It's Not a Straight Line to Florida

So, here it is Columbus Day and I'm on Fenwick Island, Delaware with friends Gail and Jack. They have a beautiful home set between the ocean and the bay, facing west so we could celebrate the sunset last evening with drinks on their deck overlooking the bay grasses, blue heron, and quiet waters. How nice.

I'll leave tomorrow -- really truely -- to start the drive to Sarasota. Hope to get to Savannah the first night which would leave about 7 hours drive the next day to Susan's home. Then Sophie and I will stay put until my house is ready (hopefully around the end of November or the first of December.)

THANK YOU Susan!!

Have had a great time visiting with friends and family as planned. Spent a very nice evening just outside of Cleveland with Mel and Sue from Class Act; drove the next day to Philly to stay with Jacki and Susan, before I left visited their new home which is downtown near the Italian Market (I would end up a hundred pounds heavier from all the fresh pasta and pastry!). Arrived at Gail and Jack's place in Mt. Vernon later that day, and began a whirlwind of appointments and meetings, including lunch with Dick and Diana in Old Town Alexandria, a Chesapeake Bay Foundation function in Annapolis, lunch with Joann and Chuck from Blue Horizon at the Annapolis Sailboat Show (which was MUCH smaller than past years), and dinner with Janet and Kay Francis in Ballston. Next morning stopped at Grier and Mike's in Annapolis for a fabulous breakfast, then drove on to Cathy's place in Cambridge where we motored out into the Choptank River on her friend Michael's Hooper Island hand crafted bayboat for a light lunch and dinner later that evening at Michael's. Then here to Fenwick Island yesterday.

The weather has been spectacular since last Wednesday -- warm sunny days and cool nights. But visiting with new and old friends has really made this trip special.

About eight hundred more miles, and I will find myself in Florida for the winter. Sophie has been a champ on the trip -- I guess she figures the car is our new home with occassional stops along the way to visit people. Just wait til we get to Florida!

Into the final week!

If my social life would just lighten up, I'd be further along in the chores of cleaning and clearing the boat of clutter. But, after a night out in Boyne City on Thursday, we were Barnie's guests at the Walloon Lake Golf Club for dinner last night -- the guests were delightful, the food scrumptuous, and the drinks, oh well. Today I've managed to make a few more dents in the amount of clutter on Sonador -- and tomorrow I'm dedicated to the same. Then, beginning on Monday I'm meeting friends for lunch or dinner or both every day next week.

I plan to leave here on Friday, run over to Barnie's for dinner and overnight, then take off -- stopping in Cleveland with friends Mel and Sue from Class Act, then to Philly to see Jackie and Suki (excuse me, Susan) on Sunday, then into D.C. on Monday. Iwill plan to stay with Jack and Gail in Mt. Vernon for the week. In addition to a few Dr. appointments (just check ups) I plan to meet friends from Blue Horizon at the Annapolis Boat Show on Friday, hope to see Mike and Grier on Friday night, and then who knows.

Dry wall is up -- I even have pictures -- so the new house is beginning to take shape. I'll have to pick lighting fixtures/fans and kitchen granite when I get down to Sarasota. And, then I have to change all my life-long registrations -- residence, voting, car, maybe boat, dog license, and who knows what else. Gads this will seem strange at first, but all very exciting.

In the interim, it's cool up here -- the colors are coming on -- and it's time for moving on. UNTIL NEXT YEAR.

Land Travels

Having made the trip around under the Mackinac Bridge -- and endured the waves of Lake Michigan -- we are securely tied to the dock at Irish Boat in Charlevoix. It's turned cool -- or cold depending on your reference point (below 40 at night) -- so nothing will do but Susan, Sophie and I are taking land tours.

Thursday and Friday we drove up to see the Sault Ste Marie Locks in action -- and actually saw an American flagged ship (Honorable Oberstar) pass thru the locks upbound (that means heading into Lake Superior). But, it was too cold with strong winds funnelling down thru the narrows to stay outside and watch for long. Later in the afternoon, we visited the Valley Camp (a retired ship that has been turned into a fascinating maritime museum) then had a fish dinner with Susan's sister and brother-in-law who have a cottage on one of the near by US islands. Next morning we drove to Whitefish Bay and the lighthouse at the Point -- the graveyard of so many vessels including at some distance the Edmund Fitzgerald. According to the museum at Whitefish Point, many of the tragedies occurred when ships upbound and downbound rammed one another. Less of that now of course, but it does make you wonder about travelling in the narrow waters leaving the Sault in rough waves and fog!

