Sunday November 15, 2009

The final leg.,Venice to Ft. Myers. Seaquell finally caught up with us around 6:00PM and we'll travel together on this last stretch.

Underway and making way at 7:10AM to Ft. Myers. Nice day. 1' - 2' seas with North breeze of 7 kt. and 77°. Great Sunday boating weather. Turned into the ICW at Boca Grande in two foot seas and a lot of Sunday boaters. Easy going to Legacy Harbor Marina arriving around 3:00PM.

A long trip complete, beginning April 28Th and ending today at our starting point. The Cape Coral Bridge in sight. A great and interesting voyage and a wonderful way to see a part of the U.S. from the water (and meet a lot of great people). Total mileage from Holland, Michigan to Ft. Myers, FL. was 2008 miles. Whew!

Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14, 2009

Away from the dock at 11:30AM. This will be a longer run in the Gulf of Mexico throughout the night. Since it will take the better part of twenty four hours, we want to be at our next location around noon tomorrow. We had an excellent breakfast at a local restaurant in Apalachicola with another boat's crew. They will go with us today since they've not made this part of the trip before.

Out in the big water (through the cut in the sound) around 12:30PM with 2 foot waves and a freshening NW wind as predicted (weather man, oops, person, isn't any better a prognastigator than anywhere else) . Waves have started to pick noticeably to 3' - 4' with some at 5' even 6". NW wind has remained strong with gusts to 25 kt. Our partner boat (39' Mainship, the Seaquell) having a difficult time being thrown around. Without stabilizers its tough.

Trying to get to lesser waves, we turned east for 30 miles before heading SE again. Slowed down to see if that could help and it did for awhile. OK seas and travel for Brightwater but still very hard for the Seaquell. They are not having a good time. Both of us had our main searchlights on and dodges hundreds of crab pots as well.

Around daybreak Seaquell had to go into Clearwater for fuel, food, and rest. We continued on to our Venice, FL. destination. Finally arrived at 12:15PM. Topped off our tanks with 270 gallons of diesel. Cleaned up, took showers, had a great lunch (left overs from our famous cock pot beef stew), did laundry, and took naps.

Watched Michigan be man handled by Wisconsin. Nasty. Sorry state of affairs.

Thursday November 12, 2009

Left panama City at 7:25AM CST on our way to Apalachicola FL. in the EST zone. Several other boats, both ahead and behind us, heading for the same destination of approximately 60 miles.

Arrived around 3:00PM EST at Apalachicola Marina (formerly Miller's). Took on 162 gallons in our aft tanks to prepare for the Gulf crossing beginning tomorrow.

Apalachicola is a little but charming town with many historic buildings. predominately a fishing town and the oyster capital of Florida. Several interesting antique shops with older nautical paraphernalia. Dr. John Gorrie invented a machine here that made artificial ice in the 1830's. He used it to provide an earlier form of air conditioning for his yellow fever and malaria patients.

We just missed the annual seafood festival held last week where there evidently they treat the event like Christmas. Free oysters?

Wednesday , November 11, 2009

Still in panama City marina waiting for what's left of Ida storm winds to die down. Waters will be calmer soon. Attended Veteran's Day parade finishing at City Hall close to the marina.

Returned rental car and just sitting around. Little boring.

Tuesday November 10, 2009

Long night but no damage. Ida was downgraded to a tropical storm with wind gusts sometimes around 60 mph. Everyone stayed on their boats last night and were doing the same thing we did.

If this storm was a hurricane category 2, 3, etc. you would not want to stay aboard in the marina. Too dangerous. Thankfully it wasn't.

Monday November 9, 2009

Went to West Marine for several new lines to be absolutely sure we're tied up as best we can be. Watching the storm's progress on NOAA and other web sites. Believe we're in decent shape as the wind is picking up as Ida moves closer to landfall.

Wind has shifted to the south and causing a chop in the Marina. Every thing's holding and we've been checking lines every half hour just to be sure. Tidal surge is somewhere around 3 1/2 feet but nor affecting us.

