Lazy day in Leland....watching the people. Mass exodus of boats this morning followed by mass entry of boats this afternoon. Bunches and bunches of kiddos headed to the Manitou islands for a camp out missed the ferry this afternoon so that was interesting to watch. We enjoyed a summer tradition of BLT sandwiches for lunch and a walk to town for ice cream this afternoon. We are looking forward to a dog groomer and electrical guru visit tomorrow....then on to Frankfort on Tuesday.

That’s plan A....wonder if it’ll work?? Place your bets now!!

After lovely dinner....came this lovely sunset! We never grow tired of this kind of view....tho I must admit there are times when we miss it because we’re already sleep! Must be all the fresh air and sunshine.....

Enjoyed a lovely dinner on the aft deck this evening....great ending to a relaxing day....

To be to be filed under things I do to myself...made a special trip to the Charlevoix bookstore to buy some real books to add to my summer reading....bought three....two cheap romances and one best seller..and a birthday gift for my man...and wouldn’t you know it, already read that best seller one! But it was still a good read. Went much faster the second time as I did recall some parts very vividly....lol, I got to slow down!! And Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is a good one ...not sure you need to buy it twice but apparently I did. It’s what I do!!

Saturday special breakfast and laundry laundry laundry...we’re in Leland til Tuesday...so some shopping will occur...the electrical guru is suppose to return on Monday to install AIS and chase that rabbit....Dakota has a grooming appointment with the little lady I met in the grocery parking lot in Northport....and Shana Reeves McCosh is in the area. She a former Northeast Mag favorite who visits Frankfort around the 4th. So who knows what this week will bring? It’s always an adventure!

On the plus note, Mom visited the KU folks yesterday for her one year review...and they are very pleased! Doesn’t have to return for four months now...woo hoo. She wasn’t very happy with the feeding tube specialist....but hopefully that pain will pass quickly. Brother Barry is doing great! And excitement at the condo complex continues...we are ever so glad to be missing out on most of those details!!

Friday morning we hustled around to make the 11:00 bridge opening....well , not exactly hustle...but it was nice to hear the complementary comments from the dock hands. They recognized that we knew what we were doing and how to do it! Sad to say, we learned some of this the hard way...but hey, you remember it well!  Bittersweet to say so long to one of our favorite Lake Michigan spots. Again, not looking forward to that skanky river section...and while we may be a little uncomfortable with the cold...we are certainly not looking forward to the HEAT!

Dense fog for the last two hours into Leland....in fact, Floyd was afraid he’d have to do an instrument landing...but visibility cleared enough to see the marina..and we were fine just fine! Smooth water all the way...and no boat traffic....and yes, winter coats!

Yes, we spent a delightful couple of days playing tourist with access to a rental car from Harbor Springs...and then the rain came and the winds blew. Monday was miserable...Tuesday I played catch up...and late that evening two large “schooling” sailboats arrived. Seems the Harbor was hosting some sort of kid friendly event on Wednesday and expecting to entertain hundreds of children! We made plans to escape. Wednesday AM the skies cleared ..waves dipped just enough that we scooted back to Charlevoix.  Cold,  rocky rolly couple of hours....They greeted us warmly because, after all, this was our third visit in as many weeks.

We were anxious to try the tricks we’d had suggested about successfully plugging into electrical...but alas, that didn’t work either! Oh darn! And worse words! But again this is not a deal breaker...our AC panel works just fine...and we needed it! It is just weird to boat in winter jackets...and as we enter the channel and dock we start removing clothing....and change into summer gear soon thereafter!  Major trip to the local grocery store and a long social time with loopers. Was fun to reconnect with a single gal,Melissa. we meet in Gore Bay 2016 and her Airedale Sophie...she’s having similar electrical issues.  And the boat next to us listed Alaska as it’s home port.

We were right next to the sidewalk...lots of comments and conversations....farmers market on Thursday morning and a delightful free concert that evening. All well attended....but the most interesting was a conversation that started with a man who curious about where in Wichita we lived...as he once lived there...and taught at South High ‘78 ish...yep, we were there at the same time but he was new, and I was busy with pom and cheer squads...even more bizarre, his cousin is Winston  Brooks. Small world! Needless to say, that conversation was long!

