Chicago

John & Mary were so tired once they got to Chicago they wanted me to give everyone an update on the day.  When they first got up it was quite foggy and I could hear many discussion on if we should leave or not.  Finally the decision was made to head to North Point Marina.  As we left I noticed my new friend Salt and Sand was sound asleep at the end of the dock as I  passed her.  It was foggy but my radar was working well and there was very few other boats out. 

The fog lifted somewhat as we passed Milwaukee but returned some near Racine.  All along the water was very flat and Captain John kept my speed down in order to conserve some diesel.  We were going about 6 knots but getting 5 mpg.  After  John and Mary had lunch and listened to the weather for tomorrow they decided that it might make sense to kick it up a bit and go for Chicago today.  We were about 15 miles away from North Point where we had to stop to get me some new fenders so the mean docks wouldn’t scratch my beautiful sides.  So Captain John pushed the throttle all the way forward and I started to guzzle down the diesel, mmm was it good and we were nearly doing 14 mph. 

Once we got to North Point you should have seen John and Mary go, they already had the bikes put together and as soon at my lines were tied they were off.  In no time they were back all hot and sweaty but with three nice new fenders and a few other supplies.  We were back on the Lake in less that an hour.  And  they still let me have all the diesel I wanted, it was sure good.

John called ahead and confirmed the slip assignment and got the gate and bath codes.  We made the run from North Point in about 3 ½ hours, Man I sure liked all the diesel Captain John gave me.  Due to the haze we couldn’t see Chicago until we were about 10 miles away.  The sun was just dipping behind the buildings and I heard John and Mary talking about neat it looked Mary said she could even smell the Chicago pizza while John remarked about smelling Starbucks coffee.  We pulled into the protected area North of Navy Pier and saw a huge private yacht, it had a 20’ wood Chris Craft tucked up on one of it’s side decks.  On the run down John had set up the new fenders and they got them in position for me.   We then took a slow cruise past Navy Pier around another breakwater an into DuSable Harbor.  As we were looking for our fairway  Mary shouted there it is and John couldn’t believe it was so narrow.  On the way to our slip Mary asked some guys on a sailboat for some help with the lines.  They were very nice and gave us a hand tying up. 

Once were secure John gave me a quick rinse and promised me he would give me a good going over in the morning and clean off all the soot from all the diesel I had been drinking.  I did hear John and Mary say that while it was a long 12 hour day they were quite happy to be in Chicago on schedule so they would have the time to get me ready for the Open Boats that were planned.  I’m sure  in the next few days they will add some pictures of the day to the blog. This was fun maybe they will let me write one of these blog things again soon.

Good Night,

Passport

Passport's friend Salt & Sand still asleep.

Milwaukee in the fog.

John Hancock and the Chicago skyline.

More skyline and Lake Point Towers.

Setting sun over the city.

Navy Pier.

Chicago Harbor Light.

First mate Mary ready to dock.

Port Washington, WI

Christy and family came over for lunch last Sunday, we had a nice visit before they headed back to Chicago.  After they left we got on the bikes and peddled to town to hit some shops and then the grocery store to stock up a bit.  Found out there are lots of hills in Sturgeon Bay.

                                                                                                                          Waiting for one of those darn'd boaters.

Sturgeon Bay Sunrise

Morning light leaving Manitowoc

Port Washington entrance

Left Sturgeon Bay Monday morning and stopped at Manitowoc for the evening.  It was a nice comfortable SLOW ride but we got great mileage.  Still getting used to trawler speeds.  As we were approaching Sheboygan we saw Salt and Sand ahead of us by about a mile.  They were one of the Loopers who were in Frankfort with us.  It was nice meeting up with Rich and Carol again.

Had planned to leave early Wednesday morning but the winds have  picked up and it looks like we will be a day late in getting to Chicago.   At least all the laundry is done, the refrigerator has been defrosted and there is a car lined up for a grocery run this afternoon.
 