Sunday November 8, 2009

We're in our slip and are working on the Brightwater to prepare it for the coming storm. That includes stripping all the canvas, removing any out side cushions, tying down our dingy securely, removing chart plotter from the bridge, adding lines (16) and fenders (4) on each side of the boat.

We're next to a 50' Neptunis being handled by a transfer Captain. he's been a great help in offering advice and even allowing us to go along to West marine for additional lines. Never have rode out a storm and even though this one is being somewhat downgraded, we're still nervous. The heaviest and most intense duration will be tonight and tomorrow. Right now everyone is staying on their boats. We've made plans to go inland if this storm develops into a category 2 or more. We'll be checking lines during the night to snug them up if they stretch.

Saturday November 7, 2009

Leisurely start today at 9:00AM. Relatively easy run to Panama City of about six to six and a half hours. Today was "dolphin day". They were everywhere. Maybe a total of 45 to 60. Sometimes a single and other time four to five. They love Brightwater's wake.

In at Panama City, Municipal Marina at 3:34PM. Large harbor and well maintained. Should be helpful due to protection from building storm in southwest Caribbean. Looks like several others are tying up with the same tropical disturbance in mind. Do they know more than us? Not unless pigs fly.

Friday November 6, 2009

Pulled out this morning at 5:15AM. Getting out of the Dog River channel and across Mobile Bay will take three plus hours. Wind picking up from the NE and traveling in the Intra-coastal.

Good long run today. once in the intra-coastal, with a shallower depth then is optimum for Brightwater, we only travel at around 8.25 kt. (almost 10 mph). It just takes longer.

In at Destin, Fl. at 4:45PM. Meeting up with a couple who would like to look at the Brightwater. Came back inside Destin harbor and docked at Galati Yachts for the night. Lots of activity here on Friday night with bands, some sort of contests, and fishing derby. Local commercial fishermen protesting a ban on a certain type of grouper. They feel its totally unfair as do others in similar Florida ports. They claim their business is negatively affected when there 's an abundance of grouper. Go figure.

Thursday November 5, 2009

Docked today at Dog River Marina. Having the oil changed in the main two engines, with oil and fuel filters changed as well. We'll clean the inside, re-provision, and do laundry.

Took a while to do the oil, etc. since the mechanic couldn't get here until 2:00PM. The boat has been thoroughly cleaned and once again looks wow.

Cell phone malfunctioned due to excessive water on its inside. For some unknown reason the phone ended up in the washing machine. Clean isn't necessarily better with these phones. Scrambled and acquired a replacement sans all the stored numbers. Maybe the immersion in rice will dry the beast out enough to retrieve what been accumulating for many years.

Wednesday November 4, 2009

Almost all of the nine boats were ready to go at 5:30AM, slipping into the Coffeeville Lock, our last lock on this trip. They all made it, even the smaller ones.

This will be a longer run today to our marina destination half way down the wast side Mobile Bay. We'll still be picking up an advantage initially going down stream until we hit the tide in and around Mobile. Need to keep moving as its about 126 miles.

Wow. Mobile, AL. is a beehive of commercial activity. Industrial, ship repair, ship building, Naval training, and lots of Bamas and Bamettes (Bamas are those who sing, hum, or whistle Sweet Home Alabama constantly). Fantastic looking new Navy warship, looks like bullets would just bounce off. This will be one fast ship.

We're here at Dog River Shipyard / Marina at 5:00PM, as it was fast getting dark . Took on 300 gallons of diesel and arranged for oil, and filter changes tomorrow. Will also be forced to do laundry or someone will have to ride in the dingy.

Tuesday November 3, 2009

We're out and down to the lock at 5:15AM and we had twelve boats. Good job on the lock master's part. Lowered us down (35') and were on our way at 6:30AM. It's warming up with high today of 75°. Shorts for all. Better than 45° That we heard about up north.

