Happy July 4th, Sunday, Ashtabula Yacht Club

 It's happy July 4th Day. In the past when we regularly traveled to Canada we always had a saying, "Kilarney by the 4th!".

I'm not sure what time I woke up today. There was noise all night. People were setting off fireworks, talking and laughing in cars, music, walking by, etc., so I was awake a lot. I got up at 7:00 for coffee, blog updating and preparing to shove off for Ashtabula sometime around 8:00 AM. I was happy to see the batteries at 77%. 

We had a nice voyage to AYC. The trip was 41 miles and took 5 hours and 5 minutes at an average speed of 8 knots. Most of the way we had large swells coming at us, leftover seas form yesterday I assume, but no waves. Kerry was up to help depart, and then not seen again until the 1:00 bridge. She enjoyed her voyage! We've gone 164 miles so far. We made the 1:00 PM bridge - barely. I had to up the rpm's to ensure we would make it. The batteries were charged to 96% when we arrived. We had trouble getting the electric power to stay on as the dockside fuse kept tripping. My problem or theirs? 

Tomorrow looks like a good travel day too, so we have decided to go back to Vermilion. The trip is 80 miles. We hope we can get Mark out on Tuesday which would allow more time if a part needs to be ordered. We have a bunch of cruising planned for the end of the month. 

The folks here were extremely welcoming. Very friendly and a gentleman even gave us a fresh walleye fillet he just caught and cleaned while we watched. That is friendly!

Jimbo called and said he and Jola would like to visit us here and that they would arrive about 3:30. Jola brought veggie snacks, homemade peach salsa and a fresh peach pie! We cooked hamburgers and Kerry made her delicious deviled eggs. Quite a 4th of July treat. We were so glad they came to visit. 

It will be a long trip tomorrow, 8 hours if I can average 10 knots. We agreed we will have a walleye dinner at VYC with the Karpinskis when we arrive. We have our fresh catch and Jola has some walleye in the freezer.  

Andrew's hat picture for today was taken at Erie yesterday.