We left Hammond Marina on Thursday, August 27th heading into Chicago for a celebratory family weekend. Friday was Curt and Brooke’s 5^th Anniversary, Saturday was Brooke’s birthday and Monday was a final farewell until October. The boat was moored at the downtown marina shown in the skyline picture below while we stayed together in a three-bedroom apartment, walking distance and short cab rides to everything. Three good sleeps in a stationary bed was a true pleasure. Sammy expressed her delight in firm grounding and cousin attention as well.

Thanks to Veta for her planning expertise and first hand knowledge of what and how to do Chicago. Highlights included a shopping trip on Michigan Avenue for the ladies, time for Grandpa and Liam alone on the Namaste to “fix things”, cousin play time, a long delicious Italian dinner, a three hour trip to King Spa, a visit to friend Sasha’s new home on the North side, and loads of time to hang out, talk, eat junk food and play cards.

It was hard to see everyone depart back to their real lives at Camp Lookout and Ann Arbor this morning but so happy to have had the visit. Pat, Heather and their team didn’t make it for about ten good reasons including Ash’s hockey camp that Dad coached last week, varsity volleyball practice for Lex, and a visit from Grandma Ollie among the most important factors. They were missed but here in spirit, we know.

We have now paid the bills, provisioned, and purchased a new hand held radio (as backup) to communicate with the bridge tenders, lock masters, and tug boat captains along the way. Tomorrow morning we head down the Chicago River managing a lock within the first mile – right across from Navy Pier. Talk to you on the other side.

Happy Birthday to Brother Bill tomorrow – September 2nd!

Best Boat Name:  Dancing on Water

Worst Boat Name:  Skull Crusher (assuming they mean the boom on the sailboat)

Chicago Skyline Panorama

Chicago Skyline from Namaste who was eventually parked for 5 days in the marina below the buildings.

Sunrise from slip Echo 60 in the DuSable Harbor, Chicago

Shopping on Michigan Ave!

The Chicago Send-Off Crew
From our apartment balcony

Days 58-60, total of 393 miles traveled

We woke very early on Monday morning as we had contracted with Skyway Yacht Works (a more glamorous name than the reality of the place) to take our masts down today. Jim spent hours on Sunday getting the rigging prepared and everything ship-shape.

Knowing that we would have high winds we tried to prepare ourselves for what we knew would be a tough day and were anxious about our first real commercial river experience. We motored across from Hammond to the mouth of the Calumet River where we found a momentarily serene entrance and a relief from the wind and waves. However, within the one mile we needed to travel upbound to Skyway, we came across three lift bridges and three tugs pushing barges. We realized we had little idea of how to hail the bridge tenders (guys who lift the bridges) given all of the commercial radio traffic in what sounded to us like a foreign language. Our only experience had been with the very friendly lift bridge in Charlevoix dealing only with vacationing pleasure craft who had the right-of-way. After 3 trains on one bridge and 3 workmen fixing stuff on another, we were successful in standing-off and finally making it through in their good time. In the process of dealing with the bridges we managed to navigate around the tugs (one snarly) and barges (enormous) all in the 20-30 mph winds. It was an incredible relief to see the sign for Skyway and a friendly worker there to catch our lines.

It took more hard work on Jim’s part to ready everything for the guys to come in with the crane and lift both masts onto cradles where they will be packaged for shipping along with four huge sail bags to Mobile. They were a competent and friendly group so after much contemplation we had picked the right company. Are you wondering what Jo Ann was doing during all of this? Well, in addition to photo documentation, entertaining Sammy with walks in what was a most industrial marina right under the Chicago Skyway Bridge with traffic roaring over our heads and again 20-30 mph winds. It was a long day! The Namaste seems naked to us but we will get used to her new look. We motored back to Hammond nine hours later, exhausted but pleased with our new accomplishments and learning. Applause to Captain Jim!

Yesterday was another work-day. Jim (with the help of Roger in Racine) designed and built a 9’ temporary mast to hold our radio antenna and provide stability for instruments in the cockpit. It looks great and seems to be exactly what we needed but surely not her dress clothes! When back at the marina while Jim was designing and building, JoAnn began to ready us all for our much anticipated family visit in Chicago this weekend. Tasks included cleaning the entire cabin, organizing cupboards and deciding what to send back home; giving Sammy a bath and Jim a haircut; wrestling with three loads of laundry (which is almost everything washable we have onboard). In the late afternoon we celebrated with a huge ice cream cone. We are ready for the next phase of our journey. Love to all!

