Across Lake Michigan and Door County

Thursday, Aug. 29, our guardian angels worked overtime turning Lake Michigan into glass.  We could not have asked for a smoother crossing.

North Manitou Island Shoal Light
now home to hundreds of cormorants.

A flock of about 20 white swans
bid us farewell from the Michigan shore
near Manitou Islands

As we neared Death's Door (the passage between Washington Island and the tip of the peninsula),  small waves started forming.  We had called Sister Bay to make a reservation (you cannot make them until the day of arrival) before losing phone service on the Michigan side and were told we were 11th on the waiting list.  We did not get service back until we rounded the peninsula near Ellison Bay.  When we finally did reach the marina,  we were delighted to learn they had a space reserved for us.  Our dock neighbor turned out to be a looper--George and Mary aboard Beach Quest.

Bluffs on Green Bay side of Door County

Perhaps Door County's version of House on the Rock?

Lighthouse near Death's Door

Pat and Jim drove up to join us Friday and Saturday.  Sister Bay Marina was hosting their 20th annual marina fest Saturday, so we had all kinds of activities and food to enjoy.  After beginning the day with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the fire and rescue squads, we toured the boat show.  Most were wooden boats, but this aquaboat was quite a crowd pleaser.

Cruising along the breakwater

Aquaboat's license plate
Be sure to notice the bumper sticker

The wooden boats were beautiful.  The upkeep must be massive!

My favorite--a new england guideboat
made by the man sitting behind it.
Has oars in the front and a paddle in back.

An old Cruisers wooden boat.

Beautiful 1920's craft.

Many activities were planned for children.  The boat building tent was an especially  big hit.

Intense concentration at the
boat building tent.

Coast Guard's Coastie was there
promoting the use of life jackets. He
was remote controlled and talked to the kids.

There were also items of interest for older kids.

Tom and Jim studying Kahlenburg Steam Engine

Pat by Little Tug, On Deck

The afternoon began with a dinghy poker run.  We chose not to enter and decided after seeing the pre-game water gun fight that it was a wise, warm decision.

Gearing up for the poker run.

In the afternoon a water ski troupe from Green Bay entertained.  Their staging area was directly behind Raydiance.  What a performance!  In less than perfectly still water, they built pyramids, skied barefoot, upside down, backward.  I found myself holding my breath several times.

Daddy-daughter duos

How do they do this??

Raydiance kept an eye on the gear.

The evening ended with a fine fireworks display over the water directly behind Raydiance.

Love the reflections in the water.

Sunday morning we were going to get an early start, but storms were threatening so we forced ourselves to eat another breakfast of Swedish pancakes at Al Johnson's with Pat and Jim before heading out.  Al Johnson's Restaurant features a grass roof that is kept manicured by goats.

Yes, they are real goats!

After breakfast, we said good-bye to Pat and Jim and headed off to Kewaunee, Wisconsin.  We have spent time with Pat and Jim on or near her birthday, Sept. 2nd, the last two years.  So much fun.  I hope it becomes a tradition.