Day 3
Awoke this morning to view the flag through the gazebo displaying all 50 stars. Not a good sign for someone (me) looking to make a 100 mile cruise.
A quick hike out to the harbor mouth verified that the lake was a touch sloppy. The offshore buoy showed near 20 knot SW wind and 4' seas.
So we waited patiently for a better day and even lowered the dinghy thinking it would be at least another day before we made a move.
Then the unthinkable happened. The wind died. Maybe there was an opportunity to venture north. And so we did. Leaving Harborview Marina in our wake...
...and heading out the channel at Ludington.
Northward we travel past Ludington State Park and Big Sable Point.
Passing a sailing vessel north of the point. Waters had calmed significantly to a small chop.
Waters remained calm past the sand beaches near Manistee.
But began to build slightly as we passed the Frankfort harbor light...
...and Point Betsie.
Small craft advisories were issued as we viewed the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore from a distance.
Therefore, it was time to find safe harbor at Leland.
Stroll through the shops of Fishtown.
Safe and secure for the night. Transient rates at Leland have almost doubled this year. Our stay in 2010 was $35 for our 30' boat. Today the going rate was $60. A sign of the times, I suppose. The state is cash poor. Thanks, Michigan. You don't need to pile on.
Off to Suttons Bay tomorrow. Calm seas are in the forecast. I could use a little of that.
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