On August 24 we back tracked 12 miles to Ludington in the hopes of closing the gap between us and our friends Terri and Hal aboard C’est le Bon (they were about 35 miles north of us). We got in mid afternoon and visited a local photography studio by a father-son team (Brad and Todd Reed). Fabulous photographs of Michigan!!! (www.ToddandBradReed.com) I figured it would be frowned upon to take pictures of their pictures so I didn’t.
August 25: Left early ahead of the Badger, perfect day to cross Lake Michigan to check out the Wisconsin side. Flag says no wind, but the smoke stack and mist say otherwise. The Badger had traveled over from Manitowac, WI about an hour earlier, leaving its trail of coal smoke. Morning mist from Ludington Lake.The plan for today, a 6 and 1/2 hour run west. The green triangle on our boat icon is a passing freighter and the one on our stern is the Badger. Now it looks like the Badger is on top of us. In reality she was abeam of us. Of course she docked well ahead of us in Manitowac. Manitowac is home to the fabulous Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Bob enjoyed this display with a Mark V helmet he wore when he was a professional diver. This mannequin is wearing the same Scuba Pro fins that Bob has been wearing for over 40 years!This ship was the railroad ferry that docked in St. Ignace. This display shows its bow thruster. Wow!And the machinery behind its engines. Cool display of the Great Loop!Our grandchildren would love this learning center for kids. Outside was the submarine Cobia. Bob is ringing the Memorial Bell for all Veterans. Sighting in. And we thought our engine room was complicated…Back on top, the placards along the boardwalk commemorate all the subs that were built in Manitowac. For a stretch, they were building these subs in 10 months. First they did test runs/training in Lake Michigan and then they were floated down the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to the Gulf of Mexico. August 26: We had just enough of a weather window to head south to Sheboygan. The 5 star giant hotel Blue Harbor is to the right. Afternoon entertainment was watching a lightning regatta from the Sheboygan Yacht Club next door. Coming back into the harbor. They did a total of 5 races on Saturday. Then they enjoyed a lively BBQ with live music. Sounded like good fun was had by all. August 27: Noticed this boat behind us. The Ra. Check our their website: PiratesoftheSun.com They are doing the loop with no fossil fuel usage – totally running electric outboards from solar power. I had a nice long chat with Captain Jim Greer – a bit too dark to see his face however. He originally had just two tiny outboards, but has since added a larger one in the middle. He’s finding it difficult to head south along Lake Michigan since he really needs calm waters to move. He’ll be here another few days before moving on, but he does hope to be the first solar powered boat to complete the Loop. The marina has a wine bar with a very nice look out porch. I went up there to watch the Sunday races. Only 14 brave souls lined up to today’s last two races. Exciting downwind run. Beach to the north of the marina. Surfs up!Remnants of a schooner built here in the ship building era. Placard explains the ship. There’s a mile plus long boardwalk along the Sheboygan River, full of eateries and cute shops. Across the way were two old fishing boats named Nelson and William G. Weird, Bill G’s father’s name is Nelson. Almost Islandia. An amazing row of hydrangeas!Another typical day on Lake MichiganLooks like we’ll be weathered in for another day or two. Even this 108 foot cruiser came in to get out of the waves!
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