HOT in Hammond

Tuesday August 28th, another beautiful day in our northern paradise.  Blue skies and calm waters.  Temps are suppose to reach mid 90's today and muggy and hazy.  Not so go for my asthma.  As we started out Don new GPS did not seem to what to start up right, so I got out the IPad with the Navionics on it and we were okay.  We stopped just outside the harbor at Michigan City and Don played around with it and all was well again.  It was such a smooth cruise to Hammond.  I called the Marina and mentioned that there would be a few Looper's coming and if we could be together.  No problem, we were and it was on the last dock "X" just before the rock break water.  But that is as far as it goes for service at this marina.  They have been unfriendly, uninformed and it is like we all were an inconvenience to them.  Great rate to stay but that is all.  All the docks are covered in bird stuff and no one cared to clean them off.  We would not recommend this marina  Our slip could not have been farther away from everything.  Loopy Kiwi was right behind us.  As we pulled in the boat beside us was also a Looper.  Jack and Denise and their daughter Beatrice from Brazil, on their boat Jade.  I can not believe that they brought their boat all the way from Brazil, and now they are doing the Loop.  It has taken them six years.  Wow!!!!  Really nice couple and a quite daughter.  As Phil was backing in, the wind came up from no where and blew him away from the docks, but he was great at backing in and all done with a remote control. After he was settled in we all stood there for a few minutes and just looked at the Chicago skyline, amazing....

After we tied up, it was so hot out.  We came inside and cooled off.  Phil came over with a large bottle of Pinot Grigio.  Carolyn stated on their boat.  Well in was not long and the bottle was going and so had the time.  It was after 9PM.  We made a lite dinner and Don put another movie on. Because it was a "feel good movie/chick flick" he went to the bedroom and watched CNN.  I came back down after the movie and cleaned up and locked up.  We were warned at another Marina about thefts at this Marina, so Don went up to do another quick check upstairs.



Scott & KC on Jet Stream

Next morning the 29th.  The water was like glass and what an amazing color of blue.  The temps were already in the 80's, and blue, blue sky's.  Phil and Carolyn dropped by and we talked about the next few days and if they were going to the Looper's get together in Chicago on the 1st.  Just before 12:00 Scott and KC on Jet Stream arrived.  The Looper's just keep on coming....  After they got settled in we all had decided to ride our bike to the Walmart since we all needed stuff, and we needed wine....  Not a far ride, but not a biker friendly area.  After shopping we all tried to load everything on our bikes in baskets, on on the handle bars and on our backs.  I am sure that the Looper six, all "medium old" people riding those bikes all loaded up must have looked strange....  We made it back retreated to our prospective boats, some for lunch and some for a nap for some.....  We had talked about getting together at 6 for cocktails and hors'doeuvres and then as they call it in New Zealand "a barby" which means BBQ.  It was fun.  I do not think that we were suppose to have our propane BBQ's on the dock, but we figured that since the Marina closed at 4:00PM and the security was no where to be found and we all were on the very last dock before Lake Michigan, no one would see us or better yet, who would want to walk all that way to tell us no you can not have your BBQ's on the docks.  We had a great time and dinner.  We all       brought something to start with and then our own food for dinner.

Jerry & Janet on Wind Song



Phil & Carolyn on Loopy Kiwi

After dinner Phil brought out his guitar and serenaded us till late in the nite.  All we needed was a camp fire.  Jerry and Janet on Wind Song had pulled in late but on a different dock, and already had dinner but arrived just as Phil had started to play.  Great time, great dinner and great friends...



 

 

August almost gone, it is now the 30th.  We decided to stay one more nite. 
Why not $50.00 for 5 nites...  My back is still a bit sore so I will take it easy so I can enjoy Chicago tomorrow.  Don watching the weather to see if the hurricane will come far enough north to affect our trip.  Temps today are to be in the high 90's and again very humid and muggy....  We worked on a few small repairs on the boat and later I worked on this blog.  the group whanted to go to the buffet at the Casino, but I thought they were going in the evening, but they wanted to go at 2:00PM.... So off we go in our summer dresses and riding our bike.  We must have looked real nice!!!!  It was quite a buffet.   We all ate soooo much, but it was good and the food was hot.  We all went  down to the Casino and I decided I wanted to leave them some of my money, and I did.  Road back to the boat and again today, it was a very hot day.  We went inside to cool off and we ended up falling asleep.  Can't eat a buffet dinner in the middle of the day....  Had a relaxing nite.  Sat outside with Phil, and watched the moon come up.  It looked like a full moon.  Jerry and Janet dropped by for a bit.  They were leaving early in the morning.   After they left, I went to bed and left the men to shoot the breeze, or what-ever....  



