Day 321 Frankfort MI

Old dwelling along the highway, pretty cool old building







Frankfort beach area








Tom on the bow, adjusting something!!











What we see from our boat -sailboats, water & bluffs





Sand dunes on the way to Frankfort




Another great bike path.









Some Michigan marinas distribute transient slips by “reservations” only and some Marinas are first come first serve basis. There is no consistency. So our Charlevoix two day reservation was just that, 2-days only. When departure day arrived the Lake was delivering 7’ waves. We requested a 3rd day in our slip or an extension. No way, your slip is reserved for the next person on the list and you have to be out by noon. So we scrambled with a quick departure to seek either another marina in the area or an anchorage.

We found an anchorage in Oyster Bay about 2-miles into Lake Charlevoix in a protected cove that worked out well. Although the wind blew pretty hard through the night, the anchor held well and we did not move an inch, other than swing 360 degrees through the night in about 25 knot winds. We woke this morning at anchor, jumped on the computer at daybreak, checked the weather forecast that indicated 3’ seas out of the NW with gusts to 20 MPH. We talked it over, decided if we left at daybreak we would be at our destination of Leland MI before mid-morning and before winds picked up. Wrong! As soon as we pulled out on Lake Michigan we were greeted with 3’ waves on the beam all the way south today. Not terrible, just makes for a long rolling day.

Leland has only one Marina and it is the City Municipal Marina (State Funded) and their policy is a “first come first serve” basis. They do not accept reservations, and you have to be in the harbor before they will assign you a slip. You can’t be a quarter of a mile out and call on the radio, they have to see you in the harbor. Long story short, they were full by the time we arrived and we only found that out by listening to the marina talk to another boater. So many boats were calling for slips, they would not answer the phone or the marine radio. Also they no longer allow anchoring in their harbor.

Now our next opportunity for a marina is 34 miles down the coast in Frankfort, MI. with no anchorage opportunities in between. Frankfort municipal is also a first come, first serve basis, no reservations. Now it is getting later and they have been assigning slips to transient boaters all day long. There is one other Marina in Frankfort, a privately operated resort and marina. We called the private operator for a slip reservation but they were full. We arrived mid afternoon and were given the last available slip at the City Municipal marina. Kind of a white knuckle day here in Northern Michigan.

We were disappointed we were not able to visit Leland MI. However Frankfort is a very likable small resort community that is kind of like an undiscovered secret. A very clean City Marina adjacent to a nice city park, bicycle path, many restaurants, Post Office, banks retail, hardware, groceries and several ice cream stores all within walking or bicycle distances. There is a large beautiful sand beach with quite a few condominiums around the area reflecting a family atmosphere used by many families from around Michigan. There are no franchised stores, restaurants or hotels of any type here. Frankfort is a very nice quiet enjoyable community. Glad we stopped here, we will stay a couple of days or longer if the lake whips up, which is likely. At least in this Frankfort area, if slips are not available, there is plenty of protected harbor area to anchor. This Lake Michigan water is very very clean. Tonight was live acoustic guitar music in the park next to our boat.
Yesterday we received some very alarming news. Tom's mother fell, fracturing bones that are going to require surgery. We will have to keep close contact with family at home for the next medical procedure for her. If it is required for us to halt our travels, we will seek a marina here in Michigan to leave the boat and drive home to Illinois.

Day 317 & 318 Charlevoix

B & B located near the marina in Charlevoix








One of the many beautiful homes in Charlevoix






Beautiful waterfront at Charlevoix







Noah Genda next to the seawall






16' bridge to enter Charlevoix harbor





Long canal before the bridge



Belvedere private club






Sunset at Petoskey

The excellent staff at the Charlevoix Municipal Marina helped us into our unorthodox slip. You are at an angle when you back in and are next to a boat on one side and a seawall on the other. Captain Tom did great as usual. This city waterfront was completely refurbished and expanded in 2008 and it is beautiful. Our slip location is right next to the park where we can see everything that is going on.
You are in the heart of the business district and a grocery store is 2 blocks. Tonight we are listening and watching their community band play in the park amphitheater just a short distance. Every Tuesday and Thursday they have some type of music.

