Petoskey

Leaving Charlevoix on Wednesday, June 12, we found ourselves in fog so thick we could not see the lift bridge until we were almost next to it.  We arrived right at 10:30 a.m. and it opened within a few minutes to one long/one short blast from our horn.   Alice and I took the first watch and failed miserably as we got to talking and missed a waypoint turn.  Luckily we were going out and not toward land.  We corrected and got back on course, but not without stern looks and headshakes from the men-folk.

David has found his new career in Petoskey

The fog cleared late morning and we arrived in Petoskey to bright sunshine around 1:00 p.m.  Alice and I had heard about Petoskey stones and had seen a few that had been collected in Charlevoix, so we were determined to find some of our own.  We hopped on loaner bikes provided by the marina and peddled along a flat bike path that followed the lake to a state park five miles away.  There we found a beautiful sand beach with hardly any stones.  That did not dissuade us, however, and we walked a mile along the beach until we came to an area that showed some possibility.  We intently searched for over an hour and found not a one.  About halfway back to the marina, we met a man coming up a path from the beach carrying stones.  He showed us his Petoskey stones and told us he had found them in about 15 minutes.  Assuring ourselves that this was the spot,  we hunted again and again did not find any.  We came to the conclusion that we really did not know what we were looking for.  We consoled ourselves by reminding each other that collectors told us the pattern was very hard to spot unless the stone was wet.
A little farther toward the marina is a section of town called Bay View Association.  This area began as a Methodist camp that featured speakers, educational opportunities, music, etc.  It grew to over 400 "cottages" most of which were built in the late 1800's or early 1900's --Victorian architecture with  beautiful woodwork, stained glass windows, and wrap around porches.  Today the cottagers, many at least 4th generation,  can only live there April through October.  Daily speakers, music and activities are still offered. Alice and I had a great time riding our bikes through the area and visiting with a few locals.
Meanwhile Tom and David walked to the West Marine store (surprise, surprise!) and David came across the shop advertising his new profession as a hairdresser.  Tom has managed to come down with a dandy cold, so he is not too inclined to sightsee--but West Marine is always a siren song!

Last sunset with Alice and David aboard

Thursday morning David and Alice rented a car and we all rode back to Muskegon.  Our intention had been to play a round of golf before leaving them to return to Farmington with our car as we headed back to the boat.  But with Tom's head cold, a windy day and a longer ride than anticipated, that did not happen.  Instead we took a long lunch break at the Antler Bar in Pentwater before we had to say good-bye.  Such good friends and so easy to have on board.  We will miss them.  Thank heavens for internet and cell phones!

Good ol' Antler Bar in Pentwater