Greek's Folly on the Great Loop: Sept. 17-19 Charlevoix to Northport Marina

Sept 17, 18 Mon- Tues, Mackinac City to Charlevoix

We return from being on land in Illinois for 4 days, eager to get back to the boat and continue our cruising. The fall up north brings cooler temperatures, the sun rises but does not shine until late morning and the winds are unpredictable. After checking 3 wind forecast apps, we decide to leave Tuesday. The wind has switched to the northwest so the water thru the Straits of Mackinac were a one foot roller. The ride was comfortable for the six hour trip to Charlevoix. The marinas close early this time of year so we call ahead and got our slip assignment before the dock master left for the day. We arrive at 1645 - almost cocktail time. In the evening we strolled thru the popular, peaceful town, looked at the shops and enjoyed dinner at the Villager Pub. Early to bed after a long day.

View of the bridge from Mackinaw City

Short Vacation passing under the Mackinaw Bridge

Thje bridge entering Charlevoix opens on the hour and half hour to get
into Charlevoix marina

Sept 19, Wed-Charlevoix to Northport

Greeks Folly and Short Vacation checked both into and out of the marina this morning. Before we leave, we walked into town to look at the mushroom houses. The houses have cedar shaked roofs or thatched roofs that are curved and rounded and give a fairytale and enchanted feel to the neighborhood. We expect to see a dwarf whistling, coming out the front door. Once back at the boats we are out on Lake Michigan by noon traveling on our last leg of cruising for the season. The water is flat but again has a one foot roller. The three hour ride to Northport is smooth, a nice way to end our travels. We dock at the municipal marina and wait for our assigned dated to travel one mile to Northport Bay Boatyard to be lifted out of the water and stored for the winter. Our wait becomes extended again, due to the weather. The strong winds out of the southeast and northeast make for dangerous conditions to haul boats so the Boatyard postpones our date. During this time we clean the boat, empty and remove belongings and supplies needed in Illinois, and eat as much of the food as we can. Lol. We also have time for sightseeing to Sutton's Bay and Leland, nice little towns.

This year of boating has been different from the other three years - in a good way - more rustic and isolated, beautiful scenery, enjoying new friends and learning a lot about a different kind of cruising. These are all good things and we look forward to the continued adventures on our fifth and final year of the Great Loop.