Four days of waiting, five loopers, to leave Leland. Surely as a sunset is followed by a sunrise the winds began to relax and let us leave to head South along Lake Michigan's eastern shore. We ducked into Arcadia for a stop, making short trips down the coast.
The prevailing winds on Lake Michigan are from the West, thus the eastern shore is sandy with sand dunes and safe soft bottomed harbors.
We pulled into Pentwater after Arcadia with several other loopers.
When we docked there was a space between SONATA and TERRMAR . . . which was filled later in the day by a 1968 "woodie" Grand Banks 42 owned by Raymond J. Hilt, DDS.
Loopers get-together at about "5:30pm".
We had the bikes on the shore and went in search of the farmer's market. We made a stop at the beach and traveled through town. The bikes are a great way to get around.
We departed Pentwater before sunrise . . . an attempt to beat the wind, get down the shore before the wind wakes up.
SALTY PAWS traveled with us, to our west, and shortly thereafter we enjoyed the sunrise.
All along the coast we encountered salmon fishermen. This boat, SPORTSMEN, had just landed one and was putting it in the box. The salmon are down about 100' . . . takes special fishing gear to be successful.
Down the coast, a nice little push with the current, up to 9.5kts at 1800rpm.
A cruising guide photo of a photo of Grand Haven. A number of the loopers that got together in Leland decided to all pull into this location.
The river water that flows out from Grand Haven is a different color of water than that of the lake. A real mark where they meet. Grand Haven Municipal Marina is staffed by college students . . . and as it turns out they have returned to school. No one answered the radio or our phone calls. A departing vessel, LAST CHANCE, called us and said come on in, pick an empty slip, tie up . . . the marina staff would probably show up later . . . someone would.
A stop at the USCG was required by Harvey . . . the recruiter gave Charlie a pencil so that Harvey could sign his "re-enlistment documents", which Harvey has reportedly declined. He says he likes retirement too much.
Grand Haven's downtown had an art theme, "Rocket Fish". The local retailers sponsor the rocket fish, artist jazz them up, and a contest results in a winner.
A closer look at SALTY PAWS (Frank and Cathy Hearn).
SWEETGRASS out of Charleston; Jerry and Jenny Reves.
OOKPIK (Bruce and Karen Macdonald of Ottawa).
SONATA with Bonnie ready to go.
Loopers at 5:30pm
This picture was taken by Cathy Hearn, SALTY PAWS, as the "Fish-house-Five, those loopers stuck together in Leland, make their way for an evening out to dinner in Grand Haven.
In the evening, across the river from SONATA's slip, there is a music and water light show. The music was classical, beautiful, and the water show was interesting.
Saugatuck, a town for artists and shopping.
A map of Lake Michigan . . . so one may see the many ports along the east side of the lake we have visited.
Underway for St. Joseph/Benton Harbor . . . a calm day on the water to our last stop on Lake Michigan.
Entrance into St. Joseph/Benton Habor. We went to the fuel dock for diesel, 255 gallons @ $3.96 per gallon.
St. Joseph downtown also had an artist theme, animals. The lifeguard goose, the decorated cow, the pretty pig, and the gem cow . . .
Our last night in St. Joseph Mark and Terri Wey, TERRMAR IV, joined us aboard SONATA for dinner. We had planned a four day stay . . . but a weather window appeared and we were to head across the lake in the early am.
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