Pull harder! Badger wins?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad






It is true a picture is worth a thousand words. We spent a good forty minutes watching the Badger come into Ludington Port and dock. The Captain of this oldie but goodie has to drop anchor so he can pivot this huge ship in order to get the stern to the unloading area for motor vehicles. Big ships are maneuvered by controls they are not steered really. Even with Stella, when docking or leaving a dock never do we use the ships wheel, only the four controls. There are four because we have two engines and at times when you need to pivot the Captain has to know how to coordinate the engines or split their direction to turn Stella. The two other levers are for controlling speed. After I learned how to do this in Presque Isle it becomes a bit addicting rehearsing how to do different pivots in your mind. And I can tell you, when a woman is doing it, the men notice! Many women will drive, there are very few that will take it from the dock or dock a large boat. I am getting comfortable going out, soon to try docking and that will be on a very, very calm day with no wind as that is a huge factor as well...more on that later. But what I found so funny about this picture is the dock hand "pulling" in the Badger? That just looks funny and really he has no power to pull that baby in. It was a chuckle.

Blue skies and calm water,

Tracy

Summer Sunday at its best!

What a fabulous day!  Stella has enjoyed the weekend so much, she intends to stay.  Out to Lake Michigan today and this is the scene..crazy here. The Holland State Beach always seems so California like to me, people here are OUT the second we have any good weather.  The beaches are amazing, huge, soft and clean!  Lake Michigan water is cold, very cold, but also clear and gorgeous shades of blue.  We intend to have dinner and watch the sunset! 

Blue skies and calm water,  Tracy

Music at Kollen Park

Stella is getting a treat tonight. After safely transporting us 700 miles, the Captain and I are taking her to an outdoor concert. We don't know the venue so it will be a fun surprise. An easy cocktail cruise and then we will anchor and enjoy the show. Friday nights alright, as I believe Elton John(ok so it's Saturday night) says, maybe we will have to get out that old CD if the band isn't so good. Here is to a great summer weekend boating. Tomorrow is all about shining Stella up for the 4th!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Photos are overwhelming

The one thing I was determined to accomplish during our trip was to take multiple
shots with the new camera ensuring tons of great photos. Well, not so easy. I truly appreciate good photographers more than ever. It is the light, I kept saying to David, or lack thereof. The light, the trick to great photos, will take a lifetime to learn. So now I have another hobby, doing my camera justice. I have started taking an online course, and in August joining a camera club! Hopefully I will improve, but the more I know, the more frustrated I am becoming. Type A is coming through. I don't think I can even comment on how I feel trying to use my 30 day trial of photoshop! I have to study and read every tutorial and then do it again. At this pace, I will have our trip photo book done around Christmas. That's ok, we will enjoy reliving our Stella adventure most likely with snow up to our knees, and be thankful for the blessing we experienced. A once in a lifetime.

Blue skies and calm water,

Tracy


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Manistee won the chicken game!

Sunday night pulling into Holland and we were dead tired, a short ride to our dock, we could start to relax...we were home safe and sound!  But this is what we saw from Lake Michigan.  A huge ship looking like it was going to cut the beach in two.

Do you think this was going to be a quick process...oh no!  The Manistee took her time, we were in 5-6 foot swells and had to go south of the channel.  Waves and wind on our stern we were  being pushed into shallow water fast!  We had to turn to face the waves and get deeper, so Captain David had to gun it and we took a big wave broadside....threw us around a bit, we almost rolled.  As they say the most accidents happen closest to home.  David said he threw the wheel so hard and no response from Stella....it was scary.  We were the only boat waiting because it was too rough for anyone to be out in Lake Michigan unless they had to! 

Look how she dwarfs "Big Red" the Holland Lighthouse!  At this moment I was worried how big a wake she would throw.  The Manistee took about half an hour to get through while we bobbed around in an angry Lake Michigan.  I made the drinks when we finally docked!  Good to be home.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

First in 17

I dropped Captain David off at the airport this afternoon. We are quiet and that is unusual for us? It is the first day in 17 that we haven't been on Stella. I tell David I am surprised that I haven't felt "the motion" of a boat while on land. David replied he felt like he was still on the boat during coffee this morning. I don't know how other couples fair in close quarters for long period time, but David and I thrive. We didn't get cross or bicker the entire trip. The only time was during the gas crisis the second day of the trip, but we knew to get some space. Now he is gone for the week and I am playing catch up. Bills, laundry, weeds all need attention, but I don't feel like diving in. In my head I keep saying to myself, I told you so, it is now like the trip never happened. During our trip many times we would stop and take it all in....on purpose. We tried to slow the trip down, to savor every moment and project the feeling when home wondering, did that really just happen? The clock kept ticking, the days kept passing and now the trip is in the "memory" category. It is why the blog has such meaning. Not only was it a way for friends and family to keep up with us, but a very important and real way to remember this special adventure. I want Captain David home.





