Tuesday, September 19
Captain Bob made it safely back after his business trip last week. On Friday we headed out of Hammond and into the river system. We started traveling with a boat I had made connections with at the Marina and they were leaving same morning. Away we went, we needed to have bridges "up" at 3 different locations right off the bat. This made me think of our former "best boat dog Skipper" and how he used to growl and bark whenever we went under a bridge. In addition to the 3 we needed lifted there were like 10 others we could get under....so in Skippers memory, every time we went under I would bark and growl!. He would have loved it (but am so glad we are NOT traveling with a dog, like many loopers do)
Our first lock....we only went 5 feet down, so it was good practice, and it went slower than we expected. We started following 2 other loop boats that were traveling together and fell in line behind them. Next lock, 40 foot drop, and we hooked to a floating bollard that moves down with the boat...pretty easy so far. The WAITING for the lock to become available is more of the challenge. The second one we had a wait of 2 hours.....they wait for the barges (who have priority) and one was coming up. As we were waiting, as in just floating around in basin, we picked up 2 more looper boats) the 5 of us locked down together. We feel like we are doing pretty well with these.
Finally after a long, slow day we stopped at the "free wall" in Joliet, IN. It has electricity, but no water available...this is when we discovered that "we" did not fill our holding tank....so we really have no water. The harbor host came down to meet "us all"....there were probably 15 boats on the wall, and she took me and another couple to the groc story. I bought bottled water in addition to other supplies.....and we used that to wash our faces before we hit the bed for a deserved rest.
Next morning I knew why the wall is free.....no one would pay to stay there! it is under a lift bridge, right on the river, and the river traffic doesn't sleep and neither does the bridge! (ie: neither did we)
While I was at store, Bob made friends with a couple other boats that are traveling together and invited us to join their group. We made plans to leave wall at 7AM.
The next day (Sat) we are up and gone by 7 ....so are most of the others. Our plan is to go as far as Ottawa, IL. Jim (on Jim's Joy) leads.....he is a gold looper (done this before) so he takes care of calling the locks, etc. All is going as planned (Joy, off Jim's Joy is quite the planner, and has a schedule!) There are tons of recreational boats on the river today (a hot day) and none of them show any courtesy to us or each other....just go as fast as you can and pass all you can!
All good plans come to an end at Marceilla (?) locks...."there will be a wait" says the lockmaster.....it is before noon, and FINALLY about 5PM we get our chance to get in .....along with all the other loopers behind us that did not get up at 7AM, but have now caught up with us (about 8 more boats). We finally moored to a wall and spent the hours sunning and getting to know our new boating buddies.
Here is where I "discovered" what a gem the Great Lakes are and how lucky we have been to have them to boat in all these years (guess we just took it for granted) But to see all these people boating, picnicking and enjoying themselves in this brown muddy water (ugh)....also got a kick out of the tiki bar on shore, RIGHT NEXT to a school. I figured this is where the bus drivers take their breaks??? or as someone else suggested, probably where the teachers go for lunch! I would need the tiki bar in either case! God Bless our Educators.
All the looper boats go into "Heritage Harbor" and the marina does a great job of getting everyone into the proper places. We stayed 2 nights here as we needed a day of rest! So on Sunday, Bob sanded and reapplied teak and I cleaned and did laundry and cooked up meals to have on the go....so much for the rest. We had "docktails" on Sunday night and the marina took our groups picture, as we were the most loopers they have ever had together all at once. Probably about 30 couples...you meet interesting people....the best part of the journey! We have become friends with Jim and Joy and with their friends Ron and Janis....and continue to travel with them.
Monday morning we are up at 7am (again) and on to Peoria. We now have 3 others in our group and we all get thru the first lock nicely (Not our first rodeo!) This one was a manual one....where we had to hang onto the lines and hold the boat as it dropped. After another long, very hot day, we find we are too deep for the marina we hoped to get into.....sent Pug II (Ron and Janis) ahead to ck it out and there was only like 3 feet of water depth to get into marina, so we continued on to downtown Peoria and found another wall which had space for us. The Pinta and Nina tall ships were moored here....the ones from Traverse City....I chatted with the crew and apologized (as an official Michigander) for the rude behavior they encountered there.....they said that was the only place they were protested against and it scared and confused them as they are just a bunch of kids that donate their time!......We agreed that there are people everywhere that seem to need a cause... The crew said they wanted to meet with the protesters and discuss the issues bothering them, but they weren't interested! Funny how that works! Some people just want to make noise, I guess.
So now it is Tuesday morning and we (once again) are up at 7 and "on the road".....uh, water. We call ahead to ask lock master if we can lock down and he says call me when you get here....so 5 minutes later we are there and they are just loading in a barge and we have to wait like an hour! Don't understand why they can't just tell you that when you are somewhere more comfortable (like my bed) instead of killing time just floating around waiting....perhaps some people say they are close and are not?? who knows. These locks were "manual" also....must be different states have different systems?? who knows that either, will have to pay attention in the future. Right now I am feeling a little sleep deprived!
We have also "heard" that the river is CLOSED ahead, as the water is down so far that boats are getting stuck and they are waiting for Army Corp to dredge....we hope to get as far as we can today and perhaps be ready when it is open (if indeed it is closed).....should be interesting to see what happens. I think as much as I can at one time, that I am learning to be more patience! We continue to be blessed to be traveling with such nice, good, Christian people. Joy had us all over for dinner last evening....yummy.