Yesterday, we went over to visit with Susan's childhood friend, Barney, who lives on Lake Walloon. Watched football and grilled out in the bright sunshine of a really delightful day.

Next few days will be spend visiting with my sailing friends who are in the area, then next week I will begin the fun chore of packing up for the winter. Sad to see the end of the summer, but looking forward to seeing friends in the DC area before I head on down to Sarasota and wait for the new home to be completed.

When Boating Ends Boaters Gather to Eat and Dream

The "gang" of GLCC boaters that I frequently hang out with at Hilton Beach on St. Joseph Island on the way to Sault Ste. Marie. We drove up from Cheboygan to meet Ann and Jarma for lunch and then to go to their "sugar" farm for the afternoon. Even had to smuggle some home made maple syrup back into the US on our return.

Jarma and I contemplate just how much we can eat and drink and still move around during the afternoon.

Later, we explore the possibilities of finding adventure in Ann and Jarma's woods and ms Sophie relaxes with the gang before we drive back to the USofA.

Back in Cheboygan

Arrived back in Cheboygan on Tuesday mid-day after a fun three days in northern Lake Huron. We anchored with friends in the False Harbor at Harbor Island (what that really means is that there is another inner harbor where most boats go) and visited with friends Jo and Ron on Annwfyn. Then, we headed over to Mackinac Island (neither James nor Ellen had ever been there) with a smooth and uneventful crossing of the lake. Two days of touring, buying fudge, and watching the horses pull everything from people to a very large refrigerator, and visiting with Bob and Marion on Jetstream at the Yacht Club. Then, a quick exit back to Duncan Bay.

I'm here at least until the 10th and will then look for a weather window during which Susan and I can make the run under the bridge to Charlevoix. You wouldn't think it was such a big deal, but winds building in Lake Michigan can create "excitement" for the passage from the bridge to Grey's Reef, and then down the coast to Charlevoix and there is no place to hide.

Thought I'd post a few last memories of the North Channel.

First, James and Sophie lead the way across Turnbull Island to look out on the Whalesback, next Sophie and I contemplate but never act on the thought of a deep wade, and finally. Sophie and her new buddy Cruiser the Dog at play on the deck -- Yes, that is play!

North Channel Highlights (2)

Coming west on the Whalesback Channel and sunrise and mist at Oak Bay. The countryside is BEAUTIFUL!

North Channel Highlights

Anchored at the Benjamin Islands -- rocky bottom and rocky shores, but just beautiful. With a visiting dog -- Cruiser the Dog -- adventures ashore were twice the fun. The dinghy picture is from Turnbull the first time thru

Oak Bay and Turnbull then Drummond Island

We stayed an extra day in Little Current -- winds and nasty forcastes kept us and almost everyone else at the dock. Yesterday an uneventful passage to Oak Bay where the loons and their haunting songs kept us all in reverent stillness. Today we came over to Turnbull Island for one last anchorage, and tomorrow we'll take a run to Drummond Island to clear customs and prepare for the run on Sunday to Mackinac Island.

While high wind warnings here are nothing like what our friends on the east coast are expecting, the forecast for Sunday and Monday is for strong winds out of the south. What better excuse than that for enjoying fudge on Mackinac.

Then back to Duncan Bay on Tuesday.

North Channel Redux

So, James, Ellen, CtD and I came to Turnbull for a couple of days in the North Channel -- then after two delightful days at anchor, we crossed the Channel to Gore Bay where Sophie demonstrated more of her adaptation to the life of cruising dog. Then, we went to the Benjamins where we anchored for three nights and enjoyed the beauty and solitude of the North Channel in late August. Now we are in Little Current for a couple of days -- and one more if the wind predictions hold -- before we begin to move west to Oak Bay and eventually to Mackinac Island at the end of the month.

Helping the Florida Economy

The front of my new home on Sunday, the 7th of August when Susan and I decided to take a look. By Thursday, most of the windows were in place and they were beginning to run the air conditioning vents.

Susan standing in the great room looking out on the lania -- in the background is the front door and the bright red car is parked in front of the garage.

Then, I had to purchase furniture to fill up all the empty spaces -- the Sarasota/Bradenton area must love people like me -- spending money like a drunken sailor!