I miss blogging from Stella.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Dirty Stella!

Woke up today after a very restless night.  I wasn't being kept asleep by the gentle rock of Stella.  Worried about Stella as well and wondering if she liked her new home and dock slip?  Admiral wasn't too keen on it last night, so after Captain David and I talked about it, I was on the phone calling for options first thing this morning!  We had 4 slip options.  So we made coffee and off we went to look at the very important slips as they can make or break how you like the dock, marina, basically everything!  Once we had tied off Stella last night, I got claustrophobic....we had one large aft cabin next to us and no matter how Stella was docked I wasn't getting any view.  The one think I learned during our trip and exposure to many different docks and slips, is that we always preferred the end of the dock and the ability to have a view from the stern that is sheltered by afternoon sun!  That way reading in the afternoon is comfortable plus we see water not just a dock.  It was different at our old marina because the dock was floating and much lower.  Up in Michigan many old stationary docks so your boat could be 2-3 steps down from the dock!  Sterning in would mean you would be looking UNDER a dock....not good!  So we narrowed the four options to two. First option end of F dock with a great stern view (two sailboats on either side, we see over them easily) and on the fly bridge a view of the whole lake..awesome.  Now, Stella will rock a bit out there due to boat activity, etc. but the view might be worth it!  The second option was on C dock, close to amenities and not as much rock, but I would be looking off the stern at the gas dock?  So we choose the first option!  It is quiet and great views.....we figured we have a little different type of boating in Michigan, if it gets too rocky we can bike home!  So we got on Sella and moved her and now we are officially on F-23!  More on how we need to upgrade our slip!  We are designing hooks, steps, cleat placement etc. tonight.  Thank goodness they let us add personal touches at this marina! I was a pretty spoiled princess at Bay Point! The way we have to dock here, wrapping huge poles and jumping UP two feet to get on the dock, I will be one wet Admiral....David almost tossed me today!  I need quick cleats to control Stella because many times I am the only one to hold her when we dock!  Too dangerous here, my hand could be trapped in a second!  A fall deadly.  Pictures to follow soon!

Tonight we go back to give Stella her overdue bath....a few birds got her last night as well.  Poor baby.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

I want some of these!

Next story will be about what met us at our home port and almost caused us to flip!

Our Home Port!

We made it home.  Was a very rough ride today, but we have run out of time and had to do it.  Probably 4-6 footers all day!  Captain David was great and he is tired.  We had NW wind with gusts up to 30 miles per hour.  We basically were surfing and then we would fall into a wave and then whooooaaaa...Stella and most boats can't respond quickly so it can be scary.  I was glad we weren't going north into the waves it would have been a very bangy ride and that winds up hurting your whole body. 

Note:   Stella will continue to blog about the trip and upcoming ones this summer.  We have fabulous photos to share and great places to recommend in Michigan....stay tuned!

We are both so exhausted......I can't even think about unpacking...that is unusual for me!  Stella is at her new dock, but we might have to switch, Admiral doesn't like the view.  Uhhhhh Ohhhhhhh

Blues skies and calm water,

Tracy

Sunny Sunday

Stella got us to Luddington yesterday. Rough ride and a lot of boaters felt the same way. At the docks in Luddington met a few boaters in big boats that had come in. Heard 7 rooters down by Grand Haven so good this was our destination. We did get an evening treat. The badger was coming in to port. The Badger is a 400 coal powered ferry. I didn't think it was s big deal as we have been running alongside freighters BUT when the Badger comes in it is a show stopper! Similar to cruise ship size except you get to be really close to it so seems bigger. It might be the last year for the Badger as coal is considered a pollutant. The owner has not received a permit for next year, they are pushing him to go to diesel. The owner has refused and the cost would put him out of business. There is a movement going in Luddington "keep our Ferry". The tourism it brings to the area is huge. So did we see the Badgers last summer?

Blue skies and calm water,

Tracy




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Backed her up like a Tonka Truck.

Remember a few days ago I told you Captain David was teaching me how to leave a dock. I got a bit scared the first time pivoting this big boat so Capt. took over when I got nervous. Today I took her all the way out of the dock, through the channel and into Lake Michigan. So excited. As I was listening to David last night commenting about how I and women in general on larger boats were the ones who had to bear the rain, cold, heat, fog, mishaps docking, while the Captains stayed dry at the helm, I began to think. As I am not particularly crazy about being on the bow of boats in rain I better well learn to dock Stella as well as take her out! A new challenge on the horizon.

