We're in Minnesota for awhile but I'm still working the list. The books say that getting stuck out at night on the Mississippi is a possibility due to waiting times at the locks so we've decided to add a good spotlight. I did make a nice aluminum bracket for the bow pulpit but have changed my mind and will put it on a platform on the mast. I figure that the height should help to cut down glare and will give a better view out the sides and even aft which wouldn't be possible with a front mount light. The new light comes with a FM remote that will reduce the wiring bundle which would be a real bugger threading it through the boat.
The rear door has a small teak strip to open and close the door from the outside which is a real PIA so I went to my teak collection at the warehouse and found a nice grab rail that I will install on the out side of the door. Of course the rail was too long and I had to modify but hey, it didn't cost me a nickel. This will also be nice as we are a little light on something to grab onto in the back of the boat.
We pulled the lee cloths off of the boat to bring to the cities for laundering. They cleaned up just OK but quite a bit of the stitching came out and after looking at them they probably are on their last legs due to wear and fading. Torment du jour I think Chris would say.
I'm going to Greg's race shop today and see if I can't find a new screw on filter nipple for the Lehman as the old one is a bit worse for wear. It's a standard 3/4-16 as used on allot of British cars so if there is one in MN chances are we have one. Also, I've got some o-ring washers stashed somewhere that I can use to stop the oil leaks on the fuel injection unit.
I did bring a fuel sample back to the cities and will have someone look at it as the black flecks are driving me nuts. Also, there seems to be a aqua layer of something on the top when after the sample sets for awhile. Go figure.
Coming back to the Cities has also been great for replacing our stock of maintenance consumables such as electrical connectors, lubricants, batteries, bulbs, etc. If there is one thing that I would tell people that are considering the loop it would be, don't count on hardware stores or marine supply places anywhere. Plan like you are circumnavigating the globe nonstop.
We have also purchased new electronic charts for one of the Garmin chart plotters. Snagged a great deal on e-bay and saved about 60% off of the list price. We're also looking for paper charts for the next stage down to the Gulf. The paper is better for planning as you can see the big picture and some of them show all the anchorages and have notations for all the must see areas. There is a stretch coming up called Pickwick Lakes that is supposed to be one of the best parts of the loop so we don't want to miss a thing.
Just because we're not at the 'Belle' doesn't mean that we are away from water. We are staying with Chris's sister on the beautiful St. Croix and have managed to get some boating time in. These are our home waters and is my personal comfort place. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if we also managed to get a couple of sailboat races in before the month is out. Either that or help on the sailing club committee boat that is commanded by our nephew Patrick O'.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Saugatuck, MI to Chicago to Starved Rock Marina
Friday, July 15
This is where we stayed the night in Saugatuck. In addition to their motel, they had a dock right on the River in the midst of all the tourist activity. It was a good place to overnight.
Our crossing of Lake Michigan was very calm and uneventful and it was great to see Chicago from the water. We docked at Belmont Harbor at 7pm after a crossing of 80.9 nautical miles. That is our longest passage so far out of the sight of land.
After docking, I jumped ship and went to visit my God-daughter, Molly and her husband Bryan who have a cute house near Wrigley Field. My sisters, Linda and Mary, drove down from Minnesota and are going to join us on the Belle for a couple of days. Bryan is competing in the Chicago-Mackinac Sailing Race and we are going to watch the start aboard 'The Belle'.
Next Day...Saturday, July 16
We all had a great day on the water and at the dock. The next day Molly picked up Mary O'Donnell (who was on a layover in Chicago) and they were able to join us for another day of fun and relaxation.
Chicago seems to do a really good job of maximizing their lakeshore. There were lots of parks, attractions, marinas and people enjoying themselves everywhere you looked.
Monday, July 18
Mary Ashby and Linda O'Donnell are joining us for the trip up the Chicago River through The Loop. We departed Belmont Harbor at 6:44am and had cleared the Chicago Lock by 7:35am.
It was amazing to go under all the bridges at rush hour with people streaming off to work...some waved at us and some didn't even notice. The bridges came hot and heavy and I didn't have time to get many pictures but Mary was busy snapping so I hope to add some of hers to this blog at a later date.
