Charlevoix

 We got in to Charlevoix late and barely got dinner before everything closed.

On our approach to the Charlevoix channel we saw a freighter leave a calcite quarry.

Much of Lake Michigan coast is sand but in the form of dunes that are pretty high. In a day or two we will be passing sleeping bear dunes.

Entering the Charlevoix channel

Entering through a draw bridge



The next day when we left was the Gaylord Poker Run for boats. Boats were anchored and rafted the entire length of the little lake in the middle of the channel to see the competitors. The channel leading to Lake Michigan was filled with spectators and chairs reserving places. As we passed through the channel it was like we were part of a parade with people waving at us. When we got to the lake it was littered with boats of spectators.
The entrance channel lead to a small lake surrounded by homes, condos and lots of boats.


In the channel leaving Charlevoix. There were several boats leaving when we did to get positioned to watch the poker run.

Then in late morning it started. All kinds of boats came flying by going to their checkpoints. Some passed quite close. It was a nice distraction for the calm winds we started with, so much so that we missed a wind shift and wandered in shallow water.
A poker run isn't a race but don't tell these guys; best hand wins from collecting cards at 5 stops.


The morning started with no wind then we got decent wind out of the NNW. It doesn't take much when it's from the right direction. The it died down but was still out of the north so we tried the spinnaker for the first time. Shortly afterward, the wind totally died again, even too much for the spinnaker and we gave up and started the motor and took down the sails.




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