The Winner: Lake Michigan

Channel Entrance

Welcome to Grand Haven. 

South Pier

North Pier

Even though there are 2 bends in the river the surge carries well past the Municipal Marina.

There was a fair bit of damage on Tuesday and through the night.   A fender board on one boat was destroyed and 6 lines were snapped among the 5 boats here.

We have had plenty of time to wander around and we have made 2 successful trips to the West Marine store.  I was able to buy two 50 foot lines which I could not find in Canada and on my second trip, I had no trouble replacing the broken stern line.  It was rather uncomfortable on the boat so we ate our meals at restaurants.  In fact, the Grill Room at the Kirby served up one of the best prime rib that I have ever had.  They had a great Shiraz on their wine list that we used to favour years ago until it became too expense in Canada.  At the restaurant a bottle of Jacobs Creek from 2006 was only $20. 

Sleeping through the Gales was not pleasant.  We moved to the second stateroom because their was less movement and I was fine except for the three times that I got up to adjust the lines.  Linda was less able to sleep and spent the night on the couch.  Gravol was a necessity for both of us.

While on Lake Michigan we have travelled, not necessarily comfortably, but have travelled a total of 8 days.  On the other hand we have had 12 bad weather delay days thus far.  We have conceded, Lake Michigan wins.  Here I thought that we were smart to plan to be off the Lake by mid September to avoid the weather.  Note to self: more research required next time.

Grand Haven Beach

The 3-4 footers are calling us out on Thursday; we will see how far we get.  More photos of the river:

Up River