Lake Michigan vacation

sharps4590 · Post by **sharps4590** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 2:23 am

Nope...no quesitons about it as it's over but I do have some things to offer. A week ago today my wife and I got on a train in St. Louis headed for Chicago. My youngest son lives north of Chicago in Zion and that was our destination. Chicago....wow...tooooo many people, toooo crowded and toooo busy for this ol' Ozark hillbilly!!!!!!! Was good to get on the Metra and get outta there! No way could I live in a big city but, different strokes and all that.

On to Zion! My son took us on a tour of the harbors in Kenosha, nice place Kenosha and the park at the waterfront was wonderful, but still way too big for us. We toured the harbors at Zion and Waukegan where his father-in-law has his 36 ft. motor cruiser docked. Now this was our first time ever seeing such harbors and our first time on one of the Great Lakes. We were impressed. In particular I was thrilled with all the different sail boats. The slip next to my sons father-in-law held a Hunter 49. I was so in awe that that's the only one I remember what it was. I looked for Chryslers but didn't see any. I can't say I would recognize one without seeing the name as I'm so new to this wonderful sport/way of life. It was thrilling just to be in such a place and admire all the boats.
The evening of the 4th of July we finally got out of the harbor and took about an hour ride on Lake Michigan. That was just pretty cool too even if it was on a motor boat. I was impressed with the lake and the clarity. I had no idea what to expect but whatever I did was exceeded. We thought Lake Michigan was beautiful.

We came back about an hour before dark, ate and waited for the fireworks. We sat on Bobs boat and watched those being set off from Waukegan harbor then noticed that we could also watch 4 other fireworks displays from the fly bridge. That was something new and novel to us. Now we're used to one display. You can't see another towns display around here due to terrain and distance....which is fine with me...but it certainly was fun and interesting!

You guys who live on large bodies of water have great places to sail. I'm a little envious but equally very happy for you and glad we got to experience just one of those waters, even if in a small way. For just a few moments the dreams of youth returned and I envisioned myself on a big boat exploring the nooks and crannies I'm certain exist on such a body of water as Lake Michigan. But, as it almost always does, reality crept back in and returned me to the Ozarks. I'll be happy puttering around on our little lakes here, playing sailor, and keep the dream alive for "some day".

It was a great trip and a great experience.

Vic

sauerleigh · Post by **sauerleigh** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 4:15 am

You are not playing sailor, you sail. Every area is different with different experiences and for me, simple pleasures are the best.

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 5:39 am

Sounds like a wonderful time!
Thanks for sharing!

Scott

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 5:58 am

We're glad you enjoyed "our" lake. You were just one harbor south of ours, since we're in Racine. Kenosha is a nice harbