August 17, 2004 -
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We’re back on the water again. We ended up in Frankfort, MI, 6
days because of the wind. The Coast Guard circled the harbor
and the inlet until Thursday to make sure travelers knew there
was a small craft warnings.
We decided to make Friday our cruise day. The “We” are 3 other
boats. Two that we met in Fernandina, FL back in April. The
3rd we picked up along the windy way.
From there we moved to Ludington, MI. We had 1–3 foot seas but
that was definitely better than the previous travel. The
lighthouse is a welcome sight. The Ludington Ferry, SS Badger
goes from Ludington, MI to Manitowoc, WI. When we were boat
shopping in 2003 we took this Ferry to get to the Wisconsin
side to continue our trip to our place in northern Wisconsin.
The marina was full of smaller fishing boats fishing in a King
Salmon tournament. They were very quiet leaving in the morning
but they took up most of the space in the marina putting the
bigger transient boats on the wall in the same basin where the
Badger comes and goes.
We were taking advantage of the good weather and moved on to
Muskegon the next day. Our destination was the Grand Lakes
Marina. They had their Customer Appreciation Party. They
invited the transient for dinner. Of course we wouldn’t pass
up a free dinner. The evening was windy but delightful.
There is a new Ferry boat crossing the Lake and its port is
right next to the marina where we were. It’s a big catamaran
boat and goes from Muskegon to Milwaukee, WI. This is a new
ferry and I believe it runs year round. The Lake was beautiful
when we cruised and we were ready to go again Sunday.
I wanted to visit one more quaint waterfront town and we
decided on Saugatuck. What a party town. What I see of
cruising on Lake Michigan is to go up or down the coast and
spending the night or week-end in a marina partying. The
weather whips us so much and so quickly it makes anchoring out
a little dicey. There are “Refuge Harbors” about every 30
miles on the Michigan side so you’re never very far from a
safe place in a storm. Now you may not have your own slip but
you can be in a safe harbor either rafted our in a safe
anchorage.
Saugatuck was an example of partying and rafting. We did have
a slip-shallow but a slip with power none the less. Out
traveling partners were rafted together but only 2 deep. There
were 6 boats rafted together ahead of them. Walking on the
riverfront looking at boats is the pastime. By 7 pm on Sunday
things had calmed down and most of the rafters and lookers had
gone home.
The weather was looking a little unstable so we left early and
cruised to New Buffalo, MI. The town was a nice little town.
There is lots of building going on but they are cleaning and
remaking the harbor. We stayed at the Municipal Marina. It is
right downtown, close to everything. There is a great grocery,
pharmacy, fresh produce market and lots of cute little shops.
The weather sounded even worse for today but we made a run for
Hammond, IN. We left at 7:30 am and found the waves as soon as
we got to the harbor inlet. We ran about 2 miles off shore.
The waves were 2-4 feet. Not as bad as expected. Bob decided
it was good enough to make a straight shot rather than hug the
shore. That was not a good decision. The waves picked up and
got us broadside so we turned back to shore. Much better. That
southwest wind was definitely bringing storms but they held
off until tonight.
We do have severe thunderstorm warning until 11 pm. About 7 pm
the lightening and wind started. From there the rains came and
then the hail. We were tucked in the boat visiting and having
a drink but around the corner of our runway came about 12
small sail boats from the marina sailing school. They were
soaked but still sailing. Most had their centerboards up but
none that we saw turned over.
If this journal entry sounds a little muddled I’m writing
while watching the Olympics. I may have double vision from the
slightly blurry picture but we have a picture and can see
everything but the clear scores.
Our plan is to start the Illinois River tomorrow. Who knows,
if the locks and the weather stays we may be home by Labor
Day.
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