Chicago

We headed out early hoping to have calm waters for our 60 mile trip to Chicago. We were delighted to see the lake calm, which has been a rare sight. Lake Michigan didn't behave for long. About an hour into the trip we hit heavy dense fog. We couldn't see a thing, so it was back to relying on the radar. The fog lasted about 2 hours, but at least it was calm. When we were about an hour away from Chicago the wind and waves picked up. It got pretty rough, plus as we got closer to Chicago there were boat wakes everywhere. It also seemed like every boat wanted to head right for us or cut right in front of us. I guess that's to be expected traveling on a big holiday weekend.

We were able to get a slip at the 31st Steet Harbor, which is a relatively new marina. It was the only marina near Chicago with an available open slip.

Tomorrow we'll go sight seeing in Chicago.

Leaving Racine at dawn

Sunrise over calm Lake Michigan

Chicago

Navy Pier

Chicago Harbor Light

Tour boats everywhere 

31st Street Harbor  

Racine

Another rough day on Lake Michigan!

The sun was shinning and the lake looked much calmer than yesterday, so we decided to head out. The forecast was showing that the wind and waves would diminish as the day went on, so we got a late start on purpose. We headed out and the waves were bigger than we would like, but manageable because they were right on the bow, so we headed for Racine which was only 21 miles away. As usual on Lake Michigan conditions went from bad to worse. When we were about half way to Racine the wind & waves increased. We also went through 3 severe rain squalls which really made the wind increase and reduced visibility to almost nothing. Once again we had to rely on our GPS & radar, and hope for the best as waves were splashing over our bow. We were so happy to turn into the harbor at Racine.

The lake is supposed to be calm tomorrow (LOL!) so we plan to go to Chicago. Not sure where we'll stay because all the marinas that I called said they were full for the entire weekend. As always Al is confident something will work out for us. 

Leaving Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Breakwater Light

Wind Point Lighthouse, began functioning in 1880 with a kerosene lamp. At 108 feet, it is one of 

the tallest and oldest lighthouses still serving navigation on the Great Lakes.

Aban Lighthouse in Racine harbor

Reef Point Marina

Reef Point Brew House

Red sky at night, sailor's delight

Hopefully this is a sign that we'll have a good travel day tomorrow.

Lakeshore State Park

8/29/14

We enjoyed our new location at the Lakeshore State Park. Here are some pictures from the park.

We were the only boat.

Sunset

Milwaukee

8/26/14-8/28/14

It was really cloudy when we left Port Washington. Of course once we were out on the lake the waves were bigger than forecasted. At least the waves were on the stern. This boat handles a following sea pretty well, so we had a comfortable ride, but the auto pilot had to work extra hard to keep us straight as we surfed down each wave. Also a thunderstorm moved in much sooner than forecasted with heavy rain, thunder and lightning, but thankfully it stayed just south of Milwaukee. We pulled into McKinley Marina and filled up with fuel. They had a good price of $3.57/gallon.

In the afternoon the skies cleared and the sun came out. We went exploring in the dinghy. We went as far up the Milwaukee River as we could. It was fun to be in a big city. There are several low bridges that cross the river.

We rented a car to see more of Milwaukee. We went to the Harley Davidson Museum and went on the MillerCoors Brewery Tour. We enjoyed the free samples at the brewery.

8/29/14

Al returned the rental car this morning. It wasn't too windy so we decided to head out. We wanted to go to Racine. We left the marina and poked our bow out into the lake. The waves were the biggest that we've seen on Lake Michigan. We turned right around and headed back into the harbor. We pulled into a slip at the Lakeshore State Park. It's a little south of McKinley Marina so now we have a different view of Milwaukee. We're the only boat here. Looking at the forecast, we probably won't be able to go to Racine until Sunday.

Leaving Port Washington

Port Washington Breakwater Light

On the way to Milwaukee. Another cloudy day.

Thunderstorms & lightning in the distance. Luckily it stayed south of us.

Milwaukee 

Big mooring field near the marina

The sun came out in the afternoon & we went exploring by dinghy

Milwaukee Pierhead Light

Heading up the Milwaukee River in the dinghy

Lots of low bridges

Big ship coming into the Milwaukee River

Sunrise at the marina

Our rental car

We enjoyed the Harley Davidson Museum

We went on the MillerCoors Brewery Tour

Inside the brew house