Chapter 8: Double Trouble

We arrived at the Frankfort, MI marina a little early and it was a smooth docking. Proceeded to do our usual tasks of tying the bow, stern, then midship lines. Bridgett places the fenders then preps the electrical cable for on-shore power connection. Bill shuts down the engines and the dashboard of controls. Lastly, he pops down to connect the electrical cable to the marina power. This time, the connection failed. Despite multiple tries and help from the Harbormaster, nothing worked. Bunches of “F” bombs later…“Think McGyver think.” Bill spotted a small dark spot on the cable end connector—he suspected a burn. With borrowed tools, he cut six inches off the end, confirmed a slight wire burn, stripped the wires, then repaired the end connector. What a hero! Power restored.
As our departure date from a marina approaches, we monitor four weather apps (NOAA, windy.com, BuoyWeather, and KSL weather from back home). Aug. 1 was a planned departure from Jacobsen Marina in Frankfort. (Fabulously fun Shakespeare show in the woods, wide sandy beach, and a golf game in the countryside!) Then stormy weather was reported for that day so we canceled our travel to Manistee. Mother Nature changed her mind overnight and the morning was not stormy at all. Bill changed our marina reservations again and we quickly geared up to leave. Lake Michigan was surprisingly (and delightfully) calm! We barely swayed over the smooth glassy water. It rained slightly mid-way and we wished for windshield wipers. Squeegee to the rescue!Read more