15 August, 2021. Another beautiful cruising day on Lake Michigan

71 SM; 9.5 hours

A nice anchorage last night.  Cool, calm and not too much bar noise from the nearby shore.  Peaceful sleep.  Up early to check weather.  Another very favorable cruising day.  Not flat calm, but for Great Lakes’ water smooth enough.  We raised the anchor at 0655, maintaining no wake speed for the next thirty minutes as we made our way back to the inlet and Lake Michigan.  Still air and wisps of fog on Kalamazoo river.  

Kalamazoo River

Exiting the inlet we turned nearly south and headed toward our intended destination at St Joseph, MI.  About four hours away.  Arriving, there were more bothersome boat wakes than lake waves and the forecast for another five hours was the same.  We pressed ahead toward our new destination, New Buffalo, MI.  I called the municipal marina who informed me they had slips at the state DNR rate.  Paid by credit card; we were good to go as there really were not suitable anchorages.  We continued SW bound for another 4.5 hours.  Easterly winds did pick up to 10-12 late in the afternoon, but with little fetch to really build up much of a swell.  Choppy but not too bad.  Crazy busy inlet entry with all of the Sunday yachts and go fast boats racing to beat each other before the no wake zone.  We just got out of the way and let them pass and stir up the water really good.  All good once at the no-wake zone boundary.  

Yacht club did not recognize Bois D’ Arc yacht club

Really nice clean muni marina.  We docked and secured Serenity at 1615.  A long, but satisfying day.  (Map)  Once we had all secured, fenders and lines in place and shore power connected, we walked into town.  Actually, the marina is surrounded by the town.  A decent grocery store was only four blocks away and we picked up freshies, pretzels and cookies.  Supper on the picnic table in front of Serenity.  Cool breeze coming off Lake Michigan with nearly cloud free skies and bright sunshine. Kim’s marina video

Very nice marina and happening town on Sunday afternoon

This will be the last town in Michigan.  Tomorrow we cross state boundary and enter Indiana.    Long day, we are pooped and sleep should come early.

5613 SM traveled; 1985.6 hours hobbs