Mary had to get back to MN for work so we dropped her off at 18th Street. Then we continued up the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. There was an electronic fish barrier to prevent the intrusion of Asian Carp into Lake Michigan...never experienced anything like that before.
The Canal was very tight and there was lots of commercial traffic...I liked the name of this tug boat.
We negotiated several locks and finally arrived at Starved Rock Marina near Ottawa, Illinois. This is where we are going to keep the Belle for a few weeks while we go to Minnesota for a visit with family. We are anxious to see friends and family again but it is a little disconcerting to leave your home behind. Warren is in charge until we return after the Labor Day Holiday.
Signing off for now but will be back soon!!!
Love to all,
Christie
This is where we stayed the night in Saugatuck. In addition to their motel, they had a dock right on the River in the midst of all the tourist activity. It was a good place to overnight.
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| Goldfish were traumatized by Warren...see them huddled together? We left them in peace after the photo opp |
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| We left Saugatuck Harbor at 7:11am. This can be a difficult harbor to negotiate in bad weather but we had fair seas |
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| Lake Freighter, Missaggi, crossed our path at 4:18pm, otherwise we had Lake Michigan to ourselves |
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| Spotted the Chicago Skyline in the distance at about 3:00pm |
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| Wilson St. Crib cleared at 6:04pm |
After docking, I jumped ship and went to visit my God-daughter, Molly and her husband Bryan who have a cute house near Wrigley Field. My sisters, Linda and Mary, drove down from Minnesota and are going to join us on the Belle for a couple of days. Bryan is competing in the Chicago-Mackinac Sailing Race and we are going to watch the start aboard 'The Belle'.
Next Day...Saturday, July 16
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| Vayu, with Bryan aboard, is the boat with the yellow spinnaker...they had a great start |
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| All the dots on the radar screen are hundreds of sailboat competitors and spectator boats |
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| Coast Guard cutter Mackinac, earlier in the day it was on station at the starting line |
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| Pretty sight...tourist sailboat |
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| Attractions at Navy Pier |
We all had a great day on the water and at the dock. The next day Molly picked up Mary O'Donnell (who was on a layover in Chicago) and they were able to join us for another day of fun and relaxation.
Chicago seems to do a really good job of maximizing their lakeshore. There were lots of parks, attractions, marinas and people enjoying themselves everywhere you looked.
Monday, July 18
Mary Ashby and Linda O'Donnell are joining us for the trip up the Chicago River through The Loop. We departed Belmont Harbor at 6:44am and had cleared the Chicago Lock by 7:35am.
It was amazing to go under all the bridges at rush hour with people streaming off to work...some waved at us and some didn't even notice. The bridges came hot and heavy and I didn't have time to get many pictures but Mary was busy snapping so I hope to add some of hers to this blog at a later date.
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| Looking back at Downtown |
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| Warren was agitated about this electronic thing so we covered his eyes |
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| Volunteers monitoring the fish barrier |
The Canal was very tight and there was lots of commercial traffic...I liked the name of this tug boat.
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| The Des Plaines River |
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| Linda enjoying the scenery of the Illinois River |
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| Some homes along the Illinois |
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Signing off for now but will be back soon!!!
Love to all,
Christie
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Going home
It was a difficult decision but we are NOT going up the Mississippi. Fuel prices have knocked us out of that thought. So, we're in Ottawa, Il and have decided to dock the boat for a couple of months and rent a car for our trip to MN. Sad but true. I would have shed real tears as we entered our home waters of the St. Croix but I guess it's not to be. 865 miles X 2 X 2 MPG up the current X the price of diesel fuel so reality strikes big time. Dang.
We're at Starved Rock, IL Marina and will be closing things up in the next day or two. Chris and Linda O' have been cleaning bumpers, the boat and all of the outside stuff so we will not come back to a mess. I have mixed feelings as this is our home left to strangers keeping an eye on it.
The plan is leave in the next couple of days, do the car thing and come back after Labor Day. We can't go below TN until Nov. 1 or insurance will go up by 3X so will take our time on the Tenn-Tom area which is supposed to be one of the best parts of the loop.
We have not slept off the boat since early March so it will be interesting to see how that all goes. When I shower at the marinas my sea legs and inner ear play tricks because we have been on the boat so much.
