Off to Chicago and then, take 2

St Josephs was an adorable town. We took the bikes out and explored and it was nice. We had some amazing pizza from a place that was located in an Amtrak station. It definItaly was 100 times better than the South Haven Pizza.

We had docktails with other loopers that night and a quiet night to get ready for our trip across to Chicago.

1. Downtown park which you pass on the way to the marina

2. Upfront picture of the stainless steel statue at the park

3. Bike path which leads to the park

4. Downtown street- leaves are starting to turn

5. Amtrak station and pizza joint

6. Beach

7. View of the beach from the pier

8. Mike on the pier. All of the lighthouses have catwalks to get out to them in inclement weather. What fun.

9. Lunch at a brewery

10. Michigan grass is quite lovely. Ollie can’t get enough of it.

11. Just liked the mural on the building

Tuesday morning we woke up and were ready to head the last 40 miles across the lake and make our way to Chicago.

The weather was saying otherwise, but we took a leap of faith that all would be good. Things started off just fine and then we could see storms in every direction.

I don’t usually post the nebo log, but this one tells it all so I posted it.

1. We couldn’t decide where we were going for a bit.

2. Weather ahead and really all around.

In the end, we did the right thing and headed to the absolutely last place we

wanted to stay—-Michigan City. Of course the afternoon everything cleared up and we probably could have made the run. But they were still forecasting more storms in Chicago and we didn’t want to risk it.

So, here we were in Michigan City. It’s a rather industrial town. People were friendly enough. It gave us another state in our stopover portfolio as its in Indiana. But, truth is, its kind of the armpit city of the eastern coast of the lake. They have to exist. Not every town can be cute and touristy.

The marina had very high metal fixed docks. I should have gotten a picture….

I decided to take the day and get some work done. Back in VT we are in the process of moving the Mad House Rentals to a new property management group and its a big PIA to make the switch. It was a great day to bang out a lot of stuff for the group.

After that, we decided to get some dinner and at least check the town out a bit.

We have met and become friends with a couple from the Boston area. They have a beautiful Kady Krogen, but I digress. He had recommended a brewery for dinner so we went there. I think we have eaten at more brewery’s then any other kind of restaurant. They are everywhere and seem to be the most trendy. So far, the food and beer has always been good.

We walked through town, which was, well industrial. But when we arrived at the brewery, they had live music. We haven’t had much live music on this trip, so it was like “ Yay”. Maybe I have underestimated this city.

We had a nice meal and then came the music. What can I say? It was a little rough around the edges for sure.

But still, it was a half an hour of entertainment before we decided it was enough. Back to the boat to get ready for “ Take 2”

1. View from Marina

2. walking across the bridge

3. Gotta have that water Tower

4. Another stainless steel statue. We were surprised to see it in this city.

5. The very best song they played

Wednesday morning came. There was some good wind and waves were definitely being sporty. But, they were following seas, so we went for it again.

This time, we made the 40 mile trek in 2.5 hours. It was a little “sporty” with 6 foot waves but the seas were following so it was all good. This is when the boat shines. Only 4 boats that we follow on Nebo made the trek across. Us and 1 other swifty, the Kady Krogen and a Grand Banks. We chatted with several others who decided it wasn’t worth it. But our boats, well, it’s what they do….

HELLO CHICAGO! 👏🎉❤️

Picture taking was a little tough. Gizmo for one, was not excited about the weather and was literally being hugged - with Mike and I taking turns- most of the way.

What a great time we had in Chicago, but I will save that for the next post.