Summer, 2019

Monday / Wednesday Sept. 30- Oct. 2, 2019

The car wouldn’t start when we got ready to leave to hotel. We used the smart charger and it started. We drove directly to the Chevy dealer and he said he could fit us in at 9:30. We were greatful for the help. We went on to the boat and they were ready for us by 8:30. The boat was pulled and we returned to Wheeler Chevy for service. The battery was bad – they put in a new battery and we were on the road by 11:10. We drove to Springboro OH for the night. It was a long day. Dave figured out that we could make it through Atlanta if we left the hotel by 4:30 a.m. Tuesday was long! We are up and on road at 4:15 and reached Atlanta at 1:00 – with good traffic flow. The northbound lanes were back up due to an accident, but we drove straight through with no difficulties – we were very lucky! We drove 702 miles today and stopped at Adel, GA. We thought we would sleep in and start later in am on Wednesday. No go! We were awake, dressed and had breakfast and on the road by 6:30 am. Traffic was a little heavier but we moved along – with more stops for driver change than usual. We were home by noon! And it was so nice to be able to just rest and do little in the house. We had the car unpacked by 2:00. We found that we had a problem with the guest room AC unit. We called for emergency service (we love our AC company) and they came out to fix the water leak. Unfortunately, the unit had been leaking for some time and there was wall, floor and chair damage. While Dave stayed home to work with the AC people, Barb ran to the grocery store and got some short term supplies – we didn’t feel out eating out. The AC people got the unit working and the room started to cool. We had a toast with wine and cheese and fell into bed early! Oh to be on our own bed!

Wednesday / Sunday Sept. 25-29, 2019

OK, we are back on the road to get our car from Northport. What a waste of time and money. We should have known better, but had hopes of making it to Northport with the boat. Northport graciously returned our deposit – very unexpected! WE were back by 2:30 and did some last minute grocery shopping for fresh stuff to last over the weekend. Barb spent Thursday finishing up the outside areas – upper deck, fly bridge, front deck and back deck. Barb also started stowing forward stateroom and pulling items to go home. The AC Company along with Brian were aboard at 1:00 to charge the AC system. But there were a couple of leaks that took a couple of hours to find and fix. They didn’t leave until 5:15, but we know have heat! While our small heater worked well, having good heat is so nice! Brian came aboard Friday am and finished putting the boat back together and clean up his mess. Dave worked in the engine room while Barb did some more organizing of stuff (working around Brian). Saturday we did laundry, cleaned refrigerators and freezer, packed office supplies and started packing the car. On Sunday we did the last of laundry, packed the last of the car, did last of inside cleaning and were ready to move to hotel at 4:00. But now for a new problem -- The car wouldn’t start! The battery was dead. We got our battery charger from the boat and hooked it up. The car started so we drove to Walmart and while Dave ran in for a smart charger, Barb sat in the car with it running. We drove around for an hour and then went to the hotel. We didn’t have problems when going out to dinner in Mackinac City – pizza night!

Thursday / Tuesday Sept. 18-24, 2019

We drove our car back to Northport on Thursday – rained most of the morning. We were back at the boat by 3:30 and needed to relax. It was a three hour drive one way. Friday was a lay around day. Brian came aboard in the afternoon to install the forward unit but had problems. Brian will work on it Monday. Dave laid around on Saturday as he was coming down with a cold. Barb continued to do outside cleaning. We did engine room work on Sunday so that the boat could quickly be hauled when we reached Northport. Monday Brian came aboard and finished AC forward stateroom unit, but delivered news that the AC Company couldn’t be here until Thursday afternoon. Dave started looking at weather window to get around and through Gray’s Reef. It isn’t looking good! On Tuesday, with Barb down with the cold and Dave barely getting strength back, we asked Walstrom’s if they had room to store us for the winter. They found us room – we are the last boat they can take for indoor heated storage. We quickly took the boat down to the state dock for a pump out as we were concerned the tank wouldn’t hold till we are pulled.