This morning we took a bike tour on Park Ave to view the “Mushroom Houses” built by Earl Young, Master Builder of the 1920’s. We toured Club Belvedere by bike, an exclusive summer home community had all the amenities you could imagine during the 1920’s
Many of the boats here, including us, were planning on departing tomorrow for Leland, however the forecast may have changed that plan. We are watching the weather rather closely tonight to see if this front materializes. If it does, we may enjoy Charlevoix for another day or two. Hopefully, we will be able to stay in our slip. If we can’t make it out I wouldn’t think others can’t make it in. We also discovered Leland does not take reservations so it’s a first come first serve policy.

This Charlevoix visit has been spectacular, a very upscale community, a beautiful safe protected lake off “The Lake”, and a fantastic waterfront/marina. We have found plenty of supplies, restaurants, and a grocery store about a block away. Bicycle riding has been very pleasant as most of the community is flat and void of any steep grades.

Tomorrow, Wed 7/28, is forecasted 7' waves on Lake Michigan. That being said, it appears we will not be traveling as planned to Leland, but instead hope to find a safe place here in Lake Charlevoix for protection until Lake Michigan settles down. You just have to accept, that is "boating" on Lake Michigan.

Day 316 Petoskey

Diann with Little Traverse Bay in background








Waterfall in Petaskey City Park, near downtown Petoskey









City Park adjacent to City Marina









Tom can't help it, He is just not right.








Waterfall on bike path in Petoskey









Downtown Petoskey








Viet Nam Memorial for Northern Michigan, Petoskey City Park - Very nicely done.








Where is my coffee???







Breakfast at American Spoon.









Petoskey City Marina







View of Lake Michigan from the bike path








We have to keep the lbs off somehow








Rapids we passed on the bike path









Awesome bike path







Our plans were to stay at Petoskey for 2-days but this was changed to 4-days when we learned there were no slips available until Monday 7-26 in Charlevoix, our next planned stop. There are lots of planned activities on any given week-end in Michigan creating sold out marinas. This week-end is the Chicago to Mackinac Island Sailboat Race. Anchorages are few and far between in Michigan, so often a slip in a marina is the only alternative.

For a city of 6080, (2000 census) Petoskey offers many services you would find in a much larger city. You have a choice of 25 non-chain restaurants within walking distance of the marina. Out of the 10 hair salons within walking distance, I was able to get my hair done at Vogue. Heather cut and colored my hair and for anyone following, she works until 6:00 pm on Saturdays. Tom was able to find a barber shop on Sat morning that worked out well. The downtown area is very unique with sidewalk cafes’, one of a kind stores and not a chain store to be found. Well one or two “Chico’s” and Papagallo. The bay area is lined with dozens of really well maintained homes and Bed & Breakfast Inns.
There is an awesome bike path that goes all the way to Charlevoix to the west and part way to Harbor Springs to the northeast. The smooth asphalt path that travels along the shore of the lake/bay, is well maintained with benches and rest areas along the way with an absolutely spectacular view of “Little Traverse Bay”.

If your request for a Michigan Municipal marina slip is more than 24 hours away, most of the City Marinas must be booked through Michigan’s 800 number. There is an $8.00 service fee for each reservation and you prepay by credit card. The advantage of using this service is having a confirmed reservation and the marina staff hands you all your area info when you come into your slip. You are already checked in so you don’t have to go to the office. Besides the service fee, one disadvantage is a $10.00 cancellation fee if you have to make a change due to weather. It doesn’t seem quite right since you are not actually cancelling but just changing to a later date. There are other cancellation policies as well, so check it out on line. If your request is with-in the same day of arrival, you can only book direct with the respective marina, but you take your chances of slip availability.

