Put In Bay - The Ohio Islands

We woke to a beautiful morning at Cedar Point Marina in Sandusky. We headed out onto Lake Erie to cross over to the Ohio Islands thinking we'd have an easy cruise. The lake wasn't quite as nice as the dock though. As soon as we entered the breakwater we were under assault from chaotic waves. The channel is quite narrow with shoaling just outside. We had a terrible time getting through. Mystic was struggling with massive waves that hit us head on and broke over our deck which caused our bow to lift then slam with each roll. A sailboat was tacking back and forth in front of us slowing our progress. They finally passed from the port side and waved us by. We made it to the lake and pointed our bow in the direction of the Islands. 

Our first views of the Perry Memorial

Perry Memorial visible from Sandusky

Swinging around South Bass Island to Put in Bay

Homes on the cliffs of South Bass Island

South Bass Island Light

Benson Ford Ship house on South Bass Island

Crossing Lake Erie to The Erie Islands

The crossing was rough. We took the straightest path to land then moved just offshore to get some protection in the lee of Kelly's Island. It was a busy Saturday on the lake with boats and ferries zig zagging across our path on a wet and bouncy ride. We moved from Kelly's Island to South Bass Island while suffering the wrath of a big blow that battered Mystic until we could put land between us and the north wind once again. Each time we were wide open to the north we'd get hammered. We could see the Perry Memorial almost all day; a beacon marking our destination. We rounded Middle Bass Island, then worked our way back to the north channel and slipped into Put-In-Bay Harbor. We'd been told the mooring balls are first come, first serve and, sure enough, there were many available. We grabbed one across from the Boardwalk Marina while Osimo grabbed one two balls away from us. We thought we would be protected here but we were under a constant short chop during our entire stay!

The mooring balls at Put-in-Bay are a great deal at $45 a night with free launch service. We'd never seen mooring lines like these. Most mooring balls have a pennant that you grab to lift the chain. These mooring balls had a metal ring in the center of the ball. I grabbed the ring with our boat hook and quickly realized that I had to lift the entire heavy chain to our deck. I just couldn't do it. Dave ran to help; he never leaves the helm while mooring but the wind was giving me a heck of a go and I was close to losing the chain. It was a lot of work but we were finally tethered in place.

Osimo at Put-in-Bay

Once we were settled, we called the launch for a lift ashore. Bob and Sue decided to stay on board Osimo so we were on our own. The minute we reached the docks we were overwhelmed by noise and people. The Island was mobbed with party goers, families, bachelors and bachelorettes. There are over 800 golf carts on the island. Every single cart was rented for the day. Dave looked at me and said, "This place is like Key West on steroids!" 

We walked along the waterfront, past the marina where boats were rafted up three deep. Music was blaring like an outdoor concert and folks were dock tailing all along the piers. We arrived at the section of the Island called "Key West" to a wild party scene happening at every outdoor bar, shop and patio. 

Put In Bay Party Marina

Golf Carts Everywhere

Ohio Historical Marker - Creation of the vacuum tube

Lifeboat built in 1897

One ton anchor from schooner
Amareta Mosher - 1867

Key West North

Mile 1444 Key West

The Weather Rock

The Tiki Shack

1813 Long Boat

Round House Bar & Liquor

We stopped at the Perry's Victory and International Memorial which we'd seen throughout our day of cruising. It is a magnificent 352 foot Doric column that commemorates the war of 1812 and honors those who fought in the battle of Lake Erie. We could have gone to the top for only $10 but the line was long and we had so much yet to see. 

Perry Memorial view from the harbor

Of course there is a floating tiki bar

Perry Memorial

352 Foot Doric Column

Sun rising on Osimo, Put in Bay

All of the bars and restaurants were overflowing with patrons but we stumbled upon The Tree House Bar on the second floor of a retail shop. We enjoyed a Rhinegiest Truth IPA as well as a respite from the crowds. Everyone was shooting finger slingshot salamanders at the fake trees, trying to get them to stick. If you were successful you were rewarded with a free beer.

We left the Tree House Bar in search of Put-In-Bay Brewing Company. On the way we discovered Cooper's Woods Preserve. We took a walk along the trail, breathing in the smell of fresh earth and pines. It was quiet which was in great contrast to the hustle and bustle on the streets. The microbrewery is off the main strip. It was full of patrons but we found one seat at the end of the bar. A young man was sitting next to us. I asked if anyone was using the chair. He said he was waiting for his friend but they were leaving so we could have both chairs. I asked him what he'd ordered and he said he had the Reuben. I laughed and clarified that I meant what beer did he choose. He said he had coke because he had to go to work as a Put In Bay police officer. His friend returned as I was peppering him with questions. We chatted for the next half hour. I wanted to know what kind of crimes happened on the island. He told us he handled a lot of drinking in the streets and people driving erratically in the golf carts. When I asked what the worst crime in the history of the island was, he told us there was a murder. Apparently, after a drunken fight one person was knocked unconscious. His contender left him behind a dumpster where he died. The survivor was charged with murder because he didn't seek help. Yeah, the biggest problem at Put-In-Bay is definitely drinking!

We made our way back to the harbor and hitched a ride to Mystic on the launch. We were sitting in our cockpit, enjoying the afternoon when a small boat approached the mooring ball next to us. They were having a heck of a time figuring out how to attach their boat to it. One guy was laying on the bow trying to grab the ring. Everyone moored around us just sat and watched the show. Finally, I yelled, "Use your boat hook to grab the ring. The boat hook wasn't long enough and the poor guy dropped it in the water. Luckily, it floated; I yelled to the folks in the cockpit to grab it as it floated by. I suggested that they get the ring from the cockpit which is closer to the water then walk the line to the bow. It was quite the production but they managed to succeed. There was a lot of yelling, and laughing and fumbling but we finally got them settled on that dang mooring chain. They told us they had just purchased the boat and had never been on a mooring ball before. 

At six o'clock we were still sitting outside enjoying the evening. Suddenly, we heard a beautiful voice singing the National Anthem. We looked over to the Boardwalk where we could see the American Flag being lowered for the evening. I grabbed my phone and video taped the remainder of this poignant moment. When the song ended, the entire harbor, marina and shoreline erupted in cheers and blowing horns. This happens every day at Put-In-Bay. We were so glad that we were there to experience it.

Osimo rocking to the National Anthem

Perry Memorial under lights

Sunrise over the Perry Memorial

Good morning Put in Bay