Tuesday / Wednesday Sept. 16-17, 2019

We spent Tuesday am in Mackinac City and returned to the boat just before noon. Brian was working on installing new AC units. We spent the afternoon doing some outside cleaning – the temperature was in the upper 60’s to low 70’s so working outside was ok. We were able to move back on board on Wednesday – aft stateroom has new unit installed and main salon unit is installed. The forward stateroom unit is delayed in shipping. Barb quickly dusted and vacuumed these two areas and we were settled in quickly. In the afternoon we took the dinghy down and washed the forward hull and then prepared the dinghy for winter storage. We were sure we would be out of Cheboygan by the beginning of next week, so we ordered a rental car.

Saturday / Monday Sept. 14-16-2019

We decided to do a little sightseeing in the UP this weekend as there was nothing we could do on the boat. We headed to Sault Ste. Marie and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. It was interesting -- so much so that I didn’t get any pictures. Real Bummer! After leaving the museum we saw signs for waterfalls – Barb is really into waterfalls. So we veered right and headed west to Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Great time and we did some walking – Barb a little more than Dave. We stayed in the Sault Saturday night and went to a favorite restaurant – the Antlers. Dinner wasn’t all that good – burgers tasted funny. Sunday we came south over the Mac Bridge and stayed in Mackinac City. We drove to the boat and back to Mac City for Sunday night. The weekend was fun, but it also showed us that we don’t do well without having home cooked meals. Eating out over days wasn’t our thing.

Tuesday / Friday Sept. 1-13, 2019

We sort of fell into a routine for most of the time we were at Walstrom’s Marine service. We did laundry, cleaned some of the boat, relaxed, got to grocery (walk, bike, car) and spent time sitting around. Labor Day was very quiet – no bridge walk and not many people at this facility. It is repair and storage facility so no general marina boats here. We’re here to have a new inverter installed – should take care of our shore power problems. We also had the AC/Heat units replaced – a rather long process.

Walstrom’s was very efficient and started work when they said they would and worked steady when parts were available. We are eating up food both frozen and canned. The weather had turned cold – in 40’s early in day and not above 60° mid-day. Without the AC we have resorted to our portable heater. On Sept 9 we rented a car and went to Northport to get our car and we also had to move to a hotel in Charlevoix as all three cabins (main salon and both staterooms) are now torn apart for removal of AC units. We did manage to make room in the mail salon and have dinner with the Sneider’s from Subject to Change. Their boat will be pulled tomorrow. We ordered pizza and salads and had a great evening of conversation. We spent from Sept 9 till Sept. 14 at a mediocre hotel in town. Since we couldn’t be on the boat during the day it got a little tiring.

Saturday Aug. 31, 2019

We waited till the gas dock opened at 8:00 and got a pump out before leaving DeTour. Many of the other loopers left early. The lake had calmed down a ton! Other loopers were heading west while we went southwest to Cheboygan, MI (a 38 mile run). We needed to be at Walstrom before 2:00 so that we would have help getting docked. We made it in record time and crossed paths with Sonador (Melissa and Sophie). They were in Dunkin Bay. We talked to a couple on a sail boat that was in DeTour with us, they will be pulled on Tuesday. We settled in and took a short walk in the evening. We are low on dairy and produce and need to do laundry.

Saturday / Friday Aug. 24-30, 2019

Dream Seeker (DF 49) and Hallelujah (DF 44) at dock in DeTour, MI

We left early and did a 61 mile run to DeTour, MI. WE knew the weather window was closing down later in the afternoon and we wanted a dock to sit out the Westerly winds. We made god time and were tied before the winds picked up. Met a couple of looper boats on the dock but stayed aboard most of the afternoon. Sunday the winds were out of the Southeast with steady 22 and gusts to 35. We were a little lumpy but not bad. We relaxed and watched looper boats come in and try to dock in these winds. We didn’t get a lot of sleep Sunday night as the winds picked up and came more out of the south – so there were waves in the marina. We took a walk around town on Monday to get off the boat. Tuesday was much the same, but we did have docktails ashore with 4 other looper boats. Wednesday we just stayed aboard and started the winter storage check off list. On Thursday we wanted a number of looper boats leave dock and try to head to Mackinac City, only to return within an hour with more looper boats that tried to leave from Drummond Island. Lake Huron wasn’t a nice lake today. There was quite a group at the picnic tables this evening talking about how bad the one hour trip was. On Friday Barb put together a dinner at a local restaurant. We thought there would be 18, but just about 5:00 Dream Seeker (DF49) with Denny and Arden Bushnell aboard was docked next to Hallelujah. They joined the dinner party along with some want to be loopers. We were 25 at dinner. The restaurant wasn’t sure they could feed us all at once, but they did a great job. Everyone was really ready to leave the next morning. Lots of good conversation around three tables.

