Chicago (again)

August 30, 2011  (cont.)

I take it back!!  This is one of the worst marinas we’ve been in!  In a southeast wind there is no protection.  We started rocking and rolling around 9:30 – 9:45 PM.  I was slamming into the dock and they were trying to keep me off and my rail clear because of large gaps between the boards of the sidewall.

It didn’t help.  I got hurt!  I have no rail on my port side now.  It was gone by 10 PM.  Mike and Denniese from Lifestyle II helped us move the boat around to a somewhat better spot.  Two younger guys from a sailboat helped put a breast line across to the next finger pier.

The wind continued all night.  Nobody slept as I kept rolling and slapping.

Oh no!!

It really hurts!

August 31, 2011

My generator wouldn’t start this morning because the muffler got water in it – I was on my side so much!  Greg finally got it started so he could boil water.  It was still so rocky that he had to stand and hold the pots on the stove.

He called the next marina at 7 AM and they said they had space for me.  It has better protection.  I had moved by 8 AM.

We met my friends Jeremiah and Dream Catcher in the new marina.  All the people went on an architectural river cruise.  I needed some peace and quiet!

Sears (Willis) Tower

The man came to look at my rail about 4:00 PM.  He’s coming back tomorrow to cut up my broken rail and cut off the end that’s broken and sharp so no one (Kate) gets hurt.

Greg & Kate went to dinner with Jeremiah’s and Dream Catcher’s people.  They went to a restaurant called “Gene & Georgetti” – steaks and Italian food.  They took a cab over, but came back in a limo.  Hmmmm!!!  They had a lot of fun.

Can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow!

Chicago!!

August 30, 2011

I am in Chicago!! They had planned to be here by Labor Day – but I’m so good we’re early!

Approaching Navy Pier

The weatherman lied again today.  When Greg listened to NOAA the forecast was for winds from the south at 10 mph and waves of 1 ft. or less.  UH-UH.  Good thing Kate put a patch on!  After about 45 mins. out I started getting hit with 2-4 foot seas with an occasional 5 footer.  And they were coming from 3 directions!  It was a real screwy day!

I made it into the Columbia Yacht Club (a really neat place) by 2:30 Central time. 

Columbia Yacht Club Office and Clubhouse

I made anew friend on the dock – Lifestyle II with Mike and Denniese Liles and Maggie Mae aboard.  They are from Tenn.

Greg was able to pick up mail here (Yeah!)  and he fixed my washer.  Kate is ecstatic (why?)! 

Any way – not sure how long they plan to stay here – they do have tickets to a Cubs game on Friday so I’m sure they won’t leave until Sat.  We’ll see!

St. Joseph, MI

August 29, 2011

I had a very easy ride today.  The wind was favorable (out of the south) and seas were about 1 ft. 

I pulled into West Basin Marina in St. Joseph after a 4-hour trip at 12:30 PM.  Nice basin tucked in off the St. Joseph River.  Sweet Pea came along today.

West Basin Marina

After lunch, the people all went off to a marine store in town (Wolf’s).  Everybody had lists for projects!  Greg bought me a new antenna for my AIS.  I like to get new stuff!

Everybody had cocktails on my fly bridge.  I really like having company.  It was a good day!

Off to Chicago tomorrow!  At last!

Holland, MI

August 26 – 28, 2011

Everybody was up early – eager to get out of Whitehall at last!  I could see the mist rising off the river as the day dawned (yes – that early!).  It was very cold – Kate was complaining she needed real gloves! Greg even drove from below for a while because of the temp.

Lake Michigan was pretty calm today.  There were a lot of fishing boats out.  It started to warm up around 10 AM. 

I arrived at Eldean’s @ 12noon.  Greg got me fuel and a pump-out before putting me in a slip.  Eldean’s is a resort and marina.  It is very big! 

Saturday morning Greg went to rent a car.  He was gone a long time.  They decided to go to Saugatuck when he came back.  They walked and shopped and had lunch, then drove out to the beach and back to marina.

They walked out to the Big Red Lighthouse and watched the “zoo”  -- the parade of boats coming in because the wind had kicked up on Michigan again.

The Big Red Lighthouse

Part of the "zoo"

When they came back were they surprised!  My friends Sweet Pea and Brown-eyed Girl were here.  There was also a sister of mine (another Mainship 400) called Benelle.  She is from Jacksonville, Fl.  Her people left her up here last w inter and are doing so again this year.  Kate & Greg had fun meeting and talking to her people, Jan and Josh and their company.

Sunday morning we all slept in.  Greg and Kate decided to go to Holland today.  They walked around downtown.  Some stores were closed because it was Sunday, others didn’t open until 11 or 12noon.

They decided to drive out to Windmill Gardens to see the authentic Dutch windmill.  They said it was impressive.  They also got to see dancers in wooden shoes, and a beautiful organ.

