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August 1 – Leland
August 04th, 2010 | Author:

We left Petoskey early for the trip to Leland. The lake was calm. This was another 45 mile trip. We called and Leland said that they had room for us. When we came in they really were not very full. But as the day wore on the harbor filled.

We stayed in Leland for 3 days, once again waiting out the weather. On the 2nd in the afternoon boats were rushing into the harbor. No sooner had one boat been tied up when another came in. Michigan is great about finding places for boats. Sailboats were rafted together; large power boats tucked in tying to the large poles that are at the end of the docks. There is even a boat tied between us and the sailboat in the slip behind us against the wall. We were so pleased that we had been attentive to the weather and had ventured out.

Leland is called “Old Fish Town.” There are many cottages here, lovely beaches, shops, restaurants and a grocery store. Kelley took a great bike ride; I had great walks and there was plenty of time to read, so sudoku, and, of course, knit.

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July 27 Tuesday – Petoskey
August 01st, 2010 | Author:

We spent last night in Harbor Springs but were only given one night. There is a storm coming and we knew that we wanted to be in a spot where we would be comfortable for a few nights. We called Petoskey Marina and were surprised that they had a spot for us for 2 nights. We really need 4, at least that is what it looks like now, but their reservations may clear (because of the storm coming) and we may be lucky. So we made the 3 mile trip across Little Traverse Bay and here we are!

We were in Petoskey last year by car and really enjoyed it – although we got caught in a rain storm – I am glad we are here. Kelley has hurt his foot and I may need to explore without him…

Right now there is a light breeze, the sun is out. Have to see what Mother (Nature) has in store for us.

We were able to stay here until August 1…we enjoyed our stay here. The people who run the marina are friendly and helpful. The town has so much to offer. This could be one of our favorite places.

Category: 2010, Cruising, Michigan  | Comments off
Thursday and Friday, July 22 and 23 – Gore Bay
July 27th, 2010 | Author:

We left Snug Harbor at 7. We were a bit delayed as we tried to exit; a sailboat had gotten caught in the sand in the middle of the channel and then had gotten his friend to take his anchor and span the channel hoping he could then pull himself off the shoal. No luck and the line was blocking the entrance and exit. We offered to pull him off . He dropped all of the line to the anchor so we were clear to pass. We waited for them to get a line to us and then he wasn’t sure he wanted our help – he was concerned about his keel. So, off we went. Kelley wanted to make the 11 o’clock opening of the Little Current swing bridge. He had timed out trip so that we would be there at 11:08. What a captain, we were right on time.

We passed Little Current and headed onto Gore Bay. We like Gore Bay. It is a nice marina and there is cute town nearby. We thought this would be the right spot to wait out the weather that was coming. We were going to stay for 2 days and I got to make a hair appointment.

The library has Internet – we checked our mail and the weather.

We visited the local museum. There was an exhibit of quilts that looked like paintings of beautiful spots in Canada. I was impressed with the workmanship. They were beautiful. We also walked through the house and looked at the furniture and clothing that had been collected. One of the best things that I saw were 2 sock ribbing machines. The docent was surprised that I knew what they were. Sure wish I had one.

This weekend was their summer fest weekend.  A local band played on Main Street on Friday; Friday night there was  a band coming to play in the tent, which was also a beer garden. We were told that we would be able to hear the band in the marina….and we did.

We were pleased when they ended at 1 in the morning…we knew we had a long run to Drummond Island in the morning, weather permitting.

Category: 2010, Cruising, Ontario  | Comments off
Saturday, July 24th – Drummond Island
July 27th, 2010 | Author:

The winds were picking up and Kelley had to get going. We left at 7 and went straight to Drummond Island. There would have been only one spot to stop, Meldrum Bay, and we didn’t want to tie up there. The marina and the “town” have not much to offer. So on we went. We had rain, a bit of rough water and really strong wind that came just as we were preparing to dock. We were so pleased that the man on the boat next to us came and assisted in the tie up. The marina had sent down a young (read 11ish) man to assist – he was not much help but at least got the back line so that after tying the front, the neighblr to get to the back and secure the boat.

This is where we clear customs. The Customs Officer was patient and waited until we were secure. She didn’t want to come aboard so just sat on the dock and talked to us. To date they have cleared 164 boats. Another officer came down and we talked to them both about our trip. It is nice to be back in the US of A.

Kelley has hurt his foot – no ta sprain, but it is hurting him. We hope it will be better by the morning. We had a nice dinner on the boat. We plan to leave early tomorrow to go on to St. Ignace. It will be another long day.

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