We were sad we didn’t get to see our friends, Linda and Ted Bemis....but knew in advance that this was their busiest week of the summer...26 for dinner on Thursday night...it’s a tiny little cottage in Charlevoix!! We plan catch up this December when Floyd and I are in KC....they love joining us at J Gilbert’s!

We love Charlevoix!

Best laid plans.....yeah, right! I had planned to catch up yesterday on that long foggy ride to Leland....but with no internet! Foiled again! Sooooo get ready to read as I do laundry and catch up the blog!

So imagine me sitting on that bench...blogging away....

Monday...june 24...and , of course, the weather turned back to cold and the rains came....serious fog settled in and big boats began to seek refuge. Of course, they are parked between us and the marina internet signal...so in spite of my efforts to blog yesterday, I was unsuccessful.

Tuesday....june 25... sunshine...but the wind is a blowing and temps might make 60...Dakota and I are ashore...camping on the iron bench beside the marina office...blogging away....oh, and practicing our social skills...cause who can resist his handsome face?  So far we’ve met Winston, Walter, and Wrigley....and several dog owners who’d like to have Dakota come show their dogs how to behave. Really...he’s is the best....and we’re headed to Leland so he can get a bath and serious brushing on Monday. For a non-shedding dog, he is sure leaving pieces of himself everywhere.

So weather for the next week looks good....we think we’re on top of the electrical issue....so either tomorrow or Thursday we head back to Charlevoix and begin the trek south. Stay tuned for further developments!!!❤️

On Sunday...we returned to the big boat display....Wow...lots of teak and brass....glad we’re not doing maintenance on those ...but they sure are pretty to look at...

Cupola...somehow didn’t make the post...

Sunday...June 23...weather predicted to be warmer and sunny...and here we are in a car....motoring

back across the bridge to mingle with the masses on Mackinaw Island. Just a little under an hour to St Ignace ...caught the 11AM ferry for a very brief ride to the island. We’d already been there and taken the tour of the fort and village sites.z..I was on a mission to spend time and enjoy the amenities of the Grand Hotel. And did we ever! Short uphill walk...and for ten dollars you can tour and receive a discount on the Grand buffet. I had planned on the afternoon tea but our timing was off. So pulled the trigger on that discount lunch buffet....they claim it is 100 yards of deliciousness....looked like the spread on a cruise ship....and we did our best to put a dent in the offerings. I doubt you could tell....and it was delish!!

Back to town for browsing and people watching....always fun....we sure enjoyed the lighter June crowd. Last time we came was July, and it was packed and hot. Smells are about the same I’m sure. No motorized transportation....horses and bicycles only....we avoided both!

It was beautiful weather...and we returned to sweet Dakota and two aspiring models who requested boat selfies...who can resist?

From there it was about an hour south to Sault Ste Marie....and a visit to the VALLEY CAMP freighter museum...and a great view of the SOO locks. Man oh man, are they huge! And the freighters waiting to lock through we’re not exactly tiny... made us glad we’d decided to rent a car and drive. No need for first hand experience here.

The museum was delightful...captain and crew quarters, mess hall, helm station...plus great displays of the freighters that work the Great Lakes.

Shipwreck museum and lighthouse

Friday ...june 21...when Floyd called to double check about the rental car we discovered that they don’t pick up and deliver on Saturday....lucky for us, they sent a shuttle and let us get the car...so we were ready to roll as planned on Saturday...

Saturday june 22...left Harbor Springs  at 8AM for the two hour drive north over the BIG MAC to the UP....north to White Fish Point...and the Great Lakes Ship Wreck museum and light house...it is probably a swell lighthouse but we’ve seen bunches. Plus we were way more interested in the shipwrecks. They have a very nice facility and an especially informative and moving display on the EDMOND FITZGERALD. We were glad we made the trip. The weather was delightful...and the mosquitoes were plentiful....and huge. Sorta like being in Canada....

How do I manage to fall so far behind...it’s already Tuesday...June 25...and I’ve got some serious catching up to do....if only big boats would stop docking between me and the internet! I managed to get a few things posted to Facebook but now Dakota and I are up the hill by the marina office...hoping the shade hangs around so we can get some things posted! ....