I hope to be able to post some pics of our lock experiences....will do so in a separate post.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Thursday, September 14, 2017
September 14, 2017
Bob has been gone 2 days and I am so bored that I bought Hillary Clinton's new book and am reading that!! ACTUALLY, I am NOT bored, but I am reading her new book! It is quite humorous! Even though I don't think SHE meant it to be......I am only in a few chapters and she has mentioned (do they ever mention this??---) that she won the "popular vote by 2 million"....just can't get over it! HA....well, enough of the trash talk (hers, not mine) I did hate to pay the $12.95 to download it, but anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE, LOVE books about what makes people tick. Maybe when I grow up I will pursue some kind of job in that field!
We are on "W" dock, and they do go by alphabetical order starting with A, so this gives you some insight as to how far out we are from the shoreline, and the marina office.....so I don't take that hike unless I have to. (really it is very far...and it was raining yesterday) I was expecting a couple of packages from "home", so I called to see if they had been delivered to the office. One had, so I started the trek to retrieve it. I got there to find that the "small" replacement screen that Bob had ordered had either been packed in a very large box, or the screen sent is the wrong size. I had no way to open box at this point, so I just ripped off the packing slip and tried to get info from that (of which there was none....just a bunch of numbers, and the notice that you need this slip for returns). So I started the long trek back, using their bathrooms along the way....and that is when I noticed that the packing slip was missing (!@$#%) I looked back down the docks, because now I am by dock "t" (remember the a b c's) and I see a white piece of paper down by dock n......so I turn around to retrieve it, only to get almost there and see the wind carry it into the water beside the dock (really Lord?? did I just see that, like in the movies!)...So I look over the tall dock and sure enough there it is, floating....I decide to proceed back to W dock and the boat and see first of all if it is the correct screen....there would be no need to try and get the slip. I go "home" and open package and sure enough, it is WAY to large....won't fit anything hatch on our boat.....ok, now what.?? So I pull off a dock pole from the bow and make my way to the end of W (oh ya, we are at the opposite end of W dock also......so that is quite a walk) at the end of W I realize that we have 2 dock poles.....one extends and one does not....and that I have in my hands the one that does not!....SO, back down W to get the extendable one and I know that paper in the water is farrrrr down. Back down to N dock I go and look over the side....it is still floating (thank you God)...now, it is raining and the docks are slippery...so over the side I peek with the dock pole (that I know realize I have NO IDEA HOW to extend it) and I lean over the side and..............................................
I know, you think I am going to say I fell in, but I did NOT, and I did retrieve the packing slip! But by the end of this adventure I am wet (from the rain) and worn out! I need a cocktail!
Now, as if I planned to prolong my agony, I decide to fill out our emailed insurance forms, as once we left Colorado, we have to get a different plan....so by next month we hope to be on "medishare". A Christian organization, non profit, that at the present time, seems like it will meet our needs....AND the young man on the phone asked if there was anything he could pray with us about! I said, "wow" you can't mention prayer, or God, or Christian on TV, or in schools, but my insurance man wants to pray for me......and after trying to complete the forms on line, I now know why! Haha, I do not have my "medical files" on the boat.....or course we have a pasta maker and a bread maker....but no medical files! Of which I need information about the last blood work done, etc... so I have to call my Dr in CO and have her "send" info to my moms house because they can't read it over the phone?? anyway....she wanted to forward to my "present Dr".....of which there is NOT one and I hope I DONT need one!...so they agreed to send to my mom and she will have to read me the numbers over the phone....nothing is easy....and I laughed out loud when it asked if "you abuse alcohol or drugs".....I thought I will when I am done with these forms!
I was so tired by the time my head hit the pillow that I slept like a log.....until I smell the glorious fumes of FOOD this morning.....I think it is coming from the casino (which, by the way, is way closer to us than the marina office!).....but after that smell, comes the "septic" smell.....not sure if the casino (which is actually a barge in the river) fans its food aromas out the window to hide the issue of emptying the holding tanks???? strange occurrence I have noticed 2 mornings now....will have to do more "investigating" on that one (my 2nd job career choice, if the above mentioned one doesn't work out) maybe I will become the "Erin Brockovich" of Hammond, Indiana and they will make a movie out of my story!! I do know, OF COURSE, that either Sharon Stone, or Charlize Theron will have to play me....that is who I am sure most resemble me......at least in MY MIND! I wonder if anyone ever asked them if "they realize they look like Jane Macomber??" well, no one has actually asked me if I realize I look like them, but its a good end to a bunch of nonsense that made up my blog for today!!
Will keep posting as to when and where we move to. As of yesterday, the AGLCA notified us that lock 52 was closed and could quite possibly be closed for 10 to 20 days! so not to rush down (by St Louis)....they don't need a back log of boaters waiting all in one area.... we will see, we are quite far from that at present... and like I said, I am getting bored here!
PS...that is the marina office ...NOT the white one, but the brown brick one that you can only see the top of roof and windows behind it.....and docks A thru W in between.....versus the casino..only a few docks over!! no boredom, just no money! haha.
Bob has been gone 2 days and I am so bored that I bought Hillary Clinton's new book and am reading that!! ACTUALLY, I am NOT bored, but I am reading her new book! It is quite humorous! Even though I don't think SHE meant it to be......I am only in a few chapters and she has mentioned (do they ever mention this??---) that she won the "popular vote by 2 million"....just can't get over it! HA....well, enough of the trash talk (hers, not mine) I did hate to pay the $12.95 to download it, but anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE, LOVE books about what makes people tick. Maybe when I grow up I will pursue some kind of job in that field!
