Friday, August 1, 2025, Harrison Township, MI, Cousin Marty's

As usual I was up early. By 7:30 I had the blog uploaded, the Great Lakes plaque that Kerry wanted ordered and had placed a call to the Navy Vacation Rentals in Key West. I had to leave a message as they don't open until 8:00. I called central reservations but they said the February information was not yet uploaded, so to call back. The online reservation function gave me a scary message about hackers trying to steal my information. 

Picture off the computer of Kerry's Great Lakes Wall Plaque

The weather looks good for travel today and still OK for a Lake Erie trip on Sunday, which is forecast to be ESE winds at 10 knots. 

We decided to make the 9:45 bridge and did so with no issue. The trip to Cousin Marty's was 37 miles. It took us 4 hours and 15 miles. Our average speed was 8.7 knots (9 in the River). We've gone 736 miles to date. We passed Algonac Harbor Club at 24 miles. It was a very uneventful voyage, which is what we always hope for. Docking was uneventful too - no language or violence. It was a beautiful summer day to travel. Lunch was fried chicken, of course!

Typical boat houses on the North Channel of the St.Clair River

Cousin Marty sent us an article talking about a big lighted boat parade happening tomorrow night. That should be fun to see. It benefits the Humane Society. Cousin Marty's home is right on the river, so we'll have a front row seat. Jimbo asked if I was going to enter. I said I only had a solar anchor light for decoration. He said he would judge mine the best solar anchor light on the river. Finally, I said, I win a contest!

North Channel Yacht Club

Well, on the way here, I was able to get ahold of the Navy Vacation Rental office in Key West. We booked three nights, Feb 9-11th, in a three bedroom townhouse. Each night is only $167 which is a major bargain for in season in Key West. Tom and Beth are totally excited as our we. Then I took advantage of the Key West Express early purchase program to buy two discounted ferry tickets from Ft. Myers beach to Key West. I only had to call the customer service lady twice to get the booking completed. When I asked, she said, "Yes, she was glad not all customers were like me."

It's a little bouncy here on the River now with all the boat traffic. That's why Sister Marty did not want to stay on Annie when we were here last time. At night, though, the traffic stops and so does the bouncing. 

We both spent some time on the computer this afternoon. Kerry also had a nice long nap. I sat in one of Marty's Adirondack chairs and smoked a cigar, then moved to Annie's upper deck for a martini. It's like an endless boat show here on the river.  I can't imagine what the weekend will be like. Annie seemed to generate a lot of interest, judging by the number of double takes I saw. I would imagine most boaters here have never seen a Nordic Tug. One woman said she had never seen Annie before, then I heard her say, "I love Annie."

View of Annie from Cousin Marty's Adirondack Chair

View down the Clinton River from Annie's top deck at Cousin Marty's dock.

The Captain enjoying his martini.

We had (you guessed it) fried chicken for dinner followed by an Oreo cookie for dessert. Then we took our drinks to the top deck to chat and watch the boats pass by. We spoke to the Orro's who had just finished a very pleasant trip to Kincardine. Cousin Marty got home about 8:00 from finishing preparations for Tom's Big Art Sale taking place tomorrow. This has been months in the making so we are wishing them success. They have no idea how many customers will show up. 

Cousin Marty relaxing on Annie

We visited with Marty and Donna June until about 9:30 when everyone decided to turn in. Kerry invited Donna for breakfast about 9:00 tomorrow. After that we'll go to the sale, then we will drive Donna's car back to Annie. 

So, we only have one more voyage until we are in home waters. It's a nine hour, 75 mile trip, probably to East Harbor for a night or two of anchoring. We need to coordinate with Anne about getting us home or our car dropped off before we can completely finalize our plans. Sunday still looks like an OK travel day on Lake Erie. Fingers crossed!