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August 20th, 2009 | Author:

We left Traverse City. It was a beautiful cruise north, not like the trip down. There are beautiful cottages along the shore, we couldn’t see them before.

Northport is a charming town. It was so hot that our first stop here was to get an ice cream. Yummy it was. We didn’t see any restaurants that looked inviting. In fact, I don’t think there was much there: a barbeque spot, a bakery, and a small grill. None of them looked popular. Eating on the boat it will be!

Friday we took a great walk through the neighborhood. It was great to talk to Vicki and findout that she has a friend, Nancy, here. I called her and we had a nice chat. The rain came in the evening. We had wanted to walk up and listen to the band in the park by the marina, but the rain did not let up. Will we travel tomorrow or not?

Category: Cruising, Michigan  | Comments off
August 20th, 2009 | Author:

It is our anniversary! 28 years!

Last night the rain made us wonder if today would be a day to travel, but off we went. It was a bit bumpy, but not like our trip from Charlevoix. We are secure to the dock and surrounded by Loopers making their way south to Chicago. It is interesting to hear their stories. I am so glad that we did not rush to go down last year.

We took a long walk on the beach. Beaches in Michigan can be private. If you are walking on the shore that is fine. We watched people picking up handful of rocks and sorting through them. Petoskey stones! We met one lady who was sweet enough to bring a couple by. She also gave me a rcok that looks like tourquise.

We had dinner at the Cove. This town is so quaint. We were here with Charlie and Susie by car, so it was not a surprise, but it is charming.

On Sunday we took a great walk through a  neighborhood of cottages and then walked through the public walk to the beach. We walked the length and found many Petoskeys and one blue rock. From shells in Florida to rocks in Michigan. I think we need a trip to Africa I understand that there are lovely sparkly rocks there!

We are waiting a storm. We think Tuesday is the magic day for travel.

Category: Cruising, Michigan  | Comments off
August 20th, 2009 | Author:

There was a surprising window in the expected weather – no wind! What was to be a “weather day” turned out to be a “cruising day.” We awoke to watch several Loopers leaving at 7:30. A check of the weather and we cast off the lines and left for Frankfort.

We passed Sleeping Bear Dunes from the water this time. It is incredible to see these dunes, some over 400 feet.

Frankfort is a small town of about 1500 people.We quickly walked the town. Rain came, as predicted, and sadly at a time when a boat was pulling in. The boat was the Grace Sea and out of Sand Diego.

The owners have been cruising the Michigan waters for about 9 years and are coming back next year to continue the tradtion. They keep their boat in Manistee and basically make the loop from Manistee to Mackinaw Island and back. They are thinking about doing the Trent Severn next year. I guess we aren’t so crazy to come back for another season.

Tuesday we went for a bike ride on another great Michigan trail to Crystal Lake. Wednesday we walked the town. There are some beautiful Victorian homes here.

We are hanging here waiting for another weather break. Lots of rain last night – and today, Thursday, more rain.

I promise pictures – just trying to write a few thoughts. We are looking forward to seeing all of you soon.

Enjoy!

Category: 2009, Cruising, Michigan  | Comments off
August 12th, 2009 | Author:

We had a calm night at the anchorage in the Bustards. It is definitely one of my favorite places so far. But, Kelley listened to the weather and although today was to be nice, tomorrow was not to be so pleasant. We made the decision to cross Georgian Bay, go through Killarney and on to the anchorage at Covered Portage.

It was a great decision. We had another crossing that one thinks of when one thinks about lakes. There wasn’t a ripple in the water. (Here is a video of our entering Killarney. We had hoped for a bear, but, no luck.) (Once I figure out how to upload it!!!

Covered Portage is a rather large anchorage and is well protected from the winds that were to be blowing. We made our way to the back. This area is clay with weeds and it took some patience to make sure we were in; we were pleased we had taken the time.

Off on a dinghy ride to look at the coastline. hat400 Just to let you all know I am thinking about you all. And lo, a boat from home! avalon400

Well, it turns out the owner sailed in California a lot and loved Avalon, so that is why he says boat is from there. He lives in Lansing, MI. It was kind of funny to talk to him with my CIYC hat on.

Look at what happens in this place. messy400

What wind that does come in causes the boats to change directions; ones on the right of the area pointed to the middle, those on the left pointed to the middle and the boats in the middle, they continued to face out. Before bed, we were not facing out but towards the back of the anchorage, as were the other boats.

On Friday Kelley took a rock-climbing hike up the granite sides of the anchorage. As you can see the view was spectacular.

This is the view looking east. vieweast400

And west:viewweat400

Killarney is just a 10 minute dinghy ride around those rocks. The entrance to the bay is around the rocks to the right. entrance400

As you can see the bay is large with lots of room for many boats. harborsiaze400We spent a pleasant day. Friday came and we waited for the wind to kick up and the thunder storm. The sky remained blue. A lovely day and evening; but then we went to sleep. There was some rain and that was it; until we went to sleep.

Oh my! The night flashed into day! The thunder echoed around the cliffs. The rain pounded the boat. The storm passed and we held our ground. No sooner were we asleep and there was a rerun, but bigger!

We again checked and all in the bay were holding. Patience in anchoring had paid off.

Category: Cruising, Ontario  | Comments off