Horseshoe

“Milwaukee Coast Guard.  Milwaukee Coast Guard.  This is pleasure boat ‘Velsignet’,” Mike called on the VHF Radio, Channel 16.  In short order, a voice identified itself as the Coast Guard and referred Mike to channel 22.  “Copy that. Velsignet to 22,” Mike responded.  Once on channel 22, Mike was able to relay the coordinates to a 20-foot beam located about 2 miles off shore that we had spotted and avoided hitting in the water.  Within a half hour, the US Coast Guard issued a “Sécurité” navigational warning to mariners regarding the floating beam.

Despite west/southwest winds increasing as the day wore on, yesterday Velsignet gave us a comfortable ride to (due to west shore protection) and arrived  in Hammond Marina (past Chicago to the east) mid-afternoon.  The docking process in this marina was a stressful one as the marina assigned us to a slip that was already occupied.  (4 eyes on dock slips in an unfamiliar area + 2 hands to maneuver 3+ fenders and ropes for starboard or port sides in short order + 2 hands at helm for wheel, VHF radio, bow thruster & throttle + a 40-foot trawler in narrow marina alleyway + 17’ high trawler catching strong winds = thank God for our “marriage savers” hands-free communication devices = Arrrrggggh! )  After getting lines tied and things set up for Velsignet to spend the next 3 weeks here (trips to Saint Paul, MN; Seattle, WA and Nobleville, IN), we settled ourselves down over a simple dinner and a relaxing evening  of television.

Chicago:  Before flying out of O'Hare to Saint Paul this Friday (Mike will then go onto Seattle on Sunday while Brenda stays at the condo), we look forward to reuniting with dear Looper friends, Kathy and Steve (MV "Red Pearl").  Tonight, the four of us will catch up over dinner and have tickets to see “Hamilton.”  (Mike and Brenda's second time to see this Broadway hit….so excited!!!)  Tomorrow the four of us will continue our time together with an architectural tour of Chicago via the Chicago River! 

This picture was taken as we  passed Milwaukee, WI.

After leaving Sheboygan, we cruised to and spent the night at an anchorage south of Racine, WI
in a bay protected by breaker walls.  

We left our anchorage at 6 a.m. before sunrise on Tuesday morning (yesterday).  Our goal was to make tracks before the predicted winds (15-25 mph with gusts higher than that) arrived in midday.

The Hammond Marina and Port Authority is located next to the floating Horseshoe Casino. 
While Chicago is in Illinois, Hammond is in Indiana.

Next to the Marina is a park where we enjoyed a walk this morning through a wooded area, along the Lake Michigan shore, and to a bike/walking trail.

The Hammond Marina is on Lake Michigan and in a more industrial area.  It's a huge marina with 918 boat slips and nice amenities.  We could've found a boat slip closer and more convenient to Chicago, but one can't beat the prices here (especially considering Velsignet will be here for 3 weeks). 

Mike in his office.