The next adventure.... circle tour of Lake Michigan

6.25 - 27.14
Saugatuck to Chicago passage

our first "selfie" of the trip...

We left Saugatuck Wednesday night about 9pm bound for Chicago, Monroe Harbor, an over night passage to ensure arriving in the daylight.  The boat was stocked with supplies, more or less, for a five week voyage around Lake Michigan. After several days of fog due to the low Lake temperatures this season we were not sure about heading out but the forecast was for continued fog for the next several days.  So, off we went.  Recently installed AIS, an automated fog horn, a chart plotter and radar were used through out the trip as the fog stayed with us the entire 16 hours of the crossing.  Leaving the channel  proved to be the most challenging part of the venture having to dodge the Star of Saugatuck and a lot of paddle boarders... It was a cold, wet trip sporting our  foulies  (foul weather gear).  We kept watch the entire crossing with a few catnaps on rotation.  We saw nothing but fog and one huge freighter (only seen on AIS and radar about 3am).  At 3 miles off the Chicago coast, around 11 am, we could see nothing of the city.  A few shadowy glimpses but no skyscrapers. Through the break wall and break in the fog, we secured to a morning ball finally able to relaxed and had breakfast... 1 pm local time.  We entertained a visit from cousin James and sister Marianne.  The fog partially lifted during the late afternoon, confirming we were indeed in "the big city"... early to bed and a late to rise gave way to a great day of site seeing.  We took in a Cubby game ( they won!) and had dinner with Yang on her condo roof top, then back to the boat.  The harbor is large and easy to navigate but getting to and from the boat best provided by the Harbor Tender Service for a small fee per  trip.   The tenders are fantastic,  the service efficient and friendly.
6.28.14
Chicago....
sunny and pleasant.  Sky line in clear view.  The day started with a triathlon and swimmers here in the harbor. By the way, we were spectators... but then you probably would have guessed that if you know us.  We took the tender to shore and watched a bit of the women's cycle competition.  Contestants are hoping to qualify for a world something race... then met up withYang (aka Marianne) and walked around a bit.  Returned to her condo to get the car then off for some ethnic adventures in the Indian / Middle Eastern section of town.  Great dinner at a Kabob restaurant, then a stop in a local market where we found Injera bread!!! yeah... tomorrow eat shall sample it with a few other tasty (hopefully) selections.  Evening brought a quick downpour then cleared off for a pleasant return trip to the boat.  We ended with a nightcap and then fireworks off Navy Pier!  Life is good.