How do I manage to fall so far behind...it’s already Tuesday...June 25...and I’ve got some serious catching up to do....if only big boats would stop docking between me and the internet! I managed to get a few things posted to Facebook but now Dakota and I are up the hill by the marina office...hoping the shade hangs around so we can get some things posted! ....

Thursday...june 20...

Spent a part of the day exploring old town Petoskey....Finally found the necklace of the Great Lakes I’ve been looking for...and scored new warm fuzzy boat slippers and a pair of turquoise sandals...Floyd bought handmade belts....definitely spiked the local economy.

Docktails with a couple from Colorado who just bought a boat two weeks ago and are planning to start the Loop in September....fun times.

This morning we made the grueling four mile crossing of Little Traverse Bay to Harbor Springs. Wonder of wonders...both electrical cords are maintaining power! Can’t tell you how nice it is to have hot water all day...and be able to use the microwave anytime! I plan to enjoy it while I can....

We’re right on the main drag of boat docks....cute kids aboard for a bit this morning...easily entertained for a short period of time...then off they go. But sure makes me hug hungry for my grandsons....and children...and mom...and friends....today my favorite son turns 43....so we plan to eat out somewhere and enjoy a sip of 43 in his honor! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNIS,!!!

Sunshine and mid 60s for today...maybe summer is coming...

It’s good to have plans....so when they don’t work you can adjust...I think by now we’re on plan E, F or maybe G....in the fog and cool temps we cruised to Petoskey...where the electrical guru had assured us we’d have no issue....yeah, right! We blew the whole dock. No red lights and sirens...but people notice. One power cord works fine...it controls heat and AC...which I guess is good. And then we’ll run the generator for a bit in the morning...for coffee and recharging...then again for awhile in the evening...fridge and ice maker and any cooking need power. It’s an inconvenience....and seems a little ridiculous to be staying in a nice marina...running your generator...but it is what it is. We’re making plans to move on...not a deal breaker.

Did laundry yesterday after arrival...mostly my “doesn’t go in the dryer” stuff...so smells really fresh aboard as I have it hanging everywhere...lol....

We ate last night at the City Park Grill...made famous by being frequented by Ernest Hemingway...seems that as a boy his family spent summers in this area and he came here after WWI to recover from his injuries and hone his writing skills. Seems to be several statues and historical markers about his presence scattered around. We’re planning to explore/ shop our way around the old town today. ..then tomorrow on to Harbor Springs....four miles across the bay. We plan to rent a car on Saturday and go over THE bridge...some things in the UP we want to see...Beaver Island is still on the list of stops.

Finally found a groomer for sweet Dakota...the lady I met in the grocery parking lot...so we plan to be in Leland before July 1....not gonna let the moss grow...just keep moving! We’ll see how that works.
It’s not summer yet!

Nothing ever goes according to plan A....after passing on a trip to the local Ace Hardware and waiting all morning to see the electrical guru....we headed to the grocery store and to see about a haircut for Captain Floyd. Of course that’s when the call came, he’s not coming. Evidently this Charlevoix system is most sophisticated and can sense imbalances ....and we’ll be fine at most other places. He’s got to meet us in Leland for AIS install and has a couple of ideas for solutions...but the reality is we could spend thousands of dollars and tons of man hours and still never solve the problem. This is not the time of year to chase that rabbit....so with new cables...we’ve made new plans.

We are heading to Petoskey later today....depending on how electrical works (electrical guru says we’ll be fine)....then Harbor Springs on Friday. Monday we’ll rent a car and do a couple of day trips ...up and over the Mackinaw bridge....cause we’ve already been under it! We’re sure considering a trip via our boat to Beaver Island...then head south....we’re sure to run into summer somewhere along the way...still 50 ...cool and foggy...

And yes, we made it to the grocery store and Floyd got a haircut! Best he’s had in ages!! May return next week for a straight razor shave....it’s on his bucket list!

Another great evening out with the Bemis couple ....Life is good!

Delightful evening in the cottage with Linda and Ted and their KC friends, Steve and Connie. Even Dakota got to spend time on land....we had a wonderful meal and conversation...always fun to reconnect and catch up. Looks like we’ll be around for another day or so...

