Author Archive

June 29th, 2009 | Author:

We decided to go to Gore Bay, about 32 miles from Meldrum Bay. There is a marina there and we had heard that the town was charming. Rain escorted us there. Dark clouds followed. But, being good travelers, the rain stopped when it came time to get out the lines and the fenders. Once we were secure, more rain followed.goreentrance400

The Harbor is on the large size for this area, I think, but as we have heard since starting this trip, it is slow, slower than last year. There is concern in the area.1gorebay400

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I wish that I could have taken pictures of the shoreline as we were coming here. There are beaches, but the huge trees come almost to the shore. Multiple greens dance in the wind; blues change depending on what they rest on. And when the sun is out, oh, my gosh; it is breathe taking.lodge400

We walked through town and then took a long walk up a street that took us to Gordon Township – really just a street with houses and cabins on it. It was a great walk and only a few sprinkles. It is so beautiful here. We are enjoying the days – rain and all.

Cute tiny cottages:

5goreice4006goreice400I know, they are ice fishing huts. I will learn the correct name. We had seen them before and I thought that they were like littleboat houses, and then someone mentioed ice fishing. The people here ride their snowmobiles to Gore Harbor and beyond in the winter – on the lake! Amazing.

It is Tuesday morning and we are preparing to leave for Clapperton Island. There are 2 possible anchorages there. We want the Harbor onr because there will be more protection from the north wind that is suppose to come sometime today, as it brings more rain and possible T-storms.

Did I mention that it rained last night? But, then I like the rain. I think that my California boy is missing the sun. (He does put his shorts on every morning and wear his flip flops! Gotta love him!)

Category: North Channel, Ontario  | Comments off
June 26th, 2009 | Author:

bumpystrait400What happened to flat like a lake? Where did this wind come from? Pleeeeeese. Well, it wasn’t that bad. We have been so spoiled the last few days we should have known it would all be too good to be true. In reality, it wasn’t bad at all. Choppy with “crisp” swells. Some white caps. Nothing like some of the crossings we have had to Catalina.

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We were pleased to pull into the marina. It is also almost empty. Usually we back in but I had read that you could sit in the marina and watch the freighters go right by. Kelley was sweet and we pulled in nose first. And sure enough, the book wasn’t lying.shipferry400

This was just one of many that wen by.

There is also game here called “Catch the Log.” The dockmaster throws an anchor and slowly drags the huge piece of wood to shore. There is a slip that is filled with  similar pieces. Wonder if they build new docks from this wood?

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We strolled through town; perhaps 20 minutes. When you start into the town there is a huge carving. It is called Passage Keeper:passagekeeper400

We loved this sign in front of a house and thought that many of our friends on Balboa Island or out on the Peninsula might want to copy the idea.bobparking400

But, dinner out tonight. We are celebrating a birthday!

Tomorrow we plan to go to Harbor Island and anchor for a couple of days. We need peace and quiet. Cruising takes a lot out of you. (Sure!) I will continue to write, but I will have to upload the pieces when we get Internet again.

Category: Cruising, Michigan  | Comments off
June 25th, 2009 | Author:

From Thunder Bay to Rogers City we saw a couple of beautiful lighthouses. Michigan has a program that lets people rent them for a few days. Wouldn’t that be fun?

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The lake has been so calm. Our days have been filled with reading, working puzzles,  knitting, looking for something to take of a picture of, checking for fishing stakes, and, of course, dining on gourmet meals. I don’t think it can get much better than this.

We reach Rogers City and the dockmaster is so happy to host us. We are his only transient. He told us that last year was very slow and this year is “dead.” We wonder if it is because the weather isn’t great. This is their weather, we are told. Michigan needs are help. We are pleased that we are here to to do our part. I wish all of our friends could be here with us cruising and enjoying this beautiful state.rcname400

We start our walk into town and we can’t miss this opportunity. This is from a ship that sank…we thought we would let Tom Murphy know that his props arrived and they are the perfect size for Prime Time.anchor400

A street of flags greets us. city400

We wandered around Rogers City (maybe took 30 minutes); hurried back because it was drizzling; made waypoints for the spots that we want to visit in the North Channel and the Georgian Bay, and then, during cocktails, the band started playing. band

Yep, Thursday and Friday nights in the park which is adjacent to the marina there is a free concert. Patriotic music, soft dancing music. It was great. band2400

And what we found interesting is that most of the audience drive into the parking lot, stay in their cars or trucks, and we couldn’t hear applause, but we heard horn honking! It really was a treat.audi-truck400

And now Prime Time is at home for the night.rchome400

So, the plan is that we will leave for DeTour Village. We will be crossing the Straits of Mackinaw. Yes, THE STRAITS.

We want to share with you, one of many to come, we hope. Thanks for joining us on this voyage.sunset400

Category: Cruising, Michigan  | Comments off
June 24th, 2009 | Author:

Off the dock by 6:30. Again the Lake was beautiful. Today’s trip was only 65 miles (can you believe that I am saying “only”?). Uneventful, except for the stowaways. My goodness where do these flies come from? When we reached the dock I was afraid that there would be bugs, but the dock master told me that the bugs are only out on the lake. He is right!

We did a quick walk through town. There is a yarn store but when we were there it was closed!!!

The Coast Guard Auxillary was here – appartently practicing rescues. But, Kelley caught a few images after they had a celebration.

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And a closer look:aux1 Whatever is in his hand!

The marina is empty. Apparently Thunder Bay is off the beaten track. There was suppose to be a storm coming through tonight the forecast is for tomorrow. Since it isn’t suppose to be extreme, we plan to get up early and make the then 55 miles to Roger’s City.

Here we are for the night (darkness doesn’t fall until almost 10).thunderbay

Category: Cruising, Michigan  | Comments off