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Moor $tuff 2012-09-10 08:03:00

By on September 10, 2012 in Moor $tuff
Saturday, September 8, 2012

88°00.14’ W

41°50.52’ N

Home

Lombard, Illinois



Dock in New Buffalo



We have officially returned to our home in Lombard, Illinois! Since arriving in New Buffalo, Michigan – August 24th, our time has been well spent. In addition to the routine things an absentee boater must incur upon returning home, such as paying bills, making doctor appointments, visiting family members and many other less important things, Barb and I have decided to store our boat on Lake Michigan for this winter season. January, February and March are filled with travel plans and after that we will consider the 2013 boating season!



Looper gathering



We attended a great looper gathering in Chicago on September 1st hosted by Ellen & Woody Sutton. On our way to their lake front condo we picked up Jim and Belinda traveling on Rickshaw and drove them to the event. Later that evening we returned them to their boat before driving back to our boat in New Buffalo, Michigan!



On the train



We did a quick trip to Delaware City, Delaware to retrieve our car that was left there when we returned to our boat in April! After our 21 hour AMTRAK train ride, we got on a city bus that took us to within 3 city blocks of our car. The Buick started on the first turn of the key and we were good to go. We stayed the night, and in the morning we said good bye to friends at the marina before driving to New Buffalo to spend the night on our boat.

Now that we fly the Gold AGLCA burgee I feel that I am ready to start another adventure. Will we keep the boat and switch to an RV is the big question! I think a little of both would be great! Until such time that we make a decision, Barb and I want to thank all that followed our blog over the past five years and to all the LOOPERS that we cruised with – you have filled our lives with the most outstanding memories anyone could experience!

This is MOOR $TUFF signing out!



Moor $tuff 2012-09-10 08:03:00

By on September 10, 2012 in Moor $tuff
Saturday, September 8, 2012

88°00.14’ W

41°50.52’ N

Home

Lombard, Illinois



Dock in New Buffalo



We have officially returned to our home in Lombard, Illinois! Since arriving in New Buffalo, Michigan – August 24th, our time has been well spent. In addition to the routine things an absentee boater must incur upon returning home, such as paying bills, making doctor appointments, visiting family members and many other less important things, Barb and I have decided to store our boat on Lake Michigan for this winter season. January, February and March are filled with travel plans and after that we will consider the 2013 boating season!



Looper gathering



We attended a great looper gathering in Chicago on September 1st hosted by Ellen & Woody Sutton. On our way to their lake front condo we picked up Jim and Belinda traveling on Rickshaw and drove them to the event. Later that evening we returned them to their boat before driving back to our boat in New Buffalo, Michigan!



On the train



We did a quick trip to Delaware City, Delaware to retrieve our car that was left there when we returned to our boat in April! After our 21 hour AMTRAK train ride, we got on a city bus that took us to within 3 city blocks of our car. The Buick started on the first turn of the key and we were good to go. We stayed the night, and in the morning we said good bye to friends at the marina before driving to New Buffalo to spend the night on our boat.

Now that we fly the Gold AGLCA burgee I feel that I am ready to start another adventure. Will we keep the boat and switch to an RV is the big question! I think a little of both would be great! Until such time that we make a decision, Barb and I want to thank all that followed our blog over the past five years and to all the LOOPERS that we cruised with – you have filled our lives with the most outstanding memories anyone could experience!

This is MOOR $TUFF signing out!



Moor $tuff 2012-08-25 07:34:00

By on August 25, 2012 in Moor $tuff
Friday, August 24, 2012

86°44.757’ W

41°47.900’ N

Harbor Landing

New Buffalo, Michigan



Leaving Saugatuck



In the channel heading to the lake



We are now in our temporary slip in New Buffalo! The ride here was a mixed bag from why are we doing this — to this is a piece of cake. We made reasonable time and arrived here on glass like water. The harbor is beautiful the people friendly and Barb and I look forward to the next month here. It will take a day or two to get everything squared away before returning to our home and visit our family.



Nice flat Lake Michigan

 

 


Entering New Buffalo
Dave and Becky Carlson long time boating friends from Starved Rock Yacht Club – our home port – have a slip here and will be here this evening. They will drop us off at home on their way home Sunday.

Headed to our slip ahead

Moor $tuff 2012-08-25 07:34:00

By on August 25, 2012 in Moor $tuff
Friday, August 24, 2012

86°44.757’ W

41°47.900’ N

Harbor Landing

New Buffalo, Michigan



Leaving Saugatuck



In the channel heading to the lake



We are now in our temporary slip in New Buffalo! The ride here was a mixed bag from why are we doing this — to this is a piece of cake. We made reasonable time and arrived here on glass like water. The harbor is beautiful the people friendly and Barb and I look forward to the next month here. It will take a day or two to get everything squared away before returning to our home and visit our family.



