GLORY DAYS ON THE GREAT LOOP: FABULOUS CHARLEVOIX

DAY 76 AUG. 18, 2011 DAY 77FRI AUG. 19, 2011
DEP HARBOR SPRINGS 07:55 ARR. CHARLEVOIX
AM FOR COOL, PM SUNNY WARM
D. 18.0 sm/136

The cruise to Charlevoix across Little Traverse Bay, is well protected except for the last couple of miles when you round Big Rock Point. We usually start out at 07:00 am, but the bay was foggy this morning so we waited for the fog to mostly burn off. We were warned about the bridge entering the Harbor. It opens every ½ hour, but the issue is, the channel leading up to the bridge is long and narrow, and, believe it or not has a strong current. As we approached the breakwater it was nearing the 10 am opening, so we decided to speed up to try to make it before the bridge closed. When we got to the channel we could see the bridge was closed, but the current sucked us in. Our choices were to try to hold the boat against the current for 30 mins, impossible, turn around, next to impossible, or try to tie up to the wall of the canal, difficult, but the easiest of the choices. Needless to say that’s what we did. When the bridge opened we went thru into Round Lake, a very beautiful harbor with multi million dollar homes and several marinas, the Municipal Marina being the nicest and least expensive. We had a beautiful slip and the marina was the best we have ever seen. On of the highlights of the trip was the private tour of Zita & John Winns boat house. Way back in the Erie Canal we were tied to the lock wall at Canajohrie, NY when this 45’ Silverton pulled in. Being a fellow boater I offered to catch the lines and help tie up. The conversation started and the owner introduced himself as John Winn, from Charlevoix, MI. They were doing the Great Loop and invited us to call them when we got to their homeport. If the name Winn sounds familiar, it’s because of Four Winns Boats. John Winn along with his brother was the founder. Needless we called them and they very graciously invited us (along with ten friends) to tour their famous boathouse. I have included some pictures, but you can see a video at the following website. (http://www.firstmateyachtcare.com/2011/02/08/winn-boathouse-video-tour-with-mr-winn/). Other interesting things in Charlevoix are the Mushroom Houses. Designed by Earl Young (http://www.visitmackinawcitymichigan.com/stories/earl_young_architect_builder_mushroom_houses_charlevoix_michigan), an architect school dropout. The marina buildings were beautiful and incorporated some of his ideas. We spent a great 2 days here.