July 17-23 Eastern Lake Michigan Cities

We left Mackinac Island Heading to Harbor Springs, but after bouncing through 3 to 4 ft seas we (Vicky and Cutter) decided it would be nice to see Mackinaw City 6 miles from our previous port. Our Captain agreed. The tourist city reminded us of International Drive in Orlando. Not much to say.

It's sad to see many churches have been sold to individuals or organizations. This is the Crooked Tree Art Gallery in Petosky. I bought a great piece of glass art there.

Petosky was a great small town. Time to renew our prescriptions. We called Wes at the local independent drug store and he delivered them on his bike after they closed. We had him in for a glass of wine and watched the sunset.

After he left, we started talking to Ben and Kirk, pilots for a privately owned small plane.

The trip to Traverse City found Lake Michigan smooth as glass.

Traverse City marina adjoined a park with a children's train, ice cream shop and sidewalk chalk.

Interesting outdoor sculpture is everywhere. You just have to look. Noticed this Indian as we were walking under the street from the marina into town. John found a store dedicated to cherries, cherry jam , jelly, wine, candy, teas, dog biscuits unbelievable.

Since, we have a small refrigerator and freezer on the boat, it seems that in every other port we find ourselves at the bakery and and buying fruits and vegetables. Today we were headed to town and found a great farmer's market at the base of the marina.

We arrived late in Elk Rapids, but found it was the Wednesday night street festival. Two of the three block long streets were closed to vehicles . 500 or so people had gathered

for food from the street vendors and local restaurants

An Elvis impersonator entertained us he was good, but not near as good as Mr. Music, Vohn.

Back at the marina, a reminder of the use of the boating funds . Several fishing piers were built along the breakwaters to be enjoyed by the locals.

We moved on to Frankfort for a two night stay while the predicted 4 to 7 foot seas passed. The weatherman lied just a lot of rain and 3 foot seas, but we had paid for the marina and I was happy to be tied up anyway.

Moved along to Ludington, couldn't resist this great use of an old truck.