Charlevoix, Michigan

Charlevoix, Michigan

September 7

Our last lesson learned was, “when the waves roll in, the boat stays put.” Our new lesson is, "if waves are SUPPOSED TO roll in, the boat stays put.” Waters were calm when leaving Mackinaw City. That changed. Our plan was to go to Petoskey, in Little Traverse Bay, which was supposed to be a 7-hour cruise. When we left Mackinaw, the lake was calm. After a few hours, the waves began building and didn't slow down. It was too rough to enter the bay, so we re-routed, crossed the bay, and came to Charlevoix instead.

The Charlevoix City Marina is on Round Lake, just off the Pine River Channel. It's a protected marina that is just a few steps from town. Fellow loopers, Linda and Ray Corrette, were docked right next to us. After settling in, we were happy to accept their invitation for cocktails and appetizers on their boat, Summertime. The Corrette's have been cruising for four years, and they are now doing the loop for the second time.

While walking around, we saw some of the “mushroom houses” that were developed by Earl Young. They are compared to the digs of Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, or Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother's house. Buyers snap them up as soon as they go on the market, and tourists seek them out when visiting. Young's favorite building materials were ice-age boulders of the Great Lakes region. The boulders, along with wavy, overhanging shingled roofs, give these homes their signature look. Young created the houses without plans. He would pace off the rooms and explain to the builder how he wanted them built.

Our second night, we played Mexican Train Dominos with the Correttes, and the following day, we went rented a car and went with them to Petoskey, which has a nice downtown area and a casino. I was the instigator who wanted to go to the casino, and although I lost a few dollars, I had some fun!

We cooked a nice dinner for Rosh Hashanah, and it was good to Skype with our family back home. If anyone reading this uses Skype, please send us your Skype name!

This morning, We woke up to find a farmers' market set up on the streets. We shopped, walked around, and enjoyed the sunshine – something we had not seen since arriving in Charlevoix. According to the weather now, we plan to head down to Leland in the morning, which should take about four hours. Dan, we look forward to the beef jerky!

L'Shana Tova to all. Wishing you good health and happiness throughout the year.

Pine River Draw Bridge • Our First Bridge!

Linda and Ray Corrette

Lady Royal and Summertime

Charlevoix City marina

Deck Above Marina

Marina

Mushroom House

Mushroom House

Mushroom House

Home for Sale!

Gorgeous!

Farmers Market

Linda and Rob at Farmers Market

Sailboat Leaving River

Lighthouse at Sunrise

Fishing for Salmon

Caught!

Dock at Sunset

Peace