Sophie's Great Adventure to Cheboygan Point

Yesterday -- Saturday -- was a perfect day for a play date with one of the other boat dogs and her owners.  Early afternoon Missy and Amy came over in their large dinghy with their large black lab, Sophie and I jumped aboard -- and we were off.

Across Duncan Bay in quiet water and little wind, and then out into the mouth of the Cheboygan River where the wind picked up considerably and the waves were swelling to a little over a foot.  Of course, our destination pointed us directly into the waves -- Amy stayed relatively dry at the helm, the dogs crouched on the floor of the dinghy were oblivious, but both Missy and I got a complete soaking on the side.  Amy skillfully moved us between sand bars toward the beach which was our destination.

Missy and her dog jumped into relatively shallow -- and cold -- water to bring the dinghy ashore.  And then we all disembarked.

Don't know why I ever think that Sophie will act like a normal dog released from her tether -- she bolted up the beach, paying no attention to calls to come, stop, slow down, at least to hear her owner's croaking voice.  But nature distracted her, so in a few minutes we were able to get her attention and she trotted reluctantly back to have me reattach the leash.

Biting flies are just miserable -- and the swarms that descended on us were no exception.  So we high-tailed it back to the dinghy.  The lab practically threw herself in -- and Sophie wasn't far behind.  Thus started the return trip to Duncan Bay.

Now the waves were behind us, but that meant the wind was with us -- and so were the flies who pursued us around the point and almost to the entrance to the marina.   And, Amy managed to toss up enough water to soak the other side of her crew. 

We disembarked at the entrance dock, and walked back to the quiet waters of the Duncan Bay beach -- where Sophie gamely tried to join in the fun of locating rocks thrown into the shallow water.  At least for a few minutes, but her terrier mind couldn't stay absorbed by that game so we walked back to Sonador. 

By this time, Sophie was dry and tired.  Not so her owner (tired but not dry that is), who soon shed herself of wet jeans, tea shirt, shoes, etc.  A fun, afternoon adventure -- but we will wait 'til the fall before we head out to the Point again.

Still aiming for a mid-week departure in the company of Class Act (Mel and Sue).

When Will She Leave for the North Channel

There are always projects to do when in port -- and, yes, this is the correct picture.  That floating duck with the dark glasses is to be my anchor marker for this year.  Rick and Bob worked on changes to the underside which will allow me to attach a line to the duck and the other end to my anchor.  Eh, voila! a rather unique mark to show other boaters where my anchor is in relation to my boat.  Clever, non?

But, before I undertake that project -- getting line and the appropriate fasteners, I need to repair the head (you can see why I am procrastinating) and make some changes to my arrangements for bringing my dinghy on-board.  So much to do, and so many other distractions -- such as cook outs on shore most evenings, just visiting with boating buddies and catching up on winter, families, and plans for the summer.  And, of course, walking Sophie who is still rather skeptical about that duck.

Right now, I'm thinking another five to seven days here at Duncan Bay -- first, we need good weather for crossing Lake Huron.  Then, or maybe this is first, I have to shake a nagging head cold I've had since Charlevoix.  And, I want to travel with other boats, so I need to find their schedule.

Who ever would have thought that these would be the issues that occupy my days?  Certainly not I, but I'm happy that they are.

The Adventure Continues

The trip to Cheboygan was completed without significant stress on the captain (that's me) or crew (that would be Rick Gillig who has kindly offered to do this each year) -- but the first mate (that would be Sophie) was mostly NOT a happy camper.

We left Charlevoix with the 10:30 bridge, only two boats going out -- but a large DNR vessel decided he had to rush into Round Lake from Michigan and at an unreasonable speed created quite a wash in the narrow channel.  The sailboat just ahead of us took quite a beating, and we bounced and bobbed around for easily five minutes.  That was Sophie's first indication that this wasn't going to be her idea of how to spend a day.

