South Haven certainly was a haven for us because of a generous and very welcome visit by my cousin and his wife. (And their fabulous poodle, Bailey.) Jeff and I hate to shop, but it is necessary -- and hard, when you're living on a boat. Leon and Sandy made it a lot easier. They … Continue reading To South Haven (Day 28)
What comes to mind when I think of Saugatuck? Expensive! Hot! Doesn't sound great, but it actually was an enjoyable 2-day visit overall. Passing Grand Haven lighthouse on the way out. I wanted more than one evening in Grand Haven, but this journey is always dictated by weather. It remained favorable, so we moved on. … Continue reading To Saugatuck (Day 26-27)
We heard lots of positive things about Grand Haven, and it didn't disappoint. The biggest treat was the famed musical fountain, right across the narrow river from the marina. Superb! We were under way today by 0730 and made the 52-mile trip down the coast to our newest port in 6.5 hours. That means we … Continue reading To Grand Haven (Day 25)
Did you know that rough seas can often bring warmer water? At least that's my memory of Lake Superior. The wind blows the warm surface water to shore, or some such. It's true in Lake Michigan today. I felt like a kid, romping in the surf. A good feeling. I needed it. Sometimes this boating-as-lifestyle … Continue reading Pentwater (Day 24)
(Update: Boo returned an hour after I posted this. Whew! Taking a pet on The Loop is rewarding--and sometimes stressful! Still, many people do it.) This is where Boo the Cat bolted. That's how I'll always think of Pentwater! I hope that by the time you read this, she has returned, but I decided to … Continue reading To Pentwater (Day 22-23)
Calm seas. New companions. Easy docking. Fabulous sunset. A good day! I'll have to remember this one when the "bad" days come, as surely they will. (Long-term boating is never all good, no matter what some die-hard boaters say. That's not to say it isn't worth doing -- just not "all good.") Our Frankfort-to-Ludington leg … Continue reading To Ludington (Day 21)
The Mainship Many Moons passed the 500-mile threshold today, celebrating with one of Frankfort's celebrated sunsets. Is that a milestone worth noting when the goal is 6,000 miles?? I'm not sure. The "ultimate milestone" seems very far away, in both time and mileage. Certainly other boats travel much faster than ours. We see them pass … Continue reading To Frankfort (Day 20)
As I write this after dark from our anchorage close to shore, I see the lights of 14 other boats -- but this protected bay is so broad, we don't feel a bit crowded. On our port side, a lighthouse sends a warm yellow path down the water toward us. On our starboard side, the … Continue reading To S. Manitou Is. (Day 19)
This is such a clean and quirky town in the northwest corner of Grand Traverse Bay. The marina is top-notch. (Strong Wi-Fi!) And darned cute. I could hang out here awhile. The start of the day was somewhat unpleasant for me, though. I think it's important in this blog to tell the whole story and … Continue reading To Northport (Day 18)
In Lake Charlevoix, the dingy and board sat idle all day. Why? Boat wakes. Loads of them. All day. Today's lesson: Choose anchorages carefully! Choices can be limited by wind direction, water depth, personal risk level, and other boats anchored nearby. After scouting around a bit and bailing out on our first choice, we ended … Continue reading Lake Charlevoix (Day 17)
For Many Moons 