Now, I'm back in Cheboygan MI awaiting the arrival of James and Ellen from Annapolis. Today has been cool and raining all day -- the area needs the rain but it makes for a lousy day to provision the boat for several more weeks on the North Channel. James/Ellen/CtD arrive tomorrow, we are planning on dinner with BD and Rick and then shoving off early on Monday weather permitting. The forecast is for light winds for most of the next week, so we should have a good crossing of Lake Huron.

Planning on meeting "the crazy Canadians" -- who are from Sarnia, Ontario and were my saviors last year when I decided to slice my ring finger almost to the bone. They celebrate one of their birthdays at Croker Island in the Benjamins every year -- Roy of the "cruisers net" even broadcasts a warning for those not ready to party to stay clear for a few days while Jimmy Buffet is introduced to Canadian waters. Then, who knows -- we will end up at Mackinac Island the end of the month before James and Ellen take off for the hinterlands of Canada and I wait for Susan's appearance in the upper lower part of Michigan.

All for now. Oh, except Sophie played the whole week I was gone and got picked up by Jay and Phillip who cleverly knew that my connections flying into Traverse City last evening were screwed up. She has settled back into her corner of the boat as if nothing ever happened.

A Different Type of Water

Standing in front of my future pool, looking out across the little pond behind the house in Lakewood Ranch!

Down here for the week to see the progress on my new home -- the studs are almost done, there is a beginning of the roof, and all is well. Except it really is HOT and MUGGY down here -- I will stop complaining about the heat up north.

In Cheboygan, and Up to Date

So, from Lime Island we motored back to Cheboygan on a glassy calm day -- almost fifty miles of quiet water with just a little haze in the middle of the lake.

Charlee left yesterday for a visit with her grand-daughter in Reno, and I tested out a doggy day care/boarding place for Sophie while I travel down to Sarasota to make some decisions on the house -- electrical walk thru to locate switches and plugs as well as overhead/recessed lights; meetings with landscapers re outside; meetings with granite people re kitchen etc; and meetings with interior designer to make purchase selections for at least the first few chairs. sofa, etc to move into the house when we are done.

Tonight is the Cheboygan Yacht Club weekly get together. And, I'll be back here by the 14th when James and Ellen arrive from Annapolis with Cruiser the dog to spend a couple of weeks back in the North Channel with me.

Lime Island

This pose on the part of Sophie may look familiar to those who knew Chessie -- find a place in the shade, on the deck where you can watch the world go by. The good news is that mom is getting more comfortable with allowing her to wander around the boat -- and Sophie is getting more comfortable with boating. By the end of the summer, she'll be an old hand at this.

Lime Island is a well protected harbor, but as you can see from this shot, the boat is well below the wall that you tie to. No problem for Sophie since we have a ramp that will hold a dog -- creaky, ole Melissa is another story -- we needed to tie near one of the large bollards, so a large line and a lot of huffing and puffing could bring me up on land. Once there, the exploration of the island and it's well manicured fields and well marked trails could begin.

Oak Bay

Taken from Hotham Island, we are at anchor in Oak Bay revisiting old -- at this point any anchorage where I've been a couple of times is "old" -- stomping grounds.

Charlee and I even found a handful of ripe blueberries to take back to the boat for breakfast cereal the next morning.

This is the type of anchorage where one can imagine staying for several days at a time -- simply enjoying the scenery, the security of a snug harbor, and perhaps even a swim -- although there are plenty of weeds to tickle your legs, but the water was warm and inviting.

Pictures at Long Last -- Turnbull Island

From Turnbull Island with Charlee -- still beautiful weather, and note that Sophie has returned to "her" island where mom feels safe to let her run -- and run she does.







Later, we walked across the island to the small beach on the eastern shore facing the Whalesback Channel, where Sophie, mom and Charlee all went for a deep wade, and then dried off on the rocks.

Back in the good ole US of A

Greetings from Lime Island, Michigan on the St. Mary's River -- on the approach to the Sault Ste Marie Locks. We cleared customs at Drummond Island yesterday mid-day and then motored up here for a couple of nights stay before we start back to Cheboygan tomorrow.

Weather kicked up while we were in Little Current, so I stayed an extra day and even with the added day we ran into some small waves -- less than 3 feet -- and sadly for ms Sophie a lot of rolling as we motored to Gore Bay. We by-passed the Benjamins 'cause the winds were out of the wrong direction for a comfortable anchorage. Shoot, that means I'll just have to go back again!!

