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!