Day 2 - Heading to Franfort

The day started out beautiful. A great Sunday morning, the sun was shining, warm, and a cup of coffee on the back of the boat.

We headed out of Grand Haven port about 11:30 a.m. NOAA projected one to two foot waves but as we headed out the piers we could tell it was going to be a bit bumpier than that. Fishing boats were bobbing in the waves just outside the piers. The waves were coming from the north, north west making the ride a bit bumpy. Waves were really two to threes with many four footers. You knew exactly when you were going to bang down from a four footer and you would brace yourself. Craig ran "as fast as he could" in the conditions for about an hour. Then he finally slowed things down a bit - thankfully.

The water eventually laid down as the temperature increased and the ride becasme much more enjoyable. The trip from Grand Haven to Frankfort took about four hours. We dipped in to see Little Sable and Big Sable lighthouses and I got to reminice about my childhood days camping at Ludington State Park and fishing on Hamlin Lake.

As we neared Frankfort we radioed our friends, Dave and Gina. They were about five miles out from the port. We ran out, met them and cruised in together through the Frankfort piers. We docked at Jacobson's Marine - a great resort to stay. The ammenities included pool, hot tub, power, water, cable, wireless, and awesome service!

Playing with new computer on vacation

Here is a short video of the photos taken our first day of vacation in Grand Haven.

Cruisin' to Grand Haven

Yesterday, Saturday, June 11, 2009 was the first trek of our vacation cruise of the Lake Michigan coastline. We left South Haven at 1:35 p.m. and headed to Grand Haven, our first destination port. Excited, anxious and ready for a new venture we head out with two to three foot waves...and yes, some four footers too.

Not to make this trip any different than those of the past. there was excitement! As we headed towards Port Sheldon an arlarm went off. Yes thats right - trouble. The alarm to tell us that the alternator was not charging was buzzing.

My anxiety went up and for good cause. Ten or eleven years ago we took a birthday cruise in our 26' Starcraft and had an outdrive go out - just outside Port Sheldon's harbor. Last year, heading to Pentwater, one of engine transmissions began overheading - just poast Port Sheldon. Is this the Harden's Bermuda Triangle? Hmmmmmm........

All of the gauges were reading properly and Craig made a quick check of the alternator. We were about 15 minutes from Grand Haven so he cancelled the buzzer, turned on the generator, and we continued on.

As the pictures show we arrived safely at North Shore Marina around 4:30. This marina is the first marina you see as you enter past the pier heads. It is a very nice, clean, and friendly marina. Thankfully, it is also a Cruiser dealer and we are going to get an spare alternator - just in case :).

Last night we had dinner with Deb Newson and her husband Terry. We went to a Old Boys' Brewhouse in Spring Lake. It was a really great time. The micro-brewery was wallpapered with puppy photos and had a dog theme. We couldn't find any akita's so our good ole' Nikko will have a portrait taken as soon as I get home to send to Old Boys'.

Today we are heading to Frankfurt, just north of Ludington. Will have more photos posted tomorrow. Craig is getting antsy and wants me to get ready to leave. Check things out later tonight if I have time to add more pics after we arrive in Frankfurt.

Signing off. Sunday, July 12, 2009 10:31 a.m.