John & Mary

Sturgeon Bay, WI

Friday,

We left Frankfort at 4:40 am, with another Looper boat, Oddysea who was in the slip across from us.  We were shooting for a 4:30 departure, so not too bad.  There was a fishing tournament going on and  quite a bit of  traffic leaving the harbor.  After we were on the lake and out a few miles we had it all to ourselves.  We started out following Oddysea using “Christmas” navigation, we tweaked our course if we saw either a red or green light. The lake started out semi smooth, gentle one footers but built as the day went on to 2 – 3 foot rollers, which we were taking on full beam,  Once it was light we moved downstairs for a more comfortable ride.  

Passport crossing Lake Michigan

Oddysea crossing her wake

We arrived at Sturgeon bay without incident and took some pictures of Oddysea as she finished the Loop and crossed her wake entering the canal.  Congratulations Ross and Nancy!  We tied up at Skipper Buds, cleaned up the boat, had a much needed shower and took a short nap before Christy, Eric and the grand kids arrived on the way up to their new cottage in Sturgeon Bay.  We hung out for a while on the boat and the kids had fun at the climbing park on the marina grounds. 

We spent the night at the cottage and watched the kids while Christy and Eric went out for an anniversary dinner.  Because they had so much stuff in their car they had to go unload and come back to pick us up.  That worked out as we stopped at the grocery store and stocked up a bit.  This will be the last planned night sleeping on land until we head out to Park City for our Holiday visit in December.

Saturday,
After a great pancake breakfast at Christy and Eric's cottage we came down to the boat and took a trip through the canal into Sturgeon Bay and then into Green Bay and anchored in Riely's Bay in front of their cottage for lunch.  

Will playing in front of the cottage.

Jack riding his cottage bike.

This is the Schwalb cottage from the water.  We anchored for the first time on the Loop and had a nice lunch.

We made it under the first draw bridge but had to wait for the second one to open.

Jack and Will's favorite boat (except for Passport), an old Chicago Fire Boat now doing tours.

Christy and Kate  enjoying the sun.

Sherwood Point Lighthouse.

The crew heading back to port.

Then back to the marina for swimming, hot tub and a pizza party.  A very nice day on the water with family.  Christy and family will be back for lunch Sunday before heading back to Chicago.  We plan on leaving early Monday morning in order to be in Chicago by Thursday.

John and Mary

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

Charlevoix, MI

Our second day on Beaver Island was just as windy as the first, it started out calm but picked up quickly.   Went for another bike ride, stopped at the maritime museum and walked to town for ice cream.

Saturday,

Left for Charlevoix at 7am, calm in the harbor and only 1-2 footers all the way.   Other than the generator shutting down when we tried to make some toast the trip was uneventful.  We had called earlier and was put on a waiting list for a slip, just as we approached the pier head they called and had a slip for us.  Hal, the harbor master and 3 dock hands greeted us at our slip.  Hal was very friendly and accommodating and even gave us a Looper discount on the slip.

Leaving Beaver Island.

Passing a large yacht and the ferry boat following us in.

Once we got settled John looked at the generator, first thought that it was something to do with the recent new fuel filters.  It turned out to be a disintegrated raw water impeller.   due to the generator location and it's sound shield it took a while to install a new impeller and get things cleaned up.

We were able to take a nice long dinghy ride around Round Lake and into Lake Charlevoix before heading to the grocery store for some supplies for dinner.

Mary enjoyed all the flowers.

John enjoyed the old boats in the  boat houses. 

After dinner went for a walk along the docks and spotted several Looper Boats.  Enjoyed a nice water and light show at the fountain.

Sunday am woke up to cloudy skies and light rain, so we decided to do laundry.  Still adjusting to our new way of life and accommodations for the next year.  So far we seem to be doing well.

