After I finished the dishes last night, following a dinner of fresh green beans, steak and fingerling potatoes, I started to feel a bit unwell. We were confined to the boat most of the afternoon after a lovely walk to the beach. We had hoped to tie up at the Frankfort Municipal Marina, but it was full. A fishing tournament – a big one- is scheduled for this week, So we were left “blowin’ in the wind”. It was pretty blustery mostly 18 with some 25’s and perhaps more thrown in for excitement. Our boat was swinging faster that a carnival carousel first one way and then the other. The shoreline behind us swept across our stern – not in the gentle slightly revolving restaurant but like speeding along in semi circles on a motorcycle (without the engine noise!) I had to lie down. I closed my eyes and felt better in a few minutes. By 8:30 it was time for bed as we were both tire of the swinging. Somehow, it’s not so bad when lying down. Sometime during the night things calmed down a hopeful sign for better sailing conditions today……Or not!
Our plan was to head north to South Manitou but again strong winds from the north east (the direction we needed to head) had us sailing at 5-6 knots over the period of 3 hours and gained only 3 miles toward our goal (over 25 miles away). Reflection was sailing really nicely, but not able to head into the wind and the waves were building. We called it a day, turned back towards Frankfort. In less than a half hour we were between the channel markers and put the anchor down where we began the day. We are currently ashore, enjoying the public library internet and not bouncing around! In a bit we’ll take a nice walk out to the beach and enjoy some sand between our toes.
Such is the life of a sailor. We ended our fine sail back where we started. We could have arrived at South Manitou- perhaps tomorrow! Or, turning back means we can enjoy all Frankfort has to offer another day (or two). Bonus, an eagle welcomed us back to the harbor with a very close flyby and demonstration of their fishing skills.
Glad we had another night with you!