We left Pentwater early on Friday morning and had planned to run to Muskegon but the water was very calm so we decided to run to Grand Haven which was about 56 miles. We came into Grand Haven about 1:00 P.M. We called into the municipal marina when we were a few miles away and they said they had one slip available so we asked them to save it for us. The municipal marina does not have fuel or pump out so we stopped at North Shore Marina and got fuel and a pump out. Diesel was $4 per gallon. The municipal marina is right on the river and has about 30 slips. Grand Haven is the busiest river I have ever seen. There was a constant stream of boats that went well into the night. Right across the river from the marina is a huge water fountain where they have a musical light show each night in the summer. It is like fireworks only with water and no bangs (OK, it's nothing like fireworks). The city is very close to the marina so we walked in to find a place for lunch. We were told to go to Pavilion's Wharf Bar and Grill for good burgers. They have 1/2 pound and full pound burgers. Ginny and I both got 1/2 LB burgers and it was one of the best burgers I have ever had. Perfectly cooked, good seasoning and great bun that didn't get soggy. We walked around town which is about 5 blocks long and they had some very nice shops. Many of the business's have a decorated fish statue in front of the store and they were all decorated differently. There were at least 6 Looper boats in the harbor and one of the boats hosted every one for drinks on Friday night. We got to meet a bunch of Loopers that we had not seen or met until now. The couples were from California, Florida, Alabama and Canada. Of course all of the guys were on the fly bridge and the woman were on the lower level. It's always interesting to compare stories between what I heard from the guys and what Ginny heard from the women. We had planned to stay in Grand Haven another two nights because the weather was supposed to get bad through Sunday. The marina said they didn't have space for us on Saturday night so we decided to leave Grand Haven and run to Holland about 20 miles away on Saturday morning before the weather got bad. The run was nice and we followed another looper boat which is always nice to have company. Holland is another busy harbor. When we came into the harbor there were 3 people on surf boards crossing the busy harbor without any regard for the 30,000 pound boat heading straight for them. We were able to get space at Eldean Shipyard which is right inside the channel. A very nice marina with great facilities and a pool. We will be here for two nights. The city of Holland is not close to the marina so we called a taxi to take us into the city. We (I really mean me) were hungry so I picked the first restaurant I came to which was called the Windmill. Now how bad could it be? Let's just say that I have been forbidden from picking the restaurants from now on. Downtown Holland is very upscale and there are a ton of stores and places to eat. Holland is the home of Hope College which is a small 4 year college right in the city. I wasn't really hungry after my fabulous lunch but I saw a pie store. Pies, pies and more pies, Oh My. My head was spinning and my heart was a flutter but I finally settled on a Cherry Crisp with ice cream. I was willing to share with Ginny and Cherie but they didn't want any so I had to eat the WHOLE piece. Ginny was sitting with me so I couldn't lick the plate but it was great anyway. When I got back to the boat I needed some Gatoraid to settle my stomach but I recovered in time for dinner at a great place right at the marina. The wind is still up so we will be here until tomorrow at least.
Leaving Pentwater
Sand Dunes on the way to Grand Haven
I think they ride dune buggy's here
Approaching Grand Haven
Grand Haven Harbor Entrance
Inside the Channel
Nice Facility right on the river
Local power plant in Grand Haven
Ginny and Cherie at my cheeseburger place
Fish art on the streets of Grand Haven
Looking down main street towards the river
The grandstands for the water show
The water show across the river
A farmers market near the marina
Leaving Grand Haven
Approaching Holland
Look closely at the idiots crossing the harbor on surf boards
The docks at Eldean Marina in Holland
One of the nice houses in Holland
Nice statue in the city of Holland
4 dogs, are you kidding
You will be coming upon many of those paddleboarders especially in Florida in the ICW...more on the Atlantic side of your trip. It's very popular there. Having fun following you and reliving the Loop through you :-)
ReplyDeletePaula Sue Russell
M/V OceanBreeze
I think that gas tank had my name on the bottem.
ReplyDeleteHope I don't hear from the EPA.
Well, now you have me weeping.Having had an old wooden Chris Craft manufactured at the Holland, Michigan manufacturing plant. They were in production there from 1939 until 1989. Now a small industrial park and boat storage facility. I understand that the old water tower is till standing with the old C.C. logo. I can't confirm this though. My prayers and thoughts are with you, safe passage.
ReplyDeleteCuz Dave
Glad to get the update! Sounds like all is well. We have a very pleasant ride into White Lake on Friday morning and today I am back at my desk on campus and Marge welcomed 4 of her charges to the house bright and early!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear all is well and you continue to enjoy the Michigan shoreline!
Mike
Ginny and Craig,
ReplyDeleteHi from Ray and Deb Blake (Live Wire), friends of Mike and Marge. We hope to meet you face to face soon. Wanted to give you a heads up that there are two locks that are closing Sept 8-24 for maintenance. They are Wilkens and Amory on the Tenn-Tom. Contact us at rdblakeatdelau@aol.com We are currently at Clifton Marina, Clifton, Tenn. On the Tenn river.
Ray