We were up early with a plan to get breakfast and leave by 8:00 am. We were running ahead of schedule and Scott took the helm about 7:50am. Fired up the electronics but the radar would not respond. It took a while to trouble shoot but was finally resolved with Scott climbing on top of the roof of the boat to unplug the unit. We pulled out of our slip and headed over to fill up with fuel. It was 8:43am when we headed out toward the lake.
We passed the end of the piers around 8:55am just ahead of the Badger. The water was so calm. It was a beautiful day so we opened it up and made great time!
We passed Leland around 12:10pm and then slowed while we ate from a “boat-style” charcutterie. We got back on plan around 12:25pm with the waves now 1-2’ chop. Still incredibly comfortable to ride.
Coco was about done when we pulled into the channel at Charlevoix. As we made our way up toward the drawbridge into Round Lake we reminded the kids of our first and only visit, years ago on our first boat.
As we approached the bridge we knew it would be a tight fit so Tyler and I took posts on the top of the boat to check our clearance.
You’ll have to just picture this. We are advancing as slow as possible. There are people stopped on the boardwalk with their phones out just waiting for us to fail. Scott called for a final answer “can we make it?” I waited. There was just one extra light that stands up too high but it would be close. I waited some more and after the bow of the boat was already under, I called out three times. “No. No. No”.
And my captain responded immediately. With a backwards thrust of the engines, we came to a stop just in time and began the slow reverse out from under the bridge. Honestly, we were within an inch. We might have fit but we might not have. So I made the call to stop. We will laugh about this for years! Scott pulled a U turn and headed back out to the lake while I called the bridge keeper. When I finally got him on the line, I introduced myself, “Im calling from Endless Escape… we just found out we dont fit under your bridge.” We had a good chuckle and he let me know the bridge will be open again in 30 minutes. So we went back out to the lake, turned around and waited for the bridge to go up. It was beautiful!
We headed to Ward Marina for gas and a pump out… 170 gallons this time. Then moved next door to our slip at the municipal marina. It is right downtown - easy walking distance to the shops and restaurants - and beautiful view of Round Lake.
After we were tied up for the night, we headed up to the Villager Pub for a meal. It was a little after 4 so I’m not sure whether it was lunch or supper but it sure tasted good!
Then we headed back to the boat. Tyler watched some videos and then called Maddie. Sammy watched some videos on her ipad and Jen worked on an assignment for grad school. Scott sat outside for a bit and then seemed a little stir crazy so he took the dog for a walk. Honestly, they had a lovely time together.
After we all wrapped up, we walked into town to find a postbox to drop the mail and then hit yet another Kilwins for ice cream. Then we watched some Fail videos on board.
Around 9:00 pm, a light rain began so we decided to take showers early and get ready for bed.
Tomorrow we plan to make Mackinaw City. It’s only around 56 miles but is a little more difficult to navigate due to the shoals on the route. The forecasted wind is in our favor and heading with our travel so it should be a pretty comfortable ride again. Looking forward to FINALLY making it to the Straits!
Weather: Sunny
Temps: Hi 68* Lo 53*
Winds: 3mph, increasing to 7mph throughout the day
Waves: Flat; Switching to 1-2' chop
Travel Distance: 120 mi
