6.45A.M. Raining hard. Heavy low hanging clouds. Strong South by West wind. Our Captain prophesied clearing weather by noon and we all sat down to a hearty breakfast at 7.40. It was still raining but not so hard and the wind had shifted a bit further to the West.
The last minute rush is now on. Provisions are bought and ordered sent to "Juby Lee". Sun shining. Wind shifted to West and blowing very hard. Captain ordered all provisions and supplies stored and for the next hour we are all very busy. At 11.30 everything is reported as being in ship shape condition. The Ass. Supt. offers to take us through the drawbridge and accepting his offer we cast off at 11.35 and 20 minutes later we drop our pilot at the Port Clinton Yacht Club, and our Captain is in full command. It is blowing a gale out of the North West and promises pretty rough water outside. In a few minutes we are out in Lake Erie. Barometer 29.56.
Heavy sea running and we hug the shore to keep out of the high seas, and this makes fairly comfortable sailing until off Marblehead Light where our course takes us right out into the Lake where we strike the full force of the sea and wind. The wind is rising all the time. As we round Marblehead Pt. the waves are breaking all over us and all portholes are closed and hatchways closed and fastened. We roll considerably and everything loose has to be stowed away. After passing Marblehead Pt. we come on fishnets. These nets are placed from a 1/2 mile to 2 miles off shore and run for hundreds of feet. They have wood markers about 50 feet apart. On account of these nets it is impossible to keep near the shore and thus avoid the angry seas to some extent and if we head straight out so as to be outside of all the nets we would be rolling, in the trough of the seas which are now becoming dangerously high.
The fishnets between markers are 10 to 12 feet below the surface so our Captain orders a diagonal course with the seas off shore and instructed Dick to go between markers if necessary to avoid getting in the trough in the waves. It was now Dick’s "trick" at the wheel.
1.30 P.M. We strike a submerged marker with a loud noise. However when we proceed after throwing out the gear everything appears all O.K. The sea is rising all the time and if anything the wind is increasing. It certainly is a very high gale.
Looking astern the billows roll towards us like mountains, and it is impossible to see over them as they rush on us. As they strike us we ride on the crest for a few moments at what seems to be terrific speed, and then down we go with a rush and "Juby Lee,” pokes her bow right into the sea. Spray flies in every direction. Though "Juby Lee" is showing her seaworthiness it is most uncomfortable sailing. Captain orders reduced speed.
2.15 Captain gives orders to look for Lorain Light and Floss with binoculars searches the Eastern Horizon for same.
2.38 - Floss sights Lorain Light and with this for a guide we head for Lorain Harbor. All, except perhaps Dick, are glad to hear we are going to run into a harbor, but Dick on account of the splendid behavior of the "Juby Lee" in a high sea would rather liked to have continued further.
3.18 Rounded Lorain Light and anchored behind the West Breakwater at 3.30 in calm water. Our Captain and Dick now made preparations to launch the Dink, but before this could be accomplished a man and two boys, in a small craft with an outboard, hailed us. This man had queer features and a very odd manner and we nicknamed him Capt. "Oddfellow" as he did not introduce himself, telling us however to follow him and he would lead us to an excellent mooring. Capt. "Oddfellow" proceeded us to the Yacht Club where we moored to their landing for the night. Our newfound friend showed us how in the best way to launch the "Dink," and soon this accomplished, Dick was running all around the harbor to the admiration of numerous boys. This is a small Yacht Club and we are the largest yacht in the Harbor.
6.30 - An excellent dinner.
Barometer 29.68 - rising
Weather - clear -
Wind - strong west but abating.
All evening until dark we are inspected by an admiring throng of men and boys. We counted over 20 at one time.
9.30. Barometer 29.72
Weather clear - no wind
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