Staying Put

Mystic is tucked into slip 10 on Stephenson Island, a tiny spit of land that sneaks under the interstate bridge between Marinette, Wisconsin and Menomonie, Michigan. It sounds really cool to say we're on an island, even though this is not a exotic location. There are only about about 30 slips on our pier, 75 in the whole marina. Most boaters are only here on the weekends. It's very quiet during the week.

Mystic tucked into slip 10 at NestEgg Marine

Marinette/Menomonie sunsets are always gorgeous

Stormy skies reflecting on the River

We decided to stay put this cruising season for several reasons. One major issue is that our land home has been neglected for the past 5 years of cruising. This spring we began the overwhelming task of catching up on maintenance. It's time consuming, but so rewarding to see the transformation after elbow grease and fresh paint have been applied.

Newly painted porch

In addition to house projects, we have many boat projects that we've put off while we've been cruising. Dave finally installed the new drains in the aft section of Mystic where standing water collects. We replaced worn and aging halyards and lines. Last year we applied eight coats of varnish to our brightwork.  We'll add a couple more coats to keep up that gorgeous shine we strive for. Our main hatch developed a soft spot which Dave patched with epoxy and teak laminate. In addition, he will add solid mahogany strips to the top of the hatch for protection. It will  give it a traditional look that matches our new doors.

Patch will be covered by a new top

Hatch will match these doors

Drilling the hole for new drains, YIKES!

Ready for drain

Looking nice and neat, a place for water to go

Hoping the drains will keep water from collecting

Staying in one place allowed us to explore the area. We are directly across the bay from Door County and there are many harbors and islands for us to visit. Mystic is familiar with Door County. At one time she was a charter boat based out of Sister Bay. We bought Mystic in Escanaba, Michigan, north of here. These waters are home to her.

Our marina is a small community that makes it easy for us to meet everyone. Our dock is our neighborhood! We share pot luck meals under the picnic shelter and tell sailing stories late into the night. We've gotten to know Marinette and Menomonie quite well on our walks, bike rides and road trips. Brother's Three is our favorite spot for Friday Fish Fry, a great deal at only $5.99. It goes down well with a Ahnapee Little Soldier microbrew.

Marinette sunset

Smooth sailing local Rum

Running Wisconsin

Menomonie Michigan

Kayaking Red Arrow Point

Seagull Bar

Our original plan was to cruise Canada and the Georgian Bay all summer. Canada didn't make entry easy at first and the number of Loopers has exploded, making dockage limited. It was easy to put that plan on hold until next year. It's a good thing that we stayed put! Nothing worked out the way we had hoped due to family obligations. A big chunk of summer was spent out east helping family with caregiving of my aging mom who has been struggling with health issues. We were so glad that we didn't have to leave Mystic in Canada in order to fly to Connecticut!

We'll spend as much time aboard Mystic as we can manage. Each visit lightens the stresses of every day life and fills us with peace.