Friday Aug. 23, 2019

We took off early and stopped at Spanish for pump out. The weather is changing and not for better. We are looking at a weather window. We were going to head to Long Point Cove but decided that we would be sitting for most of a week there. So we opted for Turnbull for one night – a 31 mile run. The winds were more northwest so we were ok here for the night. There were about 4 other boats here.

Thursday Aug. 22, 2019

Dave, Barb, Norm, Elaine, June, Tim and Maggie (the dog).

We did a late start due to a cruise ship that needed to leave so we had room to maneuver and went the 25 miles to Hotham Island and Central Anchorage. Subject to Change followed us and anchored near us. We went ashore for cocktails with Norm and Elaine – only our two boats here tonight which is very unusual! Ended up in the sun room as it started to rain –which didn’t last all that long. We had dinner aboard Subject to Change – great cold weather meal – gumbo. We said good-bye to Tim and June as they were spending another week in the North Channel before heading to Cheboygan, MI and winter storage.

Dinghy ride along Oak Bay channel - it isn't warm out!

Hallelujah (foreground) and Subject to Change at anchor in Oak Bay main anchorage.

Tuesday / Wednesday Aug. 20-21, 2019

OK, we had a new experience pulling the anchor in “The Pool”. The windless was really struggling with the weight of the weeds. A Canadian went over to help Subject to Change as they were struggling also. He used a long knife to cut the weeds away from the chain and anchor. He then came over to give us a hand. We are not sure how we would have gotten the anchor up without his help. We were pulling on the anchor for an hour! We were going to head directly to Hotham which would be a long run, but June needed groceries and they wanted to see Little Current. So we went 35 miles to Little Current. The winds were supposed to build to 25 – 30 mph again on Wednesday out of the West so we were not sure that Little Current would be a good place, but when we called we requested the inner wall – we got a great spot. There was current, but we were not bothered by waves and heavy wind. Subject to Change was right behind us on the wall. We ran errands and relaxed in the afternoon – then had shore cocktails for about 10 loopers at the marina picnic area. Wednesday morning we went up to the Hotel to see the North Channel Cruiser Net with Roy Eaton. Barb ended up helping log call ins and the group present was a record for Roy. The total room was filled with boaters. Barb and June did some browsing of shops (Barb got some quilt material) and then we did some boat work in the afternoon.

Sunday / Monday Aug. 18-19, 2019

We moved 25 miles to Baie Fine today – the pool anchorage. A straight shot would have been 5 miles but we had to weave between mountain fingers. Baie Fine is beautiful but extremely weedy. We were not sure if there would be room as a number of looper boats were also going there. But we did find a good spot with lots of swing room – the winds were to pick up and blow the next day. We saw a bear swimming across the anchorage in the afternoon – very big and very exiting! On Monday we went ashore to walk to the top of the mountain. Dave did really well and got about 4/5 of the way up before he had to stop. Barb made it to the top but not to the overlook for the pool. After walking back to the dinghy we putted around the anchorage area and saw how large it actually was, then went out into Baie Fine to see what the westerly winds looked like – not nice for a dinghy as the Baie is an East West long fiord. We returned to the boat and were happy that we sat calmly in this secure anchorage. We had dinner aboard Subject to Change tonight. Lovely people who know how to cook! Great meal!!

The entrance to Baie Fine from Georgian Bay.

