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Charlevoix to Suttons Bay, MI
We had a leisurely morning then hauled the anchor. Jim had set it with an extra line where he spliced the chain to rope, extending our scope for situations like this where we are in deep water, 50 feet. The road and anchor stored we started for the bridge for the 10 o’clock opening. Out into Lake Michigan, the wind was rippin’ 15 plus knots out of the south. Would be great sailing if we wanted to go any direction other than south… but sail we did. beam reach heading west, deck awash with freshwater. we sailed then tacked, all the while beating into the waves with a 20 degree heal… 3 hours later we were just barely south of Charlevoix pier head. Captain had had enough and gave in. Motor started, sails down. Course set south to Suttons Bay. The actual bay provided a break from the waves and the admiral was much happier. Our slip is almost at the end of the pier but has pretty good protection. Off to town.
We walked the 4 or 5 blocks of town and decided on pizza for dinner. The Roman Wheel. Very good ‘up north’ pizza. Thick crust, chewy… very tasty. Back on board we were watching the sunset over the tree lined ridge when someone approached the boat and said our boat was aglow with the setting sun… she was able to snap a photo of it just before the sun sunk behind the ridge. The picture is stunning! You can judge for yourself. what a lucky shot. Thank you Theresa!
We of course had to have Theresa and husband Steve over to thank them. We had a great visit sharing stories of sailing and life. They moved to Traverse City from the Chicago area when their jobs permitted and love it. It is a beautiful here.
The morning was a bit stormy, thus the reason to find a slip. Storms predicted today and tonight. Fortunately for us, the town is having a wooden boat show today. The weather cleared and we went off to do laundry and pick up a few items from the store. In no time we were back and headed to the boat show which is directly in front of us only separated by a small marshy area connected by a boardwalk. The boats were lovely. Many hand built, their owner / builders on hand to chat with interested parties. Sea shanties were played by a small group of musicians. Also here is the ‘Inland Seas’ schooner, her home port as well as the ‘Madeline’ who resides in Traverse City. Both were giving free tours. They are both replicas of old schooners that sailed the Great Lakes. Pretty cool.
By chance, we found out the Coast Guard would be doing a demonstration here in the bay… At the appointed time a Coast Guard helicopter broke over the horizon and circled a few times. The sheriffs boat cleared the harbor per their request. A couple of passes then a slow approach. Just off the pier in front of us the helicopter hovered then descended to about 20 feet off the water. The water was blown up and around in sheets. A rescue diver then jumped in the water and the helicopter ascended and took off. The helicopter circled the bay a few times then returned for the swimmer. A hoist was lowered down and once secure the diver was plucked form the water…so impressive! Once on board they took off, did a wide circle of the bay and flew back over the crowd to cheers and waves. How fortunate are we? very.
Back on board we did a much needed scouring of the boat. Removed the fly carcasses and a general scrubbing. The weather for most of the day was very pleasant and mid 70’s. yeah…
A look at the sky an a check of the weather confirmed our decision for a sheltered bay and slip for the night. Nasty weather over the Lake headed our way. The skies darkened, the wind cut loose followed by a down pour. Did I mention we just washed the boat? so.. it gets an extra rinse. Dinner on board. Salmon, corn on the cob and dinner rolls. Desert: ice cream. The storms have passed, the wind has dwindled to nearly nothing. Books to read, dished to do. Like is good. Hope you are well…
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