They drove back to Holland for lunch at the New Holland Brewing Co.  Then they had to walk off lunch!  They returned the car and were back at the marina with me by 2:40 PM. 

Tomorrow we head to St. Joseph.  The weather is supposed to be good Monday and Tuesday, so we’ll head on over to Chicago.  I can’t wait!

Whitehall(still!)

August 25, 2011

Well, here we go again!  The wind is still blowing stink.  It is supposed to lay down tomorrow and we will finally be able to leave Whitehall!  I sure hope so!  This is boring!

Greg went and got a haircut today, and then to the hardware store to get some screening for my side door and front window.

Kate cleaned and re-arranged my “pantry” (the spare cabin).  Then she cleaned the salon.  Everybody is bored!  I have been cleaned within an inch of my life!

Greg checked weather tonight and we are good to go!  Thank the weather gods!

Whitehall, MI

August 22 – 24, 2011

There was a lot of mist and fog Monday morning and boy was it cold!  I left the dock around 7:35 AM.  The ride was a good one – seas weren’t bad – wind was behind us most of the day.

I arrived at White Lake Municipal Marina at 3:40 PM.  It’s empty!  The only other boat here is Godspeed whom we met in Manistee.  There are 2 small boats and a Sheriff’s boat that are here all the time.

White Lake Municipal Marina

I'm so lonely!  Only me and Godspeed!

Kate & Greg walked into town to see what it was like and had an early dinner.

Tuesday morning another boat, North Star, came in.  They had anchored last night in White Lake and tried to go out onto Michigan early.  No go!!  They said it was bad!

Kate went for a haircut and Greg did some maintenance on me – cleaned the shower sump (thank goodness!) and changed my water filter.

They took a bike ride to the next town over to a grocery in the afternoon.  The wind was getting stronger all day.  By the time they returned I was being blown off the dock!

"Sail Trees" Sculpture

They called all the kids after Greg saw on the Internet that there was an earthquake.  Everybody is fine!

It’s Wednesday and I’m still in Whitehall!!!  The wind is still blowing strong!

Today was more laundry, defrosting the fridge & freezer, checking zincs, another trip to grocery, and a walk into town.

Looks like tomorrow is going to be another lost day – winds supposed to be 25-30 kph with waves of 8 ft.!!

Gee – hope we can get out Friday!

Manistee, MI

August 20 & 21, 2011

Saturday morning was cool and cloudy.  It stayed that way all day.  The Lake was pretty calm; winds were north/northwest at about 10kph.  We had left Leland with Sweet Pea and they dropped off at Frankfort  -- I kept going to Manistee.

Sleeping Bear Dnes

Kate talked to Gloria from Crawdad this morning.  They are at their home marina already.  I miss them!

I pulled into Manistee Municipal Marina at around 2:50 PM.  It’s brand new and very nice! 

Manistee Marina

Kate and Greg walked around and talked to other Loopers who are here.  I think we’ll stay here another day because it’s going to blow tomorrow.

On Sunday everybody slept a bit late (the Loopers next to me left early so everybody was really up).  After breakfast Kate & Greg walked to the dollar Store and grocery store.  It was a bit drizzly and cool – too bad for them!

Downtown Manistee, MI

When they got back some friends were coming in (I love to see my friends!) – Sweet Pea, along with Brown-Eyed Girl and Escape.  They said it was a bad day on the Lake.  I’m happy that we didn’t go today!

Kate & Greg went for cocktails on Duddon Pilot with Peter & Maureen and had a great time!  I have a new friend!

Tomorrow we are heading to White Lake.  Tuesday & Wednesday look iffy, so my people want to get as far as they can. 

I’ll talk to y’all soon!      

Leland

August 18 & 19, 2011

It was very foggy Thurs. morning when we got up.  I was able to get going around 7:30 AM.  The lake wasn’t bad until about 11:00.  The wind picked up and waves increased.  Greg decided we were going into Leland for the night.  I followed Sweet Pea into the harbor.  It’s a little tricky to get in, but a very nice marina.

Greg & Kate took a walk into town (only a block from the marina) and did some shopping at the sidewalk sales going on.  They explored a little area by the docks called Fishtown.

Fishtown marker

After listening to the weather on Fri. morning, Greg decided to stay another day and wait out the winds.  Kate did laundry and cleaning and Greg waxed my fly bridge.  Now I shine!

Hope the winds cooperate tomorrow, so I can get going again!  

Petoskey

August 15 – 17, 2011

Monday morning was clear and cool with only a little breeze.   My ride was only a bit bouncy, which Kate appreciated.

White Shoals Light

Talked to our friends Seamoore and Jeremiah while underway.  They are heading to Charlevoix and we are heading to Petoskey.

I pulled into the marina at 2:05 PM and stopped for fuel and a pump-out.  I could see that my friend Salt ‘n Sand was already there.  Good!  My people will have someone to hang with.