Today's ride is starting to lull me to sleep, but only two people on the boat, so that is a big no.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Stella likes the small ports

Frankfort, Michigan is small, maybe 2000 year round residents. Like most water towns the size grows to 20,000 when the summer people come. When we took our first walk into town which we do every stop to get our bearings and checkout the shops and restaurants, we landed at a pub type restaurant called Dinghys. While sitting at the bar and admiring the retro booths, we met the owner who is also the President of Frankfort's Chamber of Commerce. He was telling us that this town was decimated when the Pet plant closed a few years ago, it employed over 800 of the towns residents. Wow, talk about bad economy. I know this story can be told all over America, yet to hear how this town got together to fight back is heartwarming and American. Imagination and summer folks keep them going. They have created festivals, the juried art fair brings in over 10000 people in one week. Frankfort has a new company at the plant employing a couple hundred residents, but it seems, they won't let the "eggs all in one basket" situation hit them again! We checked out every restaurant and bar, style and atmosphere basically, and the feel here is good! Great mix and a super cute and innovative bed and breakfast with a quirky wine cellar! We are going to take a walk today to find the swing set on the beach where David unbeknownst played as a child. Hope we find it.



Blue skies and calm water, Tracy






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Captain David says I am a good egg?

Is that a compliment? I think so! We are safe and sound in Frankfort, Michigan. Very limited Verizon signal but I must say Verizon network is the one you want traveling the Great Lakes, very few holes. Right now we are thinking about our friends on the Ohio F dock, just popped open a couple of beers...cheers to them, our friends, family and all those keeping up with our trip.

Blue skies and calm waters, Tracy


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

I can't feel my toes!

We are experiencing three to four foot waves and no problem. A dark, dreary and cold morning. Wearing winter gear, Captain David wearing gloves, the only reason I mention that is, it is hard to get him to wear a coat so proves the chilly point. As we experience more wind, wave and weather aboard Stella, we feel pretty good about her. She can probably handle more weather and seas than we can. We love the big ole gal. Passing Leland, we are fine, heading to see a new town and get as far as we can this morning. The GPS is set for Frankfort, based on cousin Amy's comments, Frankfort is currently boasting about a restaurant called "Fusion" that has people driving an hour from Traverse City and all over northern Michigan to experience. Maybe tomorrow night we will try it. Everything expected to worsen this afternoon and tonight so we will make dinner on Stella. Italian pasta with garlic toasted pita points. Sounds good as I am starving right now!

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Yep, putting on the woolies!

Coffee tastes good this morning.  I am not a morning person let alone one facing wind and water with a temperature of 48 degrees.  We have to leave, the weather isn't getting any better till Saturday afternoon....too long.  Packing for this trip I calculated outfits for every temperature and we both have used them.  The North Face will be on this morning.  I did most of my boat chores last night before bed so I won't wreck our schedule.  It is the limited bridge opening that is the pain, only on the half hour.  That could be the one downfall for summer boating here IMO, waiting for the bridge with hundreds of other boats on a good day.  Captain David informed me that I have to hang over the bow when going into Leland Harbor because of the rocky bottom.  Great...we have to hug the break wall so we don't hit bottom and I get to be the cold wet Admiral  hanging over the bow watching,  I hope I can yell loud enough if need be.  I have to start getting ready so we can get to the gas dock.   Not looking forward to this day.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

P.S.  We have been on board  for 14 nights!

Getting Antsy.

We are heading to bed earlier tonight than usual,  a bit frustrated because maybe we didn't make the right call today.  It is totally beautiful and seems calm.  Should we have made the run to Leland early evening...who knows.  More boats were seeking shelter today than going out, so initially we believed in our call.  But during this whole trip, late afternoon and early evening has served us well, tonight it seemed that would have been true.  We strolled through town  to kill some time, all that did was empty our checking account a bit more, for fun little items that aren't needed.  We are antsy and it is evident as our restlessness is distracting from enjoying the cute town of Charlevoix.  We went back to the boat.  We have decided to do an early morning run...gas dock at 8 AM, hit the bridge at the 8:30 AM opening and then we are gone!  East winds will be our friend and hopefully they appear so the nasty north wind isn't hitting us broadside.  It is supposed to be 48 degrees....two days ago in the 90's and now long underwear...wow, did we miss spring is it still winter?  Crazy weather.  Captain David was cleaning the boat tonight when a gentleman approached him to ask if we  really were from Marblehead.  He told David that he had just helped a friend bring an American Tug (purchased in Marblehead) around to Harbor Springs. They had been socked in Marblehead for 3 days before they could leave.  Even when they did the weather was still so bad they took an "oh shit" wave and  thought they were flipping.  He now understands about Lake Erie!  What is crazy is that  David and I had met the prior owners of this tug when we were looking at boats.  We were at Skipper Buds on a May Sunday evening and struck up a conversation with the owners of the Tug.  She was a beauty with a blue hull, a very memorable boat.  We talked about boating in general that evening and they mentioned their boat was for sale.  So how funny that the gentleman talking to David was helping his friend bring THAT boat from Marblehead?   The new owner of the tug had his wife meet him in Harbor Springs when he dropped off his friend. His wife had never even been on the boat before meeting her husband there. They left for home today and called their friend a bit nervous, to note their position. They were off Leland in 7 foot waves!  How scary for your first ride. The new owner was being challenged (he had upgraded from a ski boat) and needed guidance on handling the situation ...that poor wife, never having been on the boat and now in 7 footers!  So after hearing that story we are glad we stayed put, so maybe our call was right after all.  And isn't it a small world.