We are on "W" dock, and they do go by alphabetical order starting with A, so this gives you some insight as to how far out we are from the shoreline, and the marina office.....so I don't take that hike unless I have to. (really it is very far...and it was raining yesterday) I was expecting a couple of packages from "home", so I called to see if they had been delivered to the office. One had, so I started the trek to retrieve it. I got there to find that the "small" replacement screen that Bob had ordered had either been packed in a very large box, or the screen sent is the wrong size. I had no way to open box at this point, so I just ripped off the packing slip and tried to get info from that (of which there was none....just a bunch of numbers, and the notice that you need this slip for returns). So I started the long trek back, using their bathrooms along the way....and that is when I noticed that the packing slip was missing (!@$#%) I looked back down the docks, because now I am by dock "t" (remember the a b c's) and I see a white piece of paper down by dock n......so I turn around to retrieve it, only to get almost there and see the wind carry it into the water beside the dock (really Lord?? did I just see that, like in the movies!)...So I look over the tall dock and sure enough there it is, floating....I decide to proceed back to W dock and the boat and see first of all if it is the correct screen....there would be no need to try and get the slip. I go "home" and open package and sure enough, it is WAY to large....won't fit anything hatch on our boat.....ok, now what.?? So I pull off a dock pole from the bow and make my way to the end of W (oh ya, we are at the opposite end of W dock also......so that is quite a walk) at the end of W I realize that we have 2 dock poles.....one extends and one does not....and that I have in my hands the one that does not!....SO, back down W to get the extendable one and I know that paper in the water is farrrrr down. Back down to N dock I go and look over the side....it is still floating (thank you God)...now, it is raining and the docks are slippery...so over the side I peek with the dock pole (that I know realize I have NO IDEA HOW to extend it) and I lean over the side and..............................................
I know, you think I am going to say I fell in, but I did NOT, and I did retrieve the packing slip! But by the end of this adventure I am wet (from the rain) and worn out! I need a cocktail!
Now, as if I planned to prolong my agony, I decide to fill out our emailed insurance forms, as once we left Colorado, we have to get a different plan....so by next month we hope to be on "medishare". A Christian organization, non profit, that at the present time, seems like it will meet our needs....AND the young man on the phone asked if there was anything he could pray with us about! I said, "wow" you can't mention prayer, or God, or Christian on TV, or in schools, but my insurance man wants to pray for me......and after trying to complete the forms on line, I now know why! Haha, I do not have my "medical files" on the boat.....or course we have a pasta maker and a bread maker....but no medical files! Of which I need information about the last blood work done, etc... so I have to call my Dr in CO and have her "send" info to my moms house because they can't read it over the phone?? anyway....she wanted to forward to my "present Dr".....of which there is NOT one and I hope I DONT need one!...so they agreed to send to my mom and she will have to read me the numbers over the phone....nothing is easy....and I laughed out loud when it asked if "you abuse alcohol or drugs".....I thought I will when I am done with these forms!
I was so tired by the time my head hit the pillow that I slept like a log.....until I smell the glorious fumes of FOOD this morning.....I think it is coming from the casino (which, by the way, is way closer to us than the marina office!).....but after that smell, comes the "septic" smell.....not sure if the casino (which is actually a barge in the river) fans its food aromas out the window to hide the issue of emptying the holding tanks???? strange occurrence I have noticed 2 mornings now....will have to do more "investigating" on that one (my 2nd job career choice, if the above mentioned one doesn't work out) maybe I will become the "Erin Brockovich" of Hammond, Indiana and they will make a movie out of my story!! I do know, OF COURSE, that either Sharon Stone, or Charlize Theron will have to play me....that is who I am sure most resemble me......at least in MY MIND! I wonder if anyone ever asked them if "they realize they look like Jane Macomber??" well, no one has actually asked me if I realize I look like them, but its a good end to a bunch of nonsense that made up my blog for today!!
Will keep posting as to when and where we move to. As of yesterday, the AGLCA notified us that lock 52 was closed and could quite possibly be closed for 10 to 20 days! so not to rush down (by St Louis)....they don't need a back log of boaters waiting all in one area.... we will see, we are quite far from that at present... and like I said, I am getting bored here!
Monday, September 11, 2017
September 11, 2017
We are across the Big Lake!.....We finally got some good weather/water days and headed south. Our first stop after we escaped Ludington was Grand Haven.....the municipal marina was filled there (when isn't it?) so we stayed one night on the north side in a mediocre marina where no one helped us at dock or with anything as far as that goes and they charged the most per foot so far on this journey!! I am soooo over Grand Haven ....this is where we lost a nights fee (due to bad weather) thru the DNR website as you need to cancel reservations at least 24 hours in advance!...obviously a rule made by a non boater. So in addition to losing a reservation and you can't get in the municiple without one, it seems, you end up in a crummy place with a high price.....can you tell I am on a soap box!..... So we headed out of there early the next morning and made a long trek to New Buffalo. The Last stop on the southern end of Michigan. That marina was a nice surprise and we wished we could have had the time to spend more than one night there. Right in their booming tourist town with all the attractions. This is where I met up with my sister and retrieved the mail. She and Sue had us over for dinner to the cottage high on a bluff that they were renting. It was a beautiful place. Like I said, this was a new area to us and we would like to return sometime. Sunday the lake was to be a good day to cross, so we took advantage of the weather. It was a little bumpy, but not too bad....the bigger, more stressful, issue was that the Capt. decided to wait to get to Indiana to get fuel as it was a cheaper price. This is what the fuel gages looked like with about 20 more miles to go....
