Rain, lightning, and lots of loud thunder rang through the night...but the morning dawned cool and cloudy. We had one of our best Lake Michigan boating days...cool temps, gentle breeze, waves of less than one foot....I even managed a nap. We did go through a couple of little rain showers but nothing to worry about...arrived at North Point Marina around 2:00...that's when the fun began...it is the biggest marina ever...over 1500 slips...and it seems the folks in the office don't really know (or care) much about electrical needs of boaters. We docked THREE times...THREE different slips before they finally got it right. That's a lot of stringy thing and bumpy thing moving...before it was all said and done, I had used every line and fender on the boat...all out and then put away....this First Mate is going out for supper tonight!!!!!

Spent the day on Wednesday enjoying the sights and sounds of Chicago...first stop Navy Pier...then Million Dollar Mile Michigan Ave...that seven story Tower shopping mall is still amazing...though I sure miss Marshall Fields. They still have Kelli's favorite...the sock shop...and Floyd had what I like to call a "teachable moment" . We kept seeing girls with those RED American Girl sacks....HAHAHAH, I made him tour the two story store....oh, the things they have in there...He learned lots!!!!! Maybe someday we'll have a little girl to buy for...hint, hint!!!! Somehow we managed to return to the boat with only a new comb and a yacht club t-shirt. Watched the Wednesday night fireworks from the aft deck ...best view in town...and called it a day.

Our spot in DuSable Marina is PriiiiiiCccccey (but not as much as NYC)...and just across the breakwater...where the seagulls roost. That empty spot behind the big white boat is where we are now....It's a little noisy (those pesky birds never shut up) but we have a great view of all boats coming and going, Navy Pier and the city skyline....oh, and there are fireworks on tap this evening...this is the life!!!!

One of Floyd's "must-do-thrills" while here is a visit to the Columbia Yacht Club...quite a story on its history. A former passenger and rail car transport, it was brought to the city in 1985 because the powers that be wouldn't allow the yacht club to build a clubhouse. It now hosts all sorts of kid activities as well as a bar lounge and restaurant. Until recently it was very exclusive, allowing only members to use the facility. It is now a sponsor for the AGLCA (Looper Association) and allows its members to use the facility. After our visit and supper there, Floyd booked our night before heading down river with them. OH LA LA...We liked the food, atmosphere...but most of all the company. We re-united with Mary Ellen Hendricks, Stan's best buddy....we had seen her in May on our way to New York...amazing how time flies...and she did get to have those drinks and hors d'oeuvres on the aft deck!!!!

That fountain is among my first memories of this city...Stan's first residence was a little efficiency apartment over looking Grant Park. The kids and I could see it all from there...and poof, there it was off the port side....looking good as ever!!!!

Chicago Chicago... truly is my favorite city to visit...and has been for a long, long time. I remember loading two small children in a car, driving four hours to Kansas City, to fly to Chicago to spend a week seeing the sites, cheering the Cubs, and visiting my brother Stan. It was a part of my families summer routine and my adult kids still talk about some of those events. He died in 1992, but coming into this town on OUR BOAT made me miss him more than ever. Great memories!!!! Great city...and we are docked between Birmingham Fountain in Grant Park and Navy Pier... in the heart of the city just where Stan lived when he first came here. WOW ... talk about circles of life!!!!

Even though we wanted to stay...the skyline of Chicago and the weather beckoned us to move on....it was a very pleasant crossing with rainbows in the bow wash...look closely...it's there...

Must admit that our favorite view, however, was the sunset on the beach. Lake Michigan sure puts on a great show when the sun goes down....certainly among the best we've seen!!!!

Finally after almost three weeks on Lake Michigan...looking at miles and miles of sandy beaches...we went to the one in New Buffalo...it was divine!!!! Water was unsalted!!!!! Temp was delightfully refreshing...and beach was not overrun with crazy people. We spent a

very pleasant afternoon working on our "farmer tans" and getting a sand pedicure.!!!! HA!!!