Yellow Rain Slickers

We got out the rain slickers for our journey yesterday.  No plans except that we were starving and wanted a well known fun place to have a late lunch.  The suggestion of "Kelsey B's" was the winner, but did we want to walk the 1 1/2 miles or so to get there?  Remember a tornado warning was for late afternoon, we had maybe a two hour window.  Oh yeah, we were off!  Started strolling towards the street that headed east to Lake Charlevoix when we made the turn the walk started getting interesting.  We found ourselves entering the Charlevoix Summer Residence Association marked by a beautiful stone entrance. 

Classic summer homes with sweeping porches filled to the brim with antique wicker I suppose handed down through generations.  Lovely manicured lawns and Iris blooming everywhere!  As we started turned south following the lake we saw white picket gates embedded in huge hedges for the Belvedere Club members private access to the beach and docks. 

Old lamposts dotted the sidewalk creating a great accent to the huge classic hemlock hedges frequently found in northern Michigan. 

We were ready for lunch and hoped Kelsey B's was worth the walk!  It is a definite destination spot for Charlevoix in our opinion, not only was it great "old school interior" the restaurant had great views of Lake Charlevoix.  It was easy to get caught up watching the Regatta, boat launches,  wind changes and fell off our short time schedule.  Two hours easily turned into five when walking, lunching and sightseeing.  This was a huge piece of Charlevoix we would have missed just staying downtown.  I don't think David and I have ever walked so many places on a trip before as we are resort people normally but that will change because the most memorable days have been created due to lack of land transportation.  We hurried back to the boat carrying our yellow slickers.  We were so prepared for getting drenched and because we were nothing materialized!  Great day.  We are still in Charlevoix due to the high winds and waves.  You know it is choppy when Beaver Island boaters/residents are complaining.  Contemplating our next move but again 4-5 foot waves most of the day?  Going to take a walk out by the channel to see for ourselves.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

All clear

In to town!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

We can't get off the boat

60 mile an hour winds and quarter size hail coming from Leland be here in about 15 mins. No now! hold on Stella




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

This is getting trickier now.

The weather is very stormy, it has been a long time since I have been in  an extended "storm" that included tons of lightening, hail, thunder and rain.  Leland is about 30 nautical miles, a two-three hour run for us.  We have been monitoring radar for Charlevoix, Leland, Frankfort and Grand Haven and have no encouraging signs.  We would love to make the run to Leland (with a break), but wave size matters as well.  They are 3 feet now and building to 5, not a fun ride for Stella.  Tomorrow, the afternoon looks ok, still windy but predicted to be from the East which is good.  No gusts, but still a healthy wind of 10-15, wave height will be key.  If if is great as sometimes it is NOT predicted to be we would love to get to Frankfort (70 miles).  Friday looks about as good as the week is going to get, so we will plan to do our long run that day.  Hopefully that will be Frankfort to Grand Haven.  Even though we will be so close( to Holland) Grand Haven is predicted for T-storms and it will be late.  We would rather do the last hour and get to Stella's new dock in the afternoon, plus we are just not ready to be home yet.  We have till Sunday, which is supposed to be a good weather day, I would like to take a pleasure cruise into Holland.  Plenty of time to get home in a safe manner.  What to do now, I want to get off the boat for a bit, I suggested going to the beach to look for Petosky stones again as the storm probably washed some up, but Captain David reminded my about the lightening...duh?  Well off to fall into something?  Those have been the best moments of this trip anyway!  WooHooo David just served up some bloody marys since we aren't going anywhere.  Excellent!!!!  Must recommend this mix.  Calvin & Cleos Horseradish Bloody Mary Mix "with a lotta attitude!"  Says so right on the bottle and heck only 45 calories for 4 oz. perfect for all you waist watchers!  Good start, now where are those dill pickles?