We have really enjoyed our visit to Petoskey. It is beautiful, has a lot to offer and we have met wonderful people. There have been 5-6 loopers in and out of here the last couple of days.

Day 312- 313 Mackinac City & Petoskey

A small local car show, Wed. evening - A Chevy Pick Up Truck







Another truck, International Pick Up









Keyhole Restaurant in Mackinac City




One of the few times Tom is taking time to relax on the boat.








Part of the 4 mile Mackinac Bridge






One of the freighters we saw on Lake Michigan in the Mackinaw Straits






A navigational aid for fog that you hear every few minutes.







Linda Tuls “Perfect Timing” was so gracious to rise early to help with lines and see us off the dock at Drummond Island. We had a great time with looper friends Dave and. Linda.

We had calm water for our travel to Mackinaw City. Since we visited Mackinac Island a couple of years ago we decided not to stop there by boat. You have to take a ferry to get to the island where bicycles and horses are the only mode of transportation. When we cruised by Mackinac Island the large ferry boats were running in and out of the harbor creating waves that make a very uncomfortable mooring experience at the docks. Additionally, this week is packed with sailboats participating in the Chicago to Mackinac sailboat race.

We chose to venture about 10 miles further west over to the Municipal Marina located In Mackinaw City on the mainland. We purchased diesel fuel next door at Sheplers’ Marine Service before securing a slip. We rode bikes around town and wouldn’t you know, Tom spied a car that looked like it was going to a car show so we had to follow it. Once we got back on the bikes, we rode by many fudge, ice cream and
t-shirt shops. Of course we had to sample ice cream. We had dinner at the Keyhole Bar & Grill that was recommended by our friends Dave & Linda. It is a very fun and popular place.

We departed Mackinaw City early on Thursday for our 55-mile cruise on Lake Huron/ Michigan and we were pleased that the water was very calm. Around 7:00 am we passed under the 4 mile, 135’ high Mackinac Suspension Bridge which separates Lake Huron with Lake Michigan.

Currently we are at the Petoskey City Marina for 2 or 3 nights. This good size community is more metropolitan than I’ve seen for awhile. Although it was cloudy and threatened rain, Tom rode to a Walgreens to fill a prescription and I ventured on to the shopping area and now I have to find room on the boat for a couple more articles of clothing. After we both returned to the boat, it started to drizzle as predicted so we chose to dine on board and stay dry. We are hoping for a dry day Friday to visit the large Farmers Market plus ride and explore this town. This area, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Charlevoix are quite crowded with transient boaters this week and week-end. Local marinas are full to capacity.

Day 311 Drummond Island, MI back in US 7/20

Tom could not resist stopping to get this shot of vintage Case tractor manufactured in Rock Island, IL our hometown area. Don't know the year of manufacture, but would guess the 1950's









Tom with our Indian decent waitress, Jess, at the Northwoods Restaurant.




Dinner at Northwoods - Us with Denny & Randi, Dave & Linda






Our marina at Drummond Island









The customs office but they come to your boat.






Hurrah - we’re back in the good old USA! Drummond Island is on the northern tip of Michigan 7-miles from the northern border of Canada and also where we check into US customs. We handed the customs official our passports, D-top and registration number, and a few questions and we were done. It was painless.
The island is still far enough away from everything that we don’t have cell phone service or intranet on the computer but the marina offers WIFI.

This island is still in the very north woods, no roads/bridges here from the mainland. The only way here is by ferry or your own boat. It is a big island with population of 1200 and pretty amazing that it functions with no bridge to the mainland. There is a huge resort here, schools, banks, hardware, groceries and restaurants and everything you would need not to have to go to the mainland. The ferry runs 365 days a year, 4 trips a day, and they break ice in the winter.
Dave and Linda Tuls off Perfect Timing, (we met way back in Columbus) are staying at this marina so we were happy to see them after many months. We met and went to dinner at the Northwoods with Dave and Linda and their friends Dennis and Randi Nickels off the boat Shenanigans. We had a friendly waitress, good ribs and a fun time.

