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The weather forecast for our trip across southern Lake Huron to Bayfield was a little troubling since the 10-15 knot SE winds were predicted to shift to the E at 20+knots sometime during the day. That shift would put the wind and seas on the nose. Nevertheless we decided to leave since the forecast for strong  N winds for the next day was even less appealing.  We departed at 0700 under thick clouds and a forecast calling for showers.

Final preparations before an early departure from Port Huron.

We moved over to the Canadian side of the river where there is less current and made our way out into Lake Huron, cleared the shoal water on the east side of the shipping channel and turned for Bayfield. The prediction of 10-15 knot winds was accurate but they were in the E from the beginning and we elected to sheet a partial jib in hard and motorsail making 7.3-7.5 knots. Soon after entering Lake Huron it started to rain and we had light to moderate rain for the rest of the day. The temperature was cold en0ugh for us to see our breath. Under the protection of our dodger and and cockpit cover we were comfortable and dry. We furled the jib up just outside of Bayfield as the winds started to pipe up and tied up at the Bayfield Marina at 1345. All in all not a bad day and we were glad we elected to leave.

Bayfield is a quaint village filled with interesting shops and restaurants and is our favorite harbor on Lake Huron. It has the Red Pump restaurant which is our favorite restaurant on Lake Huron so it is not a surprise that we walked there  in a light rain for dinner. My saffron risotto with seafood medley was outstanding and everyone else raved about their meal as well.  And to top things off the rain stopped while we ate dinner so we walked down the hill to the boat in the first dry conditions of the day.

Royal Eagle and Wind Chaser at the dock in Bayfield.