Blue skies and calm water,  Tracy

Floating Hail

The storm hit us at 7:30 this morning, we were planning on heading to Leland at 10. The hail is so loud right now at 9:20 am that I had to get up to see the size of it. Respectable size, actually every size. Hoping no damage from the large hail, although it isn't stopping. We will have to check out Stella when this is over. Lots of lightening as well. I might get to read today. Oh yeah and clean the head.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Guinness loves downtown walks!

Tonight Guinness thinks he is a duck!  He definitely responds better to Mother duck than us?  We were walking downtown tonight (because he doesn't like the doggie areas) trying to wear off dinner and Guinness spots a mother duck and her babies.  Every command she quacked out..Guinness was beside himself!  His head was poked through the fence railings trying to get closer, he was so cute!  Guinness has enjoyed travelling as much as we have.  We couldn't ask for a better boat dog.  Yes, it took him a day to get his sea legs, but once he did he was a champ.  What dog will ride up to 9 hours without whining or even moving too much?  He knows that when we are underway, that is the way it is going to be and doesn't make a fuss.  But as soon as we dock he wants to check out the area...and always wants to head to the downtown area where the people are!

Dinner tonight was very good.  I would recommend the Weathervane Terrace Inn for an upscale atmosphere and dining experience.  Cherry BBQ Baby Back Ribs and the Perch dinner were our choices and very good!  As we were relaxing looking at the canal we couldn't believe how quickly time goes when you are on a boat?  Before this excursion started, I thought we would get stir crazy due to the weather, close quarters, or from mishap.  Nothing could be further from that!  We are dreading this trip ending.  I can already imagine myself home and wondering what the heck just happened?  How did we do that and how did it go so fast?  All the prep time and worries would be history.  That is why I have been fanatical about taking photos of everything!  Captain David has been very patient and helped me get the shots, slowing down Stella, whatever it took to help me.  Because that is what will be left....our photos to help jar our memory!  Being diligent about recording dates, times and events will help us create our memory book that we can share with friends and family.  I have taken over 2000 photos to date and probably have deleted close to the same.  The new camera is worth its weight in gold and then some.  I can't imagine not having it to record this special event.  The evening here is cool and we are chilling on the boat about to head up to the bridge for our nightcap!  Almost every night we are on Stella that is how the evening ends.  So up to the bridge to watch the lights of Charlevoix and listen to the far away sound of the fog horn.  Record your special events however you can.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

Mushroom Houses

Earl Young was a builder of unique stone structures, known as the Mushroom houses in Charlevoix. He grew up in an insurance family and went to U of M to study architecture.  He dropped out after one year due to the schools conservative views and returned home.  He went into the families insurance business and also got his real estate license.  He is known worldwide for his unique use of stone and blending of structures to the natural surroundings.  He only once worked outside of Charlevoix.  We had to take a look. Today, it was bloody hot topping 90 degrees and we were determined to see the small mushroom house of particular interest.  If you walk downtown and then head towards the bridge take a left on Park Avenue, you will see great examples of his work.  While walking to find this marvel I kept wondering why I had packed long underwear?  I was drenched in sweat or as my grandmother would say, "I was glowing".  Actually, a much more civilized way of express that particular state of being in my opinion. Finally we reached the baby mushroom and I have attached a photo for all of you!  After seeing the little house myy personal favorite is still a very large mushroom home on Round Lake where we are docked.  The final example that I am excited to see is the world famous Weathervane Inn where we will be dining tonight!  The fireplaces are amazing and the restaurant has great views of the canal. We will let you know how the food is in case you venture up to Charlevoix!  We did have a pick me up at Whitney's Oyster House this afternoon after the big walk  This is a crazy comment but a big kudos to them as they still have classy match boxes!  As a child, I used to collect matchboxes and then lost interest over the years.  During this trip I wanted to get matches from all the places we visited, well no go to that!  Not many places have matches anymore, let alone personalized.  My advice is "hold on to any you have" as they will become bigger collectors items than they already are!  I wish I had my old collection now.  We had their famous whitefish dip and have to say it was just OK.  The capers on top added some flavor, but definitely not enough!  The fellow boaters at the bar were fun and eager to share stories that were hilarious.  I have finally cooled off, Captain David has informed me the wind has shifted and the temperature has just dropped 20 degrees.....in 5 minutes!  That is northern Michigan for you....wonderful.  He also told me to hurry up so we won't be late for our reservation at six.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

17 miles out....

West of the Mackinaw Bridge.  Was so tough fighting the ripples.  Thank God we made it!  This is the Radar Beacon where we turned south to Charlevoix.  I don't think I have ever seen so much blue, except at a Michigan game.

Can you believe our luck?

Lake Huron Radar Beacon outside Cheboygan.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

We are off to sight see!  Will add more pictures tonight.