I told him IF he ever did this to me again, there would be a mutiny!!...He knew there was plenty of gas, even though the gages read E.......of course, there was! BUT WHY DID WE HAVE TO PROVE IT!! and out in the middle of Lake Michigan!! Well we made it, with probably a few gallons to spare....but I had my eye on the dingy and a life jacket... We are presently in Hammond Indiana, just south of the windy city....it is quite a view of the Chicago skyline. We chose here at the recommendation of the Chicago Harbor Host (thru the AGLCA) as a good safe place for me to be for a few days alone as Bob will fly out of Ohare tomorrow and do some business in Montana....(helps with gas $$)...plus there is a casino just up the docks....so I can earn some gas money also! Haha, I'd be better off getting a job emptying the trash or something inside....
We are 3 miles south of the river inlet where we will pick up the Calumet River that will start us on our next portion of the journey....we have decided to not take the "downtown Chicago route", as there is a bridge that could be a few inches too low for us to get under...so we won't attempt it. (after the gas incident, this surprises me that he wouldn't want to try!!) But Capt bob tells me 3 inches is A LOT! So we will take the alternate route around. We met some loopers in New Buffalo, and believe we saw a couple boats crossing in front of us also. Once in the river system I am sure we will see plenty more loopers like us. So far we all are excited to see one another and exchange info.
Today we spent the whole day cleaning....Bob outside, me inside....everything looks and smells better....including the two of us. I'm looking forward to a few days of reading and relaxing....as they say "when the captains away, the crew will play"...actually I just made that up, but I like it!
We are across the Big Lake!.....We finally got some good weather/water days and headed south. Our first stop after we escaped Ludington was Grand Haven.....the municipal marina was filled there (when isn't it?) so we stayed one night on the north side in a mediocre marina where no one helped us at dock or with anything as far as that goes and they charged the most per foot so far on this journey!! I am soooo over Grand Haven ....this is where we lost a nights fee (due to bad weather) thru the DNR website as you need to cancel reservations at least 24 hours in advance!...obviously a rule made by a non boater. So in addition to losing a reservation and you can't get in the municiple without one, it seems, you end up in a crummy place with a high price.....can you tell I am on a soap box!..... So we headed out of there early the next morning and made a long trek to New Buffalo. The Last stop on the southern end of Michigan. That marina was a nice surprise and we wished we could have had the time to spend more than one night there. Right in their booming tourist town with all the attractions. This is where I met up with my sister and retrieved the mail. She and Sue had us over for dinner to the cottage high on a bluff that they were renting. It was a beautiful place. Like I said, this was a new area to us and we would like to return sometime. Sunday the lake was to be a good day to cross, so we took advantage of the weather. It was a little bumpy, but not too bad....the bigger, more stressful, issue was that the Capt. decided to wait to get to Indiana to get fuel as it was a cheaper price. This is what the fuel gages looked like with about 20 more miles to go....
We are 3 miles south of the river inlet where we will pick up the Calumet River that will start us on our next portion of the journey....we have decided to not take the "downtown Chicago route", as there is a bridge that could be a few inches too low for us to get under...so we won't attempt it. (after the gas incident, this surprises me that he wouldn't want to try!!) But Capt bob tells me 3 inches is A LOT! So we will take the alternate route around. We met some loopers in New Buffalo, and believe we saw a couple boats crossing in front of us also. Once in the river system I am sure we will see plenty more loopers like us. So far we all are excited to see one another and exchange info.
Today we spent the whole day cleaning....Bob outside, me inside....everything looks and smells better....including the two of us. I'm looking forward to a few days of reading and relaxing....as they say "when the captains away, the crew will play"...actually I just made that up, but I like it!
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
September 5, 2017
As you can see by the above picture of the "infamous" Badger.....the coal fired car ferry that crosses Lake Michigan 2 times a day....we are STILL in Ludington! We attempted to get to Grand Haven on Sunday, but after the dishes fell our of the cupboards just a few miles out, we (mostly the first mate) decided to turn back to Ludington....Captain decided that 4 hours of 3-5 ft waves are too much for LeReve.....and I agreed...This is suppose to be a FUN journey, not a fight with the waves. So back we came into Harborview Marina and have been here ever since. The waves have gotten bigger each day! When you "rock and roll" in the slip, you know the big lake must be worse.
Our plans have not changed as far as route, but as far as dates....and we really have no schedule....want to connect up with sister Lisa in New Buffalo by weekend, as she has our latest mail delivery.
Dock life here was booming during the holiday weekend and we have met new people each happy hour.....so it could be worse and they are not too many nicer marinas to be "stuck in". Bob feels like he is coming down with a cold, or it could just be allergies from the coal dust....he is trying to cure it with Pepsi!!! those who know him, understand! I need to get out and replenish a few necessities, and there is a great grocery store within walking distance. Captain Bob always has projects to work on....so here we are, safe and secure....the wind will eventually die down, or the ice will start to form around us and we will put skis on the bottom of boat! Either way we will get to Chicago!
