Mike and Kathy-Weather still great, but a little cooler.
07/11/2007, Manistee, MIchigan

The weather report for Tuesday called for a front to pass from east to west during the afternoon so we were up at 5:00 for coffee and finally got the anchor up by 6:10. We motored downwind to Big Sable Point but put the sails up there and had a great 4 hour sail into Manistee. Once again, we were tied up on the wall at the Municipal Marina for about 30 minutes when the first storm hit. There was some gusty wind and lots of rain but nothing too exciting. For the second day in a row we "hung out" with Dan and Scott during the afternoon .

Although I haven't seen them both Stephanie Olson and her brother Greg work here. Stephanie was a friend of Sam's in elementary school and her parents were friends of ours in Carson City. Maybe we'll run into them tomorrow if we end up staying which seems to be likely.

We are still here in Manistee, and Stephanie was working today and did a few favors for Mike-like driving all over town looking for a part for the stereo for him. They apparently have free internet here which would make it an A+ marina in my mind! Scot walked at least 14 miles today looking for parts to make an anchor snubber and Dan spliced our rope to the chain on the anchor rode because the shackle that held them together wouldn't go through the gypsy on the new windlass. It's great to travel with friends! I did not shop here today either, but I know they have some great shops. The grocery is a walk, but is doable. The marina is on a river and current makes it interesting, but not really all that difficult. There are a good number of restaurants within walking distance, which might make grocery shopping unnecessary. We are on the sea wall here and were pretty much unaffected by the winds last night, which were considerable. Mike and I took the river walk, a GREAT feature here, out and looked at the lake this morning and were happy we were not out there heading north.

Once again, another marina and town we have enjoyed many times over the years. It's nice to be able to say good-bye for a while to the many places we have enjoyed on Lake Michigan for all these years.

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Mike and Kathy-Weather still great!
07/11/2007, Pentwater, Michigan

Our trip to Pentwater was uneventful... It was hot and too still to sail. The flies were out in force, but it was wonderful being on the water. Arriving about 30 minutes before a storm, we were able to get the anchor down and everything stowed before it hit. There was a little lightening and rain but no hard winds like we've dealt with before. Dan and Scott from "Outrageous", who were slipped at Snug Harbor called and forced us to lower the dinghy and putt over for a visit which turned into dinner. On our way back to Sapphire we detoured to look at a sailboat anchored near us that looked similar. The owners popped up from the cockpit as we approached and we chatted for a few minutes. Their boat "Minnehaha" was a Gozzard 44 and with the same designer, was much like ours. Although they keep their boat in Wisconsin, they live about three blocks from Abby and Jake in Minneapolis.

We did not get into town early enough for shopping, although there is some good shopping in Pentwater. We also find most of what we need a Cenzo's grocery within walking distance from the marinas. There is also a great wine and cheese store on the main street and many good restaurants in all price ranges. Several of the restaurants have outdoor seating with views of the lake. We have always enjoyed our stays in Pentwater. Another farewell for a while.

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Sunny and hot
07/09/2007, White Lake, Whitehall, Michigan

The day has finally arrived and we are ready to leave White Lake. It is not yet light out, but neither of us seems able to sleep. We are excited to be on our way and have said all of our farewells. I don't think we accomplished all of the tasks on Mike's list, but we feel we have done what we really need to and can work on things along the way. We will have some sorting and stowing to do along the way, as we keep waiting for a rainy day to fully concentrate on that job, but the weather has been beautiful here for so many days. Yesterday we went to the beach on Lake Michigan with Ellie and Matt to enjoy the wind, waves, and water.
The next few weeks will be a lot like our typical summers as we travel to ports around Michigan. We hope to meet up with friends along the way, both on the water and on land. We will try to update at least once a week, more or less. Off we go!

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