New boat orientation - week #2

The biggest news of the week was a move to a new slip.

The boat next to us in the original slip extended a good 3 or 4 feet into the fairway with its bow pulpit and anchor.  Any docking trauma, and I risked dragging an anchor down the side of my boat.  It is against the state regulations for a boat to extend beyond the slip boundaries, but I learned (again) that the rules are mere guidelines.  The solution was that I could move if that would work better.  So I did.

Slip #63.

It's a wider dock by nearly a foot and the slip itself is at least a foot wider.  We're a little further out on the pier which offers a better view of the lake and it's a floating dock so regardless of the water level, the dock lines will remain constant.  I think the end result of the issue resolution was a big win for me.  The new neighbors are much more cordial as well.  

The Port Huron to Mackinac sailboat race was early in the week but we don't see any of those boats from that race.  They approach the island from the east.  We did get to see a couple of the tall ships that are touring the lakes currently.

So we lazed around the marina for much of the week and did a few odds and ends on boat maintenance.  It was a nice week, but remained quite windy until Thursday.  It finally calmed down and we went out for a couple hour cruise.

We headed out to the bridge.

Then took a lap of the island, passing the Grand Hotel.

On the back (north) side of the island is a resort that is being restored called Silver Birches.  When we were last there a few years ago, much of the building was just the support structure.  It appears mostly complete now.

It's a terrible location on the island if you want to do anything other than relax at the resort.  It's just about the direct opposite side of the island from the city.  It would be a 4+ mile ride to town, bars, restaurants, etc.  They shouldn't expect my call.

We watched the "fudgies" come and go all week on Shepler's and the Star Line.

Those are the two ferry lines that now service the island.  Arnold Transit no longer exists.  Back in the 1970's, you would have never dreamed that the Arnold line would vanish.  The Star Line still uses a few of the old Arnold Transit ferry boats while others were sold and shipped elsewhere in the Great Lakes.

We also enjoyed some scenic sunrises.

Sunsets were probably just as nice but the sun sets over town from where we are so we don't see that unless we make the effort to do so.  By that time of day, we're not too apt to move a whole lot.

We're back at the ranch for a few days to do chores and take care of some appointments before heading back north.  Kathy is chomping at the bit to get to the island.  I'll probably have to concede and make that happen soon.