August 27 - 29, 2009
Chicago to Mileage 324.5 on the Calumet River - Headed out at first light as we never slept because of the roughness on the mooring ball. Battled 6 to 8 foot seas until we got into the river. Once in the river Danny removed our aerials to clear bridges with no issues. Stopped at the Marine Service Marina, quiet with no restaurants or stores but has electric and water. We will be here for awhile as the river is closed due to the Asian Carp and the electric fence they put in the river to stop them from getting into the Great Lakes. No fiberglass boats are allowed passage at this time. Danny made arrangements to get a steel tow boat to pull us thru, we will not be on the boat and all power will be disconnected. Five boats will be towed at $600.00 each for 1/2 mile tomorrow morning
August 25 - 26, 2009
Chicago Skyline
Navy Pier
Kenosha Wisconcin to Chicago Illinois - We had a good ride into Chicago. Could not get a slip at the down town marina so got a mooring ball at the harbour. It was very hard to catch as it did not have a pendent. I did manage but lost my headset overboard. The mooring field has 1200 mooring balls in it. My birthday on Wednesday it was very windy and rained. It was a two person job to take the dogs too shore. We went downtown and went shopping and over to Navy Pier, which is now a tourist trap with restaurants and shops. Good way to kill the day. Went out for dinner and went back to the rock and roll on our mooring. Did not sleep much.
Navy Pier
Kenosha Wisconcin to Chicago Illinois - We had a good ride into Chicago. Could not get a slip at the down town marina so got a mooring ball at the harbour. It was very hard to catch as it did not have a pendent. I did manage but lost my headset overboard. The mooring field has 1200 mooring balls in it. My birthday on Wednesday it was very windy and rained. It was a two person job to take the dogs too shore. We went downtown and went shopping and over to Navy Pier, which is now a tourist trap with restaurants and shops. Good way to kill the day. Went out for dinner and went back to the rock and roll on our mooring. Did not sleep much.
August 24, 2009
Grand Haven Michigan to Kenosha Wisconsin - We have a high wind forecast for tomorrow so we crossed the lake. Stayed at Southport Marina in Kenosha. It was a long day but a great cruise. Very beautiful marina but the town was an old industrial area. I did not feel like cooking so we went for beer and pizza with David and Judi Campbell off the boat Jejuda.
August 23, 2009
Something They Know in Manistee
Manistee to Grand Haven Michigan - Sunny, clear and warm. We had a following sea of 2to 3 feet so waves were not as bad as yesterday. Salmon fishing boats started around 4.30 a.m. and were endless. Captain was awake and restless so we left around 7.00 a.m. We were treated to a beautiful water and light show in Grand Haven after dark.
Manistee to Grand Haven Michigan - Sunny, clear and warm. We had a following sea of 2to 3 feet so waves were not as bad as yesterday. Salmon fishing boats started around 4.30 a.m. and were endless. Captain was awake and restless so we left around 7.00 a.m. We were treated to a beautiful water and light show in Grand Haven after dark.
August 22, 2009
I've Got a New Captain
Rough Seas at the Manistee Breakwall
Fishermen Fishing in the River as Lake is to Rough
Frankfort to Manistee Michigan - Left Franfort at noon expecting the wind to die down. Didn't happen! We had a 6 to 8 foot sea with the occasional 12 foot with winds at 30 knots. Not very comfortable. Met up with JeJuda, David and Judy Campbell who we met in the North Channel.
Rough Seas at the Manistee Breakwall
Fishermen Fishing in the River as Lake is to Rough
Frankfort to Manistee Michigan - Left Franfort at noon expecting the wind to die down. Didn't happen! We had a 6 to 8 foot sea with the occasional 12 foot with winds at 30 knots. Not very comfortable. Met up with JeJuda, David and Judy Campbell who we met in the North Channel.
