August 14

Took a 10 mile bike ride in the am.  We rode inland along the Root River – beautiful ride and really helped Barb break in her new bike.  The pictures today are of our ride.  Barb with her new bike – I have shock suspension which really worked well on the rough pavement and a new bell to help tell people we are coming up on them.  Dave with his bike and one river picture.  We spent the afternoon updating the web, watching an old movie and pulling out river equipment to make sure we have all necessary lines to do locking.  Dave also demonstrated how to use fender boards for locking.  We will move to Hammond, IN tomorrow so we have secured bikes aboard.  

We spent the afternoon watching lots of sail boats dock around us.  We have had a very quiet pier during the last week, but today about 10 sailboats are docking around us.  Not sure if they will like our engines as we start early tomorrow morning.

Racine has been a nice stop.  There are good stores, a good marina with helpful people.  The only downside to Racine is that you need land transportation to really see the area. 

Barb Biking

Dave Biking

Root River along Bike Trail

August 13

Racine Trolley

We decided to remain in Racine due to weather reports.  Winds were not the best and not from the correct direction to move to Waukegan today.   Dave made the decision that we would move directly to Hammond, IN on Sunday.  So we reviewed route and made plans in the am.  We took a trolley ride around the downtown area in the afternoon – returned to Hallelujah to cool drinks.  Picture is of the trolley we rode.

---

August 9 - 12

Aug 9:  We went ashore today – rented a car and did grocery shopping, got our Kringle (wonderful breakfast pastry), and then we went to Milwaukee to the Wisconsin State Fair.  We walked around for 3 hours and had all the great fair good that we remember from past years while living in Milwaukee – roasted corn, fresh lemonade, burgers, and cream puffs. We then drove past our old home in Wauwatosa to see what changed have been made since we left in 1987 - no changes to the house.  The leaded windows are still there and no new additions were evident.  The neighborhood looked very good but favorite stores on North Ave. were missing.   It was a great day, but no pictures.

Aug 10:  We finished shopping this am before returning the rental car.  Barb now has a bike so she can go with Dave on rides.   We also got some supplies from Home Depot for our river trip.  The afternoon was really hot and muggy so we worked inside the boat in the afternoon.  We are also enjoying the TV – found a channel with old serials – some go back to our kid days.  But it is good to get the national news also.

Aug. 11:  This is Wednesday so Barb spent the morning doing laundry.  We took a short bike ride in the evening when the heat let up.  Rode north toward Milwaukee – no pictures.

Aug. 12:  Did some boat cleaning today and tried to stay cool.  Talked to Looper friends about the river system and are slowly preparing to start the next part of our trip.

August 8

On Dave’s ride yesterday he rode along the Root River heading southwest out of town.  Today we took the kayaks out and went up the Root River on the water.  We were against the current going inland and had wind in the face, but when we turned around the wind switched and we still had wind in the face but some current to help move us along.  Went about 3 miles upriver until we were in about 6 inches of water – decided that the water was getting to shallow to go much further.

Pictures today include the beautiful heron that we spotted, a couple of river pictures and Dave going downstream. 

Heron on Root River

Root River

Dave kayaking

Root River

August 7

The event of the day was a long walk in the morning.  Barb did fast walk while Dave rode.  We found a small farmers market and Barb returned to the boat for money.  She took off on foot to go for Kringle (Danish pastry shop) but didn’t get that far – about 2 miles from boat but did return to the farmers market.  Today was in the 80s with high humidity – so spent the afternoon inside catching up on paperwork. 

August 6

We moved to Racine Wisconsin today – 33 miles.  The weather was fine traveling south.  Not much traffic on the lake so we just motored along.  Did see the Milwaukee skyline as we traveled south but had no desire to dock in the harbor.  We arrived in Racine, got a pump out and then collapsed  Two very nice boaters – one who completed the loop and one want to be looper helped us tie up at dock.  They said they would take us to the grocery, but that didn’t happen.  We spent the afternoon sleeping in the air-conditioned cabin – thank heavens for air-conditioning. 

 

Pictures for today include:  racine from the water looking towards the town, the Wisconsin shoreline as we travel south, and the Wind Point Lighthouse.  As you can see the day was hazy but there was sun.

Port Washington, WI

WI shoreline

Wind Point Lighthouse

August 5

Today was oil change day – takes a while to replace 8 gallons of oil in three engines, but we were successful.  We also installed a new racor fuel filter part and hope that we have solved our air leak problem on the starboard engine.   We did a fast walk mile north out of town up a huge hill.  Didn’t have the camera but had hoped to get a picture of the lake – it was beautiful early in the morning.  We had friends from Madison on board for lunch – great to see them and spent three hours catching up on our lives.  Harry was our best man at our wedding 40 years ago and we have had wonderful sailing adventures with him over the years.  It was sad to see them leave, but we filled the rest of the afternoon with Dave taking a bike ride and Barb walking around town to buy “stuff”.   No pictures again today – Barb the photographer better start remembering the camera!  We leave tomorrow for Racine – the winds are to be out of the north so we will take advantage of a little shove.

