“Rain, Locks, and Lake Superior Feels”
- Nicole
- Jul 7, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 8
A Date With Lake Superior (In the Rain, Of Course)
Not So Homeward Bound Day 19
We’ve survived Lake Michigan, dipped our rudder into Lake Huron, and now it was only right to let Agra2 officially meet Lake Superior. What’s a little rain, right? Technically, we could have waited for a better weather window. But my heart was really starting to miss friends, family, and let’s be honest, the comforts of life on land.
Little things like boiling water without flipping a breaker. Or not needing diesel to power your house. Or pump outs. Or desperately hunting for ice so food doesn’t spoil. Or just… existing in a place that doesn’t sway. Yes, I can absolutely feel motion sick while tied to a dock. Sailing life is glamorous like that.
Since the Canadian lock at Sault Ste. Marie was under repair, we slipped across the invisible line into the U.S. and used their lock instead. We made sure our fenders were where they needed to be to protect the hull, the attendants tossed us two lines, and as the water rose we worked to keep Agra2 steady, watching our tension, watching the walls, and, as we quickly learned, also watching above us because apparently the spreaders on our mast are a little wider than the beam of the boat. We faked it till we made it, and eventually those lock doors opened like sweet freedom.
And then… another bridge. Cue the heart-stopping moment of staring up the mast convinced we’re going to hit, followed by the inevitable realization that yes, the bridge is in fact tall enough. It gets me Every. Single. Time.
Sheltered… But Still Soaked in Lessons
One thing that worked massively in our favour was our full enclosure. For the most part, we stayed remarkably dry, cocooned in our little floating bubble while the elements did their thing outside. That said, the enclosure reminded us who’s boss with a few leaks, just enough to humble us and add “canopy repairs” to the growing “future us” project list.
Still, compared to having no enclosure at all, we were deeply grateful. Warm-ish, mostly dry, slightly damp around the ankles… but grateful.
Three Great Lakes done, two to go. I fully admit we “cheated” a little with Superior; we dipped in, got our proof-of-life photos, and turned back. But no one can deny we were there, and my soggy clothes are definitely evidence. We cruised back to Sault Ste. Marie to dry off, warm up, and enjoy a quiet night.
Becoming Lock-Worthy (and Maybe a Little Bada$$)
On the return trip back to Sault Ste. Marie, slipping under the bridge and lining up for the locks felt totally different from the nervous first time. This round, I felt like a pro. I faced the wall like I belonged there; confident, steady, totally “I’ve got this.”
My arms, however, would like to file a complaint. Keeping the boat steady is not glamorous; it’s a full-body workout. Short arms meant the boat hook was my lifeline. I braced it against my thigh, pushed off when needed, guided us like a slightly bruised gladiator of the lock. By the end, I had sailor war wounds, sore muscles, and the best feeling ever: competence. Real, earned, “I know what I’m doing out here” competence.
The Pivot That Saved the Day
Homeward Bound Day 20
Tom is absolutely the Captain, and I proudly claim my role as Admiral; but I’m also the navigator and planner. Navionics has been our faithful guide most of the journey, but this morning while reviewing our route like I always do, I zoomed in just a little closer… and my heart stopped.
Tom had proudly found us a “shortcut” Navionics missed. Thank goodness I double-checked, because his shortcut led us toward a river with a bridge clearance of 8 feet at low water levels. The air draught for the top of our mast? 63 feet. That math does not math.
We pivoted. We continued down the St. Marys River and returned to Lime Island for the night. Yes, it added a day. Yes, the part of me desperate to get home sighed deeply. But the smarter part of me was incredibly relieved we caught it early and didn’t end up hours out of our way in the dark, stressed, and scrambling.
Reflection
Lake Superior reminded me that adventure doesn’t always wait for perfect weather window, you sometimes go because your heart needs the experience. But it also reminded me just how tired I was, how much I missed home, and how strange it feels to love this life on the water while still longing for stillness.
Right now I'm balancing wonder and weariness. Pride and homesickness. Joy and grit. And somehow, all of it together is shaping this journey into something unforgettable. ⚓💙
July 5, 2024
Sault Ste Marie ➜ Sault Ste Marie
Roberta Bondar Marina
31.1 Nautical Miles
483.9 Total NM
July 6, 2024
Sault Ste Marie ➜ Lime Island, MI
Wall
31.2 Nautical Miles
515.1 Total NM
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