Boat Name:  “Pier Pleasure”

Bad Boat Name:  “Lost at Sea”

Days 53-57, total of 383 statute miles traveled in 4 states (MI, WI, IL, IN)

It has been a good few days for us and for the Namaste. We left Kenosha with a gift bottle of champagne from Gary and headed for Waukegan, which means Little Fort and is Jack Benny’s hometown. Legend has it that he used Waukegan as some of his best joke material but that he also loved his city. We decided to have a lay (rest) day in Waukegan so took the Metra train into Chicago. We spent a lazy afternoon wandering the Shedd aquarium and then walking Lakeshore to the Marina where we have reservations for our family visit during the weekend of August 28^th_.   Love the ability to visualize coming into a busy harbor.

We left Waukegan on a clear day and watched the Chicago skyline appear just like a pop-up greeting card. Our destination was Belmont Harbor, North of Chicago. We arrived late Friday afternoon to a circus at the gas dock where we were instructed to tie up, get our slip assignment and pay. Up to this point, the harbors have been easy, friendly and with lots of help for about $40/night. Here, no one answered the radio or phone, there were a half dozen boats pacing at the gas dock, they finally sent us to a slip at the end of a very long and narrow fairway that already had a boat in it so we had to go back and repeat the entire procedure.  All for $100/night. It did turn out to be a fine marina with friendly boaters and a nice park for Sammy.

Belmont to Hammond was the perfect photo day as we sailed the entire Chicago skyline early in the morning.  Stay tuned for those postcard pictures. We will return to Chicago after having our masts removed near Hammond, a huge, new marina connected to a Casino but with no working wifi – can you imagine?!  I am posting this through a hot spot with my phone and proud of my high tech abilities!  We took the complimentary commuter tour of Hammond and Whiting IN where we were amazed at the incredible improvements they have made to what had been a most ugly waterfront!  Van driver, Larry, is proud of his city. We ended up at Walmart for some much needed perishable provisioning but couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

Our best news, as we were getting a little lonely, is that we met two Looper boats. Pat and Bob onboard the VELO-MER (Sea Bike in French). They have been out for about a year (Maine to Key West, back again and through the Great Lakes). They shared important information and we had a social evening together. Sadly for us, they are flying to Colorado tomorrow to see their grandchildren for two weeks. Hopefully we will meet up again along the way. Bob even shared some of his priceless homemade ginger snap cookies!

Well, the sails are folded and in their bags (just ahead of a rainstorm here), awaiting transport along with the masts to Mobile, AL where we will all be reunited in due time. Our beautiful masts will come down tomorrow.

Boat Name of the Day: “Seas the Day”

Bad Boat Name of the Day: “All Mixed Up”

Quote of the Day*: “The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.” Albert Einstein

*Thanks to my real and facebook friend Erica Shifflet-Chila for her great quote posts!

Big jumps but even better smells.

Note what looks like a very large dog toy these beautiful animals played with together using their mouths.

Marina City Life

Days 50-52, 10 miles traveled for a total of 326 statute miles in two states

Yesterday was one of those perfect days.  Jo Ann got up to see the sunrise over lake Michigan (5:57 a.m.) and then she and Sammy walked the magnificent seawall in Racine.  We decided it was time to move on. The wind was 10-15 knots from the SW, the waves were off-shore so under a foot, and the Namaste sailed her heart out.  Of course our bearing was SW, thus we couldn’t make headway to our intended destination so we just sailed to the wind only turning on the motor when bound for Kenosha.  Even Sammy seemed to enjoy the ride!

After filling up with fuel at the busy gas dock and getting our slip assignment we headed to our home for the night.  There was a brisk cross wind but with the help of a few dock neighbors we got easily and safely moored.  A few minutes later the boat next to us limped in on one engine and again with the cross-wind there was potential trouble.  One guy used a dinghy as a bow thruster and 6 guys and six dogs along the dock managed to get him safely tied up as well.  It was a zoo.

Kenosha is a lovely town with special meaning for Jim.  The original AMC Pacer (early 1970’s) was built on the exact land where we are now moored.  He visited here often as manager of Pacer product planning.

It has been hot (low 90’s) for several days so all we feel like doing is sitting in the shade and consuming cold drinks.  Headed to the pool later.  We are not sure where the days go but are always tired by the time the sun sets.

Boat Name of the Day:  It’s Only Paper.  (We also so the Tytanik but who in the world would ever use that name for their boat?  Maybe I need to also include Bad Boat Name of the Day.)

Quote of the day:  “Man is the most insane species.  He worships an invisible God and slaughters a visible Nature. . .without realizing that this Nature he slaughters is the invisible God he worships.”  Hubert Reeves

Jim’s Dietz kerosene lantern that lights up our evenings in the cockpit!