August 4

Very little activity today – it was hot and muggy.  Barb did laundry.  Our mail came today so we were busy with the actual paper mail and some magazines.  We did walk around town and met up with the couple from Summer Breeze for cocktails on our back deck and then walked to the Hungry Lion for dinner.   Karen and Dick are wonderful people who we will again see in Racine as Karen will help us get cringle (a great breakfast coffee cake). 

August 3

We spent the a.m. washing the back deck and preparing for guests – we had 8 aboard for cocktails.  Barb was going to do a Mexican dinner for 8 but was talked out of it - did appetizers and dessert instead.  We really are enjoying our back deck and can hold 8 people comfortably.  Barb walked around town in the afternoon and mailed letters, saw the few stores that are here – there are more restaurants than actual stores.  The two pictures are with our old friends from Milwaukee – on board for cocktails and at dinner later in the evening.  We enjoyed meeting up with them and catching up on about 20 years of life – we left Milwaukee in 1987 and only got back a couple of times to see this group.  We had many good remembrances during the evening – interesting to see how we have changed over the years.     

Cocktails on Back Deck

Dinner at Pasta Shop Restaurant

August 2

We watched weather late last evening and were unsure if we could move today and head south.  But at 5:00 Dave was up to check the lake and the winds.  Barb shaken awake to the direction of we are leaving now.  We figured we could get at least 20 miles to Sheboygan, WI and maybe on into Port Washington before the weather prediction of strong south winds with waves of 4-6 feet actually started.  Dave kept the engines a little higher today at 1850 rpm and we made the 43 nm trip to Port Washington by 12:30.  We were happy to be all the way.  We again had to both be on watch as there were many fish stakes and fish nets that crossed the north south line that we had as a course.  The WI side of Lake Michigan is heavily fished by nets.  About 5 miles north of Port Washington we started to pass a sailboat heading south.  Barb recognized the boat from Charlevoix and we talked via radio to Summer Breeze – a couple out of Racine WI.  They also came into Port Washington.  Nice to again run into someone we had met previously – but unfortunately they were not docked near us.

Port Washington marina is a looper sponsor, but unfortunately the reception we received was zero – there are no discounts given and the employees didn’t even know about this sponsorship.  In fact, they didn’t even come out to help get us docked.   We were not impressed and put a note out on the looper site to let others know.  

We spent the afternoon cleaning of course.  It seems that bugs and spiders grow in about 5 minutes and then we walk on them.  Barb scrubbed the front deck and Dave did the railings again. 

The pictures today is of Hallelujah on the wall in Port Washington – we are between the inner and outer harbor – and have fishing boats going past us constantly.   We are also next to the boat ramp so there is a lot of activity.  Dave enjoyed people watching and seeing all the various ways that boats are launched and retrieved - lots of fun and some laughing.  The second picture is across from our boat and the marina.  It is a Veteran’s Memorial Park.  Beyond the picture is the power plan in Port Washington.

Hallelujah on the wall in Port Washington, WI

Veteran's Memorial Park

August 1

Tom, Kate & Dave

We were up early waiting for fog to dissipate – but did get off the dock at 7:00 a.m.  We made good time down Lake Michigan and didn’t see too many fishermen or fish stakes which require a constant look out so we were both on watch today.  We arrived in Manitowoc at 2:30 and quickly washed down decks and Barb did some cooking.  We had friends about this evening for dinner.  Picture is Kate and Tom Wiers with Dave.  We had a wonderful evening talking about former friendship experiences and getting caught up on current events.  No exciting birds today – just seagulls.  But we were very surprised by how empty this marina was.  We did see a lot of boats going north, but not enough to fill this marina.  There were a fair number of boats on the hard – so economy must be slow in WI. 

---

July 31

We moved to Sturgeon Bay today.  But first we did get a little walking in around the town – didn’t really find anything that we needed or wanted or could possibly put onto Hallelujah.  We left about 10:00 and headed south.  We had thought about going all the way to Manitowoc, but Lake Michigan wasn’t cooperating so we did a short run to Sturgeon Bay.  The ride was a little lumpy in Green Bay but not bad.  Barb was reading a book that was really good – but when Dave said look at the pelican she said no way.  But yes there were pelicans in Green Bay.  The picture proves it!

Upon arrival, we asked about a courtesy car – it was in Milwaukee, so asked about how to get to a grocery store (which is 3 miles from the channel area and the marina).  The harbor master was willing to drive us out, but we would need to get a taxi back.   Word spread on the docks – not sure how, but on the way back to the boat from the marina office, a lovely couple just down the dock handed us the keys to their Ford Expedition and told us how to get to the grocery.  WOW – first we haven’t driven a car let alone a truck in two months and these lovely people trusted us.  They had done parts of the loop in former years and said that they met and used other boaters’ cars along the way – so this was a way to thank all of those people by loaning them a vehicle.  We really spent money at the grocery and stocked up on some needed supplies (coke – tequila – wine – strawberries -- have to have the liquids).  Upon return to the marina we were told that another lady was looking for us to take us to the store – the couple we spent four days with in Fayette.  We thanked them for their offer and talked about the days between Fayette and Sturgeon Bay – we had a better trip and calmer sleeping then they had at anchor.

We watched the weather and made the decision to move on to Manitowoc on Sunday – would be a lumpy ride but we want to get there (42 nm south).