Arrived at the infamous Bobby's Fish Camp on the Tenn-Tom Wareway (Silas, AL.) around 2:00PM. There were nine boats on this small dock that required rafting up three deep. Since we were earlier than anticipated cocktails stared at 4:00PM (the new 5:00PM). That progressed into dinner and barbecue. Everyone brought something and as expected, gluttony was at hand due to extended progressive 27 course feed. Great time meeting everyone especially due to boater's collegiality. Just can't do something like very often or we'd have to get outriggers to float the boat and crew.

One boat is docking tomorrow for two months and had to use up all their food. Not bad. Brats. Blue berry cobbler. Also ordered a few things from the Fish Camp's "restaurant": deep fried pickles, hush puppies, and onion rings. What ever can be deep fried, is. Hello, bio-diesel.

Monday November 2, 2009

Early morning start out of our marina and immediately into the Stennis Lock. 5:20AM. Early yes, but due to the time change this is the new 6:20AM. Nine boats at once as everyone wanted to get going at first light. Longer run today with light barge traffic.

In at Demopolis, AL. around 5:20PM. Place is packed. Very few if any slips left. Lots of "loopers" coming from their rendezvous and boats like us going down after November 1. Have been traveling with much the same group of boaters and we all saw each other at the marina's restrauant. There was agreement that tomorrow we all should be out and down to the Demopolis Lock as early as possible. 4:30AM? No way. called the lock master and they won't take until 5:30AM. Bummer.

Sunday November 1, 2009

"In the early morning mist I see ...." as the first line of the song goes. . At first light a mist was rising off the waterway as far as you could see. Spooky and may have been better yesterday for Halloween. Time change today - falling back. You know, it's still dark in the morning.

We're off at 6:40AM along with six other boats. We'll go through four more locks today and getting an early start is a smart thing. Channel is only 15 feet deep and for us 8.25 kt works perfectly. Everyone runs together so there's no advantage for any one running faster since you'll just have wait at the next lock.

In at Columbus marina, Fulton, Mississippi at 2:30PM. First we took on 200 gallons of diesel and tied up in our assigned slip. The restaurant here is very good however after the summer it's not normally open on Sundays . Because there's so many boaters heading south they're serving just for us. Hope it not leftovers.

Had a nice enjoyable dinner with Cathy and Gene Johnson, marina neighbors in Ft. Myers. They're awaiting arriving guests tonight and will spend some time around here before heading south.

Saturday October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween! Rain seems to have abated. Temp at 52 and clear. Overslept this morning due to late night arrival. We were in a covered slip so last night’s heavy rain didn’t affect us. One of our neighbors from the Ft. Myers marina is in the slip next to us and plans on leaving later today after a water pump fix.

There are a larger number of boats here evidently due to a “loopers” rendezvous up river. Another reason is people like us, who for insurance reasons, need to stay above a certain latitude (NOV. 1) to avoid possible hurricanes. Combination of these two will make for somewhat crowded lock passages for the next several days.

Yes sir. Eight to eleven boats in each lock for all the passages. Our first lock is the Jamie Whitten with 85 foot drop. 42,000,000 gallons to fill this beast and they do it in twelve minutes. A little faster on the empty cycle. Surprisingly not difficult for all the boats (except for the catamaran that glanced off one of the open lock doors - oweee).

Midway Marina Fulton, Mississippi. Stacked us up outside at the marina and had to come in slowly and one by one as called. Happy marina owners tonight. Slip fees and fuel sales aplenty. Walmart here they come. Many people decorated their boats for Halloween with lights and pumpkins and it does look nice.

Halloween party tonight. Sponsored by the marina and all the permanent slip boaters. Prizes, food, music, and costumes. Fun time and met a lot of nice, friendly people including several from Michigan and two who went to MSU (MSU folks were restrained by their handlers). After the party, ate at one of our favorite restaurants on the waterways. That's right, yeah, fried catfish, hush puppies, pickles, sweet potato, and unlimited ice tea. Eat your heart out Wolfgang Puck.