August 19-21, 2009
Sterling Lady a Fellow Looper Boat with Sand Dunes Behind
Stairway to the Beach
Aqua Car
Danny New Friend Ralph
Charlevoix to Frankfort Michigan - Sunny, warm day with about a two foot sea. We got our Verizon Air Card working and now will have internet the rest of the trip. We passed the sand dunes on the lake. The last time we were in this area we did see people skiing and boarding down the dunes but nothing that exiting this time. The marina is in a dredged channel as with the sand this is quite easy. Bad weather set in and we stayed 3 days. Had a chance to explore the little town extensively. Went to the Legion on Friday night for $4.00 burgers and 3 drinks for $5.00 with the crew of the Sterling Lady, Judy and Sterling. What a deal?
Stairway to the Beach
Aqua Car
Danny New Friend Ralph
Charlevoix to Frankfort Michigan - Sunny, warm day with about a two foot sea. We got our Verizon Air Card working and now will have internet the rest of the trip. We passed the sand dunes on the lake. The last time we were in this area we did see people skiing and boarding down the dunes but nothing that exiting this time. The marina is in a dredged channel as with the sand this is quite easy. Bad weather set in and we stayed 3 days. Had a chance to explore the little town extensively. Went to the Legion on Friday night for $4.00 burgers and 3 drinks for $5.00 with the crew of the Sterling Lady, Judy and Sterling. What a deal?
August 17 -18, 2009
Mackinac Bridge the Start of Lake Michigan
The Channel Going Into Charlevoix
One of the Beautiful Homes
Water Park at Night
Mackinaw City to Charlevoix, Michigan - Sunny, warm with about a 2 foot sea. The Charlevoix Municipal Marina is down a river which was dredged to become a harbor of refuge. Most of the marinas on the east shore of Lake Michigan are man made channels. The marina is beautiful, it has just been done over, has new docks, marina office and shower rooms for the boaters and band shell at one end and a small water park. The marina is on Round Lake which is before Lake Charlevoix. The homes on this lake are very beautiful and expensive. Renting a vehicle today to go to Traverse City to the West Marine Store. When we got back to the marina there was a looper get together on the picnic tables. We joined in and met some very nice people. Danny and I now realize we are in trouble. The people from the south are cold, Danny and I are very hot as the weather is 80 F. What should we expect? An oven!
The Channel Going Into Charlevoix
One of the Beautiful Homes
Water Park at Night
Mackinaw City to Charlevoix, Michigan - Sunny, warm with about a 2 foot sea. The Charlevoix Municipal Marina is down a river which was dredged to become a harbor of refuge. Most of the marinas on the east shore of Lake Michigan are man made channels. The marina is beautiful, it has just been done over, has new docks, marina office and shower rooms for the boaters and band shell at one end and a small water park. The marina is on Round Lake which is before Lake Charlevoix. The homes on this lake are very beautiful and expensive. Renting a vehicle today to go to Traverse City to the West Marine Store. When we got back to the marina there was a looper get together on the picnic tables. We joined in and met some very nice people. Danny and I now realize we are in trouble. The people from the south are cold, Danny and I are very hot as the weather is 80 F. What should we expect? An oven!
August 15 - 16, 2009
Ferry to Mackinac Island
Harbor Island to Mackinaw City - High south winds and foggy in the morning changing too a very hot day 30 C. Two to four foot seas most of the way. Fueled the boat and went into our slip. Planning on staying for a few days as this is one of my favourite spots.
Harbor Island to Mackinaw City - High south winds and foggy in the morning changing too a very hot day 30 C. Two to four foot seas most of the way. Fueled the boat and went into our slip. Planning on staying for a few days as this is one of my favourite spots.
August 14, 2009
Beef Island to Drummond Island - Another warm day 29C. Had breakfast with Don and Joan Davidson on Euphoria. We are on our way. Arrived at Drummond to clear customs and get our cruising permit. We went and anchored at Harbor Island. Approvals and licence arrive at 5.30 p.m. Danny took the dinghy over to get them. Our permit was 0001 so I think we were the first one they ever issued. Severe thunderstorm and heavy rains hit around 10 p.m. and lasted most of the night.
August 13, 2009
Cockburn Island to Beef Island. Another beautiful day. Met up with St. Joseph's Island gang. Euphoria, Rave On 1 and Sea Hawk. Had happy hour on Euphoria with the gang.