We didn’t go through the two bridges in the picture but stayed at a nice marina on the west side of the bridges.  Sturgeon Bay has built a new bridge in town and the old bridge is being rebuilt.  The picture of the pelican is for those of you who may not believe pelicans in upper WI.  We understand that there are over a 1000 of them and they don’t migrate south in the winter.  Can’t understand this but they are white pelicans.

The third picture is of the Sturgeon Bay Light House – not the most beautiful of lighthouses but one of the most used by ships coming and going into Green Bay through the channel. 

Sturgeon Bay Bridges

White Pelican

Sturgeon Bay Lighthouse

July 30 

We stayed in Fish Creek today – thought we would wonder the stores.  But that wasn’t to be.  We first had breakfast at 7:30 at the White Gull Inn – a must if you get to Fish Creek.  They are known for stuffed French toast – and you have got to get there a little before 7:30 to even get a table.  The restaurant filled fast and friends told us that if you come at 9:00 the wait can be 30 minutes.  So we had a great breakfast.  Then we did some more cleaning on Hallelujah – we are always cleaning something – and used the internet for a long time as we were out of touch for 4 days in Fayette.  We had to continue to update the website (Barb’s work) and communicate with various people. 

At noon, Dave said he wanted to go for a bike ride through Peninsula State Park (this is one of the places we hung out as newly weds with lots of friends camping, sailing, and biking.  I wanted to go also but couldn’t walk that fast for that long.  So we rented a bicycle – yes Barb actually got back on a bike.   

After the 2005 accident we weren’t sure if she would ever get back on a bike.  But we did a 10 mile loop in the park seeing places that we enjoyed over the first 17 years of marriage and remembered old friends and the good times we had.  No pictures – had to concentrate on riding and not photographing.  

We returned to Hallelujah to collapse for a couple of hours and then went to our favorite restaurant for dinner – Summer Time Restaurant.  The food was as great as always.  That ended the day. 

Fish Creek Alabi Dock Marina

July 29

Eagle Point Lighthouse

Today is the day we can officially say we are heading south.  We have reached our most northern point in WI and today we will travel 35 miles south to Fish Creek, WI.  The winds have subsided, waves are down, and the sun is again out.  We left Fayette at 7:00 a.m. with no geese – what a surprise.  But maybe the winds pushed them away.  The trip south was uneventful and we made good time.  As we came into Alabi Docks to tie off on the T of pier 1, Barb heard someone calling her.  Friends we met last year on our trip were in a dock across from us – a Defever 45 Pilothouse.  We did our chores – Dave filling water tanks, checking internet, and getting some banking done while Barb did laundry.  Sherry and Doug Parker came over at 5:30 for cocktails.  We had a great time talking about trips and boating. 

The picture today was of Eagle Point Lighthouse.  This is one of a very few that are found in Green Bay.  It is a museum found within Peninsula State Park – Door County WI.  Barb spent the rest of this evening updating logs and computer website.  

---

July 28

Had to delay our start south due to weather.  Stayed one more day in Fayette.  Winds continued to build all day and the evening brought large storms through WI and northern MI.  We again escaped the worst of the weather and heard later about winds of 80 mph that sheered off trees.  Also heard about boats that lost dinghies, canvas, and various parts of boats.  We had winds of 30 mph, but no damage to any boat in Fayette.  We were pretty protected by the hills around this bay.  Dave spent most of the afternoon and evening (until after 11:00) watching our satellite weather – he watched the storms across MN, WI and MI.  Storm cells grew and grew and at one point we received warnings about possible tornados and strong winds.  Fortunately, these stayed south of where we were.

We did see a lot of geese and ducks – actually this was one of the attractions that we could do without.  There were so many Canadian Geese around that we had to watch our step walking all the time or step in Goose poop.   The first picture is from Escanaba marina and a flock of geese, the second from Fayette and a small group of three swimming by Hallelujah.  These geese didn’t move even if you were about 2 feet from them.  We walked the living section of the historic buildings – saw the doctors house and the foreman’s house along with other examples of boarding houses, middle class family home and worker cabin – very interesting to see life from the 1800s.  We recommend this location to all as a great destination and a look at life in the 1800s. 

Geese on evening swim

Hallelujah in Fayette 2010

July 27

Another hot day!  Barb walked early – Dave didn’t ride today.  The a.m. slipped by not sure if retirement is getting to be routine or not – but it was noon before we got much done (except read Kindles and stay cool).  So we put the dinghy down and went for a short ride to the beach to swim and then explore some of the area around Fayette by water.  The limestone cliffs are awesome.  The picture doesn’t do justice to what they look like.  After seeing them from water, we walked to the top of these cliffs and got a picture of the bay with Hallelujah at the dock.  We are doing more walking around the park.  Barb did some sight seeing and tried to find a location to get cell phone to work – got a brief call to family but that was very short lived.  No air card location could be found. 