Saturday, September 2, 2017
September 2, 2017
How did September slip in here soooo fast?? The last few days nights sure seem like autumn! Bob suggested we turn on the heat last night (He meant the real thing....as in heating unit!)...I said not yet...hoping to never having to use it! Throw on another blanket.
We are presently in Ludington at Harbor View Marina....where we had our last 3 boats in slips here...and a condo that I thought we would "retire to"....(the Lord had other plans....) anyway, it was like "coming home".....we anxiously awaited the "Badger" car ferry coming in last eve... and caught up with old friends who still keep their boats here....I was surprised that anyone remembered us.....even the harbormaster. We were also greeted by the "harbor host" thru AGLCA, and several other Loopers in progress (one is flying the Florida flag today (game day) so Bob got out our UM flag to proudly display) This is the first time we have been greeted by a "harbor host"....who brought over a goodie bag filled with snacks and info on the area. Great Idea. We also had contact with a host in Chicago area, because when we get there in the next weeks, Bob is flying out on business and I will be alone on boat for a few days and definitely want somewhere safe....the host there called us back and gave us info on the harbor where they are and that will be our plan...and I will at least have a connection to someone there....So this "harbor host" program is a great idea, maybe some day I will be one in a harbor where we "end up"??
Update since the last blog......we left Traverse Bay the morning of Aug 29. We drove back to TC in a rental car (a BMW by the way, Jane picked).....after spending the weekend with family and "showering Molly" with baby goods on Sunday afternoon. I had spend the previous week, as mentioned, in Cape May, NJ with my gal-pals. We had wonderful weather and lots of beach time and lots of great food and drink, etc etc. So after "off the boat time" I had to re-orient myself to being "first mate".
Lake Michigan sure has treated us well as far as waves and water are concerned. We left the Bay and arrived in Leland Harbor on the 29. I love Leland (fish town) and we lovingly call the harbor "fish bowl". A tremendous amount of people walk the docks and talk to people on the boats. I also bought a fresh Lake Trout filet that the captain grilled and said it was the best fish he ever had....it had to have been the freshest, that's for sure. Leland has a live web cam and it was pointed directly at our boat, so I called the kids and they got to see me waving at them on the deck! We also had the
smelt basket at my favorite Leland Bar....the Bluebird.....I told the bartender that we used to come in at night and eat smelt and drink beer and party down.....now we were there at 4pm (retirees!) because we go to bed early! haha. (and we don't party like we used to either)
We left Leland the following morning and headed to Jacobsons Marina in Frankfort, MI.....probably one of the nicest marinas we are familiar with....they have a swimming pool and great slips that back up to tables, grills, trees, ....it is privately owned and they work hard to make it a destination marina. The water, once again, was calm and the weather was sunny. We stayed 2 nights so Bob could golf Arcadia Bluffs...he compares the views to Pebble Beach at a fraction of cost....but it is far from inexpensive....so to "even out the playing field" I went shopping! Just picked up a few t shirts (ya, like I need them!) but we have to support these small town businesses.....
Friday morning we left Frankfort to flat seas again and headed for Ludington. So here we are, will stay a few days....they are predicting big seas in the next few days so not sure what that means for our plans to head to Grand Haven, then South Haven, and then New Buffalo where we hope to catch Lisa and Sue...... we will miss the kids as they will be there over the weekend only. We will be watching the forecasts as we then need to cross the lake over the Chicago for the next "phase" of the rivers....That will certainly be a different way of boating for us "great lakers"....Lots of loopers fear the Great Lakes....only because they are not familiar with them....we are blessed to have lived in such a beautiful state surrounded by beautiful water....Oh YA.....we are OFFICIALLY Michigan residents once again.....did all the paper work over the weekend in Ann Arbor and THEY TOOK US BACK!
Not sure how I feel about that....it is like making a commitment and I wasn't sure I wanted to commit just yet.....but legally we had to give up our residency in Colorado....so our drivers license say "Rogers City, Michigan"...I guess what goes around, comes around!!
top pic: Arcadia Bluffs Bottom: Sunset over Ludington lighthouse.
How did September slip in here soooo fast?? The last few days nights sure seem like autumn! Bob suggested we turn on the heat last night (He meant the real thing....as in heating unit!)...I said not yet...hoping to never having to use it! Throw on another blanket.
We are presently in Ludington at Harbor View Marina....where we had our last 3 boats in slips here...and a condo that I thought we would "retire to"....(the Lord had other plans....) anyway, it was like "coming home".....we anxiously awaited the "Badger" car ferry coming in last eve... and caught up with old friends who still keep their boats here....I was surprised that anyone remembered us.....even the harbormaster. We were also greeted by the "harbor host" thru AGLCA, and several other Loopers in progress (one is flying the Florida flag today (game day) so Bob got out our UM flag to proudly display) This is the first time we have been greeted by a "harbor host"....who brought over a goodie bag filled with snacks and info on the area. Great Idea. We also had contact with a host in Chicago area, because when we get there in the next weeks, Bob is flying out on business and I will be alone on boat for a few days and definitely want somewhere safe....the host there called us back and gave us info on the harbor where they are and that will be our plan...and I will at least have a connection to someone there....So this "harbor host" program is a great idea, maybe some day I will be one in a harbor where we "end up"??
