Destination Detroit! And Really Big Boats!

Today would mark another benchmark day for the Emita and her crew as by the end of the day they would have left Lake Erie and traveled the Detroit River.  The weather was still good, so crossing Lake Erie wasn't a big concern, but the Detroit River was another unknown. Depending on who you talk to, the current was fine or the current was terrible!  So not knowing how it would affect time, Duane went to work plotting a course.  Duane has now been dubbed the "Professor" by the rest of the crew and his attention to detail is serving the trip well.  And taking up lots of room on the Emita wall!  Lol!  For those of you familiar with the Emita, this is the wall where the library used to be.  The close up:

photo by Duane Morton

 The full wall shot!

photo by Dan Wiles

The crew left Sandusky around 6 am to leave extra time in case the current was against them.

While crossing the crew was able to see a nuclear power station from the water off shore of Toledo.

And being perfectly candid since I'm not on the boat any longer, this picture sent to me by Steve is either the same plant from the road, or this area is big into nucler power.  But it's a cool picture, regardless!  Steve said there were water droplets on the chase van from the steam.  I'm not sure if that's a good thing!

Big Ships

We knew the Emita would see some freighters and large ships on this trip, and so far this was the closest encounter.  Whoa!  Again, we are not the big boat any longer!  

Even better, Dan took a video.  PS the Emita handled the wake fine, even though it got a little bit turned.  8-10 seconds of excitement keeps the day interesting!

Shortly after Captain Ben Horne piloted the Emita II off Lake Erie and on to the Detroit River.  Goodbye Lake Erie!  Thanks for playing nice!

photo by Dan Wiles

 The Detroit River

As the Emita traveled north on the Detroit River the current was not challenging so they continued to make good time.  The weather improved too - sunshine and "short sleeve" weather as Duane said.  And the scenery, although industrial, was much different than at least Dan expected.

Steel Plant

photo by Duane Morton

 

 The Ambassador Bridge heading into Detroit City

photo by Dan Wiles

 The GM Building

photo by Duane Morton

And eventually they made their way to the Marina and docked for the night. 

Photo by Steve Wunder

You can see in the background the large tour boat.  Dan said it had been docked there for years and was really showing it's poor condition.  It looked like an impressive boat in her day.  I'm glad the Emita is going on to work, and not to sit at a dock and rot!  Here's another shot of the tour boat and a little more of the Marina. Dan said it wasn't fancy, but it was safe and accommodated a good night's rest for all!

photo by Dan Wiles

The plan for tomorrow (Thursday) is to leave the Detroit River, cross Lake St. Clair to the St. Clair River and travel that to Port Huron at the southern tip of Lake Huron.  They will stay there over night and if the weather holds travel north to Port Austin on Friday.