Stella has landed

150 miles today. Wow, Lake Michigan was glass. I am going to keep with the mantra.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Storm approaching from the west

We can see it coming. Supposed to hit around 6pm. We need to make the 5:30 bridge opening? Will we make it? Need to start organizing.


Blue skies and calm water, Tracy


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Harbor Springs

Stella is passing by. A shout Hello to any friends there!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

We see the Mackinaw Bridge!

We like long rides. Too early to stop..on to Charleveaux! Thunderstorms aren't supposed to develop till 8PM. Note for long trips in your future, take along a 12 volt charger, I have used it many times to recharge the camera battery. I only brought one along because I wanted to play my IPod on the bridge so it was nice to use this tool for many things.

Gotta go, I see the The Grand Hotel!

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

I am backing Stella out today!

Captain David is starting to teach me how to position for docking and taking her out.  Taking her out is a lot easier than docking this big gal!  I can drive Stella in open waters and get her into a port, but I have never pivoted before or lined her up to dock!  It is windy this morning which makes it more interesting.  Great time to learn as there are few boats I could run into or damage!  Interesting to see how this will go.

Presque Isle and the top 10

Gotta say there are some perks travelling this time of year.  One: dock space is plentiful.  No reservations needed which gives us more freedom to decide how long we make our ride for the day.  Dock masters tell us to  pick a dock.  We picked a good one last night on Presque Isle, a fabulous stern and starboard view.  Perfect for coffee at our banquet as it is a bit chilly in the mornings.  Usually there are "boats to the left boats to the right stuck in the middle no view..."  Did anyone just get that? Two:  All the town folk are actually glad to see us!  We are the start of most small towns economic survival.  They love boaters.  Everyone is helpful and giving us suggestions for dinner, sites and activities.  We would have never known how to get into Harrisville State Park by bike without the help of a gentleman on the street noticing we were on the "borrowed" dock bikes! He approached us to make sure we didn't miss it!  The Harrisville Dock master thanked us for filling up with them because he could make payroll. (What does that say about prices?)   Last night, at The Portage restaurant, Jene our bartender, told us about the Haunted Lighthouse on Presque Isle.  We were told it was included in a TV documentary about haunted places because so many people have seen the ghost.  A young boy at the small grocery store said to go to the Pier and count 13 rails out and that is exactly where to stand to see the ghost at night.  During busy season would we get the stories or would there be too many people and the stories told too much?  Three:  No waiting or reservations needed for dinner!  Four:  If you find a cute shirt, they still have your size.  Five: quiet  Six:  No people getting in the way of shooting a picture.  Seven: No wait for the "free" bikes.  Eight:  Temperature, not too hot and that is a huge bonus since Guinness is with us.  Nine:  Light to no boat traffic  Ten:  The appreciation you get knowing you still have a whole summer of boating ahead of you!

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy 

Strange feeling on Lake Huron

Just passed buoys marking a sunken vessel. Creepy feeling. We are in Lake Huron. Rough ride today. Lots of squalls. Half way to Presque Isle. Passing Thunder Bay Island right now.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Camps....Yes!

Stella requires knowledge and experience.  It seems to me there are three ways to get enough to take a trip like this.  Firsthand knowledge,  being raised around boats.  And by that I mean not just taking a ride on one, but someone teaching you to operate, dock and care for a boat.  The younger the better.  David learned this way.  He told me a story about his Father and his cousin Walter.  One summer they took their boys to Isle Royal in Lake Superior, David was 15 at the time.  They had a 16ft. outboard pleasure craft that was ferried to the island.  During this week camping trip, David and his cousin, Jason were given the task of moving the boat to the next harbor while the Dads and younger boys would hike over.  No gps, no charts, just a vacation map of the island.  They went about 2 miles off course!  Now, what got David and I talking about this was again, experience. He said no way could he see letting his kids do that at the age of 15 in Lake Superior, but David had been taught by his Dad and his Dad knew David could handle a boat.  Captain David was trained.  My ability as a boater was learned at Camp Birchwood.  I took all the sailing classes, got all the badges, so am knowledgeable about knots, winds, rigging, rules, boat care, etc.  Later in High School, I got practical experience racing in the Macinaw and Mills races on a one ton sailboat.  Camp also teaches you survival skills and believe me knowing those plus common sense can get you out of little jams all the time.  So Kudos Mom for sending me to camp!  Invaluable....The third way someone usually learns about boating is when they marry into boating!  Or have grown up and have always wanted a boat!  Adult learning can be fun as well,  boaters are always ready to share information.  Courses are easily found on the internet and community brochures..take them!  All boaters have seen their share of  "idiots" who don't know what they are doing and it is a danger to all around them.  

We ran to Harrisville!