Update since the last blog......we left Traverse Bay the morning of Aug 29. We drove back to TC in a rental car (a BMW by the way, Jane picked).....after spending the weekend with family and "showering Molly" with baby goods on Sunday afternoon. I had spend the previous week, as mentioned, in Cape May, NJ with my gal-pals. We had wonderful weather and lots of beach time and lots of great food and drink, etc etc. So after "off the boat time" I had to re-orient myself to being "first mate".
Lake Michigan sure has treated us well as far as waves and water are concerned. We left the Bay and arrived in Leland Harbor on the 29. I love Leland (fish town) and we lovingly call the harbor "fish bowl". A tremendous amount of people walk the docks and talk to people on the boats. I also bought a fresh Lake Trout filet that the captain grilled and said it was the best fish he ever had....it had to have been the freshest, that's for sure. Leland has a live web cam and it was pointed directly at our boat, so I called the kids and they got to see me waving at them on the deck! We also had the
smelt basket at my favorite Leland Bar....the Bluebird.....I told the bartender that we used to come in at night and eat smelt and drink beer and party down.....now we were there at 4pm (retirees!) because we go to bed early! haha. (and we don't party like we used to either)
We left Leland the following morning and headed to Jacobsons Marina in Frankfort, MI.....probably one of the nicest marinas we are familiar with....they have a swimming pool and great slips that back up to tables, grills, trees, ....it is privately owned and they work hard to make it a destination marina. The water, once again, was calm and the weather was sunny. We stayed 2 nights so Bob could golf Arcadia Bluffs...he compares the views to Pebble Beach at a fraction of cost....but it is far from inexpensive....so to "even out the playing field" I went shopping! Just picked up a few t shirts (ya, like I need them!) but we have to support these small town businesses.....
Friday morning we left Frankfort to flat seas again and headed for Ludington. So here we are, will stay a few days....they are predicting big seas in the next few days so not sure what that means for our plans to head to Grand Haven, then South Haven, and then New Buffalo where we hope to catch Lisa and Sue...... we will miss the kids as they will be there over the weekend only. We will be watching the forecasts as we then need to cross the lake over the Chicago for the next "phase" of the rivers....That will certainly be a different way of boating for us "great lakers"....Lots of loopers fear the Great Lakes....only because they are not familiar with them....we are blessed to have lived in such a beautiful state surrounded by beautiful water....Oh YA.....we are OFFICIALLY Michigan residents once again.....did all the paper work over the weekend in Ann Arbor and THEY TOOK US BACK!
Not sure how I feel about that....it is like making a commitment and I wasn't sure I wanted to commit just yet.....but legally we had to give up our residency in Colorado....so our drivers license say "Rogers City, Michigan"...I guess what goes around, comes around!!
Thursday, August 17, 2017
August 17, 2017
On August 9th we left Mackinac City at 6am and we saw the sunrise! Wow, I didn't know it was so beautiful. We wanted to get "good water" on way to Charlevoix and that we did.....there wasn't a ripple. We were in the Charlevoix City Harbor, right downtown. I believe it is the most beautiful harbor on the great lakes (at least that I have seen). It is right downtown and lots there to see and do and EAT. .....I believe we ate our way thru Charlevoix in one week! With the help or our good friends Trudy and Chuck Center, not only did we eat, but we also borrowed their car to relocate ours to Traverse where we will need it later this week. We had a great time at the beach, golfing, did I mention eating(!).....we also got to catch up with old friends the Nestles while there. We saw and chatted with several other loopers....it seems the farther we get on this "leg" of the trip the more loopers are showing up....I suppose when we get further down south, we will encounter even more. We reluctantly left there at 6am the morning of Aug 15. This time I slept instead of seeing the sun rise....but, of course, I was in the cockpit ready to take over the captain's duties, if need be! I wasn't needed!!
We are presently in Traverse City, Michigan at the downtown city harbor.....Lots to see and do....For instance, the Pinta and the Nina came into harbor yesterday .....they are replica tall ships of Christopher Columbus era, when he first came over. There were PROTESTERS with signs and yelling obscenities and things like "Go Home".....etc. So, of course, we ran down to see what all was about, following the police officers, etc......Native Americans apparently have a beef with Columbus (!) and want to rewrite history on this one also....well enough of that topic!
I am so excited to post that I am now getting the 2nd toilet replaced on LeReve.....so any guests will be thrilled to hear that news! Capt Bob is, once again, trying to pry himself into small spaces.....times like this a small child would be good to have aboard!.....(but, come to think of it, after the couple weeks with small children aboard, not so sure the trade off value is really there...ha! Love my grandboys, but it is constant activity that we are so not used to!!
My 2 cousins on my mothers side of family live in Traverse City (I have 52 FIRST cousins.....2 on my mothers side and 50 on my fathers!! seriously) So my 2 here are near and dear, as my brother, sister and I are their ONLY first cousins. I called Barb once we arrived and she immediately came down to say hello, and invited us over the next day to swim and meet some more "2nd" cousins....there are more of them. I also got the chance to visit with my Uncle Wally, who is 97 years old!.....and my other first cousin, John......and later, Bob and I enjoyed a lovely dinner with Barb and her hubby Dave. (ps, we also learned some important lessons about getting a "permanent" address established soon, as they are both attorneys.....I made sure we had attorney/client confidentiality before saying a word!! haha)..I shall not forget "too clever, by half" ... thanks Dave!!