Indiana Here We Come

Got up and weather was great.  All storms had pasted and radar showed nothing ahead of us.  Went and talked to David and Joy Lazarus on their great Grand Banks 42 "Maia".  Lovely boat and so much room.  Before you know it the time was 10:30AM.  We bid good bye and said we hope to be able to catch up to them again along the way.  We packed and and left at about 10:50AM.  Had read about the diesel fuel at Pier 33 in St Joseph on the Looper's digest so we decided to stop for some there.  We were going to stay over nite but the only space was a 36' slip for our 48' boat, NOT going to happen.  It was a terrible place to try to reach people. We called Pier 33 on channel 9 to no avail.  Finally I called by phone just to find out that they do not monitor VHF or any radio.... It was not easy to get around and water levels were very shallow and directions by the marina staff to get fuel were sketchy at best so we said F--- it and left.  Headed for Michigan City, Indiana, and again the weather was great and fairly calm waters. Arrived just as marina staff had gone.  Large, nice marina and directions to our slip # 339 were great.  In was now 4:50PM and it is a hot and humid day.  I had for that we were in a different time zone so we actually arrived at 3:40PM. Don walked down the dock and said that there was about five or six more Looper's there.  After a nice shower we went over to talk to the people on Native Son, Rich and Merry Kay and their daughter and grandson Matthew, which we had  met on Mackinac Island.  They to had a lovely boat with so many storage areas, which always gives me new ideas.  On the way back we stopped and talked to Phil and Carolyn Johnston on the Loopy Kiwi.  We have heard so many Looper's talk about there travels with them it was so nice to meet them. Then we bumped into Scott and KC Calkin on Jet Stream, who we had also met earlier.  We were not almost a party.  The next to join the group on the docks were Roger and Karen on the Karen Anne who just days before had crossed their wake and had just but on, with great pride their gold flag.  Roger's first question was "well what do you do next".  It was an amazing nite and a fabulous sunset. 

Most came back to our boat for a few drinks.  They wanted to see the Navionics app that I downloaded on my IPad and how mine had more detail than Don's brand new RayMarine E127.  But mine only cost $54.99....  After everyone left we ordered pizza and watched the end of Avatar, on also I think we were OUT of wine!!!!

South Haven

 

 

 

We got up and sadly had to leave Saugatuck.  It was a very nice little town.  I could have spent one more nite and left a few more dollars there.  It was a calm day for cruising.  Blue, blue skies.  Waters start to get a little choppy as we arrived in South Haven.  Stayed at the South Haven Municipal Marina.  Nice, clean a looks rather new, and the staff were friendly and helpful.  Saw a few other Looper's there.  We decided to go on a walk into town.  Small but almost everything there you need except a full grocery store.  Don needed some thing in the hardware store so we headed there. Walked down the main street and decided to picked up a submarine for lunch and came back to the boat. We were going to take our bikes off for a ride, but they supply free regular bike so we used them and went for a ride.  Nice water front and again great beaches. 

                                                                                                               Interesting statues in many of the towns.

 

There was a lite misty rain starting so our ride was cut shorter than usual.  There was a storm coming across the lake so you could see other boaters out on the docks checking all their lines and adding a few more.  The rain came hard just as we got back to the boat, which just happened to to be 5 o'clock cocktail hour.  Imagine that!!!!  I decided to cook pork tenderloin medallions with a Mango chutney sauce that was great. Lucky we had the last of our fresh veggies along with a nice basamati rice and of course wine.  It was still rain hard so we connected the DVD player to the TV in the solarium (helm) and started to watch the first half of Avatar.  First time we have watched a movie in a long time.  We would have liked to do more but we all need a rain day now and again....

