Charlevoix MI, July 26, 2016

It was another beautiful morning in Petoskey. We really like this town. If it wasn't for all the Michigan fans running around it could be a great place to live. But, today is our day to depart. Charlevoix is on the horizon.

I had morning coffee with Art and Steve and Bill, the regular fishing boys. Bill had his small mouth bass already by the time I got out there. He spends as much time as needed to get at least one keeper fish a day. I said good bye to Art as I was not sure our wakes would cross again.

We left Petoskey at 8:20. It was 17.4 miles to the Irish Boat Shop where we are staying as we could not get into the City docks. There is a night and day difference between the two. While the staff here are as pleasant as any we have met on the lake, it is a boat yard, verses the most beautiful harbor you can wish for.

I knew there was a bridge with a 16'8 clearance from LWD guarding the Harbor. I knew that it only opened on the hour and 1/2 hour. I knew that our 13'8" Annie would fit under it. But, what I initially forgot was that the water is 3' over LWD, which meant that Annie might not make it. So, I mistimed the bridge, arriving at 10:05, and had to wait for the 10:30 bridge to enter.

Sailboat passing under open bridge

I decided to take a walk while waiting for the Karpinskis to arrive. I had just started when I saw a 25' Ranger Tug drive into the parking lot. It was Art and Janet. They were supposed to motor their boat here, but decided to trailer instead. They decided to go to town to see if they could get a slip there. DNR said 3 were available, but all with only 10' of width.  I called to be sure we could not get in, and once again we could not.

We are docked right next to a beautiful Pearson Vanguard sailboat. It is the same boat our ASAP friend Steve France has. It is one of the first fiberglass boats, and is nearing 60 years old. I snapped some pictures and sent them off to Steve.

I do have one preliminary bit of possibly very good news. I found a line leaking from the side of the water heater. It was going at a good drip rate. This could explain the water I found on the shelf again today. I am not sure if it is leaking fast enough to cause all my problems, but I can hope. I tightened it and will watch what happens.

Jim and Jola arrived about 2:00. It was good to see them. After some ice water on Annie, we unloaded the AIS, faucet and electronic bug zapper they delivered to us. Then we went to downtown Charlevoix for a lunch for them and a snack for us.

We stopped in the City Marina office to see if we could get a dock for tomorrow, but were told to come back at 8:00 in the morning to sign up for the wait list. If we can't get a dock, we may just anchor in Round Lake where the City Marina is located. Shopping followed the marina office stop.

Kerry made a delicious salad for dinner that we enjoyed on Annie. We took a picture of the snacks and booze that Kerry and Jola got for us. Actually there is a lot more stuff than would fit on this table, but you can see that we are well supplied.

The plan is that Jim and Jola will come by tomorrow at 7:30. We will unload Kerry's stuff and load Jim's and be at the marina office at 8:00 to sign up for the wait list. The girls will be gone shortly after that and Jim and I will be on our own. Oh my! I did not see Art and Janet at the City Marina and they are not here anymore. I do not know where they went. (Turns out they went to Traverse City)

Kerry is so excited to go to this shower. I am very happy that we were able to arrange it so she could attend. She is traveling with Anne, Aubrey Emma, and our sister in law, Barb. Many thanks to Jim and Jola for helping to make this possible.