From Gore it was a short run to Meldrum Bay -- the last stopping place on Manitoulin Island. Then out into a grey and dreary North Channel for the run to Drummond Island to clear customs.

Pictures are slow to come -- sorry about that, but I'll have time and plenty of air access once I get back to Cheboygan (and I'll have Charlee's pictures to add to the collection)

Sophie thinks this is the BEST place yet, 'cause I am able to let her run free on the hillside below the park cabins. Joy!

Little Current and Heading West

We will leave Little Current later this morning, go to the Benjamins, then plow west to Gore Bay, Meldrum, and finally check into Drummond Island MI on Friday (with weather cooperation).

Just to keep everyone informed. The days have been blustery, but clear -- so far.

Back in Canada -- and swimming!

Well it has stayed unusually warm -- hot is the correct term! Charlee arrived on time, we went to the Cheboygan Yacht Club meeting on Tuesday evening (I just joined this year) and then took off on Wednesday morning to a benign forcaste. Almost changed my mind as thunder and lightning came thru as we motored out of Choboygan, but kept persisting 'cause the radar showed that the storms were really passing behind us. Finally, into bright sunshine and we motored into Thessalon Ontario before 6 p.m., checked into Customs and made ourselves comfortable for two days. Winds from the West were forcast for Thursday and our first destination is not conducive to westerly blows. It really turned out to be not so bad, but a day of rest after nine hours at the helm isn't a bad idea.

Today, we came to Turnbull Island -- set anchor, and after a short walk actually went in swimming off the boat. The water is wonderful and a cool change from the blazing sun. Tomorrow we're off for Oak Bay, and then onto Little Current for a Cruisers' Net party on Sunday afternoon. If the course sounds familiar, it is -- I wanted Charlee to see this part of the North Channel, and we will probably have to begin working our way back west no later than Tuesday morning.

Oh, Sophie got to go swimming -- much to her dismay -- off the beach. She likes the water, just wants to be able to touch ground.

That's all for now. Pictures after we get to Little Current where signals are stronger!

Hot, muggy and downright miserable

As many boating fans will have heard, there were two deaths last night associated with the sinking of a boat in the Chicago to Mackinac Race where winds were clocked above 50 knots and the thunder and lightning were horrific -- six crew members were saved, thankfully.

Well, that same storm roared -- and I mean roared thru the marina at Duncan Bay in Cheboygan last night beginning a little after midnight and not stopping until almost 2:30 a.m. I have never been so tossed about in a boat at a dock in my life -- thankfully, there was little significant damage to the marina, but I did learn of a few leaks that had never shown up before. I also learned that ms Sophie is one smart dog, she just hunkered down in her bed and got sympathetic head scratches from mom. (Truth be told, the head scratches were for my calming as much as hers)

And, today it is even hotter and muggier. BD and I drove to Petoskey to putz around, and when I finished provisioning this evening around 6:60 p.m. it was still 92 degrees. Tomorrow promises to be warmer and the next day equal. Poor Charlee is arriving tomorrow expecting to be where it is cool and it feels like the Chesapeake Bay.

IFF (that is if and only if) the weather doesn't hold more horrific storms, Charlee and I will leave on Wednesday for the North Channel -- however, if this heat wave continues, I may be a marina hopping boat for several days where we can at least plug in at night and get air conditioning (God would not have invented air conditioning on boats, if he didn't intend us to use it!!)

Pictures as we go, and as internet is available.

Finally, Little Detroit and Oak Harbor

The channel at Little Detroit has been enhanced by blasting, but it is still narrow and requires a call of securite before entering to notify boats going the opposite direction that you are approaching. Been through narrower on the Georgian Bay Small Craft Channel, but still makes you wish for more water below your keel

Meanwhile, Oak Bay and the lovely harbor there -- after another tricky entrance hugging within twenty feet of one of the entrance islets to make the turn into the larger Bay -- is less than ten miles away. The larger mountain in the distance is McBean, and leads to the LaCloche range of mountains down to Killarney. Once again, First Nation land. But the shore line is softer and there are several hidden bays to tuck into -- we chose the bay just above the word Hotham

And BD even went for a swim in the warmer waters

There are small islands where Sophie can be set free to explore and even run as long as she didn't get up too much head of steam and fall right off.