John & Mary

Beaver Island, MI

We have begun our adventure!  We left Mackinaw City Marina around seven this morning, had to stop for fuel and then we were off to Beaver Island.  The trip wasn't too bad, 2 − 3 footers, our preference would have been calm seas but it was time to get going.

John finally gets to unfurl the burgee

Ready to go at last

View of the Mackinaw as we were filling up.

Passed a couple of light houses along the way.

 Old Waugoshance Point

Grays Reef Light

Very windy in the harbor at Beaver Island, a bit of a challenge docking.   Went for a long bike ride on the bike trail and cooled off with a dip in the lake when we got back.  The water was 72˚, quite nice.

Found a spare engine, should you need it.

Plan to spend another day here and weather permitting will head to Charlevoix on Saturday.

John & Mary

Mackinaw City

We left our home in Rolling Meadows last Wednesday with only one trip back planned over the holidays. I will be stopping by when Mary has a hair appointment the day after Labor Day.  We have been working on boat projects and are nearly ready for our departure.  We have all our clothes stowed on board, we have been refining what will be stored where, (all we have to do is remember where we have put things), the topsides have been waxed, switches connected at each helm to control the auto pilot, lower aft deck speakers installed, flag pole varnished, etc.

The Cat service man was out on Friday and went through the engine, adjusted all the valves, and injectors, removed and cleaned the turbo and after cooler, inspected the zinc's they are in good shape so I have a spare set to change out along the way.  He changed the raw water impeller, which I'm glad I had him do because you need a special bolt to removed the impeller, which I will be picking up today.  We also changed the engine and transmission oil, I still need to change the generator oil, my last project.

The new top is nearly completed, it has taken a bit longer than anticipated but has not impacted our schedule.  We opted for polycarbonate for the front and side windows and it is so clear that I would be on the bridge looking out and couldn't figure out why it was so hot and no wind.  They are that clear.  There are screens for all the polycarbonate windows as well as one for the strata glass door to the bridge.  We also had screens made for the three cabin hatches as well as the side cabin door.  We should be able to enjoy the fresh air without any bugs.

There have been quite few Looper's in the marina, our dock mates for the past few days are from Louisiana and are on the last leg of their Loop.  We have enjoyed chatting with them about the Loop, and hope to meet up with them along the way.  I found a bow flag pole that will fit our 1 1/4" rails.  Mary won't let me put up the Loop flag until our actual day of departure, which weather permitting will be later this week.

John's cousins, Barb and Catherine are staying at the cottage next door, we had a nice dinner with them last night and they will be joining us at the boat for a little get together along with our cottage neighbors, Ivan and Henrietta tonight.  Finally getting some time to relax a little now that most of the projects are done.

John & Mary

Rolling Meadows

Mary and I have given the boat a good cleaning and taken inventory of what's on board.  Don helped install a bow cable connection but there are still a few project that will need to be completed before we start the Loop.  We have a magazine rack and mirror ordered for the staterooms as well as two additional speakers for the new stereo to be mounted on the aft deck.  I need to install a relay to control the auto pilot from the upper helm.   The plan is to complete the misc. projects as soon as we return in August.  We also have the Cat service man scheduled to preform the 1,000 hour check on the engine.  After which I will change all the fluids and filters.  Then we hope to spend a few days at the cottage while finishing up on provisioning the boat before casting off on our adventure.

Mackinaw City

We survived our mini trip with the some destination adjustments. Things were a bit too hectic to do any postings while on the trip, but the Mifi worked fine. We decided to take everyone to Mackinac Island on Thursday the 14th. The Schwalbs stayed for dinner then took Sheplers back to Mackinaw City and spent a few more days at the cottage. The Crandalls stayed with us on the boat. Kelly and Don took the new fold up bikes for two laps around the Island before we left on Friday. Grandma took the kids for a walk while Grandpa cleaned the boat and got it ready for the trip.

All 5 grandkids on the Island, getting everyone to smile at once was next to impossible.

