SUMMER 2015

We have been home in Laguna Beach a few days...acclimating to living on land in our house! It is a bit of an adjustment :) It's kind of funny, by habit - We both still check the weather forcast for Lake Michigan first thing every morning? 

The most enjoyable part about being back in California is seeing friends and family and reminiscing about this summer's Great Loop Adventure aboard Thistle. 

We are frequently asked what was the best part of the trip? And that is very difficult to answer... Here is an attempt:

The adventure of visiting North America together by water...every place we visited this summer was a first time new experience for both of us, it's truly overwhelming...and exhilarating! And at the same time we had to depend and trust each others decisions to survive and be safe (navigating, docking, locking, reading charts, anchoring, communicating, listening to weather reports...etc) while living in tight quarters (believe us, that part is overwhelming...and exhilarating too)!

Over the last few days we agreed on the three best moments of the summer (Not in any order). Anchoring at Bad River in the Georgian Bay and observing the Perseid Meteor Shower on Thistle's Flydeck, Seeing a Black Bear swim right in front of us across Collins Inlet and Watching the sunset while sitting on the Pink Granite Rocks in the Benjamin Islands.

This summer we also had the pleasure of experiencing great comradery with fellow Loopers. It was wonderful to share stories and tips, exchange boating cards, play cards, buddy boat and enjoy a few "Docktails".

Another highlight of the summer was Bill & Carolyn visiting us for three nights aboard Thistle...We appreciate their big effort to meet us in remote Canada to share some of Loop Life :) 

And possibly the best part of our summer 2015 was knowing we had so many friends and family traveling with us every day...by following our blog and wishing us well on Looplifewithgregandreenie!

Thanks...XO until next summer :)

The Great American Loop - Blue Line (We plan to finish some day)!

Our Summer 2015 adventure aboard Thistle - Red Line.

Happy to be home in Laguna Beach.

XO

IRISH BOAT SHOP, CHARLEVOIX to TRAVERSE CITY

We enjoyed our last night aboard Thistle and got up early Friday morning to "Ship Shape" her for the winter. 

It was a short 20 minute trip from the CHARLEVOIX City Marina to IRISH SPRING BOAT SHOP on Lake Charlevoix. We docked, signed our winter storage contract and said our good byes.

We rented a car and took a short tour of the local "UP" area and spent one night enjoying TRAVERSE CITY (It's a little disorienting being on land and sleeping in a hotel, we are both still moving like we are aboard Thistle?).

On Saturday morning we walked to the TRAVERSE CITY Farmers Market, relaxed sharing breakfast at a nice side street cafe and headed to the airport. 

We retuned our rental car and checked in for our flight home. The TRAVERSE CITY Airport is a very small regional one, where we connected through Chicago to LAX.

Looper Tip: IRISH SPRING BOAT SHOP is a great winter storage spot.

Dear Blog Followers ... We will have one more summer 2015 "wrap up" post in a few days XO :) Thanks.

The "Big Picture" where Thistle is this winter :) On Friday morning we passed some colorful beach huts near IRISH SPRING S BOAT SHOP.

Thistle ready to be moved inside to stay warm in Michigan.

All "Ship Shape"!

Signing our winter contract.

Our rental car sight seeing adventure path.

Back to Petoskey for tea at Dripworks, to Wallon Lake and Boyne City.

Then rode on the Ironton Ferry... Check out the 1884 prices :) Today a car with passengers is $3.25 for a short 5 minute ride.

TRAVERSE CITY is the Cherry Capitol of the World! There are tooooooo many cherry products to imagine?

Nice TRAVERSE CITY shops.

TRAVERSE CITY is a trendy food and wine destination.

The Saturday Farmers Market. 

Cherry Capitol Airport 🍒 on our way back to home in Laguna Beach.

PETOSKEY to CHARLEVOIX

It's been a wonderful and busy few days in CHARLEVOIX:) We are still amazed by the beauty of Lake Michigan and the charming small towns in this region. Upon arrival in a new port, we typically ask each other..."Will this be a one or two night town?"...And guess what, CHARLEVOIX was a five nighter!

The city of CHARLEVOIX is named after French explorer Pierre Francois Xavier de Charlevoix, who traveled the Great Lakes. The city was settled by fisherman who were here in 1852. In the late 1800's the Charlevoix Lumber Company shipped more than 40 million board feet of lumber. In the 1880's  professors from The University of Chicago formed the First Summer Home Association. During Prohibition CHARLEVOIX became a popular meeting place for many influential Midwesterners. 

The City of CHARLEVOIX is located on Round Lake and has a very nice Marina located right in the center of the town. CHARLEVOIX has a long history as one of the finest summer tourist destinations, since the early 1900's. Our first night docked here there were eight other Looper boats in the Marina. We all met in the park that evening to share stories and Looper Tips. 

Since the weather here is changing sooner that expected and we are not thrilled about crossing Lake Michigan this time of year ... We are excited to let you know, we secured warm inside winter storage for Thistle here in CHARLEVOIX, rather than hurry to Green Bay (as originally planned). 

We rode our bikes (about two miles) to visit the winter storage facility, and are very pleased with our decision. Once that was accomplished, it was easy to relax and celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary, and enjoy the the last few days aboard Thistle for this season :)

Tomorrow morning we will take Thistle to her warm winter home. It's bittersweet to realize that this summers journey is coming to an end. But, our pictures and memories of Loop Life 2015 will last for ever! 

Looper Tip: Terry's Restaurant in CHARLEVOIX is fantastic. We recommend their Whitefish with stewed tomatoes.

Our Sunday journey from PETOSKEY to CHARLEVOIX - about two hours.

There is a breakwater and bridge to enter CHARLEVOIX. The bridge only opens on the hour and half hour. The breakwater reminded us of entering Newport Harbor. 

Lots of very nice boats in Round Lake at the City Marina CHARLEVOIX.

CHARLEVOIX is famous for its 31 Mushroom Homes designed by Earl Young. He worked mostly in stone and boulders he found around northern Lake Michigan. His designs are very distinctive because of his use of curved lines.

CHARLEVOIX, Thursday Farmers Market ... Fall is here!

The homes on Round Lake have huge boat houses attached to their living area.

On Wednesday we rode 25 miles from CHARLEVOIX back to Bay Harbor to complete the Little Traverse Wheelway Trail.

Look what we saw on the trail :)

Summer homes around CHARLEVOIX. 

Visible from the CHARLEVOIX Harbor entrance. 

Beach time on Lake Michigan.

The weather is changing !!! We experienced one severe storm while in CHARLEVOIX. Trees blew over and the Marina stairs became a river??? Our Bimini blew off Thistle (It can be fixed :) ... More than a little scary! From what we understand these Fall storms just get closer and closer together across the Great Lakes, and then it's winter.

Fall colors on Round Lake.

The trees are starting to look like Fall.

Stormy skies on Thistle :)

Happy 30th Anniversary XO

Starting year #31 at dock # 31... :)