The marina is one of the largest on Lake Michigan...and our view was among the best. The slip was just across from one of the few gas docks in that harbor...so lots of water craft on Saturday and Sunday maneuvering about ...it was a boat parade...plus it was good to occasionally watch other boaters in their moments of terror...the slips also each had a picnic table and storage...the pool and jacuzzi was an easy walk. Town, laundry, and public beach was just a bit further but really not a bad walk.

The stop in New Buffalo was made possible by our friends Susan and Carolyn, who had forwarded us an ad they saw on their MTOA website. Bert and Carlene Shedd were offering up their marina slip in New Buffalo to any LOOPER who wanted to stop there...for FREE. I must say it was the nicest marina we've stayed at for a long, long time....and since we'd just experienced that BAD stay in St Joe...the contrast was a bit overwhelming. Add to that Bert and Carlene's hospitality, we could easily have stayed a month...but settled for three days...THANK YOU, SHEDD's...we owe you big time...

Have I mentioned that we are in CARVER boat territory?...Floyd calls it CARVER heaven...we see them everywhere...all the time...and many are even our vintage! This guy is almost our twin...anchored by the beach entering New Buffalo...

Next stop...St Joseph/ Benton Harbor...it looked so promising entering the harbor area...art work and grass. Then we arrived at our marina slip only to discover that it was the gas dock...which evidently hasn't had gas for awhile but gas lines and pump out lines were still strewn all about...it was ugly and unpleasant a place as we've been...oh, well, moving on in the morning anyway. We were there for the experience of Wolf Marine Supply...kind of a yard store of boating accessories and things...50,000 square feet of it...Floyd did that while I slept in...then off we went to New Buffalo...

Our trip to South Haven was uneventful...thank goodness. We won the battle of biting black flies by using DEEP WOODS OFF, keeping living quarters shut, and, of course, letting Floyd wield the swatter. It is about to wear out!!! The heat wasn't bad on the lake...but between the higher temps and the heavy humidity, we were about done in. Floyd trekked off to explore the Michigan Maritime Museum (which is on our back door). They were hosting some sort of volunteer event last night...we were in a great spot to observe, take photos and thoroughly enjoy their little Dixieland Band...we provided our own drinks and hors d'oeuvres, thank you very much.

Woo Hoo...love when a plan really works...and I've seen and heard mechanic plans that didn't even come close...so this guy ordered a new raw water pump...said it would be here at 7:30 AM...he'd come down first thing and be done in a couple of hours... IT DID AND HE WAS!!!!! I'm thinking it is a miracle!!!! Captain is doing his "leaving dock" chores and we are headed to South Haven shortly. Not really looking forward to battling those biting black flies again...but it puts us closer to Chicago. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY SUE BAUMAN!!!! Thanks for being my BFF and adopting my Mother while I'm gone!!!!! Floyd and I will celebrate with drinks on the aft deck tonight....toasting to you!!!!!! See you soon!!!!!

Floyd discovered a leak in the impeller while checking fluids this morning...we waited patiently for the mechanic...He appeared around 1...left to locate parts. We are hoping they are in stock and we'll be on our way later this afternoon. If not, wind is suppose to pick up tomorrow so doesn't look promising for much boating the next couple of days...this could get interesting!!!! Oh, yea....the sound of cash leaving the building!!!!!

We spent a very warm (I won't say hot in deference to my Wichita friends who are sweltering) afternoon touring the SS Keewatin... a Great Lakes passenger ship built in the same era and by the same builder as the Titanic...now a living maritime museum. Well worth the price of admission. Then dinghy ride to shopping and supper in lovely downtown Saugatuck...

Saugatuck ( pronounced SAW-ga-tuck)...yes, we've been saying it wrong. It is another in the string of safe harbor towns located every 20 miles down the east side of Lake Michigan. We didn't need the guide book to tell us about the "little houses" or the chain operated ferry. They are sorta noticeable...even when you are swatting those biting flies!!!!

