This is a view from in front of our cottage in Mackinaw City. All the years of looking out at the water has helped to inspire us to
to explore more of our country's waterways.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Frankfort, MI

Sunday,
Spent a relaxing  day in Charlevoix with sun one minute and rain and clouds the next.  Took a bike ride to Irish Boat shop looking for a generator filter and saw the boat we had under contract but decided against at sea trial last year, small world.  Met a nice Canadian couple, Chris and Lorraine in the slip next to us, Lorraine made great margaritas.  They have a place in Florida near where we will be spending a month next winter, we plan on giving them a call when we are in the area.  Met three other Loopers and exchanged boat cards, hope to meet up along the way south.


Charlevoix wildlife enjoy dinner.
Monday,
Left Charlevoix and caught the 7am bridge with quite a few boats, had 0 − 1 footers when we left. 

Our next boat?

OMG look what's right behind us.

We felt like the pied piper, leading the pack.

Smooth water, or so we thought.








Based on the forecast we had decided to pass on Leland having been there many times before and push on to Frankfort so we would be in a better position to cross over to Sturgeon Bay on the next good weather day.  Even as we passed Leland the marine broadcast was still calling for only 2 − 3 footers.  The winds were supposed to be out of the northwest  and not change to the southwest until Tuesday.  Bucked head seas the whole way.  The waves got so bad after lunch that we ended up moving to the lower helm for the last third of the way.  Doing that was a challenge as we had left the windshield sun screen on and it need to be removed so we could use the wipers.  The waves had built up to 4 −5 ' by the time we made it to Frankfort.  Passing the Point Betsie Light they waves were especially confused.

Point Betsie Light.


Calm water at last.   Met more Loopers in the harbor and were invited to a Happy Hour on the Oddysea which was right across from us.  They will be completing the Loop when they get to Sturgeon Bay, which is also our next port.  Had a nice time visiting the other Loopers who were at various stages in their Loop.  It is true that you will meet many Loopers along the way.


Weather looks as if we will be here for a few days, hope to make it to Sturgeon Bay no later than Friday to meet Christy, Eric and the grand kids.

In the mean time we plan to relax and enjoy the calm water in the harbor.

John & Mary

5 comments:

Kelly Crandall said...

What wildlife is that? Was it on the boat? Glad you are safe through the waves!

Barbie said...

WOW, such waves!! You are starting out your voyage with flying colors!! Will follow you every day. Your cousin Barbie

Michelle Cline said...

Your blog is beauteous! The Emerald Isle ain't so bad but I think the Passport is just right. Happy travels and I look forward to hearing more of your adventures!

Meghan said...

Color me jealous. I would love to be on the water.

Deron Birsa said...

Amazing..I feel lucky that I get to follow along with this. Love all the loopers you are meeting. ENJOY