Our Lake Michigan crossing from Sturgeon Bay was a challenge but our visit to Ludington was great! We wanted an adventure and we wanted to revisit places we'd been during our Great Loop journey but we also wanted to connect with friends. Ludington is the home port of friends, Bob and Sue aboard their Monk 36, Mirror Image. We buddy boated the Erie Canal with them when they owned their Looper boat, the trawler Osimo. We were together from Waterford, New York to Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron, sharing many experiences and memories. Last year, we'd driven over to Ludington to spend time with them. This year, we'd be dock neighbors once again.
 |
| With Bob and Sue Ludington, Michigan 2025 |
 |
| Mystic and Mirror Image Ludington, Michigan 2025 |
When we got to slip B17 at Ludington Marina, Bob and Sue greeted us with big hugs and an offer of fresh salmon for dinner. Ludington is a huge fishing port and the salmon were running heavy this summer. Dock mates were sharing their bounties daily. Bob grilled the fresh fish with salt and onion. After the 11 hour crossing, we were hungry and grateful for the wonderful meal. We were also exhausted. We excused ourselves early to get some rest.
 |
| Mystic at Ludington Marina slip B17 |
We had reserved our slip for two nights but decided right away to stay longer. In addition to wanting to spend more time with our friends, the weather was not cooperating with our plan to head north to Frankfort. Storms were coming in. Our best option would be a Sunday departure. We were told we'd have to move out of our slip and over to the wall in order to stay. Luckily, we met a Looper boat on the wall and told them we'd be moving behind them. They said they were moving to the slip next to Bob and Sue but were willing to stay on the wall. Their generosity allowed us to move right next to our friends for our third night. We were grateful that things worked out so perfectly.
 |
| New Looper Friends |
After catching up on much needed rest, we awoke refreshed and ready to explore. Nancy and Bill came to visit us aboard Mystic. Nancy had followed our journey on America's Great Loop but this was the first time she had seen our boat. The moment we hugged, and it was like time evaporated; proof that we share a true, lifetime friendship that lasts forever and picks up right where it left off. Bob and Sue joined us on a walk to find a place to have dinner. We hoped to eat at the Jamestown Brewing Company but the line was long so we we settled for the Grand, a small local eatery with amazing fish offerings. After dinner, we sat aboard Mirror Image until 11:30, long past all of our bedtimes. Our chat led to the discovery that Bill grew up in Michigan and Bob and Sue and Bill and Nancy know some of the same people in the area. It is a small world.
We made plans to hike Ludington State Park with Nancy and Bill but rain and storms came in by mid day, so we visited their lovely home. The day evaporated into evening while we reminisced and caught up. In search of dinner, we went to Meijers Market and grabbed a roasted chicken, Amish potato salad, sesame noodles, and green salad with fruit and nuts. We ended up staying until 10:30. On the ride back to the marina, Nancy and Bill drove us around town and showed us their favorite sights. At the beach, we saw the Manitowoc, a bulk carrier, coming up the breakwater. It was lit up like a Christmas tree and filled the entire entrance channel. With eyes wide open, we watched from the shore, as it made it's way past the Badger ferry dock. When we got to the marina, we continued to watch it move up the river to it's docking port.
 |
| With Nancy and Bill Photo by Nancy Miller Osborn |
It was time for us to continue on our journey. Sue gave us salmon for the trip. This was the second time that dock mates shared their fresh catch. One couple also offered a taste of their own blackened salmon. It was fabulous! They used Zatarains Blackening Spice and soaked the fish in melted butter before pan frying it in a cast iron pan. Surprisingly they did not use oil. When we cooked the fish, we used our stainless Magma pan, melted lots of butter then added Zatarains Creole Seasoning and Old Bay. It was delicious in a hot dog bun with mayo; simple perfection!
 |
| Cooking Salmon aboard Mystic |
On Sunday morning, Bob and Sue helped us cast our lines and we were off, headed for Frankfort. It looked like we'd have a beautiful day to sail but the forecast wouldn't go as planned. That is the reality of cruising. We make plans A, B, and C and hope that one of them will work out in the end. Some days can be challenging but most days bring new adventures and experience with new challenges that we face.
No comments:
Post a Comment