Sunrise over Lake Michigan from Racine Harbor.

Namaste under full sail

The Denis Sullivan, square rigger tall ship, docked at the Racine Harbor for educational and sailing excursions.

Days 43-49, 80 miles traveled for a total of 316 statute miles in two states

Last Sunday we set out from Holland, MI and traveled the 80 miles across lake Michigan.  It was a very calm but not a particularly pretty day as everything out there was some shade of gray.  It took us eleven hours. Contrary to even my opinion, eleven hours goes by quickly when you trade one hour watches, have plenty to read and junk food to eat!

We arrived in Racine in the late afternoon to some minor fog but with the GPS, harbor books, and keen eyes we found our mark easily.  Reefpointe Marina here is perhaps the best marina we have ever experienced except, of course, our home port, The Harborage in Boyne City.   In addition to a beautiful pool, great laundry facilities, and a full ship’s store, our slip is a ten minute walk to everything in downtown Racine where we did some self and other present shopping today.

Mostly this has been a great stop because Georgie (Jim’s sister) and Roger live here.  They have been the finest hosts ever and we will always appreciate their hospitality and generosity.  Sammy has a new cousin, Gillie, a labradoodle  puppy.  They were a major focus and got along famously except when Gillie who outweighs Sammy by 20 pounds put her paw on Sammy’s back and pushed down.  Sammy squirmed, yipped and generally made her displeasure at the dominance known.

Other news:  Jim replaced the red running light I smashed and the bulkhead fan whose blade Jim stopped with his bare hand, the propane filled and the provisions replenished thanks to Georgie’s car and the local Piggly Wiggly!  It is very hot, even after a pounding thunderstorm last evening so we are moving slowly, drinking iced beverages and staying close to the pool and fans.  Oh yes, and my new best friend is Jasmine, my Verizon tech coach,  who helped me figure out how to manage my data after moving up to the 4 GB plan!  Oh the things I didn’t know!

Quote of the Day: “Chasing dreams and racing father time”  (unknown author but written on the boom of the s/v Denali in Racine Harbor)

Boat Name of the Day:  Infinite Diversion (on the blue hull of a large sail racing machine)

Lesson of the Day: There is a reason they put brims on hats!  On a more serious note, the calls, texts, and emails from family and friends are priceless.  We miss you all!

Happy Birthday Mike McFall!

Good-by Holland. . .

. . . hello Racine

Beautiful Racine Harbor

Playing on the west shore of Lake Michigan

Gillie and Sammy stopping play for a picture! 

Since our last post we have traveled from White Lake to Grand Haven to Holland. Each port presents with  it’s own charming lighthouse to welcome us (see pictures below).  The weather has been beautiful offering abundant sunshine and warm temps.

Leaving the dock at White Lake I was at the helm.  It was an easy departure (read as not windy) but somehow I managed to crunch the starboard (red) running light.  I didn’t hear or see anything until Jim brought it to me in his hand!  I am sure it is a $10 item that will cost $50 at the next boat store and Jim will be in charge of installation.   It hasn’t altered my confidence as, after all, I didn’t see it!

Yesterday we cleaned, gave Sammy a much needed bath, did some much needed laundry, and rode our bikes 8 miles round trip for groceries. We easily carried $36 worth but then it wasn’t much since this wasn’t Meijers.  The best part was stopping for a burger and a beer at the Black Sheep Baaaa and Grill.

Last night we planned to walk the south pier at sunset but quickly learned from the guard at the gated community that  access was only possible on Tues and Thurs.  Somehow I thought tax $ paid for those piers. Anyway, I am getting it why these folks relate so easily  to Donald T.  Yikes!  Instead we went for a dinghy ride and were treated to being the unnoticed observers of a marriage proposal.  Jim looked up onto the north pier as we passed to see a young man on one knee and a beautiful young women sobbing while nodding her head yes as a ring was being placed on her finger.  Too sweet for words. Wishing them all the very best marriage has to offer.

Quote of the day:  “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.  And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”  Dalai Lama

Boat name of the day:  BOAT (written on the side if a very large, white, vintage “cabin cruiser”.

White River Light

Grand Haven Light

Holland Light

Me headed to an internet connection to blog.

Eldean Marina in Holland. The Namaste is not the centered boat. You can see her just over it in front of the green roofed castle.

8/4/15

We motored away from Pentwater at 8:00 am heading south. In some strange way we feel like the adventure begins again as PW is our last familiar port. From now on we enter and depart from the unknown. White Lake was our destination logging 38 miles sailing and motoring on lumpy water.