August 12, 2009
Port Sign
Unlicensed Cars for the Island's Private Roads
Benjamin Island to Cockburn Island - A beautiful day. We left Julie and Dave and headed out. Stopped at Gore Bay for fuel, pumpout, groceries and water. Stopped at Tolsmaville, Cockburn Island to see if the Crockford gang were out at their camp. Stayed for a couple of hours and went to anchor in Robinson Bay.
Unlicensed Cars for the Island's Private Roads
Benjamin Island to Cockburn Island - A beautiful day. We left Julie and Dave and headed out. Stopped at Gore Bay for fuel, pumpout, groceries and water. Stopped at Tolsmaville, Cockburn Island to see if the Crockford gang were out at their camp. Stayed for a couple of hours and went to anchor in Robinson Bay.
August 11, 2009
Potest Fieri and Iron Lady Anchored at the Benjamins
Picnic Island to Benjamin Islands - Another beautiful day. Julie and Dave went into Little Current to get supplies and we went on to secure the good spot by the cabin. They joined us later in the afternoon. Walked up the hill to get cell service to phone my mother on her birthday as she wasn't home earlier. Showed them around. Had a great dinner on the Iron Lady prepared by Julie and Dave.
Picnic Island to Benjamin Islands - Another beautiful day. Julie and Dave went into Little Current to get supplies and we went on to secure the good spot by the cabin. They joined us later in the afternoon. Walked up the hill to get cell service to phone my mother on her birthday as she wasn't home earlier. Showed them around. Had a great dinner on the Iron Lady prepared by Julie and Dave.
August 10, 2009
Our Looper Flag
Little Current to Picnic Island - It was sunny and very warm today. Packed up Lori while Danny took the kids to the playground. Spent most of the day cleaning and organizing the boat. Joe, Michele, Bret and Mark stopped by on there way to Kagawong to celebrate her sister Rolande's 60th birthday. We put our looper flag up and our now official loopers. We met Dave and Julie in the Iron Lady for dinner around 9.00 p.m. They rafted with us for the evening. Dave was very nervous about rafting with us but he did a great job.
Little Current to Picnic Island - It was sunny and very warm today. Packed up Lori while Danny took the kids to the playground. Spent most of the day cleaning and organizing the boat. Joe, Michele, Bret and Mark stopped by on there way to Kagawong to celebrate her sister Rolande's 60th birthday. We put our looper flag up and our now official loopers. We met Dave and Julie in the Iron Lady for dinner around 9.00 p.m. They rafted with us for the evening. Dave was very nervous about rafting with us but he did a great job.
August 8 - 9, 2009
Ella and Evan with Butterflies
Ella on Bed of Nails
Evan on Bed of Nails
Croker Island to Little Current - Overcast, windy and cold. Stayed at Spider Bay Marina, topped up with groceries and got our e-mail etc. Decided to take the kids to Science North on Sunday and to get our Costco fix. Good time was had by all. Kids love the butterfly area where the butterflies land on you and of course the bed of nails. Its Monday morning and the kids are leaving for the Sault. Debbie and Anna Brady stopped by to visit and to make sure we are leaving.
Ella on Bed of Nails
Evan on Bed of Nails
Croker Island to Little Current - Overcast, windy and cold. Stayed at Spider Bay Marina, topped up with groceries and got our e-mail etc. Decided to take the kids to Science North on Sunday and to get our Costco fix. Good time was had by all. Kids love the butterfly area where the butterflies land on you and of course the bed of nails. Its Monday morning and the kids are leaving for the Sault. Debbie and Anna Brady stopped by to visit and to make sure we are leaving.
August 7, 2009
Ella Kayaking
Evan Kayaking
Swimming in Grandpa's Pool
Benjamin Islands to Croker Island - Big trip today 2 1/2 miles. Sunny and warm, great day. Kids went swimming to the beach. Ella and Evan did a solo trip in the kayaks. Learning to paddle was difficult as the paddles are heavy and long. Ella and Danny also went swimming in the off the back of the boat. Water in Grandpa's swimming pool has warmed up.
