What a mistake this was! The weather report was that it would be windy and that the waves would be 4 to  6 feet and it was correct. We had gusts to 35 -and many, many times, the waves went over the front of the boat and washed the isinglass. Perfect! Remember, fresh water – not salt! We had 40 miles to go.

We were pleased to arrive at the dock; the last part of the trip was more protected – darn right calm, well, it is all relative. People were surprised to hear how rough it was out in Grand Traverse Bay. I feel so badly for my aunt and uncle. They have come to cruise with us and we had weather and distance issues. Not to mention the difficulty in locating a car.

Charlie has decided to rent a car here and we will tour the area as we did in Charlevoix with them and then drive them to the airport and return the car here. No drop offs in this area, well for $175 you can do that!

So, Sunday, in heat, we hung out on the boat.

Monday, we drove to Sutton Bay (darling!) and Leland (charming) and then to Northport (cute). These were marinas that we were planning to go to (except Sutton Bay).

On Tuesday we did a marathon drive: Glen Arbor (precious – with lunch at Art’s Tavern), a drive to see Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, and the final drive through the country side to Grand Rapids. We left them at the hotel (they fly out tomorrow) and we drove back to the boat.

Wednesday was a get the boat organized and cleaned. It was a lovely day and would have been a great day to cruise. It is challenging to invite friends and family to cruise. The weather here is so unpredictable and transportation is unreliable in these small towns. I hope that my family had a nice time. It was great for me to have there here and see them.

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?

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.