Pictures -- Beardrop

The very protected Beardrop Harbor -- just off the Whalesback. So named because ledgend has it that the local natives drove bears off the cliffs into that very narrow break between the western island and the eastern island. The whole of the land is First Nation.

Following Class Act into Beardrop, small rocks are marked by clorox bottles -- the larger rocks speak for themselves. The anchorage is really spectacular, sorry we didn't take our cameras while out in the dinghies -- but, Sophie had a hard time going ashore since there are very few landing spots and steep rocks to climb.

Pictures with Captions as Appropriate -- Turnbull

The chart shows both the tricky entrance to Turnbull, thru the narrow entrance on the northwest, and the protection offered from all but the strongest westerly winds -- which we didn't have at all.

Here we are on the eastern shore looking out toward the Whalesback Channel and our future adventures. That's me and Sophie, Ric, Mel and Susan (from Class Act) -- BD is taking the picture!

And then we were joined by Venetia and Valee from Fairy Tale

Ms Sophie is getting much too comfortable even on long dinghy rides -- exploring the islands that comprise the Turnbull group, with Rick at the helm

A week of Adventures later

So, after two wonderful days at Turnbull, we pulled out of the anchorage and motored less than
ten miles down the Whalesback Channel (as the guide books describe it, a channel within a channel) to Bear Drop Harbor. A deep, well hidden and secure harbor surrounded by steep stoney shores topped with evergreens. We anchored and went for a long dinghy exploration -- but none of us took our cameras (fear of getting them soaked since we were in bumpy water). Saw ducks, a beaver lodge, loads of comorants and other water birds -- but not one bear! Later, we had drinks aboard Sonador and finally found a rock that we could clamber on with Sophy -- there will be a picture of that anchorage.

Next day, out back into the Whalesback Channel and heading east -- beautiful scenery, clear bright blue waters, and a little bit of excitement as we went thru the Little Detroit area -- where they say there is room for two boats side by side, but I for one would never do that. Then we pulled into Oak Bay -- another secure anchorage, although a little more difficult to get into. Anchored again -- but this time the shore line in less rugged and there is a small rocky island where ms. Sophie can run free without fear of running away.

Leaving the next morning, our buddies lost their engine -- well that's a term of art, their engine overheated and we ended up towing them the twenth some miles into Little Current. Looked like a drunken sailor trying to keep a track, but we made the trek without incident and were able to cast off Class Act without any problems. So, in Little Current we reprovisioned and went out to dinner.

Then, back to Oak Bay for two days -- only this time we lost our hydraulic steering and it was raining and foggy. Adventures galore!! I learned from Rick that you can steer with auto pilor assuming that still works (which it did, thank goodness). But, in all honesty, it's not something I'd like to do for a living. Little Detroit -- that's the only way back, wasn't my idea of fun. But, some sixty five miles later we arrived last evening in Thessalon -- Rick picked up hydraulic fluid at the hardware store, so we should be okay.

Ran into more friends, so we went out to dinner and today we plan to re-enter the states and get to Cheboygan if the big lake is flat.

Sorry for lack of pictures -- it's not that we don't have them -- but am still in Canada and having connection problems. Later in the week.

On Into Canada

First night at anchor in Harbor Island Michigan -- after a peaceful crossing of Lake Huron -- an island owned by the Nature Conservancy and managed by the Michigan DNR. My first time anchored inside the Island which forms a circle around the harbor.




Then the next day we crossed the North Channel to clear Canadian Customs at Thessalon, Ontario. Had a delightful dinner ashore with fellow boaters who we are buddy boating with. Yesterday we traveled east to Turnbull Island and an interesting entry where there are rocks on both sides of you just under the surface of the water. But we are in and anchored -- and staying for two days.

Ms Sophie is getting to be quite the little dinghy dog -- enjoying every minute of her time ashore, and even seeming to gain some pleasure in the process of getting there.

The past -- prelude to crossing Lake Huron tomorrow

Thought I might at least post pictures of us leaving Charlevoix -- what seems like a big boat looks dwarfed by the channel leading into Lake Michigan from Lake Charlevoix and Round Lake.

Lazy Days of Summer

And a very lazy blogger!

