Heading Down Lake Michigan's Eastern Shore

Repairs and a trip home

7-14 August – Irish Boat Shop, Harbor Springs, MI

On Wednesday, the boat got hauled out of the water, props removed, then lowered back into the water

at a slip very near the service buildings. Although only the port prop was damaged, they sent both to Henry Smith’s prop shop near Detroit, so they could match them. Turns out they could not repair the port prop, so I got a new one and a refurbished one for the starboard side. Got my fuel filters changed. And we explored Harbor Springs – a very nice town. We biked about, stopping at gift shops and art galleries. We enjoyed dinner at Dudley’s Deck overlooking
the neighboring marina. Walking back, we saw a different kind of beach volleyball that looked pretty fun. On Thursday, Enterprise Rental Car picked us up and took us to their office in Petosky across the harbor where we rented a vehicle and drove to and parked at the Detroit airport. Although we requested a compact car, they gave us a 4WD crew cab pickup truck
(like the kind we rent when we go skiing in Colorado). It was quite comfortable. We flew home to Tampa, getting a Super Shuttle ride home about 2 AM.

On Friday Charli got some dental work done and bought an iPad (for navigation and planning). Al trimmed bushes, cleaned gutters,, chlorinated the pool, and changed the water in the hot tub. On Saturday we drove up to the Seagrass Resort in Homosassa where we surprised many of our friends

who were scalloping and celebrating an early birthday for our friend
Bob. We partied and stayed overnight on a pullout couch. On Sunday we went to Kent’s graduation party. Kent just graduated with his PhD in microbiology.

Monday was spent working around the mothership. On Tuesday Bob, Joan, Charli, and Al took limo to Tampa airport, flight to Detroit, then drove our pickup to Harbor Springs. On Wednesday, we went to farmer’s market for bread and produce where we met up with Dave and Jan from Dawntreader, always good to see them.

We drove north to the “tunnel of trees” – a narrow winding road through the forest overlooking Lake Michigan – awesome. Had lunch on the patio of the Legs Inn – an unusual polish restaurant

overlooking Lake Michigan. Stopped at the IGA for provisions.
Dined with other loopers, including Dawn Treader, Osprey, Mooring Dove.

Heading Down Lake Michigan’s Eastern Shore

Thursday, 15 August – Harbor Springs to Charlevoix – 22 mi., 3178 cum mi.

Beautiful day, 71 degrees, a bit breezy. Our props came in, but we had to wait for Mooring Dove to get his props on and get lowered into the water, so we went to see a tall ship – a 74-ft schooner- that pulled in at the end off the dock. Called the Inland Seas, it is sponsored by a non-profit group called the Inland Seas Education Association. They take groups of all ages on a cruise and introduce them to the science and spirit of the Great Lakes. And they invited us to join them on their morning cruise. We sailed, we netted some fish, and we scooped up some plankton and viewed them on a microscope. It was really cool!

When we got back, the Irish Boat Shop hauled us out and installed our props. After a sea trial, we were on our way to Charlevoix. It was a short cruise. We left Harbor Springs – one of the finest resort towns on Lake Michigan - at 4 PM, following Mooring Dove, arriving at the Charlevoix bascule bridge for its 6 PM opening.

Charlevoix harbor has a party atmosphere. Condos line the shore, slips full of boats having docktail parties, a dancing fountain where

kids play, and an amphitheater with a free jazz concert. You just feel the energy when you arrive.

We saw Geoff and Patty (on Osprey), and we met other loopers – Gary and Kathy on After Taxes (Gary is a CPA), and Jonathon and Brooke on a 22-ft mini tug C-

Dory called Salty. And we were surprised to see Joe (from Freewheelin) who quit the loop and was riding his new motorcycle
down the Michigan coast. Our fly bridge was big enough for all to enjoy docktails. Nice end to a long but exciting day.

Friday, 16 August -  Charlevoix to Leland – 33 mi., 3211 cum mi.

Another beautiful day, 61 degrees. We enjoyed breakfast with Osprey. Geoff made yummy blueberry pancakes and a fresh pot of coffee. Al made scrambled eggs and maple sausage that we bought at the Harbor Springs farmer’s market. Salty and Mooring Dove headed for the islands, while, after fueling up, we headed for Leland with After Taxes.  Leland is said to be one of the most picturesque towns on the northern Michigan coast.

 Downtown Leland was just a block away from the municipal harbor. At the marina was Old Fish Town, with gift shops, ice cream parlors, and fish markets. We sampled some MI craft beers at a pub, tasted and bought wine at

a vintner, and bought some fresh fish sausage and salmon for dinner. We met Larry Kruger who took 13 years to restore a 1971 Dodge

Charger R/T – what a nice looking car! We saw an amphibious car. And we met new loopers – Bill and Lora on Entrée – who just started the loop yesterday. Over docktails, Kathy (After Taxes) shared her bounty – clothing items she bought for $5 each at the sidewalk sale. That became a new challenge – beat or match those bargains.