Yes, I made it happen! GIRLS TRIP! But first, a few stops along the way. It was easy sailing to Clearwater for one night in a very nice marina hosting several large mega-yachts. Our transient slip was convenient with very helpful deck hands to assist our docking. We were on the outside pier about as …
We returned from our Christmas/New Year’s break feeling refreshed and anxious to move forward. Reverie had been hauled out, jacked and stored for the seven (7) weeks under a large white oak tree and she was covered in leaves. It took several days to clean her deck and the dinghy of the debris. We also …
It was a short jump from Grafton (on the Illinois River) to Alton (on the Mississippi River). We planned a longer stay at Alton Marina to wait out a weather system. We read books, did some more boat cleaning, I sketched, but on the third day Pete made the spontaneous decision to get a one-day …
A convoy of Loopers left Heritage Harbor (Ottawa) at the earliest light of day, having confirmed no barge traffic was expected at Starved Rock Lock, which was about an hour downriver. The lockmaster was ready for us when we arrived. Five miles after the lock were the “Peru Bends.” We were warned that if we …
At last! Our cooling system has been fixed! We made it to the bottom of Lake Michigan. No, wait! Let me rephrase that! We made it to the Southern Coast of Lake Michigan and our diesel Caterpillar engine purred like a kitten. We stayed in two harbors as we worked our way back to Chicago. …
Each day and each destination on this Great Loop adventure is different. All are good. Some are GREAT! Our experiences at West Basin/Benton Harbor and Pier 33/St. Joseph have forged deep friendships and long-lasting memories. We arrived to West Basin Marina in Benton Harbor, Michigan, late in the afternoon Thursday (8/12). That is because of …
Our four weeks at home in California allowed us to check on the house, reconnect with family and friends and take care of some medical needs. It also served to delay our entry into the river systems in order to experience the fall colors of Middle America. We flew to Chicago on Wednesday, September 15, …
Our Manitowoc-to-Ludington Ferry put us back at Harbor View Marina around 7:00 pm. We had enough time to get a quick bite to eat and review weather for the next day. The forecast showed southwest winds with moderate waves. Three footers or greater on the beam would not be comfortable so we planned for another …
Our choice to descend Lake Michigan (the “Sunset Coast”) was predicated on the safest route and the news that there were ferries crossing the Great Lake to enable a visit with our Wisconsin friends. We learned that Ludington, MI, offered ferry service to Manitowoc, WI, every morning (except Sunday) at 08:00. We booked our crossing …
We had a very difficult time deciding which coast we’d take as we make our way to Chicago. Northern Wisconsin was always an important part of our route. Two very dear friends and former colleagues of mine live south of Green Bay and they have looked forward to our visit and I was so eager …