Zatarra Cruise - Erie to Ashtabula

We were up early, readied the boat (engine on, mooring lines off, sail cover off, sheets and halyards clear) and set off motoring out of Presquile Bay.

We passed this cruise ship coming into the city dock at Erie.

Blueberry muffins for breakfast.

After about 8 hours, sailing most of the way in a lovely 10 plus knot wind, we started to
see the fleet that had raced across from Port Stanley. We learned later that more than 30
boats had been registered in the 50th Lake Erie International Race ( sponsored by
Mount Gay Rum) from Port Stanley to Ashtabula.

Mariway from Port Stanley approaching the finish inside Ashtabula harbour.

Ashtabula has 2 breakwalls that create a large protected harbour. Both sides are industrial with railway lines and sand and gravel piles on the East side and piles of coal on the West side.

There are new lighthouses on either side of the entrance (not photogenic at all) and this is
the old lighthouse, where the entrance used to be.

The conveyor, across the river, that moves the coal from the railway yard to the dock where
it gets loaded onto Lakers.

Monster machinery on the coal side.

Their own version of "Happy Face".

We motored under the bridge, that lifts every half hour, and up the river.

Rafted off at the Ashtabula Yacht Club and warmly greeted by friends that
Paul and Sharon had made on previous visits.