Hidden Gem "Saugatuck"

Well left Grand Haven, a really nice city to what we thought was going to be choppy and bumpy travel day.  Some of the Looper's that had left earlier had said it was doable with 2 to 3 footers.  We were about one hour behind them.  The weather was beautiful and already quite warm so early in the morning, and the sky was blue.  At first it was a bit rolly but I have seen and been in much worse.  Don was staying close to shore as were the other boats which made it much nicer.  I found it so comfortable that I was able to do my needlework and still have all my fingers.  We were able to get a spot in Saugatuck at the Coral Gables Marina.  It was a long way up the river to the Marina.  Just before we got to the Marina we heard a bell ring and then we saw the Chain Ferry cross over the river.  Is there any other way to get to the other side!!!! 

Robby the Dock Master was very helpful during our stay.  Thruout the area and at all the Marina's, they all were packed as it was Friday. We were very fortunate to get a spot.  After we got settled in Don cleaned the outside of the boat and I did the inside.  I made Don some "late" birthday chuncky chocolate brownies, his favorite.  Went out for a walk through the streets by the Marina.  What a quaint town and so many interesting shops. We found a store that had some nautical things in it.  We have, or should I say "I have" been looking for a lamp for the helm solarium (as I call it) and have not been able to find the right one.  Well we found one and one for our bedroom also or should I say "aft salon".  Don did some shopping also and fould a great bamboo shirt at 1/2 off. We came back and had a cold beer at the Coral Gables bar and listened to some live music. Not bad....  Back at the boat it was 5 o'clock cocktail time, so don did the honors of making the rum a cokes.  Saw three Looper's anchored out in front of the Singapore Yacht Club marina.  Nice day for it. Went back to the Coral Gables for dinner, it was their perch special nite.  Don ordered ribs 10/10and I got the perch  5/10 but the wine was great.  Went for a walk and then called it a nite.

Humm... He certainly feels like someone I know..

We decided to stay for another nite.  Don went everywhere to find a USA Today, but no luck.  We went to a bakery called the Annex and picked up some awsome cinnamon swirl sticky buns and fresh bagels. Went for another long walk.  I was looking for a sun dress but no luck.  Before we knew it, it was 6 o'clock.  Where did the time go.  As we were coming back to the boat we stopped at Wally's for a cold afternoon beer (seems to be a trend, and I usually do not like beer).  We passed by a restaurant called Hercules, and we went in and it was so lovely.  Don went to the back and it had a private lanscaped back dining courtyard.  We went back to the boat and cleaned up and relaxed for a bit and then walked back to the Hercules to have dinner  Is was so lovley and private.  Don had a New York 8/10 and I had Chicken Marsala 10/10 and ofcorse wine.  All very reasonably priced.  Walking back to the boat we passed  Restaurant Toulouse, that had outdoor jazz trio playing so we stopped for a glass of wine.  The music was great, so great Don actually asked me if I wanted to dance.... Don dance....  A few more glasses of wine, and more great music.  What a way to end the day.  Back to the boat and a much needed sleep....

Second "Grand" Day

We decided to stay a second day. Made a wonderful breakfast on the boat and we relaxed for a bit. Don got his USA Today fix so he was fine. We needed a few things for the boat so Don got the bikes ready but when he was putting on the baskets he dropped one into the water by the side of the boat. The basket also had our chain lock in it.... He and the Looper on the boat beside us jimmy rigged some poles and hooks and by a stroke of luck he managed to hook the handles of the basket and also by luck the chain was still inside. We rode our bikes to the West Marine on their boardwalk bike path which took us everywhere. We needed a new life ring which Don brought back to the boat. One more thing off the check list of things to buy.... Went to see the US Boarder Protection people at the Coast Guard Station to check on how we register our movements in Michigan. They were very helpful, but as we have found that really no one really knows. We have never got the same answer from anyone. After that we went for another long bike ride. It is a safe city to ride your bikes in. Stopped for a beer and then back to boat. The weather has been nice, around mid 80's and cool nites. The city has lots of sculptures around the town. This one was down on the boardwalk by the boat. We decided to go back and have a beer at The Kirby. It has been warm and humid, so a nice cold beer or two worked wonders. Ordered some nachos to nibble on, (would not advise ordering them, 4 out of 10 on our rating system) Back at the boat Don just wanted to read the paper so I worked on this ---- blog. For all of you bloggers out there my hat goes off to you'al bvecause it is alot of work. Came back to the boat and picked up the bikes and went for a ride. That nite as the nite before they do a lite and water show across the river. This time I put the camera on the tri-pod and videoed it. It came out not to bad. We have certainly enjoyed the shows.... A nip cap them off to bed.....

