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.

Lots of storage buildings

Beautiful landscaping all around

Also, fiberglass friends for Warren to meet

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.

We sometimes see the nicest part of the day

Big Sable Light

The SS Beaver, the last coal-fired ferry in the country.  It connects Ludington, MI and Manitowoc, WI

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.  

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.

The Beaver is seen on the left with the two rows of lights   all the other lights are individual boats

"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.

I actually got a shot of Kerm with the Moose!!!

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