Friday October 30, 2009

Lines off and we're away at 7:05AM. Heading south on the Tennessee River with approximately 105 miles to go. The Tennessee from here on down shows its limestone cliffs and changing autumn colors all the way to the Tenn-Tom waterway. Warmer today, 63° and heavy rain this afternoon. Slower going then we remembered due to a 2 kt current that will cause to arrive at our intended marina after dark.

In at Grand Harbor Marina, Counce, TN., at 8:15PM. Dark of course. We had to run a hour after going through the Pickwick lock without benefit of light and then turn into Pickwick Lake. Rained constantly however our 200,000 candlepower search light, radar, and chart plotter took away some of the anxiety. Not all but some. Prefer not to do this all the time but in necessity we know we can (do you believe that?)

Tired and not that hungry. Early to bed.

Thursday October 29, 2009

Yahoo! The satisfying deep throat sound of the big diesels come to life once again. We're pushing off from Green Turtle Bay marina after a ten day sojourn north. The crew of Captain Andrew and First Mate brother Frank have everything well, in hand. Second mate D. Williams is on extended shore leave for a well deserved leave (Hi sailor!).

Left the marina at 7:40AM headed down Kentucky Lake and the Federal Land Between the Lakes recreation area. Smooth going today and tomorrow barring any nasty weather problems.

Tied up at Pebble Isle marina at 3:45PM and took on 190 gallons of diesel. Excellent price along with Boat U.S. discount. Met up with Mark and Carol Earle from Afton, MN. aboard the Grateful. Had cocktails and a nice dinner together. They're on the "loop" and have just started.

Pebble Isle is located in Johnsonville, TN. at a unique Civil War battle site. On November 4, 1864, Confederate Major Nathan Bedford Forrest and his cavalry unit attacked and destroyed this river port defended by the Union Navy. Losses were large ($8 million in 1864 dollars) including three gunboats, eighteen barges, and eleven transports. This was not only a victory for the South but also the only record of a naval force being defeated by a cavalry force. GO NAVY!

Saturday October 17, 2009

Left the river mooring cells at 7:40AM heading to Barkley lock and dam and then Green Turtle marina. Cold again today with a expected high of 49° and 20% chance of rain. Burr. But there's a bright spot. If it wasn't for global warming, it would be snowing here by now, the river would be frozen, and polar bears would be foraging by the boat.

Our progress map shown here totals 661 miles from the starting point of Holland, MI. We're close to half way down to Ft. Myers which voyage we'll resume on October 27.

In at Green Turtle, at grand Rivers, Kentucky, at 11:30AM. Easy pass on the lock up at Barkley. Arranged for a rental car to drive back to Grand Rapids as we'll be leaving the Brightwater here for 9 days. Insurance restrictions bar us from having the vessel below a certain latitude before November 1 due to the possibility of hurricanes. Washed the boat from all the lock crud and mud from some of the lines we had to use. Looks very nice now.

Green Turtle is a large marina and vacation spot. Under new management a year ago and regaining its reputation as congenial. Also home to nearby restaurant, Pattie's, where they serve 2" pork chops, bread baked in flower pots, and strawberry butter. Don't think we can make it there tonight. Plenty of food on board and besides this is a dry county. Cocktails behind closed doors.

Stayed tuned.

Friday October 16, 2009

Under way at 7:00 AM sharp. Gained speed with reduced rpm's going the rest of the way down the Big Muddy. The upper Mississippi ends at the confluence of the Ohio and that's were we turn. Have to go upstream on Ohio to the Cumberland River, a 58 mile leg. The Ohio has a strong current (3 kt.) and it slows us down even with half again more engine power.

Major traffic jam at the intersection of the rivers at Cairo, IL. Tows going downstream on the Mississippi, upstream on the Ohio, some going across the river, some anchored, and some tied to shore empty. And un-barged tows looking for a load. We're able to get through without a problem after talking to several.

Made it to the Federal cells (mooring stations) 10 miles up river on the Cumberland just as twilight was fading. Sufficient light to tie on after a long 11 1/2 hr. run. There's a campsite near us on the shore resembling a weekend fishing site. A little frivolity from the campfire but not enough to bother us.