The north side of Baie Fine.

Baie Fine - beautiful high ridges on both sides.

This is the mountain that Barb climbed and Dave almost climbed

Lake Topaz that is fresh water lake at the top of the mountain.

Looking east from Hallelujah - there is a small river back there for canoes to portage.

Dave with a walking stick to help him on the uneven path.

The trail up to Topaz Lake - Dave did well on this rocky path.

Subject to Change following Hallelujah down Baie Fine.

Subject to Change and Hallelujah at anchor in "The Pool".

Friday / Saturday, Aug. 16-17, 2019

We traveled east (yes, through the Little Current Bridge once more) to Killarney, ON, a distance of 26 miles. We met up with Subject to Change – we shared a short finger pier. We got a pump out and did laundry in the afternoon. On Saturday Dave made cookies while Barb worked on the computer. The Sneider’s came over for wine and then we walked down to Killarney Mountain Lodge for dinner. After dinner we were entertained by a gentleman with a trumpet. He was quite good (see picture).

Barb and Dave with June and Tim at the Killarney Mountain Lodge Resort

The trumpet player - he said he likes to play in the evening. He was quite good.

Monday / Thursday Aug. 12-15, 2019

We quickly went to the Auto supply store at 8:00 for oil and were out of the harbor and heading east by 9:00 a.m. We were trying a new anchorage – East Rouse. The winds were to be out of the South and Southwest and this seemed like a good place to go. It was also in the direction we were headed to meet up with friends on Friday. We watched boats come and go during our stay. We arrived to find no boats anchored on Monday but there were 12 boats by dark, Tuesday was the same: everyone left and 5 boats came in. Wednesday we had only 3 boats in the harbor. We were thinking that people were heading home early. We were alone on Thursday night. The winds had definitely picked up during our four day stay but they were calming down. We hardly felt anything in this anchorage. Definitely a return anchorage if winds were from Southeast.

The south facing island - while we had wind, we had no waves.

The surrounding lands were not very high, but we did have loons come to visit.

Saturday / Sunday Aug. 10-11, 2019

We started early for the 20 mile run to Gore Bay. Barb had a haircut appointment and we needed to be docked. We arrived and had pump out, got to the liquor store, bank, and tried to get engine oil with no luck (closed on Sat/Sun). Barb got a haircut which was great! She gave Dave a haircut also. We decided to lay over on Sunday and get engine oil first thing Monday a.m. Barb did some baking while Dave did some engine room work. We also did the much needed laundry.

Tuesday / Friday Aug. 6-9, 2019

We returned to Hotham anchorage – a 22 mile run. We met Inshallah and took a dinghy ride in the afternoon. Unfortunately the winds were building and we got a little wet! We did go into Norm and Elaine’s for cocktails and met some more new people. We stayed aboard on Wednesday and relaxed. On Thursday we were invited to a special gathering on shore for a surprise birthday party – Barb made brownies in the afternoon. Norm had great Brats! We pigged out on Brats and beans. On Friday we started thinking about the last month on board. Barb sorted canned goods and took inventory of frozen foods so that we started to eat food on board. We made a grocery list for Gore Bay run – next grocery / pump out stop.

Norm and Elaine's cottage on Hotham Island - with their guest cottage to the left.

Inshallah crew (Mike and Marilou) with Barb and Dave on the deck for cocktails at Norm and Elaine cottage.

Forgot to get a picture of our two DFs but got the eastern wall of trees.

this is actually an island that helps block west winds in this anchorage.

Monday Aug. 5, 2019

We traveled 22 miles to Kagawong, ON. We needed a pump out and Barb wanted to see the water falls. It was a small challenge to get to the pump out but we managed and getting to our slip in the marina wasn’t very easy either. With help from people in the marina we made the tight turns and got tied up. Dave spent the afternoon filling the water tanks and watching people dive off the end of the outer wall even though big signs said no diving or fishing. Barb walked to Bridal Vail Falls and also found a small convenience store that had some fresh food – came back with two bags of stuff!

The creek you follow up to the falls. very pretty setting.