Our next stop was Beaver Island, which was very rough leaving the island then it smoothed out and was dead calm for the last 10 miles.  The trip was 48 miles and took us 5 hours, we got the last slip at Beaver Island marine.  After the long trip we decided to stay two days and then go to Harbor Springs for one night and then spend the last night at St. Helena instead of going on to Fayette.  We felt the shorter trips would be more kid friendly and allow some sailboat viewing of the Chicago to Mackinac race.  Kelly and Don were able to get in a nice long bike ride while, grandma and grandpa had a couple of short rides.

The trip to Harbor Springs on Sunday went off without a hitch, it was quite hot once we got tied up and everyone enjoyed swimming off the swim platform.

The skin divers.

Our plan was to leave Monday around noon, but a squall had came through overnight capsizing a boat in the Chicago to Mackinac race and another storm with 60 mph winds was predicted for the afternoon.  Needless to say we stayed put.  The storm that came through was not that bad and it became very steamy in the afternoon.  Not quite as hot as the day before but hot none the less.  

The Crandalls took a nice long dingy ride before dinner.

We were all set to leave early Tuesday morning but the fog had rolled in, at one point we could not see the end of the dock.  

Grandma going ashore in the fog.

The fog lifted mid morning and we were able to head back to Mackinaw City.

Don and Owen enjoying the water.

Owen strolling the deck.

The trip back went well just with a small amount of fog around Gray's Reef.  I pushed up the throttle a bit and we made the 51 mile trip in 4 hours.

All in all the trip went well and everyone enjoyed themselves.  We now have almost 50 hours on the boat and a better understanding of it's strengths and weaknesses.  Still getting used to docking with the single screw in a wind.  

Rolling Meadows

It's been almost a month since the last posting.  The day after Mary retired last month we headed up to the cottage and spent three nights on the Island during the Lilac Festival.  Once we got back to Mackinaw City we worked on a few more boat projects, there are only a couple more to do before we leave.  The sign guy has changed the hailing port and added the name to the sides of the fly bridge.  We have decided to completely replace the top and isinglass, which while not terrible was difficult to see through.  Everything was original so we figured it was better to replace everything and enjoy it on the Loop rather than trying to get another year out of it.  The work will start after our up coming two weeks up North and should be done before we return in August to make our final preparations for the Loop.  The last big thing that needs to be done will be the 1000 hour service on the engine.  This will be done by Caterpillar once we return in August.  I will also be changing all the fluids and filters before we begin the Loop.

We have made our reservation for the month long stay in Key Largo at Marina Del Mar.  Kelly and family have their plane tickets and will be there staying on the boat with us for our last week there.  We are hoping that Christy and family will also visit that week staying at one of the hotels within the marina complex.

On Sunday we are heading up to Mackinaw with both Christy, Kelly, Eric, Don and all the grand kids for a two week stay.  We will all be at the cottage for a while before Kelly and family go with us on our first extended cruise to Beaver Island and Fayette for 5 or 6 days.  We have our Verizon MiFi hot spot so I will try to post daily on our trip.  I have updated and refined some of the dates on our schedule as things are falling into place.

John

Rolling Meadows

Haven't posted for a while, here is an update.

After we returned to Mackinaw City in addition to general boat cleaning, we worked on some improvements to the boat, adding some new outlets and integrating items from Sea Jay with what was on board.  Still need to fish wires up to the bridge for an AC outlet and an intercom.   The gnats were terrible and from what I hear continue to be problem.

Ken & Judy, Kelly's in laws arrived on Wednesday, June 1, we headed to the Island on Thursday for a couple days and had a great time before heading back to Chicago on Saturday stopping at Christy & Erics for dinner.  Took them down to Chicago on Monday and they left on Tuesday.

We will be heading back to Mackinaw spending a few days on the Island to enjoy the Lilac Festival after Mary's retirement on June 14th.

John