What a Boater Does When in Port for Several Days?

Ever wonder what one does without TV or radio (very poor reception) to entertain oneself sitting on a boat in a marina.  Well aside from reading some very stimulating books -- and some just trash -- jigsaw puzzles come in handy. 

This lovely challenge kept me entertained for four days this past week -- this snap was taken on day two when all the easy stuff had been completed. 

But, that's not all there is to do around here.  Every morning I meet new acquaintances for coffee at the local bakery and café -- they are permanent Charlevoix residents who have taken a liking to Sophie and decided that my presence at their morning coffee klatch was okay.  Interesting conversations about the community and the people who are movers and shakers around here.

Last Saturday I drove to Mackinac City to board the ferry to the Island for lunch with the Cheboygan Yacht Club at the beginning of the lilac festival -- only spring hasn't quite made it to the Island yet, and the lilacs are simply green buds waiting for more sunshine and warm weather.  Sophie got to spend the day at a doggy kennel just outside the city, and was relieved when I came to pick her up late in the afternoon, even if it meant another hour plus car ride until we got back "home."

And, I launched the dinghy on Monday, only to find out that the motor had no intention of sticking with the task at hand -- she started fine and died within two or three minutes running.  Repaired this morning -- apparently water in the fuel had messed up the carburetor so the local small engine guys cleaned out the gunk and got her back to working.  That's important since that's how Sophie and I get to shore in the North Channel.

Hoping to find a weather window early next week to head over to Cheboygan and Duncan Bay -- and then will spend some time there before heading over to the Channel.