Lake Michigan , Summer 2005
A trip across the lake and back
Mom and Dad J put the bug in our ears about a trip across Lake Michigan in their new boat (right) a couple years ago. We decided to make the trip in July 2005 and turns out that Rob, Wendy, and Taylor could too. Spent a nice week with family and getting to know Taylor.
On to Wisconsin
Were met by Mom and Dad J at the airport and then off to treat them to an anniversary dinner. Then it was off the South Shore Yacht Club where they keep their boat.
Sunday, we got out for a run in the morning. There are some beautiful old craftsman style homes near the yacht club. Discovered an amazing little Italian market, Groppi's, about 10 blocks from the boat. Reminded us of shops in Pike Place Market, Seattle. Spent the afternoon in Germantown with Grandma & Grandpa J. Had a nice time talking with them and Gma J took us to see Chuck & Marie's resting places.
On to Macatawa, Michigan
Monday, we were up early and motoring across Lake Michigan to Macatawa, near Holland, Michigan. The last two hours we hit a lot of chop. Taylor did some impressive projectile vomiting on the upper deck (and Rob). At two, she doesn't have her sea legs yet.
Made it to Eldean's Shipyard a little after noon. Jim and Julie decided to take a jog to the beach we could see coming into the marina. There were nice trails in the nearby park but we couldn't find the one that led to the beach. Gave up and headed back to the marina for a swim in the pool. It was a HOT run; the mid-west humidity was in full force.
Had a really nice dinner at Piper's. Decided to take Emmy (Mom and Dad J's Dalmatian) ashore for a walk that night. Good thing we took a flashlight—the nocturnal spiders had reclaimed their territory. Webs were stretched between every post on the finger pier. We needed a flyswatter to make it to land; Emmy went first, naturally.
Grand Haven, Michigan
Motored up the coast to Grand Haven where we docked at the public marina along the river. It was a great location within walking distance of downtown and the beach. Over the next couple days, we made attempts to get a swim in the lake. Both days, the black flag flew at the beach due to high levels of contaminants. The first attempt, we all walked. The second attempt we got wise and took the trolley. At least Taylor enjoyed the beach playground.
Did some shopping around downtown, toured the local museums, and ate a lot! (Gotta love having a Greek cafe on the main street.) At night, we watched the water cannon shows across from the marina. Did some mini-golfing and a lot of hanging out. True to the Dilges nature, we played dominoes or some sort of game every night after dinner.
Milwaukee bound
The trip back to Milwaukee we had better weather, no projectile vomiting, and a private Blue Angel show. A jet made several fly-overs the boat as we headed out into the water. Amazing what those pilots can do.
Got back to Milwaukee Friday afternoon for some relaxation before heading back to Colorado. Caught the fish-fry at South Shore Yacht Club (something I think all Wisconsin escapees miss—the traditional Friday fish-fry).
Saturday, we said bye to Rob, Wendy and Taylor. Checked out the South Shore Farmer's Market with Mom and Aunt Rita (who drove down to hang out for a bit). Jim picked up a nasty virus so pretty much stayed in bed most of the day. A storm moved in right before we needed to leave for the airport. Interesting...sitting on a boat listening to tornado sirens going off... Made a stop for frozen custard (another thing I'm sure many Wisconsin escapees miss) before catching our flight back to Colorado.