Petoskey Marina

Greg & Kate took a walk to West Marine and bought me some new things – speakers for the fly bridge, fender whips, and some boating books for Lake Michigan.  Cool!

Tuesday all the people took a car trip to Harbor Springs and then a ways up the coast.  They saw Muddy Waters in Harbor Springs and Sonata (from Little Current) came in while they were there.  Wish I could have seen them all.

That afternoon Kate did laundry while Greg installed my new speakers, fixed my shower door, and fixed the plug on the vacuum.  So industrious!

Wednesday they all left again, this time to go to Traverse City.  They also rode out to Old Mission Point and had lunch in a general store that had to be from central casting.  They were talking about what a collection of junk in one place!  And then went to the Lighthouse.  On the way home they went grocery shopping (goodies!).

Old Mission Point Light

They were out for dinner all 3 nights!  I’m feeling a bit neglected (sniff!).  Oh well, tomorrow sounds like an interesting day.  Winds of 10 to 15 knots with gusts to 25.  I should have a wild ride, better get my rest.

Mackinac Island

August 13 & 14, 2011

This morning was rainy and a bit foggy, but thankfully there was little wind.  I am heading to Mackinac Island.

Lighthouse heading into Mackinac

The “Looper Train” left 45 minutes ahead of us, but we caught them and even passed them before Mackinac.  Of course, as soon as we got to the docks the sky opened up.

Kate was a bit wet!

They walked around the town in the drizzle and took some pictures.  Then Greg decided, it being Saturday and a RC Church nearby, to go to 5:30 Mass.

Grand Hotel

Sunday morning they slept late.  Then they took off and walked to Mission Point and back.  Then they all took off riding bikes.  They rode around the island – 8 miles—even Kate (I know from listening that exercise isn’t one of her favorite pastimes)!

Arch Rock

Tonight we said goodbye to our friends Crawdad and Jim & Gloria Crawford.  We will miss them, but thank them for their company and experience.

Jim & Gloria, Kate & Greg

Drummond Island

August 12, 2011

Today was a calm but brisk morning.  Sweet Pea is traveling with us today.  I am leading  (so much fun)!

We left Meldrum at 8:05 and crossed the border back to the US at 10:46AM. 

I pulled into a slip in Drummond Yacht Haven at 12:30 PM and a CBP (Customs & Border Protection) officer came to us.  He was a very nice young man and everything was accomplished in minutes.

Coming into Drummond Yacht Haven

I got a bath this afternoon and watched all the boats coming in.  About 10 “Loopers” came in today.  There will be a crowd traveling the same way we are for awhile.

About 13 people went into town for dinner tonight – I guess they had fun.  I like it better when they eat home with me.  Oh, well.  Maybe tomorrow.

Meldrum Bay

August 11, 2011

It was cold and a bit breezy again this morning.  It was decided to go early while the waves were not so bad.  It was still a bouncy ride, not too bad until I made the turn to Meldrum Bay.  Then it got rough because I was in a beam sea.

2 of 4 docks at Meldrum Bay

Meldrum Bay is a small marina. There is no town there, only a small convenience store/LCBO and a restaurant.  Not a place to spend a whole lot of time.

Everybody went to dinner at the restaurant.  Then they decided to head for Drummond tomorrow.  Hope the sea is a bit calmer than today!

Gore Bay

August 9 & 10, 2011

Last night was fine -- I hardly moved because of how we anchored.  The weather report for today is terrible – rain and high winds – so we changed plans and headed for Gore Bay.   The ride was pleasant – it was sunny the whole time. 

Gore Bay 

There was problem when Greg was pulling up the anchor – my thrusters didn’t work again!  He had to go below and tighten lugs again.  He’ll have to keep an eye on this now.

Greg & Kate walked to the restaurant next door for lunch, and then to town for some supplies and wine.  Started getting dark so they closed up when they got back.  The wind was really picking up and temperature was dropping quickly.

On Wednesday morning it was raining, foggy, and very windy.  I’m glad they decided to stay put.  Kate did more laundry and Greg changed the oil in my engine and checked my fan belts.  I feel good now!

Greg changing my oil

It was very windy all day.  Waves on the North Channel were 3 meters (about 9-10 feet).  Not pleasant!  It is supposed to calm down tonight.  I should be heading to Meldrum Bay tomorrow.  Sure hope so!  It’s getting cold up here!

Benjamin Islands

August 8, 2011

It was much nicer today.  The sun was shining, but it was a bit cool.  I headed to the Benjamin Islands this morning.  It was a nice ride with a breeze but not too much wind.

We anchored at about 10:15.  I did a stem-to-stern anchoring with Crawdad.  It was a new experience for me.

Everybody took a dinghy ride around South Benjamin.  They stopped at a little beach where the dogs swam.  When they got back the anchorage was almost full!

