MI-WI

As we traveled back to Charlevoix from Traverse City along a picturesque highway of dairy and fruit farms (Penny and Dave, MV “Southern Cross,” had rented a car for the day and invited us to join them in completing shopping errands), Mike says to driver Dave, “I think I need to pick up a homemade cherry pie from one of these fruit markets.”  Penny  shares, “I love Cherry Pie!  It’s my favorite.”  Dave adds, “Cherry pie and ice cream!”  Bubble-bursting Brenda says, “They sell FRUIT at the markets; I doubt there’ll be any homemade cherry pies.  Is it even cherry season?”  Mike points to a roadside fruit market.  Dave turns into the lot and stops the car.  Finkenbinder gets out, walks to the stand and within a few minutes is carrying (the BEST) homemade cherry pie!

Homemade Michigan-cherry pie and ice cream were not the only things we shared with fellow Loopers in the Charlevoix marina.  We shared appetizers and conversation at a Looper gathering we initiated in the marina boater lounge (Southern Cross, Dale & Sandy on “On Missions,” Amanda & Wes on” Honey Queen,” Tom & Patty on “Gemini Gypsy,” Merideth & Scotty on “Thunderbolt,” Melissa & her dog Sophie on “Sonador,” Ethan & Tammy, 30’ Ranger Tug, and Bruce & ?).  We enjoyed Dave and Mike’s Italian cuisine.  Because the stay in Charlevoix was--despite the weather--a perfectly pleasant one for us Loopers, we also shared in our anticipation for the next time we meet along the way.

This was our view back at Charlevoix early this morning.

With charts plotted to cross the “Washing Machine” to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Velsignet departed Charlevoix City Marina this morning at 6:20 am to make the 6:30 am opening of the Charlevoix Bridge.     We’re prepared (wind directions and speeds throughout the day, weather updates and regional radar re-checked, as well as buoy reports for wave height and currency; dinghy relocated to back “porch” for safe keeping from big water waves; engine and generator checked; fuel, water and pump-outs completed) for the long (12 hours) and slow (10 mph) cruise 112 miles to Quarterdeck Marina in Sturgeon Bay, located in Door County, WI.

Our stay at Charlevoix Marina was a safe harbor for Velsignet from the winds and rains this week.  It also gave us time to do some boat cleaning, repair of the AC/Heating unit, laundry, restocking of provisions, catch up on mail, and other things that can get neglected when on the move.  Since our time cruising Canadian waters is completed, we also took down the Canadian flag.

We shared our delicious homemade Michigan-Cherry pie with vanilla ice cream with fellow loopers on Velsignet. From left to right:  Dave & Penny (Southern Cross), Amanda & Wes (Honey Queen), Sandy (On Missions), Mike (Velsignet), and Dale (On Missions).  The same crew is below except Brenda (Velsignet) is sitting in for Penny (Southern Cross).

This photo was taken from Velsignet docked at the Charlevoix Marina.  The charming and active downtown was aglow with lights each evening.