Manitou island, Leland

We left Charlevoix at the 8:30 bridge opening. We followed the Beaver Island Ferry and six other boats out of the channel. Everybody seemed anxious to get moving after spending 3 days at the docks. We went to South Manitou Island- a beautiful anchorage in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Parks.
When we got there and settled we lowered the dinghy and went to the Visitor's Center and Lighthouse. We walked around the island which had a lot of campers arriving for the night or weekend. They are brought to the island by ferry from Leland. Some of the people were serious hikers/campers. I of course showed up in flip-flops and looked very out of place! There are four ship wrecks that you can dive/explore around the island. We didn't see anyone actually diving them but Dave went exploring in the dinghy on Saturday morning before we left. I wasn't feeling too well- so I stayed on the boat. We got going shortly after 10:00 for our 11 mile trip across Lake Michigan to Leland. Once again we were struck by the beauty of the state run Marina and the waters surrounding it.
This morning we walked to breakfast and did a little grocery shopping. Tonight we are going to dinner with a group of five Looper boats. We met one of the boats at the Rendezvous in Norfolk last May. It will be nice to catch up and see where all of the boats have gone/and where they are heading. Dave and I spent the morning trying to find a secure place to keep FRYEDAZE the week we go back to PA for Ben's birthday. Being that the week we are going home is week before Labor Day many of the marinas are already booked full. We think we found a slip in Michigan City, MI. When we return back we will make the jump over the Chicago.
 
 

Leaving Charlevoix following the Beaver Island Ferry

FRYEDAZE on anchor at South Manitou Island. It amazed us that there was 30 feet of water right up against the shoreline. We managed to find a shallower spot in a shelf.

 

Last beautiful home leaving Charlevoix

 

The Lighthouse on South Manitou Island circa 1857. Not manned any more but the light at night is very bright

 

Another shot of the lighthouse when we were leaving for Leland

 

This was the fog we awoke to on Saturday morning. We waited to leave until after it burnt off

 

This is for Cinda Haas- wasn't sure if this was your husbands' family? Saw this in the small museum on the island

 

 

 

 


Little garter snake along the path to the Lighthouse

 


Lighthouse at dusk

 

And the spiders just keep working!

 

Sunset on Manitou- sun still doesn't set until after 9:00

 

 

 


More of the fog bank

 

 

Sunset from Leland. Absolutely gorgeous!

 

Another lighthouse that guided us into the channel on the way to Leland

Tomorrow we leave for Frankfort. We want to say congratulations to Principal Bob and Sharon who crossed their wake to complete the Loop in New Buffalo, MI yesterday afternoon at 3:00. When we talked to them they had already uncorked their champagne! They shared their bittersweet feelings about completing. I am sure that Dave and I will share many of those same feelings.