I'm bringing back a fuel sample for the diesel experts to take a look at, black crap. The guy at the marina here says that all the transients complain about it so maybe it's normal. Normal my a**,
I'm tired of thinking about it. My torment du jour is... will the fuel, batteries and the rest be OK when we return in a couple of months. See, I can drive myself crazy on things that I can't even check out for a couple of months. Oh, to be like brother Greg who wouldn't even think about it until he turned the key...
What's left. Put a new joker valve in the toilet that I screwed up when the hose was plugged. Mea culpa. Eat up the perishable supply's. Does Bud Light keep or should I drink it before we leave? More decisions. Put away the dingy, the motor, cover the bridge, the rebuilt bimini, etc.
AND WE'RE OUT OF HERE
Kerm
We're at Starved Rock, IL Marina and will be closing things up in the next day or two. Chris and Linda O' have been cleaning bumpers, the boat and all of the outside stuff so we will not come back to a mess. I have mixed feelings as this is our home left to strangers keeping an eye on it.
The plan is leave in the next couple of days, do the car thing and come back after Labor Day. We can't go below TN until Nov. 1 or insurance will go up by 3X so will take our time on the Tenn-Tom area which is supposed to be one of the best parts of the loop.
We have not slept off the boat since early March so it will be interesting to see how that all goes. When I shower at the marinas my sea legs and inner ear play tricks because we have been on the boat so much.
I'm bringing back a fuel sample for the diesel experts to take a look at, black crap. The guy at the marina here says that all the transients complain about it so maybe it's normal. Normal my a**,
I'm tired of thinking about it. My torment du jour is... will the fuel, batteries and the rest be OK when we return in a couple of months. See, I can drive myself crazy on things that I can't even check out for a couple of months. Oh, to be like brother Greg who wouldn't even think about it until he turned the key...
What's left. Put a new joker valve in the toilet that I screwed up when the hose was plugged. Mea culpa. Eat up the perishable supply's. Does Bud Light keep or should I drink it before we leave? More decisions. Put away the dingy, the motor, cover the bridge, the rebuilt bimini, etc.
AND WE'RE OUT OF HERE
Kerm
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Chicago
Well, we made it to Chicago on Friday. Lots of miles Thursday and Friday. The trip across was the furthest off shore we have been at 36 miles at the center but lake MI was kind to us other than a quartering sea from the aft. We had to be steering every second or we'd start pointing to Milwaukee or Michigan City.
Chris will update you on our Chicago adventures but we will be headed down the Chicago river tomorrow. Had to pull down the mast and probably will take the Bimini down tomorrow to clear bridges so we don't have to wait for openings. From here on in commercial traffic will be our biggest concern.
Not much to update on the boat but the temp almost hit 200 going across. This is from the normal of 185. All the books and blogs say that if the temp goes over 190 something isn't right. But WAIT. The upper station says 190 so I'll take a Greg approach and drive up there for awhile. And if that one goes to 200 I'll worry.
The depth meters continue to play tricks as both seem to go nuts at about the same time. At the worst time. I suspect something in the ground system as they are on different power circuits but appear to be on the same ground circuit. If / when I do some rewiring I will split the stations completely going so far as to pull one station from the service battery bank. I further suspect the grounds as the FM radio also has some quirks. And doesn't this beg the question of why a non essential piece of equipment is wired to the same stuff as the essential. An interesting point also is that the radar has shown to be the most reliable piece of equipment in the bunch. (The antique that it is). Give up? It has it's own ground and its a 10 or 12ga wire.
While in Ludington I also worked on a couple of roof leaks that has been driving us nuts. I now know why so many of these old boats have these huge beads of calking everywhere. They can't find the leaks and in desperation they start calking the crap out of everything. Applying bead after bead. I'm taking a bit more conservative or analytical approach BUT damn, if the leak coming out the mast area continues to be a problem I will probably stop masking my pretty little beads and hit it with the Lindorfer stomp and start trawling the stuff on. (All my racing friends will understand the Lindorfer thing.) Note to self: living in a piece of teak furniture and worrying about water stains is a PITA, and perhaps a fiberglass and formica interior should be considered for the next boat.
Linda O', Mary Ashby and Chris are out in 101F washing the boat so I suppose I should be at least giving them moral support or going to the marina office and getting some ice for their adult beverages.
And off to the rivers tomorrow. I'm thinking 5:30 AM.