Heading north towards Greys Reef (the turning point for the shipping lanes from the Straits to head south to Chicago), we were protected by the coast from the easterly winds which were steady at 10 to 12 knots.  But, once we reached Sturgeon Bay, the protection disappeared and we met quartering waves of about 4 feet as we passed over increasingly shallow water.  The short cut by an abandoned light house saves a good amount of time, but often results in choppy water.  Turning east toward the bridge, I expected good size white caps -- was pleasantly surprised by relatively quiet waters.  It's a little over 15 miles to the bridge from the turn -- and it took Sophie half of that distance to finally realize that the noise, rolling, and bouncing of the last hour had diminished considerably.  So, up on the forward bunk and sleep was her modus operandi until we arrived at the Cheboygan River red mark.

Until we passed by Mackinaw City and the island, we saw very little other boat traffic -- only one freighter headed toward the Wisconsin shore.  At Mackinaw there were the requisite ferries roaring back and forth to the island, and some pleasure craft out on what had turned into a beautiful day.

Slowed down, touched base with Duncan Bay -- received a slip assignment -- and proudly brought Sonador into her home for the next ten days or more.  Met at the slip by Jo Ellen Schneider, Sue Durchslag, and Rick's neighbor Bob who kindly shuttled my car over from Charlevoix.  BD arrived a few minutes later, and after a celebratory beer in the stern, my Cheboygan friends went home.  I joined a cook out on shore which was already in progress -- the usual suspects (Sue and Mel, Jo and Ron, Sheryl and Heart) who will be coming to the North Channel over the summer.

I'll miss Charlevoix and my friends there -- but am looking forward to the continued adventures.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cheboygan

This colorful tug pulled into the Charlevoix Harbor to anchor before heading to the North Channel. 

And, by morning plans for travelling around to Cheboygan had changed.  A very significant thunder and lightning storm moved thru the area around 5:30 a.m., and radar showed that the storm continued into Iowa.  So, at 7 a.m. I called Rick and we agreed to abort my departure until Thursday morning.

As I write this at 10:30 a.m., the sound and light show has disappeared but the rain is heavy and steady.  So, Sophie and I are curled up down below -- she is sleeping, I'm getting ready for a cup of hot coffee and a good read.  Looks like it might clear later this afternoon.

The Time Has Come the Walrus Said...

To depart Charlevoix the beautiful for the trip around the Straits to Cheboygan.

This was take a few days ago, before the harbor started to fill up -- and with my phone again so the clarity isn't perfect.  But, even blurry you can see how lovely a spot it has been for the past two weeks.

We (BD, Rick Gillig, and I) have been back and forth on the weather for tomorrow -- but we believe that the worst of the weather will stay south of us.  And, the rest of the week really isn't much better.  So, tomorrow morning it is. 

I've had fun getting to know some of the locals, and wandering the neighborhoods with Sophie.  Much of the town is a reminder of New England, with clapboard homes, green lawns, and beautiful flowers/shrubs.  A fun place to be for a few weeks waiting for warmer water (it really isn't much above 50 yet) and a good weather window.

More when we get to Duncan Bay.

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.

Spring is Officially Here

When the lilacs are blooming, and their sweetness fills the air -- it is officially spring!

This was taken on our morning ritual walk down Belvedere Avenue which parallels Round Lake and leads to the Club with the same name.  Grand old homes in a stately, and private conclave with a private boat dock and beach on Lake Charlevoix.  Families have been coming here for the summer back a century -- and homes exchange hands from one generation to the next.

This morning was "brisk" but with a bright blue sky so it is warming up nicely.  Even cleaned the boat today, and launched the dinghy.  I hope it will be warm enough later in the week to take the little girl out for a run around Round Lake and to explore the original Pine River which is now just a meandering creek leading into Lake Charlevoix.  The current Pine River is a straight channel dug to give larger boats -- sailing vessels and later steamers carrying coal to Boyne City and Iron from East Jordan.

Sophie has settled in nicely -- she even has determined her favored treks around the city none of which include cruising main street.  She doesn't like the flags and hanging signs out over the side walks and certainly doesn't approve of the lack of grass.

Planning a quiet day -- tomorrow is the farmers market right at the marina, so hope to buy more Michigan asparagus and maybe some morel mushrooms if they aren't too dear.