Including a visit with Patti and family!
Left Petoskey for Northport the morning of Monday, July 29. Included below is an example of a (Richardsons’) chart page on which Dennis has outlined a portion of the day’s route. He uses this in addition to electronic aids such as Maptech, Navionics, and Aquamaps. Below right is an example of creating headings at the last minute while underway!
Had time for a birthday dinner the evening before leaving Petoskey. Below is as dressed up as it’s going to get on this trip.
Took about three hours to get to Northport which is on the northwest side of the top of Grand Traverse Bay (see above chart). A good deal of that time was just getting into the bay, so we probably wouldn’t go there again; however, it is starting to get more difficult to get dockage on short notice, so we’re finding we have to be flexible. It was a nice town with a swimming area right next to the marina.
Also near the marina was a privately-owned, renovated train depot that was evidently converted to a residence. In the “yard,” there were a great number of animal figures. One was of a wolf which was located very near the fence by the sidewalk on which we were walking. Nelson began growling, pushing his nose into the fence, and readying for a fight if need be, I guess. He didn’t fall for the fake coyote or swans that were set up by the marina to deter geese, though. Dennis overheard some workers talking about how it is a “war” with the geese, that is, the effort expended to prevent the geese from leaving droppings all along the sidewalks, etc.
As we weren’t able to get reservations for Leland, we went on to Frankfort on Tuesday, July 30. Calm seas, so it was a good run until we encountered thick fog in the early afternoon. The radar helped us to spot any other vessels in the vicinity. In addition, we sounded the horn regularly. Unfortunately, our view of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes (a national park) was limited, owing to fog. The best pictures I could get – later – are included below. The sand dunes (up to 450 feet high in some areas) stretch along the lakeshore from south of Leland to just north of Frankfort.
Not sure about building your house on sand! These are, of course, outside of the park proper.
Several of the stops we’ve made along the coast of Lake Michigan were notable for being well-marked by lengthy and large breakwaters ending in lighthouses or beacons, the breakwaters extending a significant distance from shore. Frankfort’s (below) is a great example of this.
Frankfort was a good stop. A park with a walking trail was immediately in front of the marina, and the town was easily within walking distance. We’d called a marine store near Frankfort a few days prior to order the other needed part for the outboard motor. The part had not yet arrived when we made it to Frankfort. At this point, we decided to cut our losses. We were able to purchase a new motor from the marine store and were happy to stay only one extra day to enable the store to deliver and install the new motor and remove our motor that we’d traded. See below for picture of happy new motor owner with crew member!
The following morning (Aug. 1), we were fogged in, so weren’t able to leave for Manistee until around 10:00AM. Made it to Manistee where we were joined by our friend Patti and her daughter Casey and son-in-law Graham that evening! While walking to dinner, we crossed a bridge in town and were told by the bridge operator to hurry off the bridge, as it was going to open. A bascule bridge (having moveable span or spans and raised with counterweights), it lifted in the middle to allow what we soon learned was a ship to pass in the very narrow channel underneath. We were all quite amazed that a vessel of this size was navigating right in the middle of town and so very close to shore!
It’s difficult to illustrate how close the ship was to shore, but the following shots give you an idea of distance to the apartment complex and trees on the opposite shoreline. It must be quite a challenge to maneuver through such a narrow passageway.
Patti joined us for a few days on the boat, brave soul that she is! The next morning, Friday, Aug. 2, we heard from Mike on “Checkmate” who was nearby that the lake was rolling a bit much for his liking. After some deliberation, we left Manistee and were able to make our way to and reserve a slip at Snug Harbor in Pentwater. Patti and I toured the downtown Pentwater shops and purchased some items at the small grocery near the marina.
After some French toast and bacon (courtesy of Chef Den) the next morning, we left for Whitehall, Sat., Aug. 3, with “Captain Patti” at the helm for a portion of the trip.
It was quite warm in Whitehall when we arrived, and we discovered, unfortunately, that the air conditioning in the forward cabin wasn’t working. The technician that could address the problem wouldn’t be able to look at the unit until Monday. Patti and I sought out the air conditioning in the shops downtown.
We were very blessed to be invited to Patti’s for a few days. Graham graciously drove to Whitehall on Sunday morning to pick us up, and we enjoyed a couple wonderful days visiting with Patti, Casey, and Graham (and Stella and Zoey). Patti even drove us to Petsmart Monday morning where Nelson and Ivy got much-needed haircuts! We so appreciated Patti and family’s hospitality, seeing Patti’s beautiful condo and Casey and Graham’s lovely home and, most importantly, just spending some great time together. As you can see (below), it was a very welcoming and relaxing time!
Patti drove us back to Whitehall on Tuesday (after delicious egg bites!) in time to meet the air conditioning technician. As to be expected, we are now waiting on a part, slated to arrive today (Wednesday) or Thursday. Because the weather looks to be worsening Friday onward, we’re hoping to be able to travel further south beforehand, but it is dependent on the part … again. Meanwhile, just catching up on boat maintenance jobs.
Have met other loopers in the marina here in Whitehall. Jimmy and Sherie on “Traveller” are two-thirds done with the Loop, and Craig (Trey) and Sue from “Last Arrow” are Gold Loopers (i.e., already completed the Loop), just enjoying Lake Michigan with plans to visit the Upper Peninsula area. Finally, the Whitehall Harbor Hosts, Ron and Cathy Russell (Gold Loopers), walked out to our boat to greet us last evening, offering assistance should we need it while here (e.g., rides, use of a car, or information).
Just learned the part is in, so once installed tomorrow (and working?!), we plan to journey to Grand Haven.