First, now that we're secure, well deserved cocktails with munchies. This is movie night after our sauerkraut and kielbasa cock pot dinner. Um-um good. Ice cream sandwich for desert. Hog heaven couldn't be better.

Thursday October 15, 2009

Left Hoppies at 7:45AM heading down the Mississippi to an anchorage about 110 miles south. Rain again and reduced visibility. Some tows with barges but not as many as one might expect.

Reached Cape Girardeau and pulled into the Little River Diversion Canal at 4:45PM. So we did our 100+ miles without incident. Anchored in 24 ft. of water with a lite current. Should not be a problem as we were here once before. Dinner tonight is a fabulous cock pot beef stew. Internet recipe. Better be good and it is.

No pictures today. Nothing that photogenic. Have some tomorrow.

Long run tomorrow. Need our sleep tonight and early morning rise. Boarder line crew mutiny. Grumbling. Flogging optional. Get to bed. All quite on the western front.

Wednesday October 14, 2009

Heading down river and through St. Louis. Very slow going as the entire river is no-wake until the south end of the city. And the city's big. Serious barge traffic with every conceivable load. More tows here then anywhere. They're allergic to heartburn if you leave any kind of wake and they come from everywhere. The scenery's nice and The Arch always looks spectacular.

We're tying up at Hoppies Marina today. Marina may be a misnomer as their facilty is three barges tied together and cabled to shore. However they're very nice people and the stop is the last for a very long way (either on the Mississippi or the Cumberland River). We took on 550 gal. of diesel and 150 gal. of filtered fresh water. Shared the courtesy van with another boater and went to the new (opened today) super WalMart for supplies.

Still raining and forecast the same until Sunday. High of 51°. Swell.

Tuesday October 6, 2009

We've got the props!!! There on, work, and we're on our way. Down the Mississippi to Alton, IL. Every thing's working the way it should. There's a lot of floating debris in the water and caution is the key word. Don't want to go through another repair experience.

As we're passing down river the Lady of the Lakes monument is on the Missouri side. Built after the disastrous flood of 1951 as gratitude for the water stopping just short of flooding the city of Portage des Sioux. Every July there's the blessing of the fleet at the Shrine.

Alton marina is owned by the city and is one of the best. The showers and facilities are superb. Management changed last year and they're much more amenable and friendly. We're in a covered slip so tonight's rain will not a problem. However, no TV. The roof blocks our dish. We're determined to survive and are heading for Fast Eddies Bon Aire. 99¢ hamburgers, 29¢ shrimp, and reasonably priced beer. Fast Eddies was originally owned by Anheuser Busch but had to be sold due to legislation in Illinois. Certainly didn't curtail the consumption.

Sunday and Monday October 11 and 12, 2009

We're on the hard (up on land). Took the props to a specialist in St. Genvieve, MO. (1 1/2 hr. trip). Multiple scans with sophisticated equipment showed port propeller was damaged on two of the four blades. Starboard was within tolerances but could be tweaked a little. Bad news is it will take all day Monday and part of Tuesday to get them right. Best chance is we could be in the water and on our way Wednesday. Nothing to do but wait. Had oil changed in one of the generators, added some coolant to the engines, cleaned interior and did laundry.

Marina gave us a courtesy car so we're able to explore St. Charles and its historic district. This was the starting point for not only Lewis and Clark but for thousands of westward settlers. Being the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, it was a natural beginning with river highways for supplies. Tourist destination spot along the waterfront reflects many older houses and shops now converted to restaurants, sports bars, and miscellaneous stores. Brick streets and ambiance. Quaint. Had a nice dinner at the Trailhead Restaurant and brewery with a couple of coasters for souvenirs.

Still waiting on prop repair man to work his craft and get the wheels back to us. Found Cabela's, Books - a - Million, the Waffle House, Bob Evans, and a unique "Beer, Bait, and Bullets" convenience store.

