Well, Summer did end, and the snow blankets the dunes. We celebrated the return of the Sun with a trip to the Lake and it's snowy shores. Cap'n Sea and I were so glad we took the time to go to the over-look at Douglas shore to check on the lake and dunes even though the weather was bad and worsening.

Snow was flying, the waves were rolling at about 4 feet and the dunes were, as always, wrapped in beauty.

"Hellen", guarding the shipyards

Hellen, (double toothpicks intended and understood by all who know her by the sound of her honk) stands winter guard at the ship yard at Tower Marine. We aren't bunked there but plenty of the ladies are, wrapped up in blue from the mast on down and wearing the snowy white petti-coating that only a blizz'rd can apply!

Hellen seemed glad to see us and was eyeing us for the oyster crackers. Must have left them below decks.

Avast Matey,
Yesterday the old girl got put up on her trailer and hauled away like the Wench she is, slimmy green on her bottom and outdrive. It's a wonder her depth sounders could see through all that goop! She was cold already, nae, not so she wouldn't turn over, but reluctant to stay goin' on that last trip 'cross the shallow pond to the dredge-outa-the-water on the 'sea'ment slab.
Warren treats her right, tho, and will see that she gets to where she's going bye n' bye.
I spent the better part of the weekend gettin' her innards sorted thru and tidied up. Like wearin' clean underwear, ya never know who might be takin' a peek at the Great Pierenees while she rests. Cleaned her bilge and swabbed down the shiny surfaces and carpet cleaned the rest. Smells real good. Downy good. Ooops wrong commercial!
Finally lost that nasty blue fender to the dock. It ripped off the ladder as her port side grazed too close. The gelcoat was saved, however, and the fender went down doin' its job.
Goin' ta get me one a' them metal detectors next year to dredge the booty up from the muck which has claimed dropped treasures over the years. Several of mine I might be addin'. A hose nozzle, a 5/16 wrench, two wrench heads 3/4 and 7/8th, to name a few.
Will miss the ol' gal this Winter, but will undertake learnin' to navigate durin' the dark days and wait for Spring to start anew.
ARRRRRG!
CapNSea

Bye Bye, Summer 2009

I really don't want the summer to end....

It was a perfect weekend!

Dateline 9.20.09

Slept reasonably well on board, after seeing "Sunshine Cleaners"

Mattress did NOT deflate overnight. Joy abounded.

Sunrise observed by Captain Cheryl who was up early. 60 degrees, NW Winds at 11 mph.

Ritual Coffee at 07:00. Caffinated, thanks to the Grace of God and Uncommon Grounds in Saugatuck. We favor the blend which supports the preservation of the Dunes with it's profits.

Breakfast at M & M's Blue Star Cafe, with omeletes: one spinach and feta and the other onions, tomato and feta. Cinnamon Toast and Marcie's Bread: uncommonly delicious.

Captain took side trip to Fennville to view property listed at phenomenally low price. No curb appeal. (No curb) Too close to the road.

Plan to stay until mid afternoon, and depart before rain.

Arrrgh!

Dateline: 9.19.20

Dateline 9/20

Captains log

Great Pier-nees

Arrived fri. 9.18.09 night at midnight after great fish dinner at Benton harbor – Caprinis??

Mattress deflated overnight. Bitterness abounded.

Sat AM Ritual coffee (decaf!) accompanied by south-beach breakfast bars. Sadly satisfying.

Relaxation on the topside in AM

Capt K came alongside mid day.

Departed at noon for caffeinated coffee and supplies for the chili fest. Obtained a winter’s worth of Oberon!!!

Cast off after lunch.

Channel quiet, great lake Michigan like silk. Minor roll. One rogue wave hit mid day but only 2 feet high. Strange.

Anchored off south of douglas in 10 feet of water. Water temp 62 degrees. First mate somewhat nauseous.

The lake was calm and beautiful, thus we did not return for the chili fest.

Sunset outrageously stunning again, replicating an earlier weekend with Jeanette and Kim . First mate thoroughly documented via photos and video.

Returned to mooring in the dark. Channel Markers quite invisible in the dark. Search light not very effective given recent addition of pirate flag in it's beam. Docked... Success. Full. Ly. Thanks to Captain K. who caught us at the slip.

Capt K alarmed and nearly sent out search party when we didn’t appear earlier to eat chili.