Great Loop Day 028, Sept 25, 2016, Muskegon to South Haven, Michigan
Muskegon to South Haven, Michigan
“Life’s a reach until you gibe.” — Book by Sean Downey
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Day 28 Sunday, Sept 25, 2016. I'm exhausted! 9 and a half hours and 61.2 miles of being tossed and jostled by one wave and then another. We all know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But if the line points you into big waves and choppy water you find an alternative. And for me, it was to follow the shoreline. The wind and waves were much less pronounced there. However, it's a long, time-consuming curve outside your straight line. I tried both. From the shoreline, I would creep out to my original line of position. When the wind and waves got rough I changed course for the shoreline. Did this most of the day. Had the jib ready, not used—perfect wind for going across the lake not for going south. Then the last hour and a half the lake started to settle down. And my speed increased from 6.5 to 7mph.
On my way toward the South Haven harbor, I spotted a ship with gaff rigging, a single mast with yardarms. A Tall Ship! Sailing out they turned to port to return to the harbor. She pulled in ahead of me and I couldn't get the name of the vessel.
On schedule to reach South Haven entrance light at 4:38 pm…
Excuse me... Just got to lay down just for a moment.....(snore...) ...Good Morning! I must have dozed off there. It's 5 am and the alarm is going off. Mickey is pestering me for his morning can of cat food. I see cat paw prints on my computer cover. I bought this lightweight kitty litter and it sticks to Mickey's paws. And where ever Mickey goes he leaves behind little white paw prints.
Where was I? Oh, yea. as I was saying, I carry with me the Waterway Guide, Great Lakes 2015 edition. Lots of useful information especially the lists of marinas at each port of call. My preference is for a Marina close to the entrance to the harbor. I intend to leave this lake as soon as possible.
Calls to the marinas are around noon and many are low-staffed this time of year so the calls go unanswered. I keep trying. If they close early and I know I'm coming in late I'll request the restroom code and WiFi passwords over the phone. Then square away things in the morning.
South Haven Municipal has Northside and Southside docks. Another call out to the marina and a gal named Wednesday answered the phone, I gave the dimension of Sea Marie and got assigned #27 on the Southside. On my arrival, Sean was on the dock ready to catch my dock lines.
All 4 lines are secured to the dock and the 30 amp electric marine power cord is firmly attached to the pedestal on the dock. I got juice.
What a warm evening here as I sat in shorts and a tee shirt. People walk down to the pier to catch glimpses of the sunset. I stop what I was doing and just sat on the deck to savor the moment. But it's getting late and Mickey and I are tired and hungry. All I want is something warm and fast. I look at the map of the town I got from Sean and I see several options. And they are about a mile down the road (later I learn that was up the road). Lucky for me this marina has bikes even though I carried my own folding bike it’s just that much easier using the marina’s bike. On a little slip of paper, I received from Sean on registration were the bathroom code, Wi-Fi password, and the bike combination lock code. No time to lose now. With Mickey safely locked below the cabin I found the bikes. There are 3 bikes, a large frame 3-speed with a coaster brake and others medium and small. So like in Goldilocks and the 3 bears, I found Papa bears bike that happens to be just right for me!
Off I go biking. And up… the… hill… I struggled even in that easiest of gears. Down the main street eyeing all the stores for future reference. Bakery, barbershop, restaurants, and lots of clothing stores and I spot a DQ. A quick look inside and see a crowd at the counter. I bike on. The 3-speed shifter on this bike goes from really easy, medium, and really hard to pedal. I have to keep it in the easy gear.
There in the distance, just beyond the corner street light, a sign. A sign of hope and redemption, a sign that reminds me that, yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause. My eyes tear. My mouth waters!
BEHOLD! A Taco Bell!
Yes, I ran for the border. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into a squishy soft taco, to tickle my taste buds on a burrito supreme. To satisfy my carnivorous desire with a chicken burrito. Order taken, paid, and in my hand ready to bike back and devour my delicacies. As I bike back I notice how much easier it is to pedal. Did inhaling the vapors of a soft taco give me superhuman strength? No, silly. I'm biking downhill.
The traffic light turns red ahead, I instinctively reach for the hand brake. Wait, there are none, it's a coaster brake bike. You have to backpedal to slow down. Still feels awkward after so many years and miles on my Raleigh R-600 road bike. The light changes to green, and I continue.
Back at the boat, the daylight fades as the warm night envelopes this sleepy hamlet. Mickey can't wait to see his surprise in the bag. I open a soft taco and with no time to thank me, he shoves his face in what looks like ground beef. Mickey Likes It! Now I can relax, I feel complete. Fair winds and gentle seas...
Leaving Muskegon
A rare moment as Mickey takes on watch duty leaving Muskegon, Michigan.
Waves hit us from the starboard bow tossing us from side to side.
Tall ships returning to South Haven
Tucked in securely to the dock with 4 dock lines, bow, stern, and 2 spring lines.
Should be safe from the waves coming in off the lake up the Black River.
The main attractions are not far from this marina.
Comments from 2016::
Lori Norris I am enjoying living vicariously through your posts, pictures, and fun stories.
Henry Krzemien RN Glad you're enjoying this. Every day is a new chapter. Never gets boring. Well sometimes after 5 hours of bobbing and weaving knowing I got 4 more hours of this. Sea Marie does keep me busy.
Judy Henson It was a little crazy out there yesterday. Bob and I went out for a bit and we were thinking of you!
Henry Krzemien RN So glad the last hour and a half the seas settled and had a nice ride into South Haven. Just got back from a walk to the pier head. 30kt winds and 6ft waves. Nice to watch not be in.
Dan Sheridan What an adventure!
John Sopczyk Great Adventure Henry, prayers for a safe journey.
Amanda Orr, I love that you have a kitty on your boat
I've heard they are good luck on ships.
Henry Krzemien RN Amanda, Can you find me a cat that cleans up after itself? Kitty litter everywhere then looks at me and thinks that's what we cats do, live with It! Ugh!
Amanda Orr Unfortunately, that's just something that goes with cat ownership! Mine track it everywhere too. I sweep more often. I have to ask though...what do you do with used cat litter on a boat?
Henry Krzemien RN I used to clean, dry, and polish the dried poop then I glue earring hoops to sell. Women buy anything. Dept of Health frowned on that so now I deep-six it over the side for mother nature to recycle. Now, aren't you glad you asked?
Amanda Orr Henry Krzemien that made me laugh!
Amy Gagnon Cabot, I love reading about your adventure...although I have never sailed, I feel like I am on an adventure with you! Safe travels to you and Mickey.
Henry Krzemien RN Amy put yourself in a 22 ft cuddy cabin with a loud outboard motor that vibrates everywhere you sit and can hardly hear the cell phone due to the noise out or in the cabin. That's what it's like. Then when it's rough imagine being in a cement truck rotating only with no cement. If I was under sail only sure it would be quiet and melancholy but I'd only be as far as Detroit. I'm going to be motoring a lot! Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
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