Grand Haven to Chicago

We spent a few days at North Shore Marina in Grand Haven cleaning and outfitting the boat. We drove a rental car from Cincinnati, which we used for several days to make the necessary grocery trip runs. North Shore, while a great marina, is across the river from Grand Haven proper and definitely scores a zero for walkability.

It is approximately 107 miles across lake Michigan to Chicago. We fill up with diesel fuel at North Shore, which we were told, has the lowest price in the area at $4.00 a gallon. When you need 220 gallons, a variance in price adds up! We now wait for the weather window to make our trek across the lake to Chicago.

This was not the day! For safety and comfort, it is vital to pick the right day. Schedules cannot always be kept when boating!

Once again, we will dock at DuSable Harbor. The birds, with their noise and smell, welcome us back.

DuSable Marina is the best located marina in Chicago. Adjacent to Navy Pier and the Chicago Riverwalk, it is surrounded by skyscrapers and is the only harbor close to the loop. The prices are a bit steep, at $3.50 a foot, but we can walk to just about anywhere.

We are assigned the t-head of dock B so the birds on the break wall provide a constant background chatter whenever we are outside the boat.

On our journey across the lake, we unfortunately encountered an issue with our batteries. So, our stay in Chicago got extended several days as we scoured the city for 4 marine batteries that could be delivered to our boat. At $300 a piece, and 70 lbs. each, this was not only an expensive project but an intense labor issue to remove them, return the cores, and finally replace the new ones all in a very tight area under the cockpit. We needed some large muscles on small frames who are also contortionists!

Luckily, we found the batteries along with some young and willing dock hands. Together the challenge was met and our problem solved! Thank you boys!!

During our wait for batteries, we were also able to hit some of the tourist spots, install a water purifier, watch the Wednesday night fireworks, dodge incoming thunderstorms, and spend time with our son Jack and his girlfriend Jill.

Goodbye windy and stormy Chicago. A fun, but expensive, layover! Next stop: Joliet, Illinois.