Checked In at Charlevoix

It was almost 5:30 pm when we docked and got settled, so Scott and Tyler headed over to check-in.

The North West Marina is fantastic... Very large with a big variety of boats.  They have a heated pool... (Yes Sammy, we will go swimming tomorrow!)  We are considering another nights stay to take advantage of such great accommodations.

Town is about a mile away so we unloaded bikes and headed in to find something familiar... McDonalds.  The kids were so excited!

We bought some groceries and headed home.   It was a big day today so we decided a movie night was in order and tucked the kids in.  On the way back from the showers, Scott took this photo of some of our incoming weather.

It came in fast.  This is our first time on board during a storm and I've been impressed.  Other than the faint hum of rain, it is quiet in the cabin...the kids don't even know what's happening outside.

The storm stretches clear to the Upper Penninsula... I think we made the right decision today.

A Day of Changes

So after we went swimming we headed to the end of the lake to stay over in Boyne City.  Arrived at 2:40 pm.  The town was perfect and we were excited to look around, but our boat slip wasn't great.  Unprotected so we would have a rocky night, not enough electric so we wouldn't be able to run full power (ac, electric, fridge, etc) and our neighbors complained within the first 20 minutes of our stay.

So instead, we walked into town for ice cream and then at 4:00 pm headed back toward Charlevoix for a slip in a private marina with great accommodations. 

This was during our walk in Boyne City... Our boat is docked in the background

Indeed a day of changes... We had slips reserved in 4 locations: Mackinaw City, Petoskey, Boyne City and now Charlevoix.  Seriously, it's almost funny for Scott and I to be so flexible (JC would be proud)

Charlevoix!

There aren't many marinas in the tip of the mitten... quite a span between Petoskey and the Straits.  Since it wasstill  early in the day and we were running out of room to explore to the north, we decided to check out the Lake Charlevoix area.  We arrived in Charlevoix at 10:26 am.  

The pier and lighthouse at Charlevoix

This is channel into Round Lake which connects another channel to Lake Charlevoix.  It's a beautiful area!

We found a quiet cove and are spending the afternoon at anchor.  We shared a grilled ribeye for lunch (thanks Scott) and then just relaxed!  

Scott and the kids had fun on the jet ski.

Swimming!

Off we go

The view from our slip last night in Leland

 The marina as we left port 8:52 am

At this point the forecast is not in our favor... Waves and storms predicted with more storms predicted again on Friday.  Because we lost 3 days on the start of our trip we have decided to abandon our  plan for mackinaw altogether and spend the remainder of our vacation exploring the Traverse area.   It will be more relaxed and give us extra time to accommodate the weather.

Destination:  not sure 

An Afternoon in Leland

If you've ever visited Leland, you know about its charm, its quaint shopping and the marine-esque feel down by the docks. Now, imagine entering the town from the water. It was gorgeous as we rode past the public beach and break wall. 

While Scott fueled up, the kids and I ran into some fishermen offloading today's catch.  The kids were so impressed!  Finally one man offered to take a photo... the kids agreed whole heartedly until they realized how close they'd have to come to the fish...  This is as close as they would get.  

We got to our slip and settled in.  For the record, it was some FINE driving / docking on Scott's end.  A tight fit in a shallow and short slip (40') but we will take it!

We took the bikes out for a ride to see what the town has to offer.  Unfortunately our kids are not much for window shopping but Scott and I agreed that we'll need to return someday kid-free for that romantic stroll.

About this time on our bike ride, Sammy remembered that she wanted to swim (and wouldn't stop reminding us)... so we headed back for our suits.  :)

Went to the beach to swim, look for rocks and dig holes.

Then back to the marina for showers.  When the kids and I got back Scott had dinner made (brats & dogs).  Then we took a walk in search of ice cream and our harbor shirts (one from each harbor we stay at) and then headed home for bed.

Its amazing how much we get done in half a day!  

Plan for tomorrow: Mackinaw City.  Forecast looks promising but we'll see in the morning!

A nice ride north

A little north of Ludington we ran into choppy seas with an occasional whitecap.  Still a smooth ride.    

We have had it at cruising speed the entire trip.  I made tacos for lunch (on the go).  Kids are doing great!

We saw the climbing hill in sleeping bear dunes... You know the one.  It looks even mpre dubious from the water!  

On the tip of South Manitou we spotted the shipwreck... Note, not my photo.  But my iPhone couldnt get a good shot

2:18 pm. We are just now passing North Manitou island.  The sun is out and it is gorgeous with the islands to the left and sleeping near dunes to the right.  

The lighthouse off shore of North Manitou.

Destination... Leland

2:52 pm. We have arrived in Leland, MI

We weren't convinced that we could make it to Northport.  Already at sea for over 4 hrs we are all ready to stretch our legs.  The closest harbor was Leland and the next is 30 miles beyond that (which would take over an hour by sea).  So I called Leland back.  The harbor master agreed to accommodate us for the night.  Looking forward to exploring a new harbor.

  

Staying Flexible...

We had a leisurely morning with sleeping in, ipads and donuts. Then chores began to prep for our next leg of the trip. Our goal today was to make it to Leland... a longer ride than yesterday by appx 45 minutes. We called Leland to check on availability... No. So we checked a little further. Charlevoix... no answer. Next call, Northport. Not as ideal of a location as it is on the inside of Traverse Bay. I'm sure it is a beautiful area but we were hoping to continue progress NORTH not to turn back down the bay for a distance. Either way, we have a slip reserved at Northport and will head that way unless Charlevoix calls us back.

10:45 am Leaving Ludington Channel. Lake conditions... CALM and gorgeous. Looks like a great day for a longer ride.