Nice flat Lake Michigan

 

 

Entering New Buffalo
Dave and Becky Carlson long time boating friends from Starved Rock Yacht Club – our home port – have a slip here and will be here this evening. They will drop us off at home on their way home Sunday.

Headed to our slip ahead

Moor $tuff 2012-08-25 07:26:00

By on August 25, 2012 in Moor $tuff
Thursday, August 23, 2012

86°12.150’ W

42°39.762’ N

Saugatuck Yacht Services

Saugatuck, Michigan



Pat & Dick on “Gypsea”



Pat & Dick’s home



Lighthouse when leaving Holland



Leaving Pat & Dick’s



The day started with breakfast Pat and Dick’s. After the great breakfast they showed us their boat while talking about more of their cruising adventures. By the time our breakfast and walk around was done it was 10 am and time to get moving. The wind had picked up inland but the weather service was calling for 1 foot waves and winds less than 10 knots. When we entered the big lake there was a good bit of weather going on but after a short discussion we decided to give it a try. We tried close to shore then took her out two to three miles without any good results. The wind increased and we were experiences 2 to 3 foot waves with occasional very large rollers so decided to duck into Saugatuck which was closer than returning to Holland.

 



Barb got on the cell phone and found us a marina to stay in which was walking distance to town. While waiting in the channel for a place at the fuel dock I heard Brenda from Rickshaw talking on the radio so gave a quick call – found out they were also coming into Saugatuck to get off the lake. Once both boats were secured for the day they drove their dingy to our boat before we walked into town did a little shopping before having dinner. As usual on the walk back to the boat we located a quaint little ice cream shop and the four of us treated ourselves to some great Michigan ice cream.

 



Belinda & Jim



Jim and Brenda returned to their boat which was anchored near town…….Barb and I made ready for an early departure. If everything goes as planned we may make New Buffalo tomorrow!  We are getting closer to returning home every day.

Moor $tuff 2012-08-25 07:26:00

By on August 25, 2012 in Moor $tuff
Thursday, August 23, 2012

86°12.150’ W

42°39.762’ N

Saugatuck Yacht Services

Saugatuck, Michigan



Pat & Dick on “Gypsea”



Pat & Dick’s home



Lighthouse when leaving Holland



Leaving Pat & Dick’s



The day started with breakfast Pat and Dick’s. After the great breakfast they showed us their boat while talking about more of their cruising adventures. By the time our breakfast and walk around was done it was 10 am and time to get moving. The wind had picked up inland but the weather service was calling for 1 foot waves and winds less than 10 knots. When we entered the big lake there was a good bit of weather going on but after a short discussion we decided to give it a try. We tried close to shore then took her out two to three miles without any good results. The wind increased and we were experiences 2 to 3 foot waves with occasional very large rollers so decided to duck into Saugatuck which was closer than returning to Holland.

 



Barb got on the cell phone and found us a marina to stay in which was walking distance to town. While waiting in the channel for a place at the fuel dock I heard Brenda from Rickshaw talking on the radio so gave a quick call – found out they were also coming into Saugatuck to get off the lake. Once both boats were secured for the day they drove their dingy to our boat before we walked into town did a little shopping before having dinner. As usual on the walk back to the boat we located a quaint little ice cream shop and the four of us treated ourselves to some great Michigan ice cream.

 



Belinda & Jim



Jim and Brenda returned to their boat which was anchored near town…….Barb and I made ready for an early departure. If everything goes as planned we may make New Buffalo tomorrow!  We are getting closer to returning home every day.

Moor $tuff 2012-08-23 19:27:00

By on August 23, 2012 in Moor $tuff
Wednesday, August 22, 2012

86°08.480’ W

42°47.158’ N

Pat and Dick’s home

Holland, Michigan



Leaving the dock



Going out the channel of
White Lake



Barb and I got a late start today departing White Lake. The ride down the lake was a mixed bag of 1 to 2 foot waves followed by three foot rollers with wispy white caps. Today most of the sea was on our beam making for an uncomfortable ride.



After entering the harbor in Holland we cruised another five miles to reach Pat and Dicks’ beautiful home. A generous neighbor with an empty dock let us use it while they were gone so we parked our boat 100 feet from their home —- very convenient!



Arriving in Holland





A home along Lake Macatawa



We spent the afternoon telling looper stories and reliving some of our past adventures. We were their guest for dinner before returning to our boat for a peaceful night of rest. Tomorrow we have been invited for breakfast before departing for South Haven. Our wonderful visit just doesn’t end.