Yesterday the Admiral made a call.  We left Port Sanilac late, around 3PM and our goal was Harbor Beach!  The late afternoon was gorgeous, a bit rough starting out, but the winds were to die which they did.  We were close to Harbor Beach in no time and I proposed going across Saginaw Bay!  Captain David was a bit hesitant.  We talked about it for awhile and decided to get gas and get up early.  When we arrived at Harbor Beach David checked the fuel filters which I know were a concern to him.  No problems....so he said do you want to, it might be dark arriving, we would be relying on our instruments to get to port.  I was totally game, so a few bucks of gas and we were off again.  Unbelievable is how to describe it!  The water had a nice roll, Stella is loving new waters, and she performed like the champ she is!  The water was glass and the sunset unreal!!!  We truly had made the right call.  We ran ahead of fog and darkness by the skin of our stern.  The air was cold and Guinness and I kept each other warm under blankets.  The gloves were on, it was cold.  But cold and wonderful.  Captain David is a good captain, he was on the instruments, he has a keen awareness that is not always noticed.  It was getting dark, the sun had set at 9:40PM and we had about 7 miles to go.  We could still see from the residue of the sunset, and land had been in sight for awhile.  But fishing nets have no lights.  Wow, Captain David dodged a good one!.  He saw the lonely little buoy flag and the nets....they were set wide.  If it weren't for the bit of sunset left we could have run right through it!  Who knows if that would have tied up Stella?  Captain David saw it all and we were ok!  I fell in love with the Captain all over again.  It is my birthday today and we decided to stay here.  So fun, we rode bikes all over town and through the State park.  On the beach we played on the swings and slide.  Hunted for Petosky stones and then went to get lunch.  At the IGA we picked up a birthday cake and the checkout girl was celebrating her birthday as well!  It is nice not to have plans.  A great birthday dinner tonight on Stella with a fabulous waterview.  My hubby had cards and gifts this morning, but bought me some wonderful jewelry today!  4 Candy necklaces!  I love them and haven't worn them since I was a little girl, let alone on a Pink Schwinn Bike with a wicker basket!  A little fairy tale today.....and that is how it ends.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

Can you guess who is bad cop?

Harbor Beach here we come

Captain David just got off the phone with the Dock master in Harbor Beach, winds steadily declining.  We are going to take off within the hour.  Baked some chicken as my daughter Taylor has advised me there is no food, not even fast food where we are going.  We are good on Stella, with her galley we can make dinner for a week!  This is the first time I have used the oven and now can't believe I didn't earlier.  Kinda like how I used to treat the shower until people started making fun of me walking to the shower house every night.  Well, gotta take the chicken out and start organizing the bridge!

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

Sitting and waiting

Up early for no reason. Going nowhere.  The winds are strong and coming out of the Northeast with waves 2-4 feet, which usually means there are some 5's our there.  All boats are staying put in Port Sanilac right now.  The winds are supposed to die down  this afternoon so we hope to head to Harbor Beach to get a few miles under our belt today.  But who knows?  We may going to the Barn Theatre tonight after all.  This morning I spent a little time updating and tweaking Stella's blog page.  Hopefully, you notice the updates.  I think the comment section actually shows below posts now, and I have included a slide show at the bottom of the blog. (Fancy!)  Another change I made is that you only see one days post on the page to see older posts there is the archive area or at the bottom of each blog a click section to see older posts!  We are heading to the grocery store, I am going to bake some chicken while we wait!