Kerm
Chris will update you on our Chicago adventures but we will be headed down the Chicago river tomorrow. Had to pull down the mast and probably will take the Bimini down tomorrow to clear bridges so we don't have to wait for openings. From here on in commercial traffic will be our biggest concern.
Not much to update on the boat but the temp almost hit 200 going across. This is from the normal of 185. All the books and blogs say that if the temp goes over 190 something isn't right. But WAIT. The upper station says 190 so I'll take a Greg approach and drive up there for awhile. And if that one goes to 200 I'll worry.
The depth meters continue to play tricks as both seem to go nuts at about the same time. At the worst time. I suspect something in the ground system as they are on different power circuits but appear to be on the same ground circuit. If / when I do some rewiring I will split the stations completely going so far as to pull one station from the service battery bank. I further suspect the grounds as the FM radio also has some quirks. And doesn't this beg the question of why a non essential piece of equipment is wired to the same stuff as the essential. An interesting point also is that the radar has shown to be the most reliable piece of equipment in the bunch. (The antique that it is). Give up? It has it's own ground and its a 10 or 12ga wire.
While in Ludington I also worked on a couple of roof leaks that has been driving us nuts. I now know why so many of these old boats have these huge beads of calking everywhere. They can't find the leaks and in desperation they start calking the crap out of everything. Applying bead after bead. I'm taking a bit more conservative or analytical approach BUT damn, if the leak coming out the mast area continues to be a problem I will probably stop masking my pretty little beads and hit it with the Lindorfer stomp and start trawling the stuff on. (All my racing friends will understand the Lindorfer thing.) Note to self: living in a piece of teak furniture and worrying about water stains is a PITA, and perhaps a fiberglass and formica interior should be considered for the next boat.
Linda O', Mary Ashby and Chris are out in 101F washing the boat so I suppose I should be at least giving them moral support or going to the marina office and getting some ice for their adult beverages.
And off to the rivers tomorrow. I'm thinking 5:30 AM.
Kerm
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Manistee to Saugatuck
I have had a clandestine complaint that I don't update the blog often enough...well, gentle readers... I'm BUSY!
No, really, I'll try to do a better job because, if I let it go too long, updating becomes a lengthy process.
When last we parted, I promised some pictures of Seng's Marina in Manistee. It was a fun little place tucked around the corner on the north side of the Lake.
At Seng's we had another day of bad weather so we took on fuel and Kerm changed oil in the engine and injection unit. He also bled the manifold and checked propeller shaft alignment. As usual, when he works on the boat I use the time to wash clothes. Secret...I don't mind doing the wash because I can legitimately stick my nose in a book and suffer no guilt whatsoever...bliss.
Tuesday, July 12
We left Manistee at daybreak and by 6:20 we were clear of the Harbor breakwaters. We were happy to be going again but before too long the seas started to get mixed up again...probably leftovers from previous stormy weather.
By the time we were outside Ludington's harbor we were being rolled around by waves hitting the beam and rear quarter. We decided to call it a day since it was no fun out in the Lake. At 10:01am we docked at the Municipal marina ...no thanks to the marina staff who, first of all, directed us to the wrong slip and then failed to tie off the bow line so that we bashed unceremoniously into one of the pilings. No damage but Captain Kerm was not happy and neither was the First Mate/Admiral.
Since we had time I walked to Rite Aid and renewed all three of our prescriptions. It took most of the afternoon since there was much calling around that had to be done but I met the nicest man and woman who were also waiting for their meds. He was a police officer/coast guard in his younger days and he liked that. Started a Chevy dealership in mid life and lost every cent. Then took up truck driving to try and pay the bills. Now they are enjoying their grandchildren and great grandchildren. I learned a lot about Ludington's earlier days...an interesting afternoon.
Wednesday, July 13
Layover day..stuck in Ludington due to high winds and waves.
I slept in and then went to get a hair cut. I also found a little aluminum coffee percolator in an antique shop...I keep breaking the French presses I buy.
