Saturday, August 24: Petoskey to Frankfort, MI: We go Over the 3,000 Mile Markon Our Trip!

Date:                           August 24, 2013

Day on the Cruise:     131

From:                          Petoskey Harbor Marina, Petoskey, MI
                                       
To:                               Frankfort Municipal Marina, Frankfort, MI

Statute Miles:              91.9 SM

Time:                           9.25 Hrs

Cumulative Miles:       3,073.7 SM

On Board:                   Susan, Chuck, Maggie, Trooper, Peanut

We traveled 92 miles today and tonight we are in Frankfort, MI.

On the other side of the "Michigan Mitten" about a third of the way down the Lake Michigan coast

Another milestone was achieved on today's trip. We have cruised over 3,000 miles on "Blue Moon" on our Great Loop adventure. Tonight we are feeling every mile of it, too. This was another long day. We felt like we had to do it because not only was today a good weather day, but it may be the last good day until this coming Wednesday. The forecast is for very high waves in Lake Michigan, including some in the 6-8' range.

Our departure from Petoskey this morning came right at sunrise. Once out of the harbor, we dodged fishing boats trolling for God knows what out in Little Traverse Bay. One guy trolled right in front of our boat, crossing our path close enough to spit on him. He pointed to his lines as if to say "don't run over these". I threw up both hands in response. He then just put his boat in neutral and dared me to run over his lines. What a jerk!

Departing Petoskey this morning after getting past the fishermen

The seas were calm enough for the most part. Making the 10 mile or so crossing of Grand Traverse Bay was pretty rough. The wind was blowing out of the Bay into Lake Michigan and we were on the weather side of a long fetch. Once past this big bay and back in the Lee of the land, it was OK.

Seas today

View out of the Front Door this Morning

We saw a huge yacht making its way North out in the ship channel. Looking at the AIS, its name was "Blue Moon". I googled her and found out she is a big 198' long mega yacht and is owned by a wealthy Chicago business man. And she is available for charter for $375,000 per week plus expenses. Such a deal!

Mega Yacht "Blue Moon" cruising North on Lake Michigan near Leland, MI

We passed the famous sand dunes of Lake Michigan. We were running with the Isinglass zipped down because it was so cold, and we really couldn't get real clear pictures, but these brown sand cliffs were pretty impressive. Some are as high as 450'!

Huge sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Point

Tall sand dunes along the coast

Very tall dunes along Platte Bay

Brown Sand Dunes North of Frankfort, MI

Vista of Sand Dunes

Frankfort is in a protected natural harbor called Betsie Bay. We are at the municipal marina docked bow-in. There is a big fishing tournament here this weekend. (I hope I don't see that jerk from Petoskey down here.) They are fishing for Salmon. The docker told us that someone caught a 34 pound Salmon yesterday. And I thought all these guys were fishing for perch!!!

The lighthouse at the entrance to Frankfort Harbor, MI

Heading into Frankfort Harbor, MI

The Municipal Marina at Frankfort, MI

The Municipal Marina at Frankfort, MI

We are in Frankfort for the next few days anyway.

Thanks for Reading!