Day 88: Good Things Happen to Those Who Wait

Day 88: October 14: I am starting to sound like a broken record. As predicted, the nasty weather continued with winds increasing as the day went on. Icy rain kept us all indoors throughout the day. Around 2:00 David came by to talk about the possibility of moving off the wall. The wind had shifted, now blowing from the north, causing the river to rile up and heave through the breakwater. Our boats were rocking and fenders were squeaking as they rolled back and forth against the concrete wall. David and John walked along the bank beyond the bridge, looking for somewhere to move to; another wall to tie up to or a more protected place to drop the hook. With no decision made, David returned to Zendeavor. John and I were discussing our options when we heard a knock on the door. Standing outside were David and two men. 

It was our lucky day! One of the men announced "I am your friendly harbor host. Let's get you off of this wall"!

The next thing we knew, Gary (the harbor host) was onboard Slàinte Mhath, directing John further upriver, through the two bridges into the area of Marina Island. Gary's friend Henry was waiting on shore to help us tie up at Gary's dock located along the island's homeowner's association. Gary and Henry then left to help David bring Zendeavor through the same passage to another vacated dock space. 

We soon met Jamie and Chris, two of Gary's neighbors. Jamie was working on his boat; when Gary told him we were Loopers waiting out the weather, Jamie immediately asked if we needed anything at the auto-parts store as he was planning on going there in a bit. John and David both did so off they went. Meanwhile, Sandra and I were chatting with Jamie's wife Chris. Before too long she invited us into her house where we continued our conversation over a cocktail. As it turns out Jamie and Chris are contemplating looping in a couple of years so are interested in hearing about our adventure. 

As if the use of a dock wasn't enough, we have been offered the use of a car, shower and laundry. These folks could not be kinder! There are angels among us. 


Day 89: October 15: Slept like babies in our adopted dock space! The sunrise was beautiful. Gary knocked on our door early in order to give us his wife's car keys in case we wanted to go to the grocery store or something. He said he was on his way to church and would be back around 2:00. 


Sandra, John and I headed to town later in the day. David remained behind, working to find a leak on his boat. We took full advantage of having a car, loading up on enough food to feed an army, or at least a few hungry Loopers! 

Once all the groceries were put away, Sandra and I took a 6 mile walk back across town along Silver Beach County Park which runs along the lake. It's a beautiful stretch of beach and despite the cold and wind, busy with people including several wind surfers; flying back and forth across the waves. I imagine the beach becomes quite busy during the summer months when Lake Michigan is calm. Today she was riled once again, drawing onlookers; mesmerized by massive waves crashing around the breakwater and lighthouse under a stunning backdrop of dark clouds hiding the sun.

AND SO WE WAIT!



Dinner and a couple of games of Blokus topped off another perfect day.


SUNSET OVER MARINA ISLAND





 

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