We’ve heard from lots of folks with interesting suggestions about what to do regarding this electrical situation. We’ve got the expert coming to Charlevoix today...and we’re in the perfect situation to test it all out...old and new pedestals available...and new cords!! But again this is not a deal breaker...we can run the generator ....though it would be ever so annoying to be in Marina’s running the generator...but then we can be annoying!

Not much going on today...clouds have arrived and Floyd says “rains a-comin’”....situation normal!

So our electrical saga continues....after several misses yesterday, we tried different connector cords. They seemed to work...but then tried our cords and they worked...much discussion followed.  But really, we’ve used the cords we have for 12 years....Floyd thinks they came with the boat...and we’ve dropped them in the water, banged them against the boat and docks...they’ve endured rain, hail, sleet and snow. So bright and early, using a car borrowed from Linda Bemis...off he went to purchase new cords. $$$$ later....nope, not really....these don’t work. So calls to electrical guy...he’s driving to Charlevoix tomorrow...we’re all puzzled. But you know what? It’s an old boat...and former owner thought he could do things...so this rabbit hole could be deep and long....we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve. But really we’d like to do it and do it right....stay tuned for further developments!!

Til then we’re hanging on the aft deck. New mirror installed in the aft head...and dinner with Linda and Ted Bemis is on tap for tonight! Sun is shining...temps a cool 63... breeze off the water is keeping us in sweatshirts! Life is good!

Sunday...June 16....Happy Father’s Day...

And it is a happy one for sure on this end. Electrical guys finally arrived on Saturday afternoon and after much analyzing decided that our leakage was being caused by the front air conditioning unit. Because they are not the experts on AC, they weren’t really able to pin point the issue....but when it kept running even with the breaker wire cut....let’s just say something up there is not right. Finally just cut the wires leading into the unit....we’ll get the guys in Green Turtle Bay to figure it out this winter. We have two other AC units so we should be fine. For now, they have pronounced us free to move about the country.

And boat Captains should drive a boat on Father’s Day...so after special breakfast clean up...we’ll head over for gas and pump out...then on to Charlevoix where the true test will be. Can we enjoy a couple of days plugged in?? Linda and Ted Bemis are back so we hope to touch base with them...then head north to Petoskey and Harbor Springs and Mackinaw City.... though why we are heading north when it is so fringin’ cold is a mystery....maybe we should store some ...cause I’m sure the roasting will begin once we head south.

Anyway, the AIS is still not here ....so looking to have it installed as we pass through headed south.

And serendipitous experience yesterday in the grocery store parking lot...dog grooming is worse than finding hair cuts and manicures...they all have regular clients and are usually either not accepting new dogs or are so booked they can’t work us into the schedule ....anyway a cute mobile grooming van pulled into the parking lot right in front of us...visited with her for quite a while...she gave me a referral but then said she’d be happy to meet us in Leland in a couple of weeks while they’re installing the AIS and groom Dakota...hoping not to wait that long but ....we’ll see which comes first....

After spending a week in Northport waiting for repairs, we are ready to get moving...stay tuned to see how all this works!!

Thursday...June 13...

The weather here has taken a wrong turn. Temp this morning is 52...and wind makes it feel more like 42.... thank goodness we are plugged in and have the heaters humming. It’s pretty miserable out there...Too rough to be going any where...so might as well be waiting waiting waiting for those electrical guys to do their thing. They do keep in touch...several calls lately about the AIS situation. They want to make one trip and do it all...don’t say as I blame them for that...and Floyd says “ let’s get it fixed ....and fix it right.”

Til then there’s always laundry...and books...and that cute dog!! Though he doesn’t much care for the rain either....curtails his ball playing activities for sure!!

File this under things I missed in Wichita on Monday....

Tuesday...June 11

A beeeeaaaauuutttiful day in Northport....sunshine and 60s...barely any breeze...we are ready for those electrical guys....and then the call came....just a few hiccups...and could we come tomorrow...or Thursday...

We know how this works...and we are just fine here on E Dock in lovely Northport....plugged in....and the weather is gonna be ugly starting tomorrow until Sunday....then it may take awhile for those waves to subside to our liking. Sooooo, we’re just hanging out...enjoying ice cream and all those pleasant hours of boredom. We want this fixed...and fixed right. New AIS installation is another biggie...so guess we aren’t going anywhere for a bit. Farmers market in the parking lot on Friday. I’ve got books to read and a dog to play with ...oh, and friends over on b dock. And probably laundry....there’s always laundry! Life is still wonderful...