THe locals use the falls as a swimming pool. It wasn't all that hot!

Bridal Vail Falls at the top.

Kagawong marina - very small and not much protection from the north winds.

Saturday / Sunday Aug. 3-4, 2019

We ended up going 35 miles to day. Our plan was to go to Eagle Island to anchor but the winds were predicted to shift more North east so went all the way to Hotham Central Anchorage where Norm and Elaine live. We heard friends that were at Eagle saying they were moving – that made our decision to move further into a sheltered anchorage. We went ashore Saturday evening and met some new folks on Norm’s deck. We relaxed on Sunday as the winds blew – would be difficult to take dinghy down from upper deck.

Hotham Central Anchorage looking east - nice wall of trees to hold off the winds.

WE ha a number of sail boats anchored here today.

Thursday / Friday Aug. 1-2, 2019

We moved all of 7 miles to Heywood anchorage. We spent our time relaxing and watching boats come in and leave. The winds were out of south west so this was a good anchorage. We made reservations at a new marina we will go to on Monday.

Wednesday July 31, 2019

We moved to a new anchorage area for us. We went to Frazier Bay and Nichols Anchorage. This anchorage was recommended by a friend and we thought we would try it out. Of course the winds shifted in the afternoon from the wrong direction so we were lumpy, but the winds died about 9:00 pm and we had a good sleep. The pictures are from our boat of the anchorage - all four sides.

Sunday / Tuesday July 28-30, 2019

We moved all of 7 miles today to Killarney, ON. We needed a pump out and had to do some laundry. We ended up here for three days due to weather. We did some cooking and tried to use internet with little luck. Had a situation with a Grand Banks, the owner didn’t know how to work with current, winds and docking a boat. We were almost hit – within inches as he tried to pull in next to us. Dave was on back deck with a boat hook – we had fenders out bot not in correct places. The owners didn’t even try and apologize! They laughed the situation off. We were glad the winds changed direction and they left before us! We don’t need to be in tight quarters with boaters who don’t know how to operate their vessels.

Wednesday / Saturday July 24-27, 2019

We left Hopewell and decided to do more of the small boat channel. This is a totally new area for us and we had to stop and review charts a number of times because the buoys didn’t look right. But we were able to navigate the next 20 miles without hitting anything. As we came to an open section that runs along the Georgian Bay, we talked with Sea Glass on the radio. They were a couple of miles behind us on the open bay. We were all heading to the Bustard Islands to anchor. After thinking about the anchorage and giving the weather another look, we decided to skip the Bustard Island and head straight to Mile 58 anchorage in the Collins Inlet. We changed course and pushed up our speed and went the 72 mile distance. The winds picked up as weather forecasts predicted to the point that we had some 20+ mph wind gusts. The Bay chop moved to 2 footers on the port beam but Hallelujah was fine. We heard from Sea Glass that the Bustard Island anchorages were full (they ended up tying off shore) so we were glad we came ahead to one of our favorite anchorages. There was only one other boat here when we arrived – wait it is Class Act with Mel and Susan aboard! We stayed for four nights waiting out bad weather. On Thursday we took a dinghy ride up a nearby river that is a canoe portage area. Nice ride and today was a nicer day. The next three days is was cold, rainy and windy. We stayed aboard and relaxed.

The end of the small boat channel, meeting Georgian Bay - light house here.

channels were narrow so we were close to rocks!

Very pretty scenery

it was a beautiful day!

Great traveling slowly through great country

More beautiful rocks and trees

Dinghy ride up a small river to canoe portage area

the end of the river for us! We turned around and went back to boat

Tuesday July 23, 2019

Dave having a good time kayaking

We weren’t going very far today (only 30 miles). We got a pump out early in the am and traveled the small boat channel north. On the two previous times out of Perry Sound we have traveled outside on Georgian Bay. So some of this channel was new to us. We had to watch paper charts as the buoys were not showing up on the electronic charts. We went into Hopewell Bay, an anchorage recommended by friends. We were the first boat in but by evening there were 9 large motor vessels and no sailboats here. All three DF’s were anchored in the bay. We found five looper boats. We kayaked around in the midafternoon even though there was some wind. The night was very quiet and we didn’t have a lot of bugs. The weather has cooled down a bit so it wasn’t bad sleeping.