Monday, June 27th Rick Gillig and I brought Sonador around under the Mackinac Bridge and into Duncan Bay Boat Club in Cheboygan.
Good thing we chose Monday, Tuesday was a bear! But, that doesn't mean the Monday was all mirror flat water. When we left Charlevoix there were light winds out of the south east, so our motor up Lake Michigan (about 25 miles was smooth and relaxing). Sophie huddled down in her bed and periodically looked up to ask "are we there yet?" Ah, but south east winds when one rounds Grey's Reef and turns east toward the Bridge are a different kettle of fish, so we started to pound into the waves (not large but white caps and lots of noise) for the next twenty plus miles. Now, Sophie was a very unhappy camper -- and kept creeping between her bed and the helm deck where Rick and I were sitting. Finally, she decided that being with the crazy people was the best recourse.
Under the Bridge the waves got larger and we were taking water over the bow all the way into the Boat Club -- a trip of about 20 miles. I've been in worse, I've been in better -- Sophie would like us to not try that again. But about six and a half hours after we started, we were greeted by about ten friends and family from the Great Lakes Cruising Club, and were tied up in a comfy slip for the week.
Since then, we've had blustery cold days (Tuesday), bright sunny days (Wednesday and Thursday), and heavy, muggy overcast days (today). The weather has never held this crowd down, so joined by others in the marina, we've been meeting for cocktails on the grounds and grilling dinners under the cover of a nice gazebo.
Will probably leave here on Sunday, but I need to confirm with Rick and BD Gillig that this will work for them -- we'll go across Huron and into Drummond Island where we'll anchor out the first night, then decide where we'll clear into Canada on the next day (July 4th).
I promise to get some pictures posted in the next several days -- just know that Sophie has forgiven me, and enjoys our long walks around the fields and roads near the Boat Club.

Sunshine!!

It rained steadily from Wednesday thru mid-day yesterday, sometimes in great downpours, at other times just a heavy mist -- but cold (low 50's) and dank.
Today, we woke to bright blue skies and sunshine. Nothing would do but after Sophie's morning walk and breakfast, I had to clean the boat inside and out. Now that's done, I get to sit back and enjoy the bright day.
Last evening joined several other boaters here and drove (cars) to Boyne City which is at the other end of Lake Charlevoix for a fish fry where we stuffed ourselves with wonderful fish and chips -- my first of the season.
Oh, and yesterday Sophie went for her first boat ride -- short and quiet over to pump out and back -- she was okay, obviously not her favorite thing but no panic or fear. The real test will be when we go around to Cheboygan.
Tomorrow, I'm driving over to Cheboygan to join the Great Lakes Cruising Club gang in celebrating Bud Zahlon's birthday -- it'll be fun to catch up with everyone and learn of plans and destinations.

Thunder and Lightning, Wind, Hail, and Sceptical Dogs

So yesterday, it was beautiful in the morning, raining cats and dogs (excuse the pun Sophie) and then turned nice. Today -- thunder rumbled all morning long, and finally the front showed itself to the south of us. Soon after this was taken, you couldn't see the boats, the shore, or anything else.

My brave dog, Sophie, decided that it was probably okay as long as Mom didn't duck when the lightning showed it's ugly face.

We are in the middle of some sort of monster system that has brought as much as 5 inches of rain yesterday to towns not more than 30 miles as the crow flies.

Good news -- the flies have all but been pelted to death by the rain. The bad news -- they will return when the wind and rain stops. I'm here til Monday or Tuesday when Rick will join me for the run around the Mackinac Straits (about 60 miles) to Cheboygan. Then the summer will begin, by golly!!

Fog and Flies

This morning is as predicted -- dense fog (it is supposed to clear later in the day). When there is fog, there is little or no wind which means FLIES.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources tells us that we will have the pleasure of these pesky creatures until there is a long, dry, hot spell. That's not very encouraging. Right now, I can't even sit out in the enclosure because they have invaded that space as well.
So, today promises to be a day of reading and taking Sophie for walks. She either learned her lesson about water the other day, or between us we are being extra careful, because she now sits until I tell her it's okay to jump.
Tomorrow, I'm meeting BD and Rick in Petoskey (by land) -- they have kindly served as a mail service for me when I need to see hard copies of documents -- and so, we'll have lunch at the Mitchell Street Pub and visit for awhile.
Sunday is supposed to be bright and sunny -- so that may be the day for Sophie's first ride in the dinghy. Stay tuned.

