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)
Boats approach the lift bridge in Pine River Channel. "We're not in Pequaming any more!" So said Jeff as we maneuvered through heavy boat traffic for the 2nd day in a row. We traveled only 15 miles today -- from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix (in the northeastern corner of Lake Michigan) - but we were … Continue reading To Charlevoix (Day 16)
Small town, big money. At least that's how I see it after we arrive at the municipal marina here and tuck between some humongous yachts -- the kind with their own hired crew. The yacht behind us has a hot tub on board. Or so I was told. I didn't ask for a tour. I … Continue reading To Harbor Springs (Day 15)
For Many Moons 