Sunday...Monday ...June 9 &10...

Cloudy, rainy, cold....so reading books...baking cookies....eating....napping...and waiting for electrical people who don’t come until Tuesday.

 Floyd had a few projects which actually created more projects...cause sometimes when you fix something you break something else...so we have a new smoke detector in the aft cabin (hopefully this one won’t go off in the middle of the night for no apparent reason) and now we need a new mirror in the aft bathroom. Hope that little blip doesn’t result in seven years of bad luck...

Another day of pleasant boredom... oh, and the rummikub tournament has begun...Floyd’s ahead...for now!

Saturday...June 8
A most delightful day in Northport....the sun is finally shining and weather was the best we’ve seen in the two weeks we’ve been here. wedding scheduled for the gazebo in the park and we are waaaayyyyy over here on E dock. Far from the friends we’ve made on B dock....but really close to the grass and walkway area. Lots of fisherman (today is free fishing day) and tourists wandering around.

Some stop to chat...these Michigan’s are quite friendly....and chat...and chat...Floyd is getting so good at practicing those social skills. Cute young trio from the Ann Arbor area...in town for the wedding...came aboard for a quick tour this morning. Floyd and I so enjoy sharing life aboard the TUMBLEWEED....and it is hard to imagine living on a boat....until you see it. Ours is not the biggest or fanciest...but it is very homey...and we love the layout. It’s is almost always ship shape....We don’t mind showing folks....these folks were loads of fun...Jeremy, Jessica and Anthony...

Oh, and Floyd got to honk those new horns...I think everyone knew which of those horn honks was us....we now sound more like the BADGER or EMERALD ISLE... than a pleasure boat. Takes a warning and physical preparation....he can’t just honk em....or the first mate will probably be overboard....whew, they are loud!

June 7...Friday..
So back to Northport we go....same scenery as yesterday ...only reversed...

Air conditioning guy was on board yesterday afternoon...and after dismantling the forward ac announced that there was nothing wrong with it and it was not the culprit leaking electrical current....but he wasn’t an electrician and we still had no power source. So a rather tense call to the outfit that started all this...and a promise from the head guy that he would bring a crew and do the search and fix himself on Tuesday...in Northport.

We would have loved staying in Charlevoix...chatting with BOREAS...but we were having to use the generator for power. Boo hiss! So we opted to return where we could plug in...  Northport is a busy place today...no place for us among the masses...so we are hanging out on the temporary dock...far from the crowds...til Sunday. Some of these big guys are suppose to leave and we’ll scoot over among them...

Weather today was the best we’ve seen....finally shorts and t-shirts. They say enjoy it while you can...Monday the rain is coming...again! Really we don’t care...we’re on the TUMBLEWEED...and once we get this electrical issue resolved we can begin our real adventure! Til then it’s boat chores, walking the dog, reading books and napping! Oh, and eating....lots of great food! It’s a rough life!

Photos from trip to Charlevoix...June 6...

Left Northport after a quick pump out at 9:30ish...smooth water all the way to Charlevoix...it’s about 3 hours....and at a cool 55 degrees, it’s plenty nippy on the water...our friends, Linda and Ted Bemis are heading to Florida this weekend for a family wedding so we may miss them...or we may be still sitting here when they get back on Monday....who knows??

But people are on board to come look at this electronics issue and can start this afternoon...so we’re there....

Hit the bridge opening at 1230 and came around the corner to discover our friends, Fred and Julaine Eddy aboard BOREAS...We looped with them in 2011....and have tried to get with them several times on Lake Michigan through the years and never could make it happen....and now, poof, we’re in Charlevoix together...amazing this game of hopscotch we play with other boaters! Love it....love it love it....and we love Charlevoix!

 But, of course, we can’t get electricity....it’s really quiet...and he can’t check much without electricity...so interesting...isn’t boating fun??

Photos of going and coming from Northport...Elk Rapids...June 3 and 4, 2019...

Activities director hard at work! Captain bundled for warmth!