The weather sounds good for tomorrow so we will try to leave at daybreak and get an early start The water is calmer in the morning. We hope to make a marina in Mackinac City.

Day 309 Turnbull Island - N. Channel

We departed a very nice two day lay-over at Little Current at the Town Dock. The winds were predicted to 25 knots westerly by late morning. Our goal was an anchorage in the Benjamin Islands before the wind picked up. Well, that didn’t happen. The winds picked up mid morning and lasted well into the evening. We managed a 3’ foot chop and found a protected anchorage in Logan Bay, very near the Benjamin’s. It was a great protected anchorage, sand bottom, great holding and we rode out the wind at anchor with-out dragging an inch. This was a pretty secluded anchorage of about (4) boats including ours. There was plenty of room to swing on anchor with-out fear of hitting underwater rocks or other vessels.

Sunday morning, after a light breakfast we were on our way to an anchorage at either John Island or Turnbull Island, which ever looked least populated. We selected Turnbull Island and it is also a very nice anchorage, well protected, however the number of boats has increased to 14 by evening. It has been raining all afternoon so consequently, launching the dinghy and exploring was no longer an option. It is interesting to watch boaters with dogs shuttle their canines in the dinghy, back and forth to shore; Rain or shine, the pups must get to shore.

The last two days have been either high winds, or cloudy/raining. Photo opportunities have been limited.

We will have open water between here and Thessalon or Drummond Island so we’ll have to watch for a good weather day. Rain and possible thunderstorm are predicted for tonight. Depending on Monday’s weather we may set course for Drummond Island, Michigan in lieu of Thessalon, Ontario an additional 16 miles.

Day 307, Tom's Contribution to the Blog

Me, in front of Korean War Memorial located here in Little Current, Ontario







Pier "A" from the aft deck of Noah Genda at the "Town Dock", Little Current.







Hometown friends, Steve and Margie Cooper today in "Town Dock" Marina.







Steve and Margie's sailing vessel "Coop' Sloop" on our pier here in Little Current.







We chose to lay over another day here in Little Current. It is a cool town, harbor, and marina with an opportunity to connect with traveling boaters. We bicycled to a little deli style restaurant for an O.K. breakfast, but hey we did not have to prepare it and no clean up. We came back to the boat, completed a couple of long overdue boat chores, and some cleaning. I chased down some dinghy fuel, rode to the hardware store for a couple of plumbing parts and hardware for the anchor system.

Today we had the pleasure of connecting with Quad City hometown friends, Steve & Margie Cooper. They are here in Little Current on their sailing vessel “ Coop’ Sloop". They keep their boat in Wisc and sail the North Channel most of the summer. We had the pleasure of touring their beautiful vessel late this morning. Since I have not been exposed to sailing vessels, especially of this quality and craftsmanship, it was truly an educational experience for me and Diann. We had a wonderful couple of hours of conversation with a remarkable couple. This was a pleasant surprise, meeting up with hometown friends

The restaurant and hotel “Anchor Inn” sponsors a happy hour complete with complementary horsdevours from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and we took advantage of that opportunity to socialize with several power boaters as well as sailors. Everyone at the town docks are passing through the area and it is so much fun to meet boaters from all over Canada as well as the U.S. We also had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with Roy Eaton, the voice of the “Little Current Cruisers Net”. During happy hour Roy offered a tour of his “Studio” located on the 2nd floor inside the hotel. For the last 7-years Roy has generously donated his valuable time to broadcast during the month of July and August on VHF channel 71 at 9:00 AM, news of the world, sports, business, health, local history and knowledge, weather, and upcoming local events. Additionally anyone with in radio range can call in and share your current location or itinerary. A truly valuable service that is beneficial to all. Walking back to the boat we could not resist the local ice cream stand adjacent to our pier. This Canadian home made ice cream, may go down as one of our favorites.