Evan Kayaking
Swimming in Grandpa's Pool
Benjamin Islands to Croker Island - Big trip today 2 1/2 miles. Sunny and warm, great day. Kids went swimming to the beach. Ella and Evan did a solo trip in the kayaks. Learning to paddle was difficult as the paddles are heavy and long. Ella and Danny also went swimming in the off the back of the boat. Water in Grandpa's swimming pool has warmed up.
August 4 - 6, 2009
Lori and Ella Swimming to Boat
Bonfire on the Rocks
Adventure Walk on South Benjamin Island
Danny Swimming With Ella and Evan
Lori With Ella and Evan
Sturgeon Cove to Benjamin Islands - Great ride over Lori, Ella and Evan are all seasick. Waves about 2 to 3 feet. Definitely not boaters. Anchored by the rock ledges on the north side of South Benjamin Islands. We went to shore and picked berries and walked to the other side of the island, easy walking as it is mostly on gently sloping rocks. We put the swimming pool on the front deck to keep the kids amused but the water did not heat up. On Thursday we sent the guys to shore to gather wood for a wiener roast for lunch. If you stayed out of the wind it seemed quite warm, everyone went swimming except for me as the water temperature was only 62F. Lori and Ella swam back to the boat and were jumping off the swim platform.
Bonfire on the Rocks
Adventure Walk on South Benjamin Island
Danny Swimming With Ella and Evan
Lori With Ella and Evan
Sturgeon Cove to Benjamin Islands - Great ride over Lori, Ella and Evan are all seasick. Waves about 2 to 3 feet. Definitely not boaters. Anchored by the rock ledges on the north side of South Benjamin Islands. We went to shore and picked berries and walked to the other side of the island, easy walking as it is mostly on gently sloping rocks. We put the swimming pool on the front deck to keep the kids amused but the water did not heat up. On Thursday we sent the guys to shore to gather wood for a wiener roast for lunch. If you stayed out of the wind it seemed quite warm, everyone went swimming except for me as the water temperature was only 62F. Lori and Ella swam back to the boat and were jumping off the swim platform.
August 3, 2009
Ella and Evan Fishing
Evan With His Catch
Ella With Her Catch
Little Current to Sturgeon Cove - Left Lori's car at Spider Bay Marina. Raining and over cast off and on. Evan and Ella went fishing and caught about nine small perch. Kids have too much energy so Danny took them on an adventure walk.
Evan With His Catch
Ella With Her Catch
Little Current to Sturgeon Cove - Left Lori's car at Spider Bay Marina. Raining and over cast off and on. Evan and Ella went fishing and caught about nine small perch. Kids have too much energy so Danny took them on an adventure walk.
July 31 - August 2, 2009
Frazer Bay to Little Current - Beautiful day, the boat was covered with little flies that had to be scrubbed off. Got a slip along the wall at the finger docks to be in the action for Haweater Weekend. Danny changed the house batteries and we had one bad one. Met Debbie and Mike and the guys went to the water skiing show and the girls went to the quilt show. We later went out for dinner at the Anchor Inn. The kids arrive on Sunday in time to take part in some of the activities, they did the egg toss, watched the parade of boats and the fireworks. Substantial firework display for a town of 1500 people.
July 29 - 30, 2009
Mike and Danny Relaxing
Ghost Owl and Potest Fieri Anchored Together
Covered Portage to Frazer Bay - Clear and hot most of the day. Premium anchorage at the unnamed island. Debbie and Mike Brady anchored with us. Perfect day for swimming in the crystal clear water. Got quite windy in the late afternoon and we rocked and rolled from the wave wash. Stayed here the next day and relaxed. Debbie and I went kayaking to check out the new house being built by the people that own Lindt Chocolate.
Ghost Owl and Potest Fieri Anchored Together
Covered Portage to Frazer Bay - Clear and hot most of the day. Premium anchorage at the unnamed island. Debbie and Mike Brady anchored with us. Perfect day for swimming in the crystal clear water. Got quite windy in the late afternoon and we rocked and rolled from the wave wash. Stayed here the next day and relaxed. Debbie and I went kayaking to check out the new house being built by the people that own Lindt Chocolate.