 

 

"Grand" Grand Haven

Light House Entrance to Grand Haven


 

 

We had a great Day cruising. Arrived at Grand Haven and stayed at the Municipal Marina. Staff were so great and were there on the docks to help with docking. After getting settled in we went for a walk. Very nice city, and very friendly people. We took the Harbor Trolley for a small tour of the area. Came back to the boat and took the bikes off and went for a ride. Decided to go to the beach so off we headed.  It is a very bike friendly town. The boardwalk takes you all the way down to the beach. And I thought that we had great beaches in Sarnia, not. This was an amazing beach similar to Ipperwash in Ontario but 10 times better.  It felt so good to just walk down the beach, made us feel like we were back in the Bahamas, and then to go for a swim. Ah we are Canadian, we can take almost any water temp. But surprisingly it was great and not cold at all.

 

 

 

 

  Met a cute couple in the water, Jarrett and Carrie. Just more friendly people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rode back to boat for 5 o'clock cocktail hour.  Went to Kirby's, a large restaurant across from the marina that had a bar on the top of the building that overlooked the water.  It was so nice to relax a have a cold beer or two.  We decided to ride down to the end of the pier by the light house to see the sun set into the lake, and so did about 100 other people.  It was the first time on the trip that we actually saw the sun set and we were not disappointed.  We came back to the boat, had a glass of wine and watched the water and light show at 9:30PM.  So amazing.   We went back to Kirby's for a lite dinner.  Walked back to boat and had a nite cap.  This was just a great relaxing day and just what we needed....

Ludington to Whitehall

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We left Ludington and headed to Whitehall as recommended by the other Looper's.  They all suggested to go to Whitehall instead of Muskegon, so we joined the group and headed out.  As we left one swan met our boat to bid us a good bye. Have never seen a swan with it wings up like this it was so amazing to see.  May be it was a mating dance.... 

It was a smooth cruise till just before we got to Grand Haven when the winds picked up a bit. We arrived in Whitehall to the Crosswinds Marina. The docks not in the best shape and the dumbest dock hand we have seen since Perry Sound. We asked her the depth of the water and she said "ah I don't know... know one has ever asked" Don when in bow first because of so many weeds. She did not even cleat the bow line till I had to ask her to. The Marina it seems is geared more for their seasonal boats and not the transients ones. Well one bad dock person is not so bad, when there have been so many great ones along the journey.

Went for a bike ride.  Cute little town.  The rest of the Looper's were on the far side of the Marina and came in all at different times.  Don and I had a nice quite dinner at the Crosswinds Restaurant.  Good dinner we and we both had fish. Great service and reasonable price.  Went back to the boat and watched a movie on TV for a change.



 

 

Got up and left for Grand Haven.  It was a nice morning.  As we were leaving there were dozens of swans all over the lake, usually in groups of 18 to 20.  Just beautiful to watch. All the way down the lake more and more appeared.  I think that they were are escort out.  The weather was great and as we approached Grand Haven the wind picked up again, but by now I am becoming a pro at the rolling from side to side and the waves smashing over the bow.  Even the cats are getting use to it.  The coast line of Lake Michigan is beautiful. 

 

 

  

As we were leaving the Channel there was the White River Light Station built in 1875, awesome. We wish we could have rode our bike there to see it....

Frankfort to Ludington

Left Frankfort on Monday the 20th 8:30AM for Ludington.  Beautiful day to cruise.  So smooth I was able to do my needlework sitting at the back of the boat.  Such a beautiful area with lots of sand dunes everywhere.  Arrived mid afternoon.  More Lopper's everywhere....  The Marina staff were very helpful and worked late into the evening.  Went for a bike ride into town.  Small but very friendly town. Stopped at a small store to pick up some great dips for the "5 o'clock" cocktail get together.  Stopped at The Jamesport Brewing Company for a taste of some local beer.  Don tried a lite Bells beer and I had an amber beer, good stuff.  The group got together at 6:30PM for cocktails.  This is the only way to end the day swapping stories and boat problems and rum.... 