After dinner on board, I spotted a new arrival here at the “Town Dock” flying a “Looper” flag. I couldn’t resist walking over to introduce myself. Diann chose not to join me. I had the pleasure of meeting Kelley & Heidi York from Southern Calif. They are aboard their 1999 42’ Ocean Alexander cockpit motor yacht ”Prime Time”. That is the same boat as ours with a cockpit extension added to the stern. Anyway, a beautiful boat, and a very pleasant couple in the middle of their great loop. They started their loop in Naples, FL. I know I have said this hundreds of times, however it is so true, the most interesting and rewarding part of this wonderful journey is the people you meet along the way.

Day 303 - 306 Baie Fine & Little Current 7/15

Dinghy exploring in Baie Fine








More dinghy exploring in Baie Fine, near Killarney.








Tom climbed the bluff behind us just to take pictures of Noah Genda.






Tom took this from the top of the bluff while I debated how to climb it.





View from our climb up the rocks





We only climbed half way to the top but I was wondering how we were getting down. VERY VERY slowly!






Tom is retying our shore lines so we can release them in the morning from the boat.
He looks confused doesn't he?






We departed a great anchorage (other than lots of boats) at Covered Portage Cove, in Frazer Bay and headed for an anchorage known as Mary Ann Cove, two miles in Baie Fine. Most vessels in the cove were anchored med style, drop a hook, and secure your stern to a land based object such as a tree or pins driven in the stone with about 150’ of line. We put out a second anchor off the bow since the wind was at our beam. Tom decided another stern line was necessary to shore, off the stern, to create an “X” tie. Okay, can we take the dinghy out now?
We are out in the wilderness. We have no air card signal and no cell phone signal. When we are able to publish this, probably Thursday 7/15 from Little Current, this will be two or three day old news.

We traveled the 8 additional miles of Baie Fine by dinghy to what the locals call the” pool”. The “pool” could really be a great anchorage; however it is full of sea grass growing off of the 6’ bottom in crystal clear water. So we are happy we stopped where we did. The North Channel is a more popular location for anchoring than Georgian Bay. It is located between mountain ranges of Blue Ridge and La Cloche Range. It is beautiful, but the trade-off is at any given location there are going to be a large number of boats. It's not as quiet or peaceful as the recent anchor locations. Today was perfect day with sun but not too hot to enjoy the afternoon exploring in the dinghy.

Today, 7/14 Wed, we woke to an absolutely beautiful flat water morning, cool, no humidity and clear skies. After a large breakfast of eggs, sausage, OJ, toast and coffee we set of exploring in the dinghy. Had a fun day just going from cove to cove, found a beach and a bluff we could climb and shot some great images. Again the water is just crystal clear and spectacular.

Tonight we are having what Tom calls “just like around the campfire when he was a Cub Scout” Bush baked beans with hot dogs and flour tortillas. I just tell him nothing is too good for my little Tommy. Besides it’s one of his favorites!

I read about picking blueberries that are in the hills and I was excited to be able to say I did that but……….. I would be going alone, (Tom wasn't interested) a local said take a stick for snakes, it’s a good climb uphill walking on slippery pine needles, lots of bugs (who love me) to say nothing of bears! I guess I’ll continue buying my bluebberries at the grocery store.

7/15 Happy Birthday to our grandson Tyler!

We made it to Little Current city dock run by Little Current Town Docks not Wally’s like the Waterway guide says. They now have several finger docks as well as the seawall with room for about 200 boats. They are very busy but very good in responding and helping you into your slip. The current and wind can be treacherous here as we have observed with other boats and heard horror stories from the dock hands. Tom pulled in perfectly of course!

Little Current is Manitoulin Island’s largest area with a quarter mile long dock constantly busy with boats of all size. Sailboats out number powerboats 10 to 1 but there are some beautiful sailboats here. Wouldn’t you know Tom knows someone here from the Quad Cities; Steve Cooper. He and his wife Margie come here for 3 months in the summer?