Today was a 40-miler. Longer than normal and not quite as much fun as the normal 25-30 mile days. Today’s “stresser” was the tight waterways that are so rocky. There are places where the view is so deceiving, it is difficult to tell if you are looking at rough water or a rock formation on your proposed route. As everybody knows, when your boat fights with rocks, the boat always loses.
God chose this evergreen to shine His spotlight on first today.
My friend, Dale, was a basket case when we arrived at our anchorage. I thought it was pretty fun, but I had no confrontations below the waterline. The channels are well marked, but sometimes they can confuse the rookie navigator. My SOP now, when confused, is to go to neutral, assess, and proceed with caution. Since we’re usually running only 7 knots, there is usually time to evaluate most situations well in advance. It is always good to have my navigator beside me at the helm, questioning situations that are precarious. She follows on paper charts what I am reading on the chart plotter. We usually argue no more than 3-4 times per day about the proper direction.
The winds take their toll on tree growth 
This was one of the tightest spots. Going so close to shore, your instincts say “No, no!” 
Lots of wind generators in this area. 
Three lighthouses help mark 3 channels for ship traffic 
Acknowledging that pictures start looking the same on the website, I continue to be amazed at the beauty, hoping to retain some of the memory of these many natural formations.
Relieved and fried from the rock-dodging day, we slipped into the anchorage on the South side of Strawberry Island, logging another 40 miles. Dale and I both did bow and stern anchors as the forecast called for a little wind, but also a few other boats were near, so we took precautions. I have learned why boaters go to bed so early. Days like today are fun, but do pull on your mental faculties. Lights out 9:00 pm.