Frankfort MI...

7.29

We almost made it!  

We were up early, out of the harbor just after eight.  We would be on the Island before noon.  The winds were light but we could sail most of the way. Then we would anchor, hike, enjoy the afternoon.  But the wind was fickle and changed direction so we started the motor.  

Per routine,  Jim checks the engine before, during and after using it.  What does he find?   a coolant leak.  We shut down the engine, hove to and ate a late breakfast giving the engine time to cool for a better inspection.  It reveals a leak at the coolant pump.  No way to fix it underway.  Island plan aborted and a new waypoint for Frankfort is plottered.    We set sails again in order to  keep the engine use down.  We find some wind and do 4.5 to 6 knots on and off for several hours.  We only had 30 miles to go from Leland but it’s a long haul at that speed.  2 miles off Frankfort with 1 1/2 knots of wind we decide we have to motor the rest of the way in order to make the marina and meet the mechanic before the close of business.  Jacobson’s Marina was very accommodating and hooked us up with ‘Bruce’ a competent diesel mechanic, before we even reach port.  Bruce met us after-hours, removed the faulty pump and will work on getting a replacement.  

Boat dialysis 

So, we are in Frankfort, which is named for ‘Frank's Fort’… ‘Frank’ built a house here when the area was being settled and it was dubbed ‘Frank’s Fort’ which was shortened over time to the current name.  I have to find a picture of this house…

So the boat saloon is in shambles due to repairs.  The engine is in the middle of the boat under the saloon / dinning seating area.  Anything that we want not oily, dirty, etc. must move.  Jim takes the opportunity to change the oil and the transmission fluid while things are in disarray.  By the time the first installment of fixing our boat in exotic places (Frankfort MI ???)  is done, it is 8:30.  Too tired to go out, we eat spizy bean burgers and a caesar salad.  Then off to the pool / hot tub!  It’s the first time we have been truly hot the whole trip.  We close our eyes and imagine we are in a tropical paradise… We are making the best of a bummer situation.  Hopefully we won't have that to fix ever again.  Slowly we are replacing / fixing all the parts of the boat.  5 years and Jim has gotten quite intimate with her, from the top of the mast to the bottom of her keel, bow to stern. Bilge to deck.  I doubt there is a spot he hasn't seen.   Off to bed.  

7.30

We really slept in!  nearly 8am. The warm fuzzy from the pool did us in.  While awaiting Bruce’s call about the water pump we walked around town.  very lovely.  The old store fronts and buildings are here and nearly all filled with businesses. Some trendy some regular old shops.  We spent money at the Ace Hardware… needed bolts for project.  Back on board the call comes in from Bruce.  A new pump is being shipped today for arrival tomorrow.  Should be installed by early afternoon if all goes according to plan.   

how cool is this  ...

Bruce…     Bruce has a great work ethic and is passing it on to his 3 sons.  He has two mechanic shops.  20 something employees.  Mostly working on trucks.  In the summer he leaves the trucks to the employees and does boat repair (thank goodness for us!).  He brings at least ones of his sons on each job.  They are learning the trade through him.  Jim was told about Bruce’s oldest son who just completed a Marine Tech course.   At one point the class was presented with a situation which no one including the instructor could figure what was wrong with the engine they were trying to fix.  The young man took a closer look and correctly diagnosed the problem.  Kudos to you Bruce.

Lite lunch at the ‘Storm Cloud Brewery’.  Great designer pizzas.  we had one with root vegetables.  Beets, rutabaga, corn, onion… 

Back at the marina again again we read some and play some pool at the club house, I won 2 of 2 games :) … Good thing slop shots count… For dinner I made ‘Michigan Gumbo’, my adapted version of southern gumbo with what I had or rather didn't have.  After dinner Jim worked on his Turks Head bracelet and then we went off to warm up at the hot tub.  John the owner of Jacobson Marina was there and we had a nice chat.  

7.31
A long wait.  coffee.  orange juice.  cereal.  read.  walk to town.  buy cool shirts.  do laundry.  lunch.  read.  wait some more.  walk around town again.  Bake some lemon bars.  PHONE CALL … part is here, he’ll be here soon !  It is after 5 in the afternoon before all is said, done and working.  But we are mobile again.  We celebrate with dinner at The Dinghy Restaurant  and Bar.  Good regular food and drink.  We top off the night with a stint in the hot tub accompanied by several other boaters.  All warmed up and back aboard plans are made to depart in the morning.  Destination: Arcadia.  10 miles south.  We have never been there before.  It is a small harbor.  We’ll anchor out and swing with the breeze.  Should be peaceful.