A Final Curveball… and a Victory Lap

Homeward Bound Day 44

I was so ready to finish this journey. We were supposed to fuel up in Trenton the day before, so by the time we reached Picton, Agra2 was basically sipping fumes. We lined up at the fueling dock bright and early at 8:45 a.m. for their 9:00 opening. We had a plan. We had determination. We had dreams of finally sleeping in our own bed.

By 9:15, six boats were lined up and waiting with us: every one of us trying to beat the weather and get moving. Still no staff. Still no service. Still no answers.

At 9:30 someone finally wandered down, silently posted a sign, and walked away.

“Fuel dock closed for the day.” due to staff shortages.

Cue every exhausted boater grumbling in unison. Locals shrugged like,“Yeah… this happens a lot.”

Fantastic.

Plan B: Sailors + Problem Solving = Success

We’d actually done a pretty decent provision run before leaving Racine six weeks ago and barely needed to restock all trip. I’m naturally frugal, and the thought of paying for taxis and Uber rides didn’t thrill me.

But this is where Tom shines.

Out came his trusty Hunter folding bike. Tom hopped on like a superhero on a budget mission, biked 20 minutes to Canadian Tire, bought a jerry can, pedaled to the gas bar, filled it with diesel, then rode alllll the way back to the marina like it was just another casual errand.

We topped up Agra2 and finally we were off again.

Meanwhile, one of the powerboats who’d also been waiting had to call a tow service to bring emergency fuel… at a cost of over $1,000. (Before you panic, that’s actually a normal fuel bill for them… which hurts just as much to write as it did to hear!)

Sailboats for the win.

One Last Weather Game

We debated whether the delay put our homecoming at risk. Radar showed no major storms heading toward Kingston, just some rain. Rain I can handle. Rain I will fight through if it means getting home to my girls.

We checked forecasts. Then checked them again. Then checked them again. Wind. Rain. Possible storms. Charts. Timing. Everything.

And then… we went for it.

It was warm out. Home was calling. I could practically feel my own shower waiting.

The Final Pull In

We made it to our yacht club.

Just as we pulled into the pump out dock and tied up… the wind howled to life like Mother Nature wasn’t quite done making things dramatic. With no idea how our new slip handled current and now adding howling wind into the chaos, we made the call. Pump out can wait. Let’s get home safe first.

Later, we heard that not far from us, while that wind screamed, two small tornadoes touched down on the water. Because of course they did.

Home

We gave Agra2 a partial tidy. Our oldest met us for supper on the boat (because food + hugs = happiness). We packed up what mattered most……and then…

We went HOME.

Actually home. After 2.5 months. After storms, sunsets, breakdowns, breakthroughs, laughter, fear, courage, magic, exhaustion, and awe.

We turned the key, stepped inside, and closed the chapter on our Great Lakes adventure.

This journey challenged us. It strengthened us. It tested who we were as sailors, as partners, as a family… and we came out of it braver, closer, and forever changed.

What a ride. What a privilege. What a story.

Great Lakes Chapter: officially complete.

But oh, what a beautiful chapter it was. ⚓💙

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July 30, 2024

Picton ➜ Home

44 Nautical Miles

1527.9 Total NM