OUR PLAN

We are writing this blog for one reason and one reason only. To provide a vehicle to make it easier to remain in touch with our family and friends back home.



Our plan is simple. Depart our home port of Goderich, Ontario in the Summer of 2011. Cruise Georgian Bay and the North Channel of Lake Huron while visiting some of the ports and anchorages we have missed over the years. As well as revisiting some of our favourite haunts hopefully with some of our very good friends with whom we have cruised with many times before. All the while adding up the miles and gaining experience with our new trawler. Our first and only self imposed deadline is to be in the Chicago area around Labour Day. South of Chicago, weather and circumstances will guide us!



Monday, September 5, 2011

AUG.31,2011- GRAND HAVEN TO SOUTH HAVEN, MI

As has become our routine on days when we sail, we are awake and gone by 0700. This harbour will be a quick stop as the weather tomorrow is near perfect and we want to move a little further down the lake. We are told by the marina staff that we are lucky to get a dock at this time. Apparently they are sold out for tomorrow and we might have to move to another dock if we decide to stay.
ENTERING SOUTH HAVEN MI.

We must replenish the ships stores so we pack up our little cart on wheels and start hoofing it up the hill. The best part about trudging up the hill and then grocery shopping is that we usually find a place to dine. Today would be no exception, and local knowledge has led us to a place known as Clementine’s. Don’t let the name fool you, this was a great Restaurant/Bar. The service was excellent and the waitress had a wonderful personality. I observed that all of the staff was of the female gender. I queried the waitress about that fact and she assured me that most of the male staff were college students and they had just departed for their individual institutions. She did find my observation amusing though, so there is a little doubt in my mind on the truthfulness of her statement. Not to worry though as this place was run like a well-oiled machine. Terri and I had such good service from her and the meal was delicious that I asked her what she might consider a good tip. She seemed taken aback slightly as if she had never been asked that question. Hmm! I suggested a few example figures to her and when she regained her composure she did seem to remember an internet survey that she had read. She had served us well and was suitably rewarded.
CLEMENTINES ALL WOOD BAR

THEY SERVE 13 TONS OF THIS FISH EVERY YEAR

After lunch we did the grocery deed and this was one of the worst supermarkets that we had ever ventured into. Terri advises me that I must not publish the culprit’s name. Understood for I am sure that the staff did try their best but were hampered with corporate buying decisions. We did our best and trudged back to the boat with only necessities.
THIS MARINA IS SUPPOSED TO BE FULL TOMORROW

On the way back to the boat we meet fellow Loopers Barry and Jodie off of the good ship Love Shack. We had talked to them last evening in Grand Haven, and they are late risers and would not be leaving at the crack of dawn today. They had plans to go to the local Farmers Market. Perfect, I had joked please bring enough sweet corn for all. They of course did and passed some on to Terri and I. This was to be our first feed on sweet corn this year. Usually by this date on the calendar the Wey family is well into the sweet corn season and the novelty is wearing off. Not this year as the opportunity to purchase it has not presented itself. No worries though I think, as I hope we can follow the trail of ripening sweet corn down the river system We shall see!
After checking the weather for our hopeful trip to St. Joseph’s MI. tomorrow we are bushed and concede that sweet corn and tomatoes would be our feast tonight and then are off to bed early. Soon we are in dream land!
Mark

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