Monday July 22, 2019

Hallelujah, Sea Glass, C U Later at docktails.

We had plans to turn south for a pump out in Honey Harbor, but changed our minds and decided to make the run all the way to Perry Sound. The anchorages we were looking at didn’t seem all that exciting. It was 43 miles north to Perry Sound and the day was great for traveling. We passed Endorphin Voyager, but met up with Sea Glass (DF 49). They followed us into Perry Sound and the Big Sound Marina. There were five looper boats on the dock. One was C U Later (DF 48). We had a great Docktail at 5:00 on shore. We only stayed one night so did shopping, laundry, filled water tanks, used WiFi to download materials and Barb made bread. Wow! We got it all done! But not the pump out.

Sea Glass following Hallelujah

Very narrow section of South Perry Sound Channel - a boat actually tried to pass us here!

Wednesday / Sunday July 17-21, 2019

We were going to go into Midland (we have been there before) but the weather wasn’t looking like we could leave anytime soon so we did a 45 mile run to Longuissa Anchorage just off the small boat channel on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay. We are now off the Bruce Peninsula and heading back north. We spent 6 days in this anchorage and didn’t see a lot of boats. When we arrived there was only one other boat and when we left there were only a couple boats. Very unusual for this anchorage. The weather was hot while here and sleeping wasn’t the best. This is a very well protected anchorage for wind but even with strong breezes on the Georgian Bay we didn’t have much. We used fans and AC when needed. One looper boat came in on Saturday – we had the crew from Endorphin Voyager over for cocktails. Lovely couple from Florida. They left Sunday in heavy winds. We heard from them that there were 4 footers on the bay and they gave up trying to travel and found an anchorage. We never got off the boat this year. We have used kayaks and dinghy in the past. Dave was vegging out as we have traveled heavy each leg.

Monday / Tuesday July 15-16, 2019

We were trying to decide where to go as weather was not looking good and the harbor we were trying to get to couldn’t take us. We ended up running 42 miles to Meaford, ON. They found us a place on a long pier that was perfect. We walked into town and took care of some business and purchases that we needed. There is a great walking/bike trail just outside the marina. We were going to ride the trail but the winds kicked up over 20 and didn’t feel like fighting them on the bike trail.

Bruce Peninsula shoreline

More Bruce Peninsula shoreline

Marina from our flybridge.

the impressive sea wall around the marina

Sunday July 14, 2019

We left Tobermory (really proud of ourselves that we were able to get off the wall without hitting the big monster cruisers that were bow and stern of us) and headed to MacGovern Anchorage, a 46 mile run. We did check out the Wingfield Basin Anchorage and were glad we didn’t try to get there during the week as the winds wouldn’t have been good in that anchorage. We had a lovely night and were protected from the Northerly winds that blew in and also kept the heat down a little. Only one small sailboat came in and anchored near us.

MacGregore Bay anchorage, very pretty spot

we were well protected - note choppy water beyond the point

Monday / Saturday July 8 - 13

We did a 53 mile run south to Tobermory which is at the top of the Bruce Peninsula. Our goal this year was to circumnavigate Georgian Bay. This is the first time on the Bruce Peninsula and the first stop. We weren’t planning on spending 6 days but weather held us up. As we traveled south on Monday we passed Flowerpot Island – see picture of rock formation. There was a tour boat you could take but the cost was really high. We arrived and were tied to the inside wall right on the main part of town. We had lots of people checking out the boat – some even asked if we really came up from Florida. We got a little tired of people gawking and had to keep the shore side shades pulled. Barb locked the doors at night, but we were safe. We found a national park just up the road and took walks in the park two different days. We also found a bank and walked to it – ended up walking 2 miles (a long way for Dave). We went out to eat, did laundry, bought more food at the grocery store and had ice cream in the evening at the ice cream shop. We watched boats come and go – mostly tour vessels. We also spent time really cleaning the outside. Barb worked on stainless, scrubbed the teak back deck and the fly bridge. We met a couple from Connecticut on a Nordic Tug 36 and went out to dinner with them on Saturday evening. They were not loopers but very adventurous people. They were making an interesting loop from Connecticut to Lake Ontario to Trent Severn Waterway and into Lake Huron, down to Lake Erie and across the Erie Canal back to NY City and up to Connecticut. They were having a great time. After 6 days we don’t need to see Tobermory again for a while.