Saturday October 10, 2009

Waved good by to Beardstown at 7:00AM. Quite, calm, a little rive fog, and 36°. Easy pass through the LaGrange Lock with only a three foot drop. Went through with another craft and we're on our way to the Mississippi.

Oh-Oh. We seem to have hit something on the port side. We're in 18' - 20' water and nothing obvious on the surface. Has been a lot of little ca-ca (see nautical notes for floating debris) below the last damn. We've been watching and avoiding everything however something was under the surface. We're experiencing a little vibration at a higher rpm and need to run at at a reduced speed.

Called our intended destination marina for a referral of a competent shipyard / marina so we can completely check out this problem. Gave us the number of Port Charles Harbor Marina, three miles up river at St. Charles, Missouri. Had them take the boat out of water, eyeballed for apparent damage but couldn't see any. Removed props and checked shafts. All OK. Will have to send propellers to specialist for electronic scanning and proper pitch. Will probably be here a couple of days.

Discussions to what we hit is still unknown, because whatever it happened to be, was totally out of sight. Suggested possibilities have included:

• River Monster
• Submerged tree.
• Damaged and sunken buoy
• Bull Shark
• Diver
• Ice
• Wreck
• Stealth Bat boat

Friday October 9, 2009

We're stuck in Peoria! Lock repair at the Peoria Lock. Barge traffic backed up north and south. The port of Peoria is a very busy area with a great number of grain barges. So normal work on this lock definitely is a hindrance to normal traffic.

Five pleasure craft trying to lock through and had to wait an hour just floating in the river. Finally they're able to get us all in the lock with the maintenance crew and locked down. Alright. Now we're on course to Beardstown, IL at 9:30AM. Heavy rain all day so far and 47°.

Tied up alongside a working barge in Beardstown, IL. at Logdson Tow Service. Safe but no facilities. Two other boats here - one from Grand haven. Made a quick run to the local grocery store for a few things (potato salad being one) and had to carry all we bought back to Brightwater. Hard. Not sure everyone carried an equal share and some bags became lighter as treats disappeared. But we're restocked for awhile.

Thursday October 8, 2009

Called Starved Rock Lock on the cell phone this morning and requested a lock through before we left the dock. We're the only craft in the area so we were able to start down at 7:00AM. Took more than a half and hour to fill the lock and another 25 minutes to go through. We're finally in the river and making our way south after the lock at 8:15AM. Rained all day as well as expected tomorrow. An overnight riverboat cruise headed north to Starved Rock Park eyeballed us and waved.

Docked in downtown Peoria around 3:15PM along with jumping Asian carp. We've the fifth boat staying here today. Because the city closes its municipal dock after labor day, we're all allowed to stay overnight without cost. The Waterside area has a number of restaurants and Joe's Crab will be our pick. Long Island boiled dinner. The best. Um-um good. As a treat, the crew stood still long enough to be memorialized for this blog.

Wednesday October 7, 2009

Away from Joliet town dock this morning at 7:15AM. Calm with expected 60° and sunshine. Hit the first lock immediately and then had to wait 25 minutes for other boats who as it turned out couldn't get past the lift bridge for another hour. So we locked through alone but lost time. Next lock had commercial traffic and we had to tie up for an hour while they worked the barges and tow out and up river. By that time the other boats caught up and we went through together. Too much time lost so we'll have to determine an alternate dockage tonight, where ever that may be. So goes river travel.

Pulled up the dock at Starved Rock Marina at 3:45PM. Port side tie enabled us to raise and secure the radar arch (TV is back), lift the dingy on top, and put back our Bimini canvas top. Marina's restaurant had "cheap chicken Wednesday night special" and $2 beers. We partook.

Historically Starved Rock was appropriately named for an Indian Warrior who held out against the Army atop a high rock outcropping. No matter how the Army tried they could not get him down or win the stand off. Eventually the Indian starved. Thus the name of the State Park and lock. So the courage is honored.