Thursday, July 14
The darnedest thing happened this morning when we left Ludington. We were up early, as usual, but we noticed that lots of the other boaters were too. I heard a radio call that the Beaver was coming into the harbor in 30 minutes. Boats fired up all over and the stampede was on!!! We were part of a huge stream of boats heading out of the inlet. Not only from our marina but from marinas all over the city. There must have been more than 100 fishing and pleasure boats scrambling to get out of the channel before the big ship came in. It was worth being up at the crack of dawn to be a part of this unusual 'migration'. The picture can't capture the excitement and the dynamics of all those little boats jostling for position in the darkness.
The Lake was calm today and we made tracks. Started at Ludington at 5:43am and docked in Saugatuck at 6:04pm. I drove most of our 83.2 nautical miles and it was a great day for cruising.
Another idiot dock hand attacked us this evening...oh well. After docking, we walked around the town which is quaint and has lots of arty/touristy shops.
Tomorrow we are planning to cross Lake Michigan and head for Chicago. Linda and Mary are coming down from Minnesota and it would be great fun if we could all get out on the Belle and watch the start of the Chicago-Mackinac Sailing Regatta.
Take care all and will update soon
Christie
No, really, I'll try to do a better job because, if I let it go too long, updating becomes a lengthy process.
When last we parted, I promised some pictures of Seng's Marina in Manistee. It was a fun little place tucked around the corner on the north side of the Lake.
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| Lots of storage buildings |
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| Beautiful landscaping all around |
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| Also, fiberglass friends for Warren to meet |
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| Gotta love the Spotted, Yellow-eyed Lure Fish |
At Seng's we had another day of bad weather so we took on fuel and Kerm changed oil in the engine and injection unit. He also bled the manifold and checked propeller shaft alignment. As usual, when he works on the boat I use the time to wash clothes. Secret...I don't mind doing the wash because I can legitimately stick my nose in a book and suffer no guilt whatsoever...bliss.
Tuesday, July 12
We left Manistee at daybreak and by 6:20 we were clear of the Harbor breakwaters. We were happy to be going again but before too long the seas started to get mixed up again...probably leftovers from previous stormy weather.
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| We sometimes see the nicest part of the day |
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| Big Sable Light |
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| The SS Beaver, the last coal-fired ferry in the country. It connects Ludington, MI and Manitowoc, WI |
Since we had time I walked to Rite Aid and renewed all three of our prescriptions. It took most of the afternoon since there was much calling around that had to be done but I met the nicest man and woman who were also waiting for their meds. He was a police officer/coast guard in his younger days and he liked that. Started a Chevy dealership in mid life and lost every cent. Then took up truck driving to try and pay the bills. Now they are enjoying their grandchildren and great grandchildren. I learned a lot about Ludington's earlier days...an interesting afternoon.
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| SS Beaver docking right behind our marina |
Wednesday, July 13
Layover day..stuck in Ludington due to high winds and waves.
I slept in and then went to get a hair cut. I also found a little aluminum coffee percolator in an antique shop...I keep breaking the French presses I buy.
Thursday, July 14
The darnedest thing happened this morning when we left Ludington. We were up early, as usual, but we noticed that lots of the other boaters were too. I heard a radio call that the Beaver was coming into the harbor in 30 minutes. Boats fired up all over and the stampede was on!!! We were part of a huge stream of boats heading out of the inlet. Not only from our marina but from marinas all over the city. There must have been more than 100 fishing and pleasure boats scrambling to get out of the channel before the big ship came in. It was worth being up at the crack of dawn to be a part of this unusual 'migration'. The picture can't capture the excitement and the dynamics of all those little boats jostling for position in the darkness.
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| The Beaver is seen on the left with the two rows of lights all the other lights are individual boats |
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| "The sun has got his hat on...Hip, hip hip hooray!" |
The Lake was calm today and we made tracks. Started at Ludington at 5:43am and docked in Saugatuck at 6:04pm. I drove most of our 83.2 nautical miles and it was a great day for cruising.
Another idiot dock hand attacked us this evening...oh well. After docking, we walked around the town which is quaint and has lots of arty/touristy shops.
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| I actually got a shot of Kerm with the Moose!!! |
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| Saugatuck's Hand-cranked Chain Ferry carries people to and fro across the river |
Tomorrow we are planning to cross Lake Michigan and head for Chicago. Linda and Mary are coming down from Minnesota and it would be great fun if we could all get out on the Belle and watch the start of the Chicago-Mackinac Sailing Regatta.
Take care all and will update soon
Christie
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