Tomorrow I fly to Cape May, New Jersey, for my annual get together there with girlfriends Gerry Ann and Madeline (or as I call her Gini.....you can figure it out!) come to think of it, maybe I should call GA "Vodka"...and they could call me "ice tea".....SURE! We have been doing this girls week away for over 10 years. It will be a good "break" for both of us to get some off boat time....Bob will be driving downstate for business and be picking me up when my flight returns in a week. Then we will spend a few days in Ann Arbor/Saline with activities such as a baby shower for Molly, etc. Once we return back to boat it is serious travel time to get to lower Lake Michigan, hopefully connecting up with Lisa and Sue over Labor Day, and then the REALLY BIG adventure begins. I say that as we have boated the Great Lakes for years and it is a "pleasant" repeat, but a repeat none the less.....It will be interesting to see something we have never seen or experienced before.
On August 9th we left Mackinac City at 6am and we saw the sunrise! Wow, I didn't know it was so beautiful. We wanted to get "good water" on way to Charlevoix and that we did.....there wasn't a ripple. We were in the Charlevoix City Harbor, right downtown. I believe it is the most beautiful harbor on the great lakes (at least that I have seen). It is right downtown and lots there to see and do and EAT. .....I believe we ate our way thru Charlevoix in one week! With the help or our good friends Trudy and Chuck Center, not only did we eat, but we also borrowed their car to relocate ours to Traverse where we will need it later this week. We had a great time at the beach, golfing, did I mention eating(!).....we also got to catch up with old friends the Nestles while there. We saw and chatted with several other loopers....it seems the farther we get on this "leg" of the trip the more loopers are showing up....I suppose when we get further down south, we will encounter even more. We reluctantly left there at 6am the morning of Aug 15. This time I slept instead of seeing the sun rise....but, of course, I was in the cockpit ready to take over the captain's duties, if need be! I wasn't needed!!
We are presently in Traverse City, Michigan at the downtown city harbor.....Lots to see and do....For instance, the Pinta and the Nina came into harbor yesterday .....they are replica tall ships of Christopher Columbus era, when he first came over. There were PROTESTERS with signs and yelling obscenities and things like "Go Home".....etc. So, of course, we ran down to see what all was about, following the police officers, etc......Native Americans apparently have a beef with Columbus (!) and want to rewrite history on this one also....well enough of that topic!
I am so excited to post that I am now getting the 2nd toilet replaced on LeReve.....so any guests will be thrilled to hear that news! Capt Bob is, once again, trying to pry himself into small spaces.....times like this a small child would be good to have aboard!.....(but, come to think of it, after the couple weeks with small children aboard, not so sure the trade off value is really there...ha! Love my grandboys, but it is constant activity that we are so not used to!!
My 2 cousins on my mothers side of family live in Traverse City (I have 52 FIRST cousins.....2 on my mothers side and 50 on my fathers!! seriously) So my 2 here are near and dear, as my brother, sister and I are their ONLY first cousins. I called Barb once we arrived and she immediately came down to say hello, and invited us over the next day to swim and meet some more "2nd" cousins....there are more of them. I also got the chance to visit with my Uncle Wally, who is 97 years old!.....and my other first cousin, John......and later, Bob and I enjoyed a lovely dinner with Barb and her hubby Dave. (ps, we also learned some important lessons about getting a "permanent" address established soon, as they are both attorneys.....I made sure we had attorney/client confidentiality before saying a word!! haha)..I shall not forget "too clever, by half" ... thanks Dave!!
Tomorrow I fly to Cape May, New Jersey, for my annual get together there with girlfriends Gerry Ann and Madeline (or as I call her Gini.....you can figure it out!) come to think of it, maybe I should call GA "Vodka"...and they could call me "ice tea".....SURE! We have been doing this girls week away for over 10 years. It will be a good "break" for both of us to get some off boat time....Bob will be driving downstate for business and be picking me up when my flight returns in a week. Then we will spend a few days in Ann Arbor/Saline with activities such as a baby shower for Molly, etc. Once we return back to boat it is serious travel time to get to lower Lake Michigan, hopefully connecting up with Lisa and Sue over Labor Day, and then the REALLY BIG adventure begins. I say that as we have boated the Great Lakes for years and it is a "pleasant" repeat, but a repeat none the less.....It will be interesting to see something we have never seen or experienced before.
Saturday, August 5, 2017
August 3, 2017
Can't believe it is August....We have had such a busy last couple weeks that there has been no time to blog!. Plus the internet service in some places is so frustrating that I just give up....I have enough things to drive me nuts that I don't need one more. We spent several nights in Blind River, Canada and then went on to Thessalon for one night...beautiful marina, absolutely NOTHING else in the town.....Luckily we did find a place to eat after walking for a mile or so that closed in 5 minutes of us getting there, and we did feel like we were putting them out for coming in so late (7pm) and I thought Rogers City had little to offer! We crossed back over channel to Drummond Island to meet our kids and grand boys on July 22. We effortlessly checked back into the US and got a slip at the "yacht haven" for the next week. Seems the US doesn't have nearly the restrictions of what you can bring back with you as Canada does with what you take into their country. So the Martha Washington geraniums that I "smuggled" into Canada didn't have to be hidden in the bath tub to get them back into US.....hey, they were beautifully blooming and that's the only thing I have that reminds me of living a "normal" life somewhat!. I had meant to leave them with my mom but I forgot and still had them on board. They also don't want you to bring ANY fresh meat, fruits or veggies with you....which is pretty funny, as let me tell you, their grocery stores are lacking a lot compared to what we are used to. However, we did love, love, love the butter tarts! and of course, our favorite .....pea meal bacon....which really is ham wrapped in a mealy substance like corn meal. (but must be pea meal.....my grand sons refused to try it! ha, their loss)
So the whole bunch showed up at Drummond, and the "adult" kids rented a cabin on the water just next to the boat harbor, and the 3 grand boys stayed with us on the boat.....It was quite a week...