Lime Stone Cliff

Fayette from the Bluff

July 26

We had company – this 90 foot schooner is part of a nautical school.  For the trip to Fayette, there were about 15 female high school students aboard – they won a science contest and spent 2 days aboard the Island Seas schooner doing environmental studies and learning about sailing.  It was interesting watching these students learn about how to tie knots, pull in lines, put sails up and down, etc.  We did more walking around the park -  there are three separate areas – the foundry, the business district and the living quarters.  Fayette was a Jackson Iron Company town in which iron smelting operations took place from 1867 till 1891.  The businesses were pretty extensive for the 1800s.  There was a large hotel, a music hall, barber shop, blacksmith, meat market, school, church, bank, clothing shop, and other stores all owned by the company.  The picture for today is of this business area.  Barb started her walking again this morning and Dave took a bike ride into a small town of Garden, MI – 20 miles round trip.  Barb did about 2 miles.  We did a little work in the afternoon to clean the inside of the boat, but heat reduced our work time so we sat and watched people.  The weather is hot and with no electricity we didn’t turn on the air. 

Fayette Business District

Island Seas Schooner

July 25

We finally made the trip from Escanaba to Fayette MI.  The first picture tells what Fayette is – a historic state park.  We love this small harbor – it is a very safe harbor most of the time from winds and waves in most all directions.  Fayette was a working foundry in the late 1800s.  The second picture is of the remains of the foundry and the harbor.  We were lucky and got a spot on the dock at the south west end.  We took time in the afternoon to walk around a little to stretch our legs.  Didn’t do much else today – very hot.  We did grill in the evening and open a bottle of wine to celebrate getting to Fayette.

Dock Safety Rescue Ring

Fayette Foundry

July 24

One more day in Escanaba – weather didn’t sound good for moving or for first night at Fayette.  We stayed in Escanaba and did boat cleaning – Barb scrubbed all decks (took7 + hours on hands and knees) till they shined while Dave did side walls, the hull and railings.  We invited two couples docked across from us aboard for cocktails and talked about the Loop.  It turns out they were from Milwaukee area and live close to where we used to live – small world!  They wanted information on places to go and see in the North Channel.  We shared maps and some printed materials.  Nice evening to be inside – rained most of late afternoon and some of the day also.   The picture for today is of the sunrise – Barb was up early and thought we were leaving – but not to be.  The sunrise was really beautiful. 

Sunrise at Escanaba

Geese in harbor

July 23

We headed out to do the 25 mile run to Fayette, but had to turn back due to starboard engine problems – really getting frustrated with this engine.  It was fine for weeks, but this a.m. it started acting up again.  We spent the a.m. and part of the afternoon, checking all fuel lines again, changing fuel filters and going through all items we could think of.  We found that a lid on a racor fuel filter may not be tight so ordered a new lid.  We took time this afternoon in the muggy hot weather to walk into town – about half a mile away.  We got rid of Michigan cans, and found a farmer’s market – got fresh fruit – hum!  Dave got a bike ride in while Barb walked pretty fast – not 4 mph but 3.  Called family today and just relaxed.  Barb finished another Kindle book.  No pictures today – overcast and lots of worrying about engine.  We are hoping to reach Fayette tomorrow.  There is no internet or cell service in that area so will be back with everyone in a few days.  We will head south on Monday or Tuesday (weather permitting) to Shanty Bay (Peninsula State Park) and then in to Fish Creek later next week.  

July 22

Interesting day – we left Menominee looking at rain on the satellite weather thinking that we would have rain as we traveled north to Escanaba – but never had more than a couple of drops all the way up – 35 miles.   But as we came in to dock, it started spitting.  The lake was choppy so we spent the a.m. in the fly bridge.  Barb made lunch early so we wouldn’t have to get wet.  We saw loons on the way north and just as we neared Escanaba a large flock of Canadian Geese – all flying low over the water in one straight line. 

The picture today is of the sunrise over Green Bay – it was overcast and muggy all day.  Even in the evening we thought we would have rain come through, but it seemed to move around us.  We spent the afternoon cleaning and reading – love our Kindle readers – lots of great books out there to read. 

Sunrise over Green Bay

July 21

We are starting to confuse our land connection – Dave’s Aunt and maybe some of you.  Each day we call and tell her we are moving and where we are going.  Well she doesn’t understand that we are still going north – she said “when are you heading south”.  She faithfully places arrows on her atlas and if we don’t call, she knows to call the Coast Guard to send out search and rescue.  So in the a.m. I had to explain where we were going – Peninsula State Park (Shanty Bay) – as we headed out of the west Sturgeon Bay Channel entrance and turned north, the waves were out of the North West and building.  We quick listen to the weather report (which had changed from yesterday and turned North West to Menominee, MI (yes we had one day in WI and we are back in MI).  Change of plans - we are in Menominee at the state docks - very lovely facility.

Sturgeon Bay West Channel

Winds continues out of North West.  Dave is getting better at docking and undocking.  We spent the afternoon walking around town – needed superglue to fix margarita glasses (we found it at an office supply store).  Barb found a quilt store and got materials for a quilting project.  Tomorrow we will move further north to Escanaba (we are doing a clockwise circle of northern Green Bay). 

The one picture for today is of the west end of the Sturgeon Bay ship channel looking out over Green Bay. 