If Only I Had a Camera

It had to happen sooner or later -- this morning ms Sophie decided to go ashore on her own -- she discovered that the water is cold and it's a bit frightening to be caught between the boat and the dock! After a couple of minutes I was able to get her to the swim platform on the stern and she scrambled aboard.
Sure got my heart going! And, don't know if dogs learn from experiences such as this, but I do hope so -- we were just lucky that I still had hold of the leash, that it was calm so there was no tossing about of the boat, and that all turned out well.
So much for taking a short boat ride today -- I figure one scare a day is enuff.

Oh, it is a bright blue day -- and expected to stay that way.

Sunshine and beautiful waters

Tucked into my corner of the Irish Boat Shop marina in Charlevoix, here is our home away from home.

After two days of dreary cold, it has turned into a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon. Had breakfast with BD and Rick in Topinabee and then drove back here -- trooped the mile and a half into town to see the end of the Trout Tournament and then after Sophie had her fill of crowds and scary things we trooped back.

Now relaxing on the boat -- no chores today, it is afterall a day of rest! (except combatting the FLIES which still plague the area)

Tomorrow is supposed to be nice, so I may do another explore in the dinghy and at least introduce ms scaredy cat to the concept of stepping off the big boat into a smaller and less stable craft -- we will both wear life jackets, never fear.

Weather in this part of Michigan is

Well, at best unpredictable. Yesterday, after the rain and hail, the lightning and thunder, and warm air (probably mid 80) -- it turned cold and dank. Today the high was mid 50 -- and TONIGHT it is suppose to go down into the upper 30s.

Did I mention how much fun it is to be on a boat??

And, the FLIES haven't left yet.

Actually, having a good time -- Sophie and I are becoming an "event" around town -- people comment on how they notice us strolling along every morning and how purposeful we seem (she's the purposeful one, I just go along for the ride)

Tomorrow is supposed to be rain -- that's alright since I have plenty of chores to do on board -- and then for the Trout Tournament this weekend it's supposed to be cool but clear. Planning on meeting friends for b'fast on Sunday but that's the only big social event (except of course that all the other boaters will come up on Friday and boaters are NOT shy about parties)

Pictures -- I promise -- of the Trout Tournament and environs as the weekend moves on.

The Joys of Early Spring Boating Up North

No, this is not a mistake -- well, maybe it is -- but I did mean to publish this very poor picture! That is a close up of my aft door -- and those are FLIES, not just your ordinary house fly, oh no -- those are flies that are supposed to be feeding the fish, but they decided instead to hang out on my back door!

YETCH!!

Yesterday was hot (mid-90's) and muggy with bright sunshine -- today it's thunder, lightning, a little hail thrown in just to make life more interesting (and noisy) and FLIES!!

There was a Bass Federation tournament on the lake last weekend, and this coming weekend is the big Trout tournament (featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, and entertainment for those of us on land) and hopefully very fat trout who will eat all the FLIES.

You might say I am fixated on the darn things, but they make for a most unpleasant walk to the shore -- almost need a surgical mask to breathe. And the slight buzzing sound around your head is enough to make most of us look like windmills as we walk the docks -- it would be quite comical if it weren't so irritating.

Tomorrow promises to be a better weather day, so I'll get out there and fight the critters off the boat with the hose -- and declare a temporary victory.

Still thinking I'll stay here until the end of the month -- when I hope to find a weather window and a fellow boater or two to transit around the tip of Lake Michigan and into Lake Huron. Then, trips to the North Channel punctuated with returns to Cheboygan, MI (near Mackinac City if you are trying to follow along) for crew changes and replenishment of stores.

Reading -- finished "The Tender Bar," "The Moor," "The Art of Racing in the Rain," and am now engrossed in "The Help" -- I highly recommend them all.

Life is good -- except for the pesky FLIES!!!

Late Spring In Charlevoix

When you don't visit your boat very often -- and it's spring -- and the birds are looking for great sheltered places to bring up their families. Well, you can see the situation on one of my neighbors boats!

I can't get a decent picture of Sonador, since we are surrounded by flies -- of all shapes and sizes, from little annoying nats to the larger fish flies -- and an occasional mosquito just to torment me. I hope to get the dinghy fully inflated later today, and at least get out on the water with the outboard. But, just being lazy isn't all that bad.

There is a great waterfront park next to the marina (in the background), and Sophie and I go for walks every morning and afternoon -- dogs aren't allowed on the sandy beach (children will be playing in the brisk waters later today), but she sure loves exploring all the surrounding area.