We had a couple days of rain and that was pretty tough with the small places and 3 VERY ACTIVE boys..(thank you God that the new baby will be a girl!!) All in all, I think everyone had a great time and even the 2 grand dogs seemed to enjoy themselves.
We brought grandson Bennett with us on the boat, back across Lake Huron to Rogers City for spend the week ....it is much easier to have a grand son one at a time. He was a big help to captain grandpa in cleaning the boat,etc (as there was this "incident" involving a broken hatch, that he had to work to help pay off the $$ it cost to fix)....Bob then had a business trip downstate and then one in Colorado that left Bennett and me on the boat alone for 3 days.....As luck would have it, the Nautical Fest was going on and there were lots of activities, plus my sister and brother and families were in Rogers also.....Sister Lisa and Sue spent a lot of time with him at the beach, etc....plus there was this cute little girl that also occupied his time.....His grandpa told him to watch out for "those Rogers City girls".... it was pretty cute to see them hanging out at the carnival etc....don't tell him I mentioned it! Oh to be 11 again!
The week gave us a few pretty rough nights of storms and we were glad captain Bob had the lines secured for us. Bob got back on Friday, I took Bennett to meet up with his mother to take him home and all has quieted down....except for the LOUD music that comes from the festival tent each night, just across parking lot from marina.....guess I am getting old!
Tomorrow, weather permitting, we hope to move north up to Mackinaw City for a few days and then on to Lake Michigan! Huron has been fun, but it is time to get moving.....we have seen a few looper boats here, but have not made contact with anyone....when the winds are blowing there are not too many boaters hanging around on the docks....we just get inside and hold on!
Can't believe it is August....We have had such a busy last couple weeks that there has been no time to blog!. Plus the internet service in some places is so frustrating that I just give up....I have enough things to drive me nuts that I don't need one more. We spent several nights in Blind River, Canada and then went on to Thessalon for one night...beautiful marina, absolutely NOTHING else in the town.....Luckily we did find a place to eat after walking for a mile or so that closed in 5 minutes of us getting there, and we did feel like we were putting them out for coming in so late (7pm) and I thought Rogers City had little to offer! We crossed back over channel to Drummond Island to meet our kids and grand boys on July 22. We effortlessly checked back into the US and got a slip at the "yacht haven" for the next week. Seems the US doesn't have nearly the restrictions of what you can bring back with you as Canada does with what you take into their country. So the Martha Washington geraniums that I "smuggled" into Canada didn't have to be hidden in the bath tub to get them back into US.....hey, they were beautifully blooming and that's the only thing I have that reminds me of living a "normal" life somewhat!. I had meant to leave them with my mom but I forgot and still had them on board. They also don't want you to bring ANY fresh meat, fruits or veggies with you....which is pretty funny, as let me tell you, their grocery stores are lacking a lot compared to what we are used to. However, we did love, love, love the butter tarts! and of course, our favorite .....pea meal bacon....which really is ham wrapped in a mealy substance like corn meal. (but must be pea meal.....my grand sons refused to try it! ha, their loss)
So the whole bunch showed up at Drummond, and the "adult" kids rented a cabin on the water just next to the boat harbor, and the 3 grand boys stayed with us on the boat.....It was quite a week...
We had a couple days of rain and that was pretty tough with the small places and 3 VERY ACTIVE boys..(thank you God that the new baby will be a girl!!) All in all, I think everyone had a great time and even the 2 grand dogs seemed to enjoy themselves.
We brought grandson Bennett with us on the boat, back across Lake Huron to Rogers City for spend the week ....it is much easier to have a grand son one at a time. He was a big help to captain grandpa in cleaning the boat,etc (as there was this "incident" involving a broken hatch, that he had to work to help pay off the $$ it cost to fix)....Bob then had a business trip downstate and then one in Colorado that left Bennett and me on the boat alone for 3 days.....As luck would have it, the Nautical Fest was going on and there were lots of activities, plus my sister and brother and families were in Rogers also.....Sister Lisa and Sue spent a lot of time with him at the beach, etc....plus there was this cute little girl that also occupied his time.....His grandpa told him to watch out for "those Rogers City girls".... it was pretty cute to see them hanging out at the carnival etc....don't tell him I mentioned it! Oh to be 11 again!
The week gave us a few pretty rough nights of storms and we were glad captain Bob had the lines secured for us. Bob got back on Friday, I took Bennett to meet up with his mother to take him home and all has quieted down....except for the LOUD music that comes from the festival tent each night, just across parking lot from marina.....guess I am getting old!
Tomorrow, weather permitting, we hope to move north up to Mackinaw City for a few days and then on to Lake Michigan! Huron has been fun, but it is time to get moving.....we have seen a few looper boats here, but have not made contact with anyone....when the winds are blowing there are not too many boaters hanging around on the docks....we just get inside and hold on!
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