Lake Michigan

Sunday, September 10, 2006
Mike did a great job navigating the Straights of Mackinac which like all narrow passes can be a navigational challenge. We headed down Lake Michigan 60 miles to Charlevoix and 10 hours and a drawbridge later we docked at the Charlevoix City Marina. Mike folded our bimini to draw some heat from the sun during the day.…he’s a dreamer; it was a cold all 10 hours. No one from the city marina ever returned our calls to their phone numbers, current and off season although they claim to be available 8AM to 8PM through Sept. 30.
Channel
45º 19' 17" N
85º 15' 58" W
1-231-547-3272
Monitor Channel 9





Monday, September 11, 2006 and Tuesday September 12
Left Charlevoix early and waited until 6:30 AM draw bridge let us pass. Horrible day weather wise but we made good time. Silent passage peeked at 10.1 mph according to our GPS, a first for her. Pelted by cold wind and rain for 75 miles we were cold and weary. Arrived at 5:45 at Frankfort Municipal marina anxious for a warm shower. They forgot to mention a planned 6 hour electrical outage for the whole area so we found alternative ways of warming up. We were both tired and decided to spend a day in Frankfort. The library with Internet access was a stones throw from our dock. Bought a warm Icelandic design hat and mittens at Hull’s of Frankfort. We had breakfast at a local restaurant and met a great couple and their dog RED. Red is a pretty five month old Irish Setter. We never learned their names but we do know this is their 7th Irish Setter and they were all named RED. Mike was amazed when the waitress brought their breakfast and he couldn’t imagine how anyone could eat that much food at once. A lovely large dog bowl appeared from the gentleman’s lap and he proceeded to carefully cut the meat and toast and mix them with the hash browns and eggs and take them out to the dog. One of the nice things I’ve discovered about this cruising thing is you meet a lot of nice people, have interesting and fun conversations and then never see them again except maybe in another port. You don’t know their problems, their children’s problems, their financial problems, marital issues…… and on and on. It works for me.
Channel
4º 37' 49" N
86º 15' 11" W
1-231-352-9051
Monitor Channel 9

Wednesday, September 13, 2006
We left Frankfort at 7:30 AM and arrived at Manistee Marina at 11:30 AM just 31 miles south. We both enjoyed the town of Manistee. Interesting architecture, great riverwalk, restored downtown and shops (reminiscent of a 1950's downtown) good coffee and free wifi at Goody’s Juice and Java, great soup and sandwich bar at Four Forty West, a pretty candle from Hollyhock Gift Shop.



Channel
44º 15' 08" N
86º 20' 58" W
1-231-723-1552
Monitor Channel 9





Thursday, September 14, 2006
A 25 mile run to Ludington to the best DNR Municipal marina we have seen. No ducks (leaving piles of calling cards), spotless facilities, a social area with TV, all the desirable marina amenities, fresh flowers in the ladies room and an enthusiastic and helpful crew. We had homemade spinach pasta at a local restaurant called Luciano's (Mikes has good taste for an Irishman; he always looks for Italian restaurants).


Channel
43º 22' 30" N
86º 25' 51" W
1-231-843-9611
Monitor Channel 9

Friday, September 15, 2006
Ludington to White Lake is 40 miles and it took us 7 ½ cold, windy hours. We anchored out in the southwest corner of the lake with several other sailboats and endured the wakes of powerboats throughout the night. Mike had to get up several times when the winds were howling to check the anchor. We were in 50 ft. of water; he did a good job. Although Mike likes to anchor out (the Walden Pond thing) this is only the second time we have anchored out on this cruise and I am most appreciative.

Channel
43º 22' 30" N
86º 25' 51" N





Saturday, September 16, 2006 and Sunday, September 17
Fotrunately, Muskeegon is only 10 miles south of White Lake. We spent a harrowing 3 hours into strong south winds and 4 to 5 foot waves before we arrived at the Muskeegan Hartshorn Municipal Marina. The weather kept us captive here another day. We took an 8 mile bike ride around the area. Not much to see or do; the visitors center is closed on weekends. Another DNR marina, Muskeegon leaves a great deal to be desired although the staff is congenial.

Channel
43º 13' 28" N
86º 20' 54" W
1-231-724-6785
Monitor Channel 9

Monday, Sept. 18, 2006, Tuesday, Sept. 19, Wednesday, Sept. 20
It appears our comfort zone is evolving. We left for South Haven Municipal Marina with a 10 to 20 wind forecast and 3-5 ft waves. Rough entrance and docking 91/2 hours later. Met some nice people (sailors of course) from Michigan City and had dinner at a local pub. Would not recommend this marina for multiple reasons; not a good place to be for 3 days while awaiting the right weather conditions.

Channel
42º 24' 05" N
86º 17' 22" W
1-616-637-3171
Monitor Channel 9

Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006
We had hoped to get to Michigan City Marina but five hours of wind and waves in our face was enough so we docked at Saint-Joseph West Basin Marina. This is a great marina and the Harbormaster is very accomodating. Forecasts with winds exceeding 25 miles, gales, and 7-10 foot waves pushed Mike right over the edge. He did not anticipate the impact the weather would have on the Great Lakes part of this cruise and can't wait to get on the rivers.

Channel
42º 06' 58" N
86º 29' 44" W
1-616-983-5432
Monitor Channel 9

Friday, Sept. 22, 2006, Saturday, Sept. 23, Sunday, Sept. 24
So here we go again....leave the boat in the marina....rent a car....drive 6 1/2 hours to Chillicothe, take care of some business, mow the lawns, watch the Ohio State Football Game, monitor NOAA Marine weather forcasts and wait (anxiously) for unseasonable cold and stormy weather on Lake Michigan to pass.