Have we mentioned that Lake Michigan can act like a washing machine by turning and tossing everything in its path? Today was total proof of that. After much discussion with more experienced Loopers and checking out 4 different apps for weather, waves, wind direction, and wind gusts, it was determined we all would leave early the next morning. But nooooo! Pete double checked the weather around 5:00 am and discovered small craft advisories were in place until around 10:00 am but conditions would improve as the day progressed. We have this pretty cool app called NEBO which enables us to see our buddy Loopers. Everyone with us in our marina had already left and others from another marina north of us were moving as well. Everyone was on the move except for us! So then we were second guessing why we didn’t move too. Even solo Looper Matt and his dog Rosie were on the move and eventually joined us in the marina. And then all of a sudden, 3 other boats that had bypassed our marina were turning around and coming into Pentwater with us. I guess misery loves company and we felt like we had made a good choice by initially staying put. After more analysis of the weather, the 3 turn ins decided that once the weather passed they would head south to Grand Haven around 1:00. We decided to join them.
Our motley fleet headed out (2 fast boats – Van to Sea and Spring Fling and 2 Trawler/Crawlers that I call them – Chipmonk and Elba). We were doing great. The waves weren’t hateful and the skies were beautiful. We were going fast to arrive as quickly as we could to Grand Haven. The day had turned out as the forecast had predicted by getting better as the day progressed and the waves were actually getting less. Gorgeous day to travel! Then over the VHF Radio we heard an alert from the Coast Guard to take shelter in a safe marina. What? The skies were great and everything looked fine. A quick check of weather showed a line on the Wisconsin side of the lake. But it was North of us and we should arrive before it came across the lake. But shortly thereafter, the waves started kicking up and coming up and over the bow reminiscent of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride last year. (That’s another whole story). Captain Pete said, “We’re turning around and Co-captain Cheri concurred. Pete radioed the 3 other boats and they agreed as well. We all turned around and headed back to Pentwater but the weather was moving way faster then we had anticipated. The 2 fast boats arrived and were docked in the marina as the storm quickly approached. The 2 Trawlers unfortunately were caught in the wind, waves, and hail right outside the channel and entrance into the marina. They finally made it back in and were secured to the docks. Lake Michigan and its weather had struck again! We all ended up staying in Pentwater for 4 days.
By the way, we have been in Grand Haven since Friday and today is Sunday. Gale Force Winds are predicted from tonight until Monday night with waves 7-10 feet out on Lake Washing Machine. At this point, the weather looks good for moving on Thursday.
Whoa! Glad you’re paying such close attention to the conditions and trusting your gut. Great that you have established open comms with other loopers, too. Seems like the options provided by a fast boat could even be considered a must-have safety feature. It’s not an adventure without a little danger and excitement, right?
Hi Mark,
Thanks for following along on our adventure. There are as many different ideas and thoughts on purchasing a boat as there are personalities. A lot of people do the Loop on a Trawler/Crawler (my term)! They typically go slower. Some people like the speed and go for a faster boat. We have met some loopers who have a much smaller boat called a Ranger Tug is capable of going really fast just in case they need to move quickly. Our boat is in between and with diesel prices such as they are, we typically move along at 8 1/2 knots. But yes, connecting with other loopers has been a positive aspect of the loop so far.
Thanks, Cheri and Pete