A little "pole dancing" like in Treasure Cay....





Saw the ferry boat The Badger come in and leave quite a site.

 

We decided to order a pizza while others biked into town.  Should have gone with them.  The Marina staff recommended Chuck Wagon for pizza, it was terrible.  threw it out in the morning.  Went for a walk and saw the fishermen cleaning their catch.  Wish I had my camera.  Amazing to see them clean and gut them and so fast.  It was a beautiful nite and the first time we saw so many stars.  It made us think of Stoney Lake.....

Charlevoix to Frankfort

We left the beautiful Mackinac Island on Tuesday the 14th for Charlevoix at 8:00AM.  We crossed over to Mackinaw City to fuel up and to get a pump out.  Get day to cruise.  The seas were 1 to 2 feet and blue sky's.  Don cruises at about 10.8  to 11 mph.  We had a good day on Lake Michigan and arrived in Charlevoix at 4:00PM.  We stayed at the Municipal Marina downtown.  Great marina and very friendly staff.  We were on the end of "B" Dock and all down the docks we saw many more Lopper's.  Went for a bike ride that nite, nice town.  Had dinner at Whitney's Oyster Bar and had a great whitefish and walleye dinner. 

Next morning the 15th, we got a ride to the plaza to buy our Verizon MIFI and then walked to the Kmart plaza to the AT&T store to buy our SIM chip for my phone.  We decided to walk back by the water.  It was a beautiful day for a long walk back to the boat.  We met Jerry and Janet Guyer on the Wind Song and had "5 o'clock cocktails" on their boat. It is so nice to talk to other people that are doing the same dream we are. Had dinner on the boat that nite.  Don's favorite pasta with meatballs and a salad and bruschetta bread and of course wine....When for a walk and then called it a nite. 

The next day the 16th, there was a market downtown at the Marina.  Just great.  They were also having sidewalk days at the stores this weekend and had some great buys.  Went for a long bike ride back to Kmart and to see some of the Earl Young homes.  They are so amazing.  On the way into the Marina I fell off my Bike and hit my head on the lamp pole.  What a headache I had !!!!  Had "5 o'clock cocktails" on our boat and invited Jerry and Janet. So many great stories they have.  Did not feel like going out so made souvaliki and rice for dinner.  Better than going out...

On Friday the 17th the weather was suppose to be better so Don decided to leave.  We left the dock at 10:00AM and were gone about 30 minutes and decided to turn back.  The wind was coming out of the south at 15 to 20 knots and waves were 4+ feet coming right at our bow.  Not a fun ride....  After we got back at the Marina we went for a walk and had a nice lunch at the Weathervane and sat outside.  Nice restaurant and tried some good local beer, Bell's Oberon for Don and North Peak Siren for me.  Later we met Joe and Tara Parker and Lit Bits on the Seabatical.  We invited them and Jerry and Janet for "5 o'clock" cocktails and munchies on our boat.  Tara showed me how to do "The Bitch Wings", so funny!!!! Again one of the things that all of us agreed on was that meets other lopper's and their stories was a great part of the journey.  That nite we had a lite dinner at The Villager Pub and had walleye and cod fish and chips.  To die for....  Then back to the boat, one nite cap and bed....

On Saturday the 19th we just stayed around the downtown area.  Made a great blueberry pancake breakfast with Canadian bacon, yummy...  Everyone was going to leave the next day.  The weather was calling for calm seas and wind lite from the north and west.  Left Charlevoix at 8:30 on Sunday the 19th and had a smooth cruise.  Don's 69th Birthday.....  The marina was starting to look empty , what with all the boats leaving trying to make up for lost time....  Arrived in Frankfort at approx. 3:00PM.  Small clean Marina.  Many Lopper's there.  Picked up some parcels that we had sent there.  Don talked to some of the Lopper's and they invited us to a group "5 o'clock cocktail" get-together.  We met Mike and Kathy McMahon on the Queen Kathleen, Carl and Ricki Guthrie on Quest, Ron and Lynne Taylor on Northern Spirit, Joe and Edie on Seaquel and Jerry and Janet on WindSong.  Everyone brought a little something.  It was so much fun.  Went up the road for dinner and then back for a nite cap....  Head still hurting so I went to bed....

