More Photos Enroute to Frankfort

The coastline has changed now. The bluffs are high with huge sand dunes in places. The beaches are gorgeous with aqua, clear waters - very picturesque.

The photo is of a commercial boat and one that we've seen only on Lake Michigan. They have fishing nets that you have to watch for. One has to keep more of a watchful eye for the sport fishermen. They are large in numbers, love to congregate right in the middle of harbor entrances and are focused on their fishing - not other boats on the water. Sport fishermen don't have the right of way, but the rule of prudence says you'd best stay out of their way!

The State of Michigan offers municipal marinas that are affordable and always clean.
The private marinas sometimes are nicer with more amenities, but for a price. We've done very little anchoring this trip, which has been rough on the budget.

More Leland Photos

I'm not sure if the photo shows the craziness of rafting boats out from the slips. It makes quite the sight as one looks out over the small marina.

Each small town is unique and has its own personality. One common thread throughout the Michigan coast is the parks with sitting areas to enjoy the sights, beautiful hanging baskets or planters with flowers, picnic tables and one park offered swings. It's been nice to slow our pace a bit and enjoy some of this.

The other two photos are of Fish Town, the fish shanty shopping area in Leland.
I've enjoyed whitefish dip, a local recipe, but did not care for fish sausage when I tried that!

Days 76 - 80, Aug 18th - 21st, Leland and Frankfort

It was a nice cruise down to Leland and there was room for us on arrival. This is the only harbor that we've seen the marina raft boats out from the slips. We had two Looper boats rafted in back of us - it required some coordination when we wanted to leave the next morning!

Leland is a small fishing village. Shops and restaurants used the old fishing shanties for a unique setting. When the 130' yacht arrived, it definitely seemed out of place. Note the red amphibus car on the deck that is used as a tender/dinghy. Yes,it has propellers and can travel 10 knots on the water!

We totaled about a dozen Loopers in Leland. Each port gathers a few more, as we all work our way to Chicago in the next 2-3 weeks. On average there are 300 cruisers doing the Loop - pretty amazing, eh? We met several others for cocktails and snacks on shore and then went out for dinner.