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

Fuel Filters and Barn Theatre

What do fuel filters and Barn Theatre have to do with each other?  Harmony, that's what.  Last night, Captain David was a little edgy.  A fuel filter had leaked pretty badly yesterday and that is dangerous business.  Preparing for the worst, he ordered three more fuel filters from the Marina. We have one on board, but David wasn't sure if one or all three fuel filters were leaking.  Captain David also wanted me to point out that our fuel filters are not normal and not easy to change.  We figure the original owner of Stella, who was an engineer, re-configured them.  Now, don't hold the Admiral to being perfectly versed in engine mechanics, I just am trying to re-tell the Captains explanation and why he was hoping a mechanic would not be needed.  We are grateful we found the leak, but Stella smelled to high heaven last night.  David worked on cleaning it up, to no avail.   It was hot, Guinness had been sick all day and no air conditioner upon docking as we had to air out the boat.  Crankiness???? Oh, yeah!   I finally found a refuge from the sun and heat on the bridge where Guinness and I took a 2 hour nap.  I felt bad for the Captain, as he had gotten us here safely, had passed the Canadian inquisition, avoided weather, and now hotter than heck  was in the bilge checking, cleaning, checking and cleaning again.  Basically, it was not a fun night, so much so I couldn't even write about it!  So today, I was to leave for a couple of hours, to give him space and time to repair the filters.  We both agreed on this for sure!  So off I go to the VERY small town of Sanilac! What was I going to do for 2 hours?  Super windy day and I had just done my hair!  I was a funny sight..looking out of place with my yoga outfit and scarf!  Up the hill was the main street, I knew to head south as the Historical Museum was south of town.  I passed a total of four stores and then I was in Northern Michigan walking along a road to where?  Seriously, I was laughing at how I must have looked.  About half an hour down the road and after almost turning back, I finally came across the museum.  Very beautiful old Georgian Colonial that now also included a replica of the small village back in the day.  To the left was the old Barn.  Upon closer inspection,  it turned out to be "The Barn Theatre".   Wow!  It was so unique, I wanted to go in and did!  Inside was the most wonderful community stage, lighting and all.  Plywood and folding metal chairs made up the tiered seating.  The old barn rafters used for lighting.  Birch tree logs held up the lighting booth.  The stage again, plywood and whatever they had to make the rustic stage.  I met Stephen and Kelly, Stephen an actor and Kelly the stage manager.  Stephen gave me the history on The Barn Theatre.  At one time, it was the #2 attraction for Port Sanilac, next to the waterfront!  They were so nice and allowed me to take pictures and I promised that if we had to stay another night, I was going to attend their opening night on Thurs.  I was secretly hoping that boat problems would make us stay so I could see this wonderful Barn in action.  As I walked back to Stella, I stopped by Raymond Hardware, the oldest Michigan Hardware Store founded in 1850! Bought a gift for David in that store, screen door savers so no one will walk through Stella's screen anymore!  What a fun time and I had given David the time he needed!  When I got on board David was just coming out and said he think he had fixed it!  The next test was could I smell anything?  I went through the boat like the bloodhound I am.....and nothing!!! No gas smell anywhere!  I am happy, David is happy, Guinness is happy.  I will miss not attending The Barn Theatre opening night, but my visit there is cherished and the harmony it helped create.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Boating.  It is.. the most wonderful fun with a big load of work mixed in.  I find myself longing for the times boat chores are done and Captain David and the Admiral can share real down time on Stella.  Yesterday was going to be that day.  Short ride to Port Sanilac.  Staying for a day to ride out "Windy Wednesday".  Positioned to cross Saginaw Bay Thursday. 

Yesterday morning was beautiful.  My biggest task was getting a picture of The Blue Water Bridge for my mother-in-law(grew up in Crosswell).  She doesn't remember seeing it as a young girl, but now we know it was there, she was just interested in meeting the boys from Port Huron,  must have distracted her from noticing THE BIG bridge.  HaHa love you Mom!

Got the picture of the bridge, also got a BIG dose of  THE ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE!  Stella was cruising in the St. Clair river, albeit, on the Canadian side giving some freighters room.  Next thing the Admiral knows we are slowing way down?  What? Captain David informs me we are being pulled over.  I look ahead and see a boat booking fast with lights towards us!  Great.  The RCMP said do you know you are in Canadian waters, we said yes.  They said they were going to do a safety check.  Oh, the first born type A Admiral was on it!   Yes, my prep, was going to save us!!  The first question asked  Captain was if we had any firearms or weapons of any kind on boat.  We said no.  Then the safety part started.  Life jackets..check and I got to tell them they were new etc.  I was talking fast so they would like me!  They liked my life jackets, but asked for more. Got the bag with 6 more, we have like 20 of em on board, registration. check. floatation device. check.  CURRENT flares. We had a box of them and flare gun.  All flares expired..not good.  BUT, we had gotten new ones and those were on the bridge. So check, they didn't ask to see them up close.  Admiral was starting to sweat running around.  Asked if we had firearms, again.  Admiral is chatting it up and taking pictures!!  Rest of safety questions. check.  Chit Chat starts,  Good Cop/Bad Cop characters totally defined.  Bad Cop asks one more time, do we have firearms aboard!  Captain David grants permission to come aboard to check.  They decline...we are done!  Good Cop gives Admiral the RCMP "official" key chain float!!!  I love being a good girl scout...I got a badge!  I am so excited, inside David is cracking up! More chitchat about our trip as their boat is rubbing and making marks on Stella..smile, smile. But, we must have been so engaging, the Good Cop, asked me if I wanted ANOTHER key chain float!!! Ohhhhhh Yahhhhhhh!  So pumped at this point!

Note:  They told us a lot of Americans have guns on their boats.  Even with a permit,  Canada is no tolerance, so you will be fined, probably pulled to a Port for a check and you can be arrested.  That is for a gun with a permit.  So...don't think a permit will be ok.  FYI

So off we go, happy to have checked out.  Arrived in Port Sanilac.......and Captain David discovers gas(fume detector light) in the bilge....that story to come.

Blue skies and calm water, Tracy