It is a day after Labor Day, and what do you know? Summer arrived to Northern Michigan. A little late to the party, but we are happy to finally experience warm sunshine and 80 degree temperatures, if even for just a day. We take advantage of the calm waters of Little Traverse Bay, the blue and white puffy skies, and the higher temperatures to anchor out and enjoy lunch before cruising to Charlevoix for the night.
The captain takes advantage of the warm day, shallow depths, and clear water to check and clean the underbelly of Prime 11. All is good!
By mid afternoon, with the wind picking up and the bay getting choppy, we pull anchor and head to Charlevoix .
Charlevoix is located on an isthmus between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. The very short Pine River connects Lake Michigan to Lake Charlevoix, with Round Lake in between.
A drawbridge (Route 31) crosses the Pine River just as you enter Round Lake. Our height is just short enough (with antennae down) to pass under the bridge without an opening, but it is close for sure!
This is the 2nd visit to Charlevoix on Prime 11. Charlevoix (shaar·luh·voy) is a cute town and quite charming on this sunny day.
Unfortunately, the one summer day ends. Storms arrive for several days bringing in, once again, chilly air.
Facing dreary days ahead, we take another boater’s advice and head to the local library, which we were told is just fabulous. Not many libraries come with such a glowing review! Actually, I don’t even remember anyone bringing up the subject of libraries…EVER!
All I can say is WOW! This is not your “mom’s library”! 😁 We end up spending the entire afternoon exploring between the shelves.
While the weather was disappointing, it did not stop us from meeting with Bill and Nancy, captain and mate of Rolling On, who we originally met in Little Current. Living in Charlevoix, they were kind enough to pick us up and drive us to dinner. Bill also agreed to take our dinghy from us and proudly display it in his front yard with his very own homemade “For Sale” sign prominently displayed. Thanks Bill and fingers crossed that his self reported sales skills are successful!
The bad weather keeps us in Charlevoix for several days, but once it passes, our plan is to head for Elk Rapids.