Municipal Marina in Charlevoix

 

What a Grand Island

The Grand Hotel

Callie and the new kitten Sunshine

We went for a long walk in the morning.  What a beautiful day.  Had breakfast at the Seabcuit, great way to start the day.  Don got the bikes off the boat and got them ready.  Went for a long bike ride.  We almost forgot what it was like to ride them.  Rode up to the Grand Hotel and it is grand.  Went in and had a few beers.  I had their own brand of beer and it was great.  Rode back to the boat and then when to dinner back at the Pink Pony but sat outside.  Not the best dinner tonite.  we think that Mackinac Island is a one of a kind town.  We would like to go back again....  Our cats are taking the boating like pros....

Mackinac Island

Well we got up on Sunday and said we are gone.  Weather had cleared and the water was calm.  We left at 7:45 AM and had smooth sailing till about 12:30 and then it started to get a little rough.  Don thinks that most of the waves were around 6+ feet and the we got some that weer 7+ feet.  We had these waves all the way to Mackinac Island, about four hours.  It was so nice to finally get to the Marina and tie up.  We stayed at the State Marina and it was great.  We went for a walk and saw so many Lopper's on our dock.  Don had a great time talking to all of them.  Went to dinner at Pink Pony and to watch the closing of the Olympics.  Had a super whitefish dinner and bruschetta bread.  The town is so beautiful and quaint.  And the bike everywhere, so amazing.    Went for a long bike ride by this hole in the rock.  We cannot wait till tomorrow morning.

Rain Rain Go Away

It is now Saturday and we have been here since Wednesday.  Weather has held up many boats because of the high wind, heavy rain and waves you just do not want to go out in.  Don checked the Sirius weather on his new GPS and it looks like we may leave tomorrow along with many other boats.  Gore Bay is a cute little town to be stuck in.  Many restaurents to choose from and stores and services with in walking distance.  We ate at the Cafe on the Bay the first nite and it was great.  Walked over to the north side of the marina the next day and had drinks and nachos that we're great while listening to music on ther outside patio.  I cooked a fabulous dinner on the boat that nite.  We were went for a walk the next day and bumped into Brian & Lori Wilson.  They used to stay at Viamede Resort on the docks and knew Don and myself.  Small world.  We had dinner last nite back at the Cafe on the Bay and was awesome. Don had seafood pasta and I had rack of lamb and we had naan bruschetta bread and loved everything.  Everything was very reasonably priced and great service.  Rained very heavy last nite and boat still rocking and rolling. Today we are going to try a restaurant in town called Twin Bluffs.  Small town restaurant but they say the food is great.  Talked to Tom and Linda Geiger today and read their blogs.  You guys are great.  I am still tring to attach pictures to our blog.  I need help!!!!

At Last The Journey Begins Again.....

Sunset after the storm at Little Current

The path to start the second half of our Great Loop journey has been plagued with many obstacles, all arising from our choice to store our boat at Boyle's Marina in Little Current.  There had been a severe electrical storm in the North Channel, the worst they say in 30 years, on the Monday before we arrived at the boat. They believe that the boat did not get a direct hit but rather a large electrical surge that did extensive damage to many different electrical parts of the boat. After getting most repaired and having Boyle's install the new E127 RayMarine GPS we were ready to leave but had to stay for a few more days due to 45 mph winds and huge waves. The dock we were on actually broke in two and were being held together by just their anchors and cables. At the end of the storm the next day came this beautiful sunset. 
We finally left Little Current on our way first to Chicago and then to Green Turtle Bay Marina in Kentucky.  It feels so good to be back on the boat. 

Don's new First Mates
Callie and Sunshine

We are currently in Gore Bay, awaiting again for some good weather. Winds today were 45 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.  We hope to leave on Sunday or Monday heading for Mackinac Island or Mackinaw City.  This year we brought our cat Callie as usual, but have a new addition to our journey, a little kitten name Sunshine.  Don is doing so well on the new GPS, I am quite surprised.  We are looking forward to the rest of the trip and all the places and memories that are head of us.

Since this is my first attempt at a blog I will need all the help and suggestions I can get.

Look forward to hearing from you'al. 

Freya & Don 
Callie & Sunshine
The Last Resort