A lot of Looper friends were anchored, so they all met on the rocks for cocktails.  They came back for dinner on my bridge.

Little Current (again!)

August 7, 2011

Terrible morning!  There was rain and threats of thunderstorms and high winds.  With no schedule to keep, they decide to stay put another day.

Kate ended up doing more laundry and defrosting the refrigerator.  Greg checked my batteries, inflated dinghy, and generally did some small maintenance jobs.

The rain stopped around 2:15 but the sky was still dark and threatening. 

Friends Muddy Waters, Rock Chalk, and Sweet Pea arrived today.  It was good to see and talk to them.

Little Current

August 5 & 6, 2011

It was a great evening.  It got a bit cool and Kate needed an extra blanket.

I was unmoored and my anchor was up at 9:15.  We are heading to Little Current on Manitoulin Island.  It was a nice, slow ride – I need to get to the Little Current swing bridge on the hour to catch an opening.

Strawberry Island Lighthouse

I docked at the town dock – Port of Little Current.  They walked into town for lunch and groceries and then went to Happy Hour and the Anchor Inn (for cruisers).  They met some really nice people also doing the loop – for the 2^nd time!

On Saturday Kate & Gloria went to the Farmer’s Market and strolled the stores while the boys took the boats for fuel & pump-outs, and then did some maintenance.

I was boarded by Customs today!  The agent was really nice.  He asked the same questions we were asked in Kingston and then just checked the cupboards.

The Looper Train and Salt ‘n Sand arrived along with a couple of other Loopers.

Baie Fine

August 4, 2011

We woke to another beautiful day!  A little fog early, but it soon burned off.

We’re into the North Channel!  I didn’t have to go far today.  They just took me to Baie Fine (Bay Fin).  It was a pretty ride – more water, trees, and rocks!  This time the rocks are white quartz instead of granite.

Traffic jam heading into Baie Fine

I med-moored for the second time (Kate wanted to).  Greg was not thrilled (since he fell in the water) and it took 3 times to get it right.

Quartz cliffs of Baie Fine

They all got in Crawdad’s dinghy and went to “The Pool” which is the end of Baie Fine.  Then they beached the dinghy and hiked to Lake Topaz.  They were gone a long time!  I heard that Jim and Greg went swimming but the ladies didn’t.

Greg & Jim Crawford hiking to Lake Topaz

They were only back for a little while when they left again, this time for cocktails on my friend Coconuts with her people, Bru & Sandy.  The people from Tourist, Pam & Rick were also there.

It was a really nice evening – quiet and starry!

Killarney

August 2 & 3, 2011

You should have seen the weeds and mud on Crawdad’s anchor when Jim pulled it up!

I led the way today through a narrow channel for about 8 miles and then across the bay to Killarney.  I am tied stern-to-stern with Crawdad.

They walked through town to see where everything was and have some lunch.  Checked out the Killarney Mountain Lodge and made reservations for dinner.

St. Bonaventure RC Church, Killarney, ON

After dinner, they stayed for some entertainment – I was getting a bit lonely.

Wednesday morning it was nice to sleep in.  It was rainy & windy, so I’m glad they decided to stay over!  Kate did laundry (my machine is still broken) and Greg did some cleaning.  Then they went up to the lodge again and walked through town some more.

Kate had to get off me because I was very rocky from the high winds.  Eventually they calmed down, and it was a nice afternoon.

Bustard Islands and Mill Lake

August 1, 2011

It turned out to be a very pleasant night.  The squall never materialized and the winds were calm.  It was a cool night, perfect for sleeping.

Greg had problem getting my anchors up and mooring undone.  We headed off for Collins Inlet.

The ride today, again across part of the bay, was a bit windier and rockier.  Not very bad though, and not too long.

We were rafted with Crawdad by noontime in Mill Lake, which is off Collins Inlet.  Beautiful spot! 

Anchorage at Mill Lake

They went exploring in the dinghy and left us alone again.  They were back pretty soon because they were getting a bit damp from the windblown spray.

Hope this wind calms down some!

July 31, 2011

It was raining this morning and there was a threat of high wind.  There was debate about whether or not to move to the anchorage that had been chosen.  The sun came out, the wind quieted and off we went.

I was in the lead and we were heading to the Bustard Islands to anchor in Bustard Island Harbor.  It was a good ride.  We were outside in the bay for a bit and it was a bit rocky, but not too bad.

We got in at 12:45 PM and I got to med-moor for the 1^st time!  Very different and exciting!  Greg anchored me and then took a long line off my stern to shore and tied it around a tree.  Because we were near rocks and there was squall warning, he also put a second anchor on my starboard side. 

Med-mooring for the 1st time!

Nothing had occurred by dinnertime, so everybody ate together on my bridge.  Pretty sunset!