TERI ANN: Manitowoc

8/20/14-8/22/14

Finally we got a calm day on Lake Michigan, what a pleasure. We were a little nervous heading out of the Sturgeon Bay Canal because for days the forecast had been so wrong. Once again the forecast was for calm water, but we had no faith in it. It was great to leave the canal and see very small rolling waves, and the water got even calmer as the day went on. It almost felt strange not to be rocking side to side. We were originally planning on a short trip to Kewaunee, but it was so calm we decided to keep going. We went to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and stayed at the Manitowoc Marina (the only marina in Manitowoc). It was very cloudy all morning, but the sun came out as soon as we went into Manitowoc Harbor. On the way in we saw The Badger, a 1951 coal-fired passenger & car ferry that goes between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan daily. The future of The Badger's daily runs is uncertain. The U.S. EPA has noted that the Badger discharges the coal ash from its furnaces directly into the lake and has ordered the ship to upgrade to a cleaner fuel or shut down.

We plan to stay a few days because of bad weather. Al heard a charter boat captain on the dock saying he hasn't seen such bad summer weather here in 15 years.

We took the dinghy up the Manitowoc River to see the Burger Boat Company. Unfortunately there were no big fancy yachts to see.

We rented a car to make it easier to see the town. It felt odd to drive a car again. It was so easy to go to the supermarket & out to dinner, it gave us so many more options. We went to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, and took a tour inside the USS COBIA, the nation's most complete World War II submarine restoration, including the oldest working radar in the world. The museum was great, and it was fun seeing the inside of a submarine, although I felt a little claustrophobic, and was happy to get out.

We plan to head to Sheboygan tomorrow if the weather cooperates.

Leaving Sturgeon Bay Canal