Yesterday was a very warm day...and to add to the discomfort we were invaded by biting flying friends...by the HUNDREDS. We have experienced the big green headed ones in the Carolina's...they didn't bite...but these appear to be black house flies...only appear on the lake...and do they have JAWS with teeth and fangs or what???? Aggressive little s*%$s....Man, oh, man...did we do battle. They may have had the upper hand for a moment...and I managed to herd several hundred out from our living quarters before the Master Fly Killer (aka Floyd) went to work. We had to vacuum twice to get rid of the carnage...not looking forward to returning to the lake today to deal with these fellas again...we plan to keep the cabin shut down and we did purchase heavy duty DEET OFF...folks say it will help...oh, the things one encounters!!!

I must say that leaving Grand Haven on Tuesday was just a little different than entering on Sunday. Can you see the difference? (not talking about the trees, I missed the exact place...I'm talking traffic!!!!) We are in awe of the amount of tourist traffic and boating we see going on in Michigan. Who knew???? It is tourist trap-ville up here for sure. Beaches, restaurants, t-shirt shops everywhere...we've had to hunt out grocery stores and marine supplies. Huge difference from previous legs and ports.

So far this leg we have experienced what I like to call...impeccable timing. We have missed storms, gotten great service or slips, gotten in or out of some pretty tricky situations ..all because of our accidental timing. Well, today was another impeccable timing event. We made a stop at a marina on our way out of Grand Haven for cheap gas ($4.26) and a pump out. The dock girl had some trouble with the pump out and as we waited...look what big monster Freighter came zipping down the channel. HA...if not for that wait, we'd have been squeezed against the wall...not to mention intimidated by a close encounter in a narrow channel with that monster. Can't say that we are sorry we missed that!!!

Saugatuck is on the agenda for our next stop...wind needs to go away...far far away...we think we'll be crossing to the west side and checking out marina stops by the end of the week. We have made friends with folks in Racine so we'll make a stop there for sure. Kelli and Lance are coming to Chicago for a visit with us and I have train tickets to go home with them for a while. Floyd is planning to do lots of boat chores while I'm gone. Then we'll head down river to return to St Charles for Labor Day celebrations. Can you believe we have almost completed this loop??? Me neither!

This one is for my mother...the great collector of giraffes. We saw him...tried to buy him...and since we couldn't, we took photos. Maybe someday we'll find someone to build one for us...isn't he cute?????

Only took this photo of the schooner...it was definitely the among the most interesting we saw, especially when it came blazing in under sail at 9:30. But before I could reach the camera and take that shot, there it went. Photos of the dancing water fountain didn't really capture the essence of it...but imagine the Bellagio fountain in Vegas...only this is on the island across from town...sand and trees in the background.

You could sure tell it was Sunday afternoon in Grand Haven...beach was packed! Channel in and out was busy busy busy.. It was like driving on Kellogg..waiting to pull into the moving line of traffic...We pulled into our slip, walked the main drag, and spent the rest of the evening on the aft deck watching the boat parade...so many it was impossible to count...all shapes, sizes, ages and colors!!! I even got some yellow boat kisses!!!! At 10 PM, right on schedule, the dancing water fountain show began...and we had ring side seats from our aft deck. Wind had been increasing all day...weather for Monday doesn't look so good for cruising...and so we have opted to stay over here. Smart move, Captain...wind did not die down...a few boats have been arriving (or should I say escaping) into Grand Haven this afternoon with stories of 4-6 foot waves...not my style, thank you very much.

Marina here was crowded with locals and the Lake Express car ferry left from here to cross Lake Michigan about four times daily. Dock hands were non-existant! Electric was a stretch!!! Veiw was nothing special...so we had thought we'd lay over for the weekend but instead headed out around 11 on Sunday morning for Grand Haven.

We stopped in Muskegon because someone was having a birthday... his sister and I conspired to assure that his favorite carrot cake could be served. We debated with several locals about restaurants...they were concerned because this was bike weekend in Muskegon. We thought that meant the kind you pedal...but we were wrong. Anyway, to avoid the crowds and have the extra nice meal we went to CF Chophouse and Wine Bar (couldn't have found that without the taxi).... perfectly deLighTfUl...and then home to frost that homemade carrot cake that Muriel had shipped....you can tell someone was VVVEEERRRRRYYY happy!!!!!

