Not much has gone according to plan A ...lately....including having internet. But we’ve just arrived in Seneca, Illinois...Spring Brook marina ...new batteries and an inverter switch that we think will solve our electrical issues. And wonder of wonders...working internet...so off to check in and then I plan to be blogging!!

Up early to make the 58 mile run to Michigan City and celebrate Floyd’s birthday....the man wants to drive the boat.  Though I must say it was not the ride either of us expected....waves on the bow so hard it was ringing the bell. We can do that for a while...but not five hours. So we hopped off at St Joseph West Basin marina....small quiet little place with free laundry. We’ve been here before.

So I made a big breakfast for lunch and put the Captain to bed...we’re all a little tired...two days in a row where the weather guessers have been off...way off.  We’re hoping tomorrow is a better day...we really want to stop in Michigan City...and make Chicago by Friday. Still looks more than possible....stay tuned!

Saugatuck did not work like we had thought! Darn it! We’ve been in contact with Brian, the shop guy, about replacing all four of our house batteries....Floyd had patiently discussed the issues of size and amperage....when we’d arrive and how long it would take. Yeah, right. Brian called in sick....and after several trips back and forth from the shipyard...much scratching, humming and hawing....oh, we’ll have to order those...it’ll take about 5 days...no, thank you, very much....we’re outta here.

Floyd did manage to get a partial refund on marina fees...but we are beyond disappointed in how that went down. I didn’t get to do anything for the local economy...and off we went to South Haven. Rocky rolly ride...waves right on the bow...not my idea of comfortable. Dakota didn’t like it either. But we’re here...and closer to Chicago.

That electrical issue reared it’s ugly head again....so we have air conditioning but no other power. We’ll be running the generator later, for sure.

Big boat from Sandals resorts is in town....they’ll be entertaining later, I’m sure! And big old sailboat giving rides to the tourists...we’re just chillin’ on the aft deck. Heading into town shortly to see if I can boost the economy...oh, and Floyd thinks he wants a local restaurant to cook for him!

Saturday we moved to the Municipal Marina for front row viewing  of the spectacular water fountain show....shopping and dining experience...or as we like to call it “ mingling with the masses”! And, boy, did we! Boats, people, children, ice cream and dogs everywhere. A totally different experience.

Headed out on Sunday before the boat parade started to Saugatuck. Where we joined the parade in progress. Found our slip. Donned our swimsuits and headed to the pool. Busy place....and little Miss Bristol adopted us. This three year old chatty-cathy was a hoot...managed to wrap us around her finger while totally embarrassing her mom and sisters. Wonder of wonders, they were on the boat next to us! We giggled lots. It’s always funnier when they belong to some one else. But she sure reminded me of a little girl I was once responsible for!!

Friday July 12...North Shore Marina in Grand Haven....among friendly boaters!! I managed to do a little laundry....then Wendy volunteered to let Folyd and I tag along with her to a real grocery store. Ace Hardware next door allowed Floyd to purchase a few things he thought he needed to tidy up the electrical cords...and we did the much needed stocking up of groceries. We enjoyed the company of other boaters who have a home marina and took copious notes of deck type furniture and accessories they have found useful.

1 o’clock Saturday and we headed just across the channel to the Grand Haven Municipal marina. A little moment of terror as winds opposite river currents combined with our rusty docking skills....oh, and marina help that was no help...but no damage and lessons learned. We’re here to do our bit for the local economy and watch the musical fountain show (provided we can stay awake past 9:30) . May need a nap....late lunch/early dinner and Kilwin’s ice cream out and about with the masses. We’re good to head to Saugatuck/Douglas tomorrow. Winds are predicted to die down...waves less than 1’....I might get to work on my boater tan....

Sights from North Shore...things we might need??? Donations accepted!! Lol

Sailboats race from Chicago to Mackinaw island ....first group starts tonight with the bulk of them starting in the morning...269 boats registered....should be exciting. There’s an app for following the race in real time, if you’re interested. I’m on it!!

We head to Saugatuck on Sunday....four new house batteries to be installed on Monday...and weather looks to hold us captive on Tuesday. I’m trying to get to Chicago for some girlfriend time with Laurie Fischer and Janet Tilton. They retired this year and we’re still working when we left Wichita....Laurie heads to Dubai for a couple of years mid August....so they planned a little get away to celebrate. I originally thought no way...but with our weather and electrical issues, it is sure looking possible. They’ll be there 16-20. We might make the 18th. Excitement builds!!

Friday...July 12....a most delightful couple of hours cruising from Muskegon to Grand Haven. For the second time we did not need our winter gear....it was cool but the sun was bright and, most importantly, the water was smooth as glass.

 We’re staying tonight at North Shore boatyard....laundry and a few boat chores. Tomorrow we’ll move across the channel to the municipal marina for a great view of the musical fountains, tourists and the shopping.

This was our view from restaurant last night to and from TUMBLEWEED...