We didn't have a problem with the bears last night, but Mark did see one 50 feet ahead on a near by trail. We were about to cook up some pasta when finally our fish dinners came at 8:20 PM. A group (maybe 25) of First Nations People (But they seem quite comfortable calling themselves Indians) came down to the dock last night. They built a large fire on shore, beat on drums, and did some sort of chanting (is that what you call it?). It was interesting.
We departed late, around 11AM. There was a strong wind warning advisory in effect and we needed to check out the weather. 20 Knots out of the NW with waves a meter. But we would quickly round Gros point and have some protection entering the St. Mary's river. So we talked to local fishermen and opted to head out.
We flew a full Genoa on a run around the bend into the St Mary's. There were following four foot waves, but not a problem. The ridge on the Canadian side is covered with over a hundred wind mills to catch those Superior winds. We entered the narrows of the St Mary's river as about the same time as a huge ship. It passed without any problem, but those monsters are a bit intimidating after being with no one for weeks. Little Albion is like a speck in comparison. Some of the ships up here are over a 1000 feet long.
Locking down through the Canadian locks was rather simple with only a 15 minute wait. We had an audience watching. Homeland security has a strong presence here. These locks must be important. But our immigration was the simplest ever. I think they have a new strategy and it may work. Be very friendly and joke around with the people, and maybe they will relax, mess up and tell things. We called after arrival and they were down here in 15 minutes for a pleasant relaxed talk about the Steelers, vacation spots etc.
Monday is a crew change day. Mark is departing and Bill arrives as we begin the final leg of our Great Lakes adventure.
Sault Ste. Marie
8/10/2008
