Mile 1551: Home again, home again, jiggity jig

Here is a track of the entire trip:

Some interesting stats:

• 1551 Nautical Miles ( 2872 km)
• 31 Days ( Average: 50 nm/day)
• 165 engine hours (~5 hours per day average, < 2 litres of diesel per hour, likely less than $450 for the whole trip)
• Max wind (under motor): 37 knots (squall near Detroit)
• Max wind (under sail): 32 knots (fresh breeze heading for Kagawong)
• Max speed (under sail): 11.8 knots SOG (on final leg to Kingston).  Chute up, surfing a wave - Niagara to Kingston
• Max speed (under motor): 10.5 knots SOG (passing under the Blue Water Bridge at Sarnia, going with the current)
• Ice bags/blocks consumed: probably near 100!
• Breakdowns:
• Blown shackle on Vang (new shackle)
• Bum through forward hatch (duct tape, lots of it!)
• Torn batten pocket (needle & thread)
• everything else was minor
• Collisions with other boats: 0
• Collisions with underwater obstructions: 1 (Baie Fine)
• Sea Sickness events: 2
• Queasy events: 3-5
• Stable Flies killed: 1000's 

Our final leg of the journey had a variety of wind.  15-20 until midnight.  We has some large swells for most of the evening, but they subsided as the wind eased and shifted northerly.  As the morning hours approached, the wind became light a died.  We motored for some of the wee hours, but as we passed the Ducks, and the sun starting coming up, the wind picked back up again.

140 nm in 21 hours for an average of 6.6 knots all the way from Niagara.

The morning was perfect, with flat seas, a nice breeze, and great visibility.

The final few miles seem'd to go slowely, but before we knew it, we were head to wind, Cara Mia was welcoming us back, and we were at the gas dock (pump out!).  Once back in our slip, we solicited a ride from some friends to both pick up a vehicle, and to head to Morrison's for some breakfast.

We did a quick unload of the boat, and packed the Jeep as full as it would go.

Mmmmmm .... as fantastic a trip as it was, there is nothing like getting back to your own home on terra firma.

Cheers to anyone was was paying attention!

Safe and sound at home again, Let the waters roar, Jack
Safe and sound at home again, Let the waters roar, Jack
Long we tossed on the rolling main, Now we're safe ashore, Jack Don't forget your old shipmatesFolly-rolly-rolly-rolly-rye-o! We have worked the selfsame gunQuarterdeck division Sponger I, and loader youThrough the whole commission Long we tossed on the rolling mainNow we're safe ashore, Jack
Don't forget your old shipmates, Folly-rolly-rolly-rolly-rye-o!

I'd like to thank a few people who made it all possible:  John, Debbie, Jill, Aaron, Conrad, Elsabe, Kathy and Family, Coast Guard, Otto & Gertrud.

Chris