however after 35 years, they do become a little stale and the wanderlust begins to kick in.
We could head for the upper Great Lakes, however, even getting to Lake Erie requires several days and a passage through the Welland Canal. Doable, but time consuming. Heading down stream on the St Lawrence to Montreal or Quebec City is also possible, but that means bucking the river current for a long time.
Thus we are looking forward to our trip this summer to saltwater.
For those visiting Maine don't pass up Stonington, Searsport, North Haven, Isleboro, Vinalhaven, and WoodenBoats anchorage in Brooklyn on Eggamoggin Reach. I use to work in that area and can provide more recommendations if needed.The basic plan is to not hit rocks (I hear the rocks in Maine are just as hard as the ones in the Great Lakes) and to keep lobster pots from fouling the prop. After that, we are pretty flexible.
Roughly we plan to be reach Maine sometime in late July, be in Boston shortly after Labor Day, and Annapolis by the Boat Show. From there south it will depend on weather, the colder it gets the faster we'll head south since we don't have heat in our boat.
We tend to avoid the really touristy towns like Bar Harbor or Boothbay Harbor. Camden, SW Harbor, Belfast, Rockport are possibilities. Overall a mix of scenic anchorages and small towns, and fresh lobsters.