Leland/Frankfort

Leland/Frankfort

September 10

We woke up to blue skies, sunshine and a flat lake. What a nice change! We left the Charlevoix marina in time to make it through the 7:30 a.m. bridge, and it was a picture-perfect day. Our original plans were to cruise to Leland, and stay overnight. After pulling into the harbor to refuel, the harbormaster told us that as much as he would like for us to stay, we should probably continue south since it was a perfect travel day. Leland's historical district, Fishtown, is just a few steps from the dock. It features rustic shanties, reminiscent of life and commercial fishing one hundred years ago. Today, it is filled with galleries, shops, and boats for charter fishing trips. It also houses the famous Carlson's Fisheries shop, where they sell fresh and smoked fish, as well as beef and turkey jerky. Thanks for the tip, Dan!

After a short stop, we headed toward Frankfort. The whole day was picture perfect. We cruised by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a park that covers a 35-mile stretch along the coast. The park includes forests, beaches, dune formations and ancient glacial phenomena. The rolling sand dunes, some of which reached a height of 400 feet, ranged in color from pale champagne to burnt sienna.

We reached Frankfort around 5 p.m. where we met up Sylvia and Mark (Heavenly Ours), Pam and Bob with Linda and Jim (Mint Julip), Louise and Louie (General Delivery), Cindy and Russ (Ladybug) and Ruth and Wayne (High Spirits). We walked around town, and to an amazing beach around the corner, before meeting for dinner at Dingy's.

What we learned: Michigan beaches are beautiful. When the weather is nice, keep moving! Loopers are a great group of people.

Leaving Charlevoix

Lake Michigan

Leland Fishermen

Leland Dam

Dam Candy Store

Shopping at Fishtown

Leland Harbor

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Frankfort Beach