Richard walking from the harbor to downtown Chicago

Saturday, August 28 Location: nearing Chicago Harbor lat 41 51 / lon 87 36

We just left our last stop – Hammond, In – where we had planned to stay for several days and take the train into Chicago for some sightseeing. However, one more attempt by our Captain, and we were able to secure a slip at Burnham Harbor in downtown Chicago on the campus of Shed’s Aquarium and the Planetarium. And, of course, a very short walk from Michigan Ave!

Chicago, here we come!

hair day on the upper deck

Jacque leaving with Bill and friend Mary

Light show on the waterfront in Grand Haven - every evening during the summer months

August 26, 2010 Location: enroute to New Buffalo, Mi

Tadpole and Blue Max finally have a smooth sailing day and are taking advantage of it. We left South Haven early this morning after our failed attempt yesterday morning due to more severe wind gusts. Since we arrived back in the U.S. at Drummond Island on Aug 08, we have had 8 weather days that made it too rough to travel and the day we decided to go from Manistee to Ludington was no picnic. The captain was at the helm with his feet stretched out for support, our brass bell with a hanging center hammer rang itself several times, and Jacque and I spent the entire 3 hours sitting on the steps breathing fresh air and holding on. When it is as rough as it was that day, it is not a good idea to go inside and/or down below, and we didn’t feel like crawling up the stairs on our “behinds”. So we sat. Bear took to his regular hiding spot and Barbie looked at me “wide eyed” and wanted to be held for a little security. It was Tadpole's roughest ride with us aboard.

Today’s travel will take us New Buffalo, located on the Michigan, Indiana state line and only 75 miles from Chicago, then tomorrow on to Hammond, In.  The lake is calm and we are relaxed.

Our original plans included a stop in the Chicago Harbor. However, the Tall Ships are at Navy Pier (24 -29 Aug) for the weekend, and this being the end of the northern boating season, we found it necessary to alter our route, avoiding downtown Chicago and all the boating traffic. We reserved a marina in Hammond, In. just several miles to the south which is near an Amtrak/South Shore station where we can ride a train to and from Chicago.

Jacque left us in South Haven Tuesday afternoon for home and another busy work year with the Portage Public School System. Bill, her hubby and Mary, her friend, drove up from Kalamazoo – just an hour ride – and picked her up after a short visit. It was super being able to spend time together again, walking, talking, laughing, and just doing “stuff”. Being with her makes me “happy”.







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