Tuesday andWednesday, August 21-22. We left Pentwater early Tuesday morning in the cool, cool mist (quite a contrast to 100-plus degree temperatures at home). We started the day rocking and rolling, but by the time we got to our marina, Eldean Shipyard, Lake Michigan was almost flat. We passed by the long line of tall Lake Michigan dunes, broken only by harbors of refuge: White Lake, Muskegon, and Grand Haven; but our destination was Holland. This is the home port of our good friends and boating buddies Barry and Sheryl (Seaquel). Holland is also where our mail had been forwarded. Because we’ve been in Canada and haven’t gotten mail since we were home in early July, a huge box was waiting for us. (I’ll have to admit that I haven’t missed sorting through all those catalogs.)
Eldean Shipyard is a very, very nice marina, and Holland is a lovely resort community. The Lillys served as excellent tour guides, leading us to great restaurants (Boatwerks and Piper) and the delightful downtown area. In the winter, the sidewalks and parking lots are heated, so people come here year-round. Flowers lined the streets, and the Victorian homes and cottages were charming! What a pretty place and what dear friends are the Lillys. We will miss traveling with them, but they have now officially completed the Great Loop. Woohoo and congratulations to Barry and Sheryl!
We woke up early Wednesday morning to a strong thunderstorm, but although more bad weather was predicted during the day, we were treated to several hours of hot, sunny weather. Jane and I took advantage of blue skies to walk over to the beach area beside the Holland Harbor lighthouse, appropriately called “Big Red.” It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed the feeling of sand under my feet and waves actually breaking on my legs – and the first time ever in fresh water as opposed to salt.
As soon as we finished a delightful dinner at the Piper restaurant with the Lillys and Cowhigs, we noticed awful black clouds through the window. Rushing back to the boat, we saw strong winds whipping up the water. Bob added more lines and fenders, we zipped up the boat, and rode out the storm from the safety of Second Wind.
# posted by Second Wind @ 9:12 PM