The Lighthouse on Flowerpot Island

The Flowerpot rock formation

One Flowerpot rock formation up close

A flowerpot fallen over

the water was very clear to the bottom and we were still in deep water only 20 feet off shore

Hallelujah at dock in Tobermory, ON in the main part of town

Looking out towards Lake Huron from part observation deck

the walking trail (no bikes allowed in park). We walked to Little Dunks Bay lookout

Sunday July 7, 2019

Our anchorage just outside Covered Portage inside anchorage - we found the inside to be full of boats.

We did a 50 mile run to Covered Portage Cove Anchorage which is near Killarney, ON. We were hoping to anchor inside the cove but it was full. We had a good night on the outside anchorage along with 5 other boats. Even though there was wind, we were protected. Dave did well on navigation today as we didn’t have to hang out too long waiting for the Little Current Bridge (he planned speed from a route which worked very well). We had cocktails tonight on the back deck – no bugs! And it is a little warmer.

Looking East from our anchorage

Looking North from our boat. Very pretty here and we were protected from the west winds.

Friday / Saturday July 5 - 6, 2019

We made the 20 mile run back across the North Channel to Gore Bay. We needed a pump out and some produce / dairy groceries. We were also in need of Wine! The run was very quiet and we were put into our usual slip on the outer pier. We met a looper couple from Scotland and they came over for cocktails on Saturday. They were heading into the US and needed custom documents. We gave them info on getting to Saulte Sainte Marie. They were happy for the help. We did laundry, shopping, LCBO (wine), and Barb got a haircut. We also cleaned inside and outside – the boat is looking pretty good.

Thursday July 4, 2019

We only traveled 5 miles today to a favorite anchorage – Long Point Cove. There were four other boats here but we had a good spot to drop the hook. We have a small engine stop buttom problem. Barb tried to diagnose as Dave can’t fit in the fly bridge storage area. Will have to work on it in the fall – no big deal but annoying to have to go to main cabin to turn of starboard engine. We had a great afternoon sitting and watching boats come and go.

There are not many boats here this early in the summer.

We are pretty well protected from the winds.

Tuesday / Wednesday July 2 - 2, 2019

We did a 53 mile run into Canada and arrived at Turnbull Anchorage at 2:00 to find only 3 other boats there. We originally thought we would travel along the Southern Coast of the North Channel but the weather was perfect to do a run across to the north shore. We spent two nights in Turnbull as it was very quiet. We took the kayaks down on Wednesday and did some Kayaking among the islands both am and pm. We did have some internet connection here so were able to get weather updates.

Turnbull Anchorage looking South from the boat.

Turnbull Anchorage looking West from the boat.

Saturday / Monday, June 29 - July 1

We don’t have a choice – Charlevoix can’t extend our stay do to overbooking of marina. It is Foggy, but we have to leave. We are out of Charlevoix with the 7:30 a.m. bridge with Sonador to follow us at 8:30. We came out of the fog after turning east towards the Mackinac Bridge. We had great following seas and winds so that we didn’t have to use a lot of speed but were making 9.78 mph across ground. We went 55 miles in 6.5 hours! WOW! We fueled and pumped out and docked as Melissa pulled into the marina. She travels a lot faster than we do. We had docktails and went out for pizza with Melissa. Great evening. Tomorrow we travel alone. Sunday – Barb ran to the bakery (well walked fast) and got bakery for us and Melissa. We were off the dock by 7:03 a.m. heading east to Harbour Island anchorage. The weather was great! Sun (in our face) and no winds, so no waves. We arrived to find only 2 boats in the inner harbor so had choice of where to anchor (depth didn’t seem to be a problem this year. We got the dinghy down, hooked up the battery and rode over the Drummond Marina for fuel. Nice ride but the winds and waves were building – of course they were SW which means they come directly into the anchorage. Hallelujah was fine, but the smaller sail boats were jumping around. We decided to stay an extra day here and let the weather settle down on the North Channel. So we laid around on Monday – very little internet so we read books and relaxed while the winds blew quite strongly. The other sail boats didn’t leave and we had a couple more come in.

