Frankfort MI

Frankfort MI

The fish cleaning station at Frankfort MI

Leaving Leland MI under some good weather conditions, we anticipated a beautiful day. Although nice, the infamous Lake Michigan winds picked up, along with the size of the waves, making the ride a little less than comfortable. We were happy to reach the harbor ahead of about ten other Looper boats. Frankfort was hosting a fishing tournament and nearly every slip was filled. Fortunately, we had reservations along with Colonel's Lady. We planned on staying one night. And, now you know the definition of "plan"...it changes with the wind! We were to have another long, unplanned and unscheduled stay in Frankfort.

Ron hauls our bags of fresh water salmon back to boat

Just before we entered the harbor, we passed by the beautiful and pristine sand dunes of the Sleeping Bear National Park. Described in the guide books as simply breathtaking from the water, this author concurs. With white sand beaches and the backdrop of forest, the sight is awesome...even from a mile off shore.

Our prize for a long delay in Frankfort...a cooler full of fresh water salmon

After tying up to the dock, paying for our stay, and tidying up the boat, we decided to explore our surroundings. The marina is fronted by a lovely city park which, on this day, was hosting a small circus. Unfortunately for us, the last show of the day was already underway so we wandered around and through the "circus" enjoying the elephants swinging their trunks to and fro...as elephants are wont to do. Then dinner on Colonel's Lady...the last of our current supply of bratwursts.

Taking in the Big Top our first day in Frankfort MI

Plans are to leave in the morning but morning brings bad news as the winds are up along with the waves. Not only that but it is raining and cool. We are so disappointed because we were planning to explore Green Bay and get in a little fishing for the boys. If we get stuck here, our plans will have to be scrapped because Labor Day is getting close! I meandered to the dock office to pay the bill. While there, I commiserated with the dock master regarding our dilemma and, as we have found all along our route, how grand these people can be. He reached under the desk to a small refrigerator and gave me a bag of fresh water salmon fillets for our dining pleasure. No payment was allowed...just enjoy! You've never had fish so good.

Contemplating our "luck" at the Manistee MI Indian Casino

Well, another delay. Not only were the winds not cooperating but Colonel's Lady developed a fuel leak and we waited while they found a mechanic and were able to get underway. This meant another few nites in Frankfort so we rented a car to explore the surroundings including a trip to the Indian Casino just "down the street" in Manistee MI. Ron and Molly added another casino and some poker chips to their collection while Steve and I toured the casino and all its artifacts including the "one-armed bandits; aptly named! The last night at the casino, Ron ran to the local WalMart, at midnight, to pick up a vacuum sealing machine for our bounty of fish, compliments of the lady fishermen who won the Lady's Tournament.

The swans were daily guests off of our swim platform

Seems the Benzie Fishing Tournament was being held Friday, Saturday and Sunday; Friday was the women's portion of the contest. The rules of the tournament do not allow more than the daily limit of fish on board a boat so if there is a need to get rid of some fish, they are offered to anyone nearby. Well, Colonel's Lady was in the slip next to the winning boat and were asked if they wanted some fish. Of course you know the answer! Little did Ron know what he was going to get...16 HUGE fresh water salmon! Now, what do you do with that many fish on a boat with a little freezer? Share them with your friends.

So that was the reason for the vacuum sealer. The fishermen even cleaned and filleted the fish for us. Since our three day trip to Green Bay has had to be scrapped, all four of us were ecstatic to be the recipients of such a grand collection of fish.

The 480-ft tall sand dunes at Sleeping Bear National Park

Finally, Mother Nature has given us a calm day. Relatively speaking, of course. We decide to try the 50 mile crossing of Lake Michigan to Sturgeon Bay WI. A sister ship had arrived and docked in the slip next to us and is owned by a great couple, Fred and Geri, who summer in Sturgeon Bay WI and winter in Bradenton FL. They were planning on leaving either Saturday or Sunday but since we were going on Saturday, they decided to accompany us. If the "locals" were going to go with us, we decided it must be OK. The weather report from fisherman out on the water, via radio, was for calm seas so off we go, fingers crossed....