July 27 - 28, 2009
Looking Down from the Top of the Clliff
Maryanne's Cove to Covered Portage Cove - Overcast but very warm This is the busiest I have ever seen the North Channel. Walked up the cliff to take some pictures. Danny went to Killarney to pick up the world famous fish and chips from the old school bus. Met up with some more loopers. Dave and Brenda on a Trawler Cat TBBG and Don and Laurie on a Meridian Lady Grace.
Maryanne's Cove to Covered Portage Cove - Overcast but very warm This is the busiest I have ever seen the North Channel. Walked up the cliff to take some pictures. Danny went to Killarney to pick up the world famous fish and chips from the old school bus. Met up with some more loopers. Dave and Brenda on a Trawler Cat TBBG and Don and Laurie on a Meridian Lady Grace.
July 24 - 26, 2009
View from the Hike 
Maryanne's Cove
Heywood Island to Maryanne Cove (Baie Fine) - Started the day off by having to change the water pump impeller in the generator and me taking a fall and almost landing in the engine room. Pretty bruised up. Another 2 hour clean up because of the bugs attracted to the anchor light. Danny became a harbour master in Maryanne's helping boats tie up to shore as their is not much room for swinging. The next day we had heavy showers and a thunder storm. Danny loaded my computer with charts that he got from our new neighbours and friends Dave and Judi Campbell from Plymouth Mass. and had dinner with them. They are also doing the loop. Danny and Sydney the dog walked up to the lookout to make a few phone calls. The next day the weather cleared and was quite beautiful, took the dinghy and went to the Pool. Dead moose in the pool. Looks like it drowned in the weeds.
Maryanne's Cove
Heywood Island to Maryanne Cove (Baie Fine) - Started the day off by having to change the water pump impeller in the generator and me taking a fall and almost landing in the engine room. Pretty bruised up. Another 2 hour clean up because of the bugs attracted to the anchor light. Danny became a harbour master in Maryanne's helping boats tie up to shore as their is not much room for swinging. The next day we had heavy showers and a thunder storm. Danny loaded my computer with charts that he got from our new neighbours and friends Dave and Judi Campbell from Plymouth Mass. and had dinner with them. They are also doing the loop. Danny and Sydney the dog walked up to the lookout to make a few phone calls. The next day the weather cleared and was quite beautiful, took the dinghy and went to the Pool. Dead moose in the pool. Looks like it drowned in the weeds.
July 23,2009
Kayaking Before Dinner at Heywood Island
Little Current to Heywood Island - Spent most of the day doing chores. Left for Heywood in mid afternoon. Took the kayaks down for the first time and went on a 3 mile excursion. Danny flipped his kayak over while getting in. I'm sure it was quite a funny scene but no witnesses to take pictures as I was far ahead, when I got back to see where he was he was changed and ready to start again.
Little Current to Heywood Island - Spent most of the day doing chores. Left for Heywood in mid afternoon. Took the kayaks down for the first time and went on a 3 mile excursion. Danny flipped his kayak over while getting in. I'm sure it was quite a funny scene but no witnesses to take pictures as I was far ahead, when I got back to see where he was he was changed and ready to start again.
July 22, 2009
Bumper Boats
Cruise Ship at Town Dock in Little Current
Sturgeon Cove to Little Current - Sunny and warm in the morning. Went to the finger docks as the wall was full. A cruise ship was in and bad weather was forecast so the marina was filling up fast. High current and high winds made for a lot of interesting docking including bumper boats. We got our supplies and shopping done easily as Mike and Debbie Brady lent us their truck. We had dinner with Debbie, Jesse and Anna as Mike was on his way to Mackinaw Island to compete in the Mackinac to Little Current Sailboat Race.
Cruise Ship at Town Dock in Little Current
Sturgeon Cove to Little Current - Sunny and warm in the morning. Went to the finger docks as the wall was full. A cruise ship was in and bad weather was forecast so the marina was filling up fast. High current and high winds made for a lot of interesting docking including bumper boats. We got our supplies and shopping done easily as Mike and Debbie Brady lent us their truck. We had dinner with Debbie, Jesse and Anna as Mike was on his way to Mackinaw Island to compete in the Mackinac to Little Current Sailboat Race.
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