The Lake Erie Marina Launch Ritual

Thursday, April 21, in Lorain, Ohio. The forecasts are calling for clearing and gradual warming, but at 8:30 in the morning when I arrive at Spitzer Riverside Marina, it is 42°F, dark, and overcast with wind gusts approaching 40 mph. I am scheduled to launch Valhalla, my 1977 Cape Dory 30, today. …