A little contentment is a lot of good...

This will be our second night in a row on the anchor. Something that hasn't happened very often on this trip. In fact this may be the first time. Since we didn't have a lock or swing bridge to wait on (something else that hasn't happened very often on this trip) we got moving well before 0900. It was less than a two hour jaunt from Midland to Chimney Bay so we beat the expected weekend crowd. When we got here there were three or four boats already hooked to the bottom. Now, including First Light, there are fourteen. There is room for a few more. Beausoleil Island appears to be a popular spot. We are planning to spend at least one more full day and a second night here, maybe more. It seems like it has been a while since we just relaxed and enjoyed being on the boat and this looks like a good place to practice that skill again. Hanging out for a whole weekend might be just what we need.

We haven't been on the island yet. First Light was showing the miles and battle scars of the last few weeks. After grinding up and down in more locks then I ever care to see again, the dirt from the fenders was ground into her flanks both port and starboard. The locks also meant constant traffic up and down the side decks, making for more ground in dirt. But the thing that was irking me the most was the spider poop spots peppering every surface of the exterior cabin. That stuff must be little blotches of near pure acid. It eats its way down into the paint making for some serious scrubbing. Even then it often leaves a mark. I appreciate that the little buggers prey on the flying/biting insect population which has been a constant irritation (literally) for much of this trip. But their deposits offset that contribution. Nor am I a fan of running into one of their webs first thing in the morning when I am up and about but not really with it yet. 

Then there was the port side aft cockpit scupper that came out a little the worse when I bounced it off the dock during the aborted wind gusting attempt to tie up in the Big Chute Marina. Some sanding, fiberglass putty, a bit more sanding, and a little paint made for an okay-it-will-keep-until-St. Louis repair. 

While I scrubbed the upper surface, Deb donned flippers, mask, and snorkel and brushed away some of the fuzz below the water line. One thing about fresh water boating, the bottom doesn't get fouled near as quickly and the zincs last a lot longer as compared to playing in salt water. At some point in there, I slipped into the water myself. I've heard lots of raves about the clear water in Canada but we must not be there yet. The vis here is maybe 10 feet of really green water. Still, this is a pretty place that is somewhat protected and, now that the day boaters have gone home, pretty calm. Add in a low key approach, enough room for a bunch of boats, nothing to stress over (for now anyway), and a boat that looks like someone actually cares for it? We are pretty content this evening.