Sonador in Mackinaw City

Ice Breaker Museum in Mack City

Harbour Island inside anchorage

Drummond Island Marina about half mile from anchorage

Wednesday - Friday, June 19 - 28

Reality leaving Charlevoix with a Mushroom House in background.

Weather cooperated and we made the 35 mile run from Leland to Charlevoix in 4 hours. We had a little help from trailing winds. We love Charlevoix and were happy to see Pat and Hal (dockmasters) there to greet us. We called Bergman Marine that we were here, only to have to leave a message. We didn’t reach them until Friday. In the meantime, we walked and restocked wine cabinet. Celebrated year 49 of marriage with dinner out. We use Charlevoix as our last boat stocking location before entering Canada. Not much can be put into the freezer, but lots of storage for other foods! Each day we did some sort of shopping either by bike or walking. We have a routine when in Charlevoix, Dave takes a bike ride while Barb walks – sure sounds like FL living. We met up with Melissa and Miss Sophie (dog) on Sonador and had some great docktails. She gave us a couple of new anchorages to try when in Canada. Friends on a DF were also here and we went out to dinner with them – great to see Roger and Lorie on Reality! We met a looper couple who were just starting the loop – Jim and Julie Johnson on F.A.I.T.H. We had a couple of cocktails with them and gave them lots of info. We were disappointed that Bergman’s never got to the boat, but we still like Charlevoix. Will have to wait for repairs until we return to the states. Barb had the opportunity to see Boyle City by car – went with Melissa to a farmer’s market there. Bigger than Charlevoix market but not by much. We continue to watch the weather as we need a two day window to get to Drummond Island anchorage. Between winds and rain and fog, days passed by. You would think Hallelujah would be clean and shiny but we can’t seem to work long or so hard this year. Still need to get the bugs off the decks – but did a little cleaning as the last days were upon us.

Sunday / Monday, June 17-18

We left Menominee with some breeze but following seas for the 23 mile run to Sturgeon Bay. We didn’t have any trouble docking in the winds. We did a little engine room work that we found while traveling but otherwise we prepared for tomorrow – a long day. On Tuesday we left Sturgeon Bay really early – as the sun was coming up. We did an 82 mile run to Leland, MI – across and north of Sturgeon Bay ship channel. We are using Nebo and have family following us. Unfortunately, Nebo doesn’t work when there are no cell towers. When we arrived in Leland we had a large bank space on our NEBO track – but we called family to let them know we had arrived. The run was cold (43° air temp on the lake) and foggy in spots. Leland was a little warmer, but it took a while to thaw out. Barb walked around town, we got a great steak at the meat market and relaxed after the 9.5 hour run. The longest run of this trip. We are off tomorrow for Charlevoix. We did briefly meet a couple of Loopers traveling south – no docktails though.

Wednesday / Sunday, June 12 - 16

Hallelujah on T at Menominee, MI

The weather has not cooperated – it is cold, wet and very windy. We decided to remain here in Menominee, MI as the dock prices are cheaper than moving to Sturgeon Bay and sitting out the weather there. We stayed aboard and did a number cleaning projects but did take walks around town. There isn’t much here and no real bike trails – not that we could have used them. It rained on and off most days. Barb did walk out to the grocery store one day (about 1.5 miles) to get some needed produce and dairy stuff. Otherwise, we made use of a great internet connection and did a lot of playing around. We also spent time trying to figure out electrical problem and finding a place back in MI that could fix it.