Tuesday October 6, 2009

Out of Burnham marina at 7:00AM CST. An hours run down the Lake to Calumet Harbor and the SAG channel. waves 4 ft with south wind 15 kt. Rocky sleeping last night with south wind blowing into marina and causing all boats to roll a little. Nothing major but some anxiety.

Slow going as usual through the Sag channel. Barge city. The underbelly of industrial Chicago. Just have to pay attention but not difficult.

Not difficult! Wow. Not until we reached the electric fish barrier. Quadrupled in length and seriously electrified. Coast Guard boats. Warnings everywhere. Electronic signs. Boats stacked up.The USCG comes up along side the boats and passes a brochure describing the barrier and all the restrictions and problems a boat could encounter. Then you call a command center that asks you recorded questions of obvious agreement expected. If all is in compliance (with their stipulations) you're in the cue and instructed via VHF when to proceed. If you fall overboard in the barrier the Coast Guard will not rescue you. If you willfully violate any restriction, it results in a class D felony and a $32,500 fine. Presumably if you fall over board in the highly electrified water, you'll be dead anyway and the fine's no worry.

Docked at free wall in downtown Joliet and on the lookout for "Joliet Jake".

Monday October 5, 2009

Brightwater under way - making way. Once again.

Heading south on the river system through Chicago. Out of Holland channel at 8:15AM EST into 3-4 ft. waves and WSW breeze around 12kt. Waves slowly becoming less as we cross the 86 mile stretch until 1 1/2 ft. at Chicago.

Chicago skyline looks formidable and clean. Docked at Burnham Park Municipal marina approximately 4:00PM CST. Docked to port on the long outside of S dock to allow us to take down the dinghy and the radar arch for the low bridge trip, tomorrow, down the Cal-Sag Channel and the Calumet river. Postponed the lowering of the arch till the morning so we could watch the Packers-Vikings Monday night game.

Saturday June 27, 2009

Homeward bound. Today is the very last leg of our trip and in addition completes the circumnavigation of the eastern half of the United States. Hooray!! Left Pentwater at 7:00AM with a little excitement knowing we'll be home in the early afternoon and be with the family once again (adoring crowds). 

Back in our Michigan port of Holland, MI. at 1:30PM. Arrived quicker than anticipated due to very light winds and almost non existent waves. 

Friday June 26, 2009

Another smooth day for running. Waves one foot and less with light winds until late in the day. Began this morning at 6:30 AM and went down the Pentwater channel at 6:00PM. Little longer day today because yesterday we had to shorten the daily run as the Northport marina was closed for construction.

Snug Harbor Marina Pentwater, MI. Private marina very nice and clean right on the main street. Convenient. Fueled up for the last time on this trip  before tying up for the night. Pentwater looking busy as this is probably the beginning of vacations lasting over the 4th of July next week. The city doesn't reflect its economic origins as a lumber port. All that's gone now but a rich history in the mid 1800s. Also the port as remembered as a "graveyard fort ships" with some horrific stories of the lost ships and life here bertween Big Sable and Little Sable points. Some as late as 1940! 

Thursday June 25, 2009

Rounding the top of the lower Michigan Peninsula. What an awesome sight the Mackinaw bridge. Seeing it from the water allows a full panoramic view and you can appreciate both its splendor and magnificence. We passed over the bridge numerous times but experiencing it this way is uniquely different. Ferries coming and coming from the City to mackinaw island with unique wakes are cool.

Swung into Charlevoix Municipal Harbor at Charlevoix, Mi. to make the 4:30PM bridge opening into the Round Lake Harbor. Docked at 4:35PM at the new upgraded municipal marina. Very well down with all the amenities and the main tourist shopping center one block away (including the ice cream store and, count 'em four fudge shops).

This is another great Marina. Recently redone (finished in 2008) its very accommodating. Well done , friendly staff, nice facilities, and even a band concert tonight. Ice cream, fudge, and live music. Not bad for a one night marina stop. Looks like the State of Michigan is helping marinas around Michigan renovate. Northport, by Leland,  is also under construction. Good for boating and tourism.