Lake Michigan...unsalted...but miles and miles of sandy shore line. I'm impressed at how the towns have embraced it...well, for the couple of months it is warm. Did I mention that we have just now started using the air conditioner at night??? When we are out on the lake the temps drop rather rapidly. We usually need to wear long sleeves or a jacket until we enter the harbor. Things get noticeably warmer...is that because of the tension in docking? ( moments of sheer terror???) or because we are inland??? All I know is that these sandy beaches all look alike and even these quaint port towns are starting to look the same as well.

Snug Harbor in Pentwater couldn't have been more accommodating...slips were hard to find. We spent a comfortable night in their haul out well...walked the town...they all have ice cream!!! We've become quite the experts on temperature, creaminess, and flavors. Floyd found the cinnamon bun to be his favorite at this one. I couldn't resist the store called Bitchin' Kitchen...more interesting items we don't need. Oh, and the place was for sale...so I guess I could move here. NOT!!!!

Nice cruise to Pentwater today...Lake Michigan is smooth smooth smooth (I soooo appreciate THAT)...and fisherman everywhere. In fact, Floyd is using radar to keep track of them and the computer set on Polar Navy to keep track of us. Drove from the lower helm most of today because of the cooler temperature. (yes, Kansas is roasting and we aren't.) Pentwater is a busy place..when we got here at 1:30 the Municipal Marina was already turning folks away. Snug Harbor tucked us into their well...a spot usually reserved for boats needing to be hauled out. Guess no one wants out today. Marina boys were all about how people should call ahead...we were amazed!!!! Haven't needed to do that at all in the last 5 weeks...in fact, we are often the ONLY boat in the marina. Oh, well, guess as we get closer to Chicago we'd better start that habit again. We are headed to Muskegon tomorrow...we have reservations and are ready to celebrate some one's birthday...not mine!!!!

After arriving in Manistee we walked main street, had lunch with some Harley folks and then indulged Floyd's love of boats by touring the SS City of Milwaukee, railroad car carrier designed in the 1920's , and the US Coast Guard ACACIA. Yes, that's our dinghy parked between the two. The marina building here is brand new and the slips are empty empty empty...sure hope things pick up or there are gonna be some people hurtin' for certain.

We noticed signs in Frankfort this afternoon about a concert this evening in the park beside the marina...so we ventured over. What a blessing!!! Seems it was fund-raiser for a 15-year-old local girl, Zoe, who had just had a brain tumor removed. We got to meet her (what a sweetie...oh, and nice scar down her skull...Long hair hides it well, but she was showing it to anyone and everyone)... we had a cheap meal... great brats, home-made cookies, and mingle with some great local folks. Been a really pleasant experience...oh, and earlier we did a significant boost to the Frankfort economy...I'm sure you noticed the spike...we managed to find several of those little things that we've had on a list since mid-June...including new swimsuits for Floyd....whoo hoo....tomorrow it is a short 20 mile run to Manistee...

We started the afternoon with two other boats in the harbor...by nightfall there were six of us ...and two others came and went during the day....calm and peaceful...but weather for Tuesday wasn't looking so good. We decided that Floyd would make the call on going or staying when he got up....so, yes, he woke me at 6 and we scooted to Frankfort. Or should I say wallowed...strong winds, following seas...but way better than slamming and jamming in my opinion...we got here at 10:30 this morning....

The highlight of Saturday was the wedding...don't know where it happened or where they headed after...but they spent lots of time taking photos around the marina office. Interesting, Hey??? Oh, and the cute bird who posed for me....I'm telling you animals are the attraction on this trip. Sunday was suppose to be rainy and windy so we opted to stay put...and of course, that didn't happen. Monday dawned cloudy and rainy...cleared around 10...so we scooted over to South Manitou Island. I say scooted...but rocked, rolled and slammed would be more accurate. It truly was the roughest water we've been on this entire trip. Ever so grateful to arrive in that little crescent shaped harbor...anchor held on first try...we celebrated...