Sammy "Good bye Ludington, thanks for having a sleepover. We'll come back tomorrow" Well maybe not tomorrow, but we'll come back!

A great end to a bumpy weekend

Around 5:00 pm the clouds broke. We had just finished our ice cream at the House of Flavors so took a bike ride to the lake. We played on the beach, walked the pier and even climbed up the lighthouse. The kids really enjoyed burning a little energy and Scott and I appreciated the sunshine.
Back to the boat for grilled chicken and rice. Then the kids and Scott played at the nearby playground while I ran to the store for a few groceries.
Settled the kids in to bed. I'll be heading there soon after my coffee and movie are finished (in that order).

Earlier today we met a man on his way to Chicago in a 60+'. He was held up due to the weather this weekend as well. He seemed surprised that we had made the trip considering his forecaster predicted 10' swells further out... Needless to say, we asked for his app :) since ours seemed to be "under-predicting" the actual conditions.
Forecast for tomorrow from here to Mackinac is 0-1 ft waves. We are hoping to stay the night around Leland. Looking forward to it.

 

Ludington, We have arrived!

The seas got rough with whitecaps for the final 30 minutes on the lake.  But we pulled in just before 2:30.

It was a great trip but we are glad to have made it!

We filled up our fuel and got our slip for the night.  We are staying at the Ludington Harbor View Marina.  There are nice floating docks, a pavillion with grills, a club house and outdoor pool.  The kids are very excited.  

Better seas to the north

We are appx halfway up the coast to Ludington.  

We've kept it at a cruising speed the entire time as there was too much rocking and rolling to stop.  So lunch was deli meat, cheese and crackers for today... No complaints from the kiddos :)

There is still constant cloud cover although we do see the sun break thru once in a while.  Swells have settled but we have some choppy seas now.  I'm definitely not complaining... This is a much more comfortable ride!

The kids are doing fantastic.  Tyler has been helping Scott drive and Sammy just settled in down below with a blanket and a movie.

So glad to be underway and ready for our adventure!

Day four - here we go!

10:30 am we drove out by the lake to see if it were worth the trip out.  (Remember we have made several unsuccessful trips already from marina to the channel)  Swells still very high but the forecast says it is better that yesterday.  So far this weekend, we've noticed the lake conditions have actually been worse than the forecast we are using.  Good to know!

11:21 am.  Made it down the channel.  It's better than yesterday but still not pretty.  It'll be a rough ride but we are going for it... Thanks God for the window we were looking for!

The rains came down and the waves came up

Wow.  Another failed attempt to leave our home port.  And folks, we are trying!!!  Today there was a lot of rain and drizzle in the 50-60s so we decided to head home for the night.  Spent the afternoon at a movie and another good rest tonight.
The weather for the morning doesn't look promising but suggests there will be a slight clearing around noon.  Waves on the lake from here to Mackinac are forecasted 0-1 ft so it would be an excellent day to cover some distance.. if only we can get out of Grand Haven.  Prayers for a window!

A great day after all

You know, its all in perspective I guess. We spent the afternoon just hanging out together (not something we often get to do). The kids swam at the indoor pool at the marina and we headed out for dinner and coffee. Came back to the boat for early showers and family movie night.
But Tyler summed it up in his bedtime prayers... "God thank you for today, thanks that we could be on the boat and that it could be a great day! Amen"
Bedtime for everyone so we can try for an early start in the morning. :)

Second Chance

12:35 pm  The whole point of taking an adventure is the unexpected... right?  So we shouldn't be disappointed with another failed departure :(

We arrived at the marina and prepared fhe boat.  The radar didn't look fantastic but we decided to head out and see for ourselves.  The channel was worse than we've seen and we met large swells pretty early on.  Decided to wait it out and try for later in the day.

Luckily it is Coast Guard Festival here in Grand Haven and there is plenty to do.  We tied up on the sea wall for ice cream and to take in the festivities.  Tyler watched a motorcycle ride in a circular cage and Sammy got to hug a giant coast guard.  

Even though we aren't on the lake, with the wind in our hair, one thing is for sure... VACATION has begun!

And we are off (again)

Yup, we woke up, repacked the cooler and are en route to the boat in Grand Haven.

Perhaps it was a good thing that we had an extra day.  Last night I remembered a trick of a good friend of ours... Wrapping up small gifts for children to open throughout a long road trip.  So at 10:00 last night I sat wrapping gifts for the kids to reward good behavior and help pass the time.  

Travelling with a kiddo with autism is never easy.  You consistently make an exit plan in case a tantrum arises.  Where the nearest bathroom is, where the nearest quiet area, the shortest route to the van.  With a boat in northern Lake Michigan; however, there are no emergency exits so all we are left with is creativity and prayer!  Looking forward to the adventure that lies ahead!

 

Day 1

We spent the afternoon grocery shopping, prepping food, doing laundry, and packing the van.  We left the house around 6:00 pm to get settled on the boat and prepare for a morning departure.

It was sprinkling when we left, raining by the time we passed Coopersville and by the time we reached Grand Haven the radar offered little hope. 

But we were determined to make it work, until I realized I had forgotten to pack the most crucial ingredient for a successful boating trip... The kids DVD selection.  I know it sounds pathetic, but it was a deal breaker... So we headed home for a good nights rest and will try again in the morning!

Our Plan

We have decided to spend a week on our boat.  Because it is our first long trip, we are trying to start with NO expectations so as not to be disappointed!  (Particularly difficult for two Type-A personalities). Regardless we have set aside ten days and hope to travel north from Grand Haven along the western coast of Lake Michigan.  Best case scenario, we hope to visit Mackinac Island.

We'll make the trip in our 2007 Sea Ray Sundancer 440.

Here's a picture of the kids in front of our boat "Time Out" on an earlier trip this summer.