Along the way we saw two Monarch butterflies. One bravely headed to WI and the other more conservatively skirting the shoreline. Neither decided to hitch a ride. On our evening walk to a country music concert in the park we saw yet another Monarch flitting among the wild flowers in the city’s amazing natural garden sea wall.  See pictures below.

We are moored at the Whitehall Municipal Marina where it is a quiet Tuesday.  Grilled chicken, beans and rice, salad, and blueberry pie were on the dinner menu.

Quote of the day:  “The life changing magic of tidying.”   Important, as only those living on a boat can attest!  Yesterday I couldn’t find my phone charger.

Boat name of the day:  Bare Naked Happy Dance  (moored next to us but we haven’t yet seen the naked)

Happy 17th birthday Joe Bolea!

Wildflower garden sea wall on White Lake.

Country Band Shell music. These guys were good!

Queen Ann’s Lace a favorite among the many.

Sammy loved the singing or was it the stable ground beneath her belly?

Still here in perfect Pentwater.  We arrived last Monday and have found no reason to leave.  The hospitality of Ron & Marilyn has been so generous from sailboat races and dinner at the yacht club and a Meijers run to nights moored at the peaceful anchorage in front of their beautiful home (read as free overnight accommodations).  Breakfast, dinner and a walk with Judy last week was topped off by a nostalgic boating weekend visit with Debbie, Tom and their geriatric dog Peek-a-Boo who got the hang of the boat life quicker than expected.

The storms yesterday afternoon and evening were spectacular but with minimal damage here in Pentwater Lake.  One elderly sailboat captain who was anchored out reported that a wind gust turned his dinghy (with motor) upside down.  As he was contemplating what to do about it another gust came along and flipped it back into the preferred position. Divine intervention?

We have shopped the stores, celebrated the captain’s birthday, biked to and swam at the beach, walked the piers and generally tried to act like locals appreciating this most user friendly setting.  When the lake “lays down” tomorrow we will head south to Muskegon or Grand Haven.

Quote of the day:  Curt’s description of our Namaste – The Boatiest Boat

Boat of the Day:  a brand new, 65′ Grand Banks Trawler named, “Home James”.

Biggest fish I have ever seen (not that I’ve seen that many fish)!  Dan onboard the Hot Rod!

Jim’s quiet but lovely birthday celebration! Thanks for all the calls and posts!

Clouds looking North as the storm moved in.

Clouds after the storm at sunset beyond the trees.

Be well everyone,

Jim, Jo and Sammy aboard The Namaste

Lookout campers serenading The Namaste.

The Namaste accepting the sendoff.

Sable Point Light

We departed Frankfort early Monday morning headed to Manistee.  It was so calm that the Namaste ghosted slowly under power along the coast to pass by the Camp Lookout beach.  To our delight the entire camp came out to greet us on the shore complete with band, songs, hoots and hollers.  Curt, Brooke and Leonie were in the crowd somewhere and tears still well  with gratitude for yet another perfect farewell. As we swung back out to “sea” and the campers turned and headed back over the hill I thought of many bittersweet goodbye’s that life has offered.

It was such a gorgeous day that we quickly decided to bypass Manistee and set the GPS for  Pentwater where friends awaited.  It was a 8.5 hour/64 mile trip totally under motor as Lake Michigan was a sheet of glass.  I made cold pasta salad while underway which we enjoyed beneath the cover of the city marina’s gazebo in over 90 degrees.

If you haven’t been there, Pentwater is a delightful little lake town with everything you cold possibly want and more.  Judy treated us to breakfast at the Garden Cafe and then we did our usual walk in an unusual setting –  out the pier, down the beach, along the town and through the park.  Our walks and talks will be sorely missed.   Namaste is docked next to the Synchronicity where we will meet up with Marilyn and Ron later today.  Our other dock-mate returned from fishing this morning with a 26#/36″ King Salmon.  He got lots of attention!

Take good care everyone and enjoy summer!

Jo Ann, Jim, and Sammy on-board Namaste

Quote of the day – Try to enjoy the bitter and sweet in bittersweet.  I just realized that I am writing this blog for my grandchildren but also for my Dad who is along for the ride.

Boat of the day – AUK, a boat that just pulled into the marina.  Have no idea what the name means but it is a huge, old, blue and white trawler from North Carolina with a Loop flag.  Guess we will meet them and get loopy together!

Well, I don’t have enough of whatever it takes to upload pictures so stay tuned for those.  Any suggestions?