After spending most of Labor Day weekend in Charlevoix, MI, we find its time to continue down Lake Michigan to our next port. One of the fun things about doing the Great Loop is that everyday we move the boat is a new adventure and a new discovery!
Today is no exception as we have planned to make a stop at one of the favorite ports of the Loopers Lake Michigan list; Leland, MI. Leland once was a little fishing village that over time has become more of a destination for both boaters and land visitors with many little shops and restaurants.
When we left Charlevoix the weather was good; calm winds and overcast skies and in general a good maritime forecast all the way to Leland. As we approached Leland we decided to push on to the next port; Frankfort, MI. Just as a point of information, all along Michigan's eastern shore there is a safe harbor about every twenty-five miles. The weather for the most part was much the same as when we left Charlevoix, still overcast but the wind had picked up a bit. After a brief discussion we made a joint decision to continue to Frankfort. BAD decision. The next twenty miles were bad. The skies cleared and the wind picked up to 15-20 knots and the waves where running 4-5 feet. Boy did Zoey's Adventure get a taste of rough water.
As we slugged our way to Frankfort, I was dropping our speed down to a point where as we approached the harbor entrance we were only making 6 knots. We started out at 18 knots.
At Frankfort, we stopped at the fuel dock then to our slip and docking our boat in strong winds is not something for the faint of heart. Once docked we walked both sides of Main St. and all the way to the end where the beach is. Boy, does Michigan have some truly beautiful beaches. No seaweed, no rocks, no shells to cut your feet and just pure light tan powder sand that stretches from the parking area all the way out into the water. After our roller coaster ride today, we licked our wounds and enjoyed dinner aboard. For three years in planning this adventure I have continually heard to be cautious on the Great Lakes because the water conditions can change rapidly and that's just what happened today. Lesson learned, check the weather forecast often and abide by it.
That night we both checked and rechecked the weather for the next day. The report was favorable so we decide to make the next hop to Ludington, MI. Quick point; one of our weather checks is none other than the local Connecticut TV station, NBC app . Surprisingly this App offers weather forecast for just about every city and town in the USA and as accurate as a weather forecast can be, it's pretty good.
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