July 20

Up early but the fog was thick so we had a little later start than we had expected.  We had a reservation at Center Point Marina in Sturgeon Bay, WI.  We were finally able to leave by 8:00 and made excellent time crossing Lake Michigan – 7 hours from dock to dock.  Waves were down and winds were not bad.  Our AIS picked up a couple of freighters but they were miles away so we never did get a good look at them.  It was sort of strange during the crossing – we didn’t see other boats out on the lake.  We were all alone so we sat in the fly bridge – Barb read a book and Dave watched the course, the instruments, and the water so we didn’t hit anything. 

Today was an important day for us – in 1978 we crossed Lake Michigan from Milwaukee, WI in our 28 foot sailboat without GPS or Radar.  We set a course, took off in the afternoon and when we arrived on the Michigan shoreline it was Acadia that was the first port we found – we were heading to Ludington but were a couple of degrees north.  Today we leave lower MI for the last time and we are crossing the lake from Acadia.  What an interesting feeling.  Of course we travel faster than we did sailing and we are going a shorter distance across (48.47 KM).   the picture for today is of the Acadia channel from Lake Michigan as we headed out – we said our goodbyes to this small port that has lots of memories for us.

We arrived early enough in the afternoon that we took a swim – the pool was great.  There is something to be said about retiring and not having to make ports – what a relaxing day.  We toasted that we are now in WI and in a month we will be in IL.   Barb made phone calls to WI friends and put together an Aug. schedule so that we can see various people on our way south along the WI side of Lake Michigan – it was great to hear and talk with old friends.

Acadia, MI Channel Entrance

July 19

We are starting south from Leland – wanted to get to Frankfort, MI so would have the shortest distance to cross Lake Michigan.  Frankfort was not available to us as there was a Tiara Boat Regatta starting today, so we went on to Acadia, MI.  As the pictures show, the waters were calm and the wind at our back so it was an easy day on the water. 

We were going to anchor in this harbor – we did so last year and had a great evening, but we called the state docks to check on the channel dredging and ask about old friends from years past.  Jack and Dee Slocum were at the marina –so we got a dock for the night and had wifi – but no cell phone (just like last year).  We took the kayaks out and paddled around the lake – talked to crew of Friend Ship who did come in and anchor.  Then had a wonderful evening with Jack and Dee talking about our old marina and the many people we know who are / were at White Hall Landing in White Lake, MI.  Great evening with old friends. 

Pictures for today – All that know Barb know her love of the Dunes.  The first picture is of Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes – a lower section of the dunes.   Picture two is of Point Betsy Light House – going north it was hazy so today we give a clearer picture of this wonderful light house.  Picture 3 is the small creek we found in Acadia – Dave was trying to work his way up the creek.    

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes

Point Betsy Lighthouse

Dave kayaking at Acadia MI

July 18

Rain day in Leland.  Friend Ship arrived and as you see in the picture – another looper who was rafted off of us.  Nice couple out of Ludington MI who did the loop a few years ago.  We spent time washing bugs off the boat and running to the City Library to use internet connections.  Went to the Bluebird Café for pizza tonight – it is a landmark restaurant in Leland.  Hope to move further south tomorrow so we can prepare to cross Lake Michigan on Tuesday. 

Hallelujah with rafted trawler

July 17

Saturday – we are trying to stay one more day so Bergman Marine can lay on final top coat of awl grip.  The repair person arrived early but not before Barb got last load of laundry done.  We would be able to leave early afternoon if we can’t get an extension on our slip rental – weekends are very hard to get slips in this marina.  At 11:30 we were told that the paint was dry enough to move – so we quick prepared to leave Charlevoix and head back to Leland – a good distance for today 25 miles west.  The lake was 2-3 footers and winds out of the west so we beat into waves for most of the trip and arrived in Leland – and were placed along a main wall.  Sleeping tonight was good. 

The pictures for today are of leaving Charlevoix – we followed Cracker Bay out of the channel – that is really a 20 foot powerboat squeezed between Cracker Bay and the wall.  We passed close to some of the most spectacular sand dunes late afternoon.  These are not part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, but lovely to look at.  Had a relaxing evening – no internet and no cell – again! 

Cracker Bay leaving Leland

Sand Dunes north of Leland

July 16

Very uneventful day – stayed near the boat while work was being done – second primer coat applied – we watched big boats come and go.  Can’t believe that 50+ foot boats were put onto 38 foot slips.  We really are not that big when mixed with these larger power boats.  We went over to Friend Ship for looper hour and had to sit inside because of a different band at the band shell – very loud!  There was an old car gathering in Charlevoix.  We walked around the main street and looked at old cars after dinner. 

Friend Ship

July 15

Dave hung around the boat most of the day while Bergman Marina sanded and put on primer coats of Awl grip.  Dave called back to Moxie and got the paint color numbers – which really helped so that paint could be matched pretty close.  Another looper boat came in today – Friend Ship with a couple from North Carolina.  We had them over for looper happy hour. 

Pictures today of Cracker Bay – we had birthday cake that was made for the owners birthday – we believe it was made aboard but was very large so people in the marina could have some.  I also include a picture of the north side of Round Lake – the houses here are very unique.  The architecture is “mushroom” because of the roofs and the stone used to build the homes.  We took a walking tour around part of Charlevoix to see these homes.  Also pictured is the bridge that has to open to let most all boats in and out of Round Lake.  You have to time arrival and departures according to bridge openings – on the hour and half hour.