Along the lake



Arriving at Pat & Dick’s



With the cool nights and changing weather patterns I have the feeling that the 2012 Great Lakes boating season won’t last much longer and that is the reason that most Loopers try to move off Lake Michigan and enter the river system by the middle of September. Picking a day to cruise on the lake is doable, but trying to cover long distances without built in weather delays is just plain risky!
Their home on the lake



Moor $tuff at the dock



Pat & Dick’s boat – Gypsea

Moor $tuff 2012-08-23 19:27:00

By on August 23, 2012 in Moor $tuff
Wednesday, August 22, 2012

86°08.480’ W

42°47.158’ N

Pat and Dick’s home

Holland, Michigan



Leaving the dock



Going out the channel of
White Lake



Barb and I got a late start today departing White Lake. The ride down the lake was a mixed bag of 1 to 2 foot waves followed by three foot rollers with wispy white caps. Today most of the sea was on our beam making for an uncomfortable ride.



After entering the harbor in Holland we cruised another five miles to reach Pat and Dicks’ beautiful home. A generous neighbor with an empty dock let us use it while they were gone so we parked our boat 100 feet from their home —- very convenient!



Arriving in Holland





A home along Lake Macatawa



We spent the afternoon telling looper stories and reliving some of our past adventures. We were their guest for dinner before returning to our boat for a peaceful night of rest. Tomorrow we have been invited for breakfast before departing for South Haven. Our wonderful visit just doesn’t end.



Along the lake



Arriving at Pat & Dick’s



With the cool nights and changing weather patterns I have the feeling that the 2012 Great Lakes boating season won’t last much longer and that is the reason that most Loopers try to move off Lake Michigan and enter the river system by the middle of September. Picking a day to cruise on the lake is doable, but trying to cover long distances without built in weather delays is just plain risky!
Their home on the lake



Moor $tuff at the dock



Pat & Dick’s boat – Gypsea

Moor $tuff 2012-08-23 19:00:00

By on August 23, 2012 in Moor $tuff
Tuesday, August 21, 2012

86°21.073’ W

43°24.357’ N

Crosswinds Marine Service

White Lake, Michigan



Leaving Frankfort



Sunrise



Today we pushed hard and logged 97 miles. Lake Michigan let us know who is in command and we made the most of the day. The lake is starting to get rough and I know if we don’t get to the south end of the lake soon we’ll probably get weathered in for another period of time. The last two weather delays were both four days each.

 



Sailboat we passed



Big Sable Light



We caught up with Quest to wish them safe travels for the remainder of their loop trip. Tonight is probably the last time we’ll see Carl and Ricki until after they complete the loop. Quest will be crossing the lake soon then heading for the Illinois, Mississippi and Ohio River to return home.



Coastline



Little Sable Light



Entrance to White Lake



Barb and I have rented a slip for one month in New Buffalo, Michigan. We need a place to store the boat while we finalize plans for the boats winter storage. The plan is to return home as soon as we get the boat squared away in New Buffalo before taking a train to Delaware City early in September to recover our car! We parked the car there in April when we returned to the boat for our 2012 season! With luck the round trip to the east coast should take no longer than two or three days.



Abandoned White River
Lighthouse – now a museum



Tomorrow we’re planning a 60 mile day to Holland, Michigan where we will visit good friends Pat and Dick (Gypsea) at their home on Lake Macatawa. The Lake Michigan is starting to build so everything that we plan is weather dependent.



Moor $tuff 2012-08-23 19:00:00

By on August 23, 2012 in Moor $tuff
Tuesday, August 21, 2012

86°21.073’ W

43°24.357’ N

Crosswinds Marine Service

White Lake, Michigan



Leaving Frankfort



Sunrise



Today we pushed hard and logged 97 miles. Lake Michigan let us know who is in command and we made the most of the day. The lake is starting to get rough and I know if we don’t get to the south end of the lake soon we’ll probably get weathered in for another period of time. The last two weather delays were both four days each.

 



Sailboat we passed



Big Sable Light



We caught up with Quest to wish them safe travels for the remainder of their loop trip. Tonight is probably the last time we’ll see Carl and Ricki until after they complete the loop. Quest will be crossing the lake soon then heading for the Illinois, Mississippi and Ohio River to return home.



Coastline



Little Sable Light



Entrance to White Lake



Barb and I have rented a slip for one month in New Buffalo, Michigan. We need a place to store the boat while we finalize plans for the boats winter storage. The plan is to return home as soon as we get the boat squared away in New Buffalo before taking a train to Delaware City early in September to recover our car! We parked the car there in April when we returned to the boat for our 2012 season! With luck the round trip to the east coast should take no longer than two or three days.



Abandoned White River
Lighthouse – now a museum



Tomorrow we’re planning a 60 mile day to Holland, Michigan where we will visit good friends Pat and Dick (Gypsea) at their home on Lake Macatawa. The Lake Michigan is starting to build so everything that we plan is weather dependent.