Chracker Bay Ship

Mushroom Houses

Charlevoix Channel Bridge

July 14

Today was hot and muggy – we kept the air on and spent a fair amount of time inside.  Barb did laundry early in the day – good thing as there were many people trying to do laundry all day – cheapest prices at $1.00 per machine.  We did put together the anchor float.  Reason for nonproductive day was that we were up at 3:00 a.m. putting out more dock lines and fenders.  The winds were gusting up to 20 knots from south and the bow hit the dock – multiple times before we felt it.  We took shifts saying up till daylight and then inspected the bow.  The dock master at Charlevoix suggested Bergman Marine Services so we called.  They were very gracious and sent someone over – he started a gel coat patch in the afternoon. 

Charlevoix is a larger marina (new docks and new park at the marina), and today we learned just how large it is.  Three large boats came in – Cracker Bay that was on Beaver with us was already docked – took up the whole end of a 120 foot pier and hung out both ends.  Reef Chief was the next boat in at 120 feet and this ship hung out both ends of a 100 foot dock.  The third boat in was 110 feet and couldn’t dock – the picture shows it at anchor in Round Lake.  The fourth boat in was a 97 wooden boat build in 1930 – this was the most impressive.  Refurbishing is in progress and the wood looked great. 

We were treated to another concert this evening – a rock band from Detroit doing Beetles songs.  The music was fine but the vocalization was something to be desired.  We sat on the back deck feeling very small with the big boats around us – a 55 footer across from us and 50 footers on most of the rest of our pier.  Drank margarita’s and toasted that we didn’t have worse bow damage.   

Wood 97 foot craft

Reef Chief

120 foot craft at anchor

July 13

Up at 6:00 (well Barb up – Dave slept till 6:30).  Barb saw two sailboats pull anchor and head out of harbor.  We pulled anchor at 7:30 and headed to Charlevoix – a 35 mile trip to the southeast.  Winds from aft so we had a little push.  Set speed according to Charlevoix bridge opening – arriving at bridge about 5 minutes before opening.  Called for slip to be told that we would be on a waiting list (number 10).  We hung out on Round Lake and at noon called for a slip.  They put us into a 38 foot slip – we hang out off the bow and stern.  Barb spent the afternoon calling family and getting blue ink out of her Auzi hat – hairspray, fingernail polish, rubbing alcohol and acetone didn’t do much but make the ink spread – Shout did the trick!  The hat looks great again.  Dave did odds and ends – got diesel oil at a small marine store, cleaned the fly bridge and checked the engine room.  5:00 cocktails were on the back deck – margaritas of course.  Met the couple with a son on the sailboat next to us – he came about and we talked sailing.  We were treated this evening with a concert by the community band.  We sat on the back deck to listen.  The day seemed to fly by.  The pictures are of the crowd at the band shell, the band and some of the houses on the south side of Round Lake. 

Concert Audience

Charlevoix Community Band

Charlevoix south short of Roung Lake

July 12

The winds have switched to the North so the harbor is calmer.  We took the dinghy down and had a great 2 hour trip to / from Garden Island.  Barb wanted to see the historic Indian Village and Cemetery.   The pictures from today are of Garden Island.   Unfortunately as Barb stepped off the boat the mosquitoes attacked.  There was a very nice young couple at the small boat landing and they had mosquito netting under hats and said we better have lots of insect repellent.  Oh well, I got a few pictures and jumped back in the boat – we took off fast.

We had lunch at the Shamrock Restaurant / Pub.  This is a historic site on Beaver Island with lots of history.  The onion rings were great – or it was that we hadn’t had grease in ages.  But the food was good and service excellent.  We then walked around town – all 4 blocks and then returned to Hallelujah for a nap.  Our evening was uneventful – more sailboats in the harbor but little wind so we slept well. 

Garden Island - Dave in Dinghy

Garden Island

July 11

We stayed at anchor today and spent most of the day inside out of the heavy winds (up to 30 knots).  We read, napped and did no work to speak of.  Dave continued to watch the GPS and took walks around the deck to check the anchore.  We swung all day and really buried the anchor in the sand and mud.  We saw many power boats go into the state docks but the anchorage did start to fill up.   Sunday night was a different story – we took naps and held watch during the night.  The GPS continued to give alarm – which meant we were not anchored but moving.  Actually we were moving, just going in circles as the winds were shifting to the north – so Hallelujah was going in circles.  We worried about breaking loose or hitting sailboats that had decided to anchor near us.  It was a long night!  We also had ducks pecking on the hull.  Even thought we pounded on the hull in the aft cabin, they didn’t stop.  Dave had to go out on deck with our portable floodlight before they would move away – at least for a little while.  The two pictures are of St. James – the little town on Beaver Island and one of Hallelujah sitting in St. James Bay.  We do love this anchorage because of the clear water and the sand bottom.

Hallelujah in St. James Harbor

St. James Town

July 10

Up early and walked to Barb’s Bakery for sugar twists – first bakery in ages!  We then started to clean the bow – lots of bugs but Dave slipped and hit his tow on a cleat so he sat on the back deck while Barb finished cleaning.  We need to be more safety conscious and wear shoes.  We had breakfast with Liz and John – they brought fresh fruit!  Dave was ecstatic about the raspberries.  Liz left some of the fruit and we finished it today – what a treat!   We left Northport about 10:00 a.m. heading to Beaver – we ran at 1650 doing 7 + knots with a tail wind. 

Trip to Beaver Island was good -  we did have 3 freighters on the AIS but only the one in the picture was even close to us.  We did have to slow down so he could pass us with some distance between us.   Before arriving in Beaver we got an AIS signal for a Private Yacht in St. James Harbor (Beaver Island).  When we pulled in this is what we saw.  We anchored off this ships stern.  Dave thinks it is about 150 Feet – three full stories and a crew (we saw white uniforms).  The ship is from England. 

We had a quiet evening and Dave did cook out on the grill but we didn’t eat on back deck – to many little flies.   There were very few boats anchored in the Harbor – not many could with the ship there.  But the ship moved to the ferry dock after the 8:00 ferry left.  We slept well tonight.

Freighter Orsula

Private Yacht

Dave Grilling

July 9

Today is a travel day.  We left Leland heading east to North Port.  The first picture is of the Traverse Light House.  Yes is it hidden in the trees, but this is a main lighthouse that reports weather conditions for the Great Lakes. 

Northport is a new harbor for Hallelujah – we have never traveled into Traverse Bay.  The town is very nice but small.  We found a good grocery store – forgot some things in Leland and a great Bakery – Barb’s Bakery (truly not me but the name of the bakery).  There is a park next to the marina and we had a lovely concert tonight.  The trip was easy and the harbor is interesting.  As we pulled in the harbor master asked our width – 15 feet.  He said we should be able to fit into the 16 foot wide dock.  Dave had to thread the boat like a needle!  We did rub the starboard rail covers, but didn’t cause to much damage.  Called a colleague to see if she was coming north to Leland.  We decided to meet up on Saturday early.

Travers Bay Light House

Traverse Bay From Hallelujah

Northport Park

July 8

This was a replenish day.  We are in Leland enjoying the harbor and the shops.  We did maintenance on the boat – there is always something to do.  We met a lovely couple doing the loop on a 34 American Tug – Tennessee Traveler.  We sat on the back deck for about 2 hours telling them about all the ports on the MI side of Lake Michigan.  We shared maps and information with joy. 

Leland is a wonderful little town.  The grocery has good produce which we really needed – fresh vegetables and fruits.  There were lots of tourists in town – until late evening.   The picture of the old part of town shows the age of this small port.  Leland is over 100 years old.  This is a fishing town and the port for travelers to South Manitou.  

Hallelujah in Leland

Leland - town picture

July 7

We are on the move.  Up at 6 and off the dock by 6:45.  Moving to Leland, MI.  About 63 statute miles north.  The weather is cloudy with chance of showers but very little wind in the a.m.   We were in and out of fog for a fair amount of the day, so we really appreciated our radar on the fly bridge.  As we passed Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Park, we said our goodbyes and I called family to reminisce about former trips north past this wonderful part of Michigan.  To bad there are no harbors or even anchorages by this park.  These Sand Dunes are very steep and well worth the view from the water.   Sorry the two pictures are not of clear sunny days – but some days of travel will be not so exciting.  

We did finally get to see that our AIS system was working.  This nice little box (that BJR installed under the fly bridge helm) connects to our radio and computer.  Ships send out signals giving information about name, location, speed, etc.  Using our AIS we can track where ships are on our electronic charts.   We had the Manistee freighter on our screen.  The closest we got was 2.5 miles from them – we did see them in the haze.  We have checked one more thing on our list to test – we are now set for rivers as we will be able to see all sorts of barge and ship locations and hail them for passing, etc.    

Our trip was interesting in that we really moved faster than expected.  The last 3 miles was a race with three sail boats – we actually passed two of them but not the third one.  Dave decided he needed to be a speed boat and go fast (all of 8 knots).  The reason being is that dockage is first come first serve.  Two of the sailboats had to raft off the end of a pier.  The picture of Leland harbor is to show the new harbor – quite improved!  All new docks and more of them.  We are not in this picture as we are opposite the fuel dock so hard to get a picture – but it was easy to get a pump out from our slip.   

We met up with SeaCure Refuge and Melody – we had 8 on the back deck for cocktails and snacks.  Margarita’s went very well – hot, muggy and lots of talk.  What a great way to see friends – so glad we have such a great back deck.  Sorry, no picture of the group – I forgot to take the camera out. 

Leland is a very old small town.  The town picture shows the original part of Leland that is over 100 years old.  This small fishing port is also the location for transportation to the Manitou Islands.  The ferry goes from here over to the islands.  I fondly remember the children’s book about the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.  We will spend July 8 here – need to do some cleaning, laundry (yes always doing laundry) and restock the refrigerator (but not the freezer).  I will also be able to do some walking – and explore great stores (mostly small art stores).   I called a colleague to see if she was in the area – but alas not.  I did get to see her daughter though.  The day ended with a short walk in town to get ice cream – great ice cream shop on the main street. 

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes

North end of Sleeping Bear National Park

LeLand Harbor

Leland Town

July 2-6

The days are hot and muggy so we are spending a fair amount of time inside reading and relaxing (lot so of napping).  The fourth was quiet – no fire works in this small lake.  We did use the bike and walk.  Barb is still trying to do 4 mph for 1 mile. We had friends on SeaCure Refuge stop at the harbor on July 5, so we had fun talking about boating.  On the 6th we prepared for departure tomorrow.   No pictures for this log – getting lazy and we didn’t see anything new in the past few days. 

July 1, 2010

What a great day we had today.  Hallelujah did move – see if you can tell from the pictures.  We started the morning bow in (the bow was facing the long pier).  But we couldn’t get the dinghy down with the boat in our normal position.  So, we have a learning exercise this morning – something we have to learn to do for the southern states.  We turned the boat around and put the stern in.  Not a simple exercise as we have to take in all lines and electric cord, set new fenders and move the mid-ship line from one side of the boat to the other.  But that was the simple part of this experience.  With headsets on so we can talk to each other, Dave was at the upper helm facing the bow of the boat and Barb was at the stern of the boat facing out.  Dave would ask what direction to turn because he couldn’t see behind and Barb would say right, when for Dave that was left.  To make a long story short, we did get into the slip without hitting the pipe or the dock, but we need to have a better communication system and we can’t be talking loudly into the head sets – not so good on the ears. 

We took two dinghy trips around the lake – the picture of Portage Point Inn was taken from the dinghy – this is a very large resort with many buildings.  The marina sits just south of the buildings (to the left in the resort picture).  We have enjoyed watching people climb the sand dune behind the marina and run down – but haven’t done this ourselves (too much like work!).  The resort has its own beach on Portage Lake and a second beach on Lake Michigan and then an indoor swimming pool and hot tub.  I’ve used the laundry facility to do some laundry.  There are lovely homes around this small lake which has very clean water –we could see bottom even in the marina.  Our evening ride was more peaceful as the winds and waves on Portage Lake had subsided.  Also, Dave didn’t run the dinghy like a wave runner – as he did in the afternoon.  We went fast but the dinghy wouldn’t jump the waves.

But most unusual, we met another looper couple!  Yes in this very small resort there is a couple who completed the loop in early 2000.  Nice older couple aboard China Doll.  We spent about 1.5 hours with them talking about their trip and place / sites to see.  I only went down to give them a boat card as that is what loopers do and we both ended up on their boat talking.  We didn’t get back to Hallelujah until 10:30 -- the end of another looping day.    

Bow In

Bow Out

Portage Point Inn from Water

Marina with Sand Dune

June 30 - Start of Loop Trip, 2010

We are starting the loop trip today.  It was a wonderful day to start.  Light winds and fair seas – at least in the morning.  At 7:00 a.m. we were greeted by Ron Russell with hot muffins Cathy made at the White Swann Inn.  We said our goodbye’s to Whitehall MI after having boats here for 23 years.   White Lake is a wonderful stop for loopers – there two towns with everything that you would need within walking distance.  Good restaurants (recommend Harbor View Grill about 2.5 blocks from state docks); Montague Foods (about 1/2 mile from state docks), and fun small stores for shopping.  There is also a marine store and a hardware store both about 3 – 4 blocks from state marina.

As we headed down White Lake (which is the second largest lake that connects to Lake Michigan – 5 miles long), we had hot chocolate and warm muffins – the air temp was only 56º.  We again saw Ron at the channel entrance – still taking pictures of us as we turned right out of the channel and headed north.   

We did approximately 60 miles to Portage Lake.  We will spend a week at the Portage Point Inn – a great place also.   We passed three of the famous Lake Michigan Light Houses – White Lake Lighthouse, Little Sable Point Light House and Big Sable Point Light House (the picture included).  We don’t believe we will be returning to Lake Michigan in the next few years and said goodbyes as we went up the lake – reminiscing about various towns along the way and good times in various ports – Pentwater and Ludington. 

We spent 5 weeks (all of June) in Whitehall at the White Lake Moorings Marina (formerly Moxie Marina) completing the last of our to-do list of items that needed to be done (or Barb wanted done) before starting this leg of our cruising.  We couldn’t have started this trip without the help of many wonderful people – family who support our moving aboard, friends who have helped us prepare for this journey, and a great team of boat experts in and near Whitehall, MI.  Bret Rosenau, Advanced Diesel Systems, Inc.  was incredible – chased down an air leak on the starboard engine (he is a genius with diesel engines).  Todd, Dennis, Bill, Bill, Wes, and Skip from Moxie Marine who all worked tirelessly on various electronic, paint, and other projects to make sure that Hallelujah is a sound vessel that also looks great.  The boat now shines (Todd is an artist with awl grip and fiberglass work), runs smoothly and we are confident that our voyage will be much easier with less stops for repairs. 
We ended our day sitting quietly on the back deck eating a Mexican dinner and drinking margaritas.  

Cear Skies - Montague, MI

Ron on Dock as we leave

White Lake Channel Entrance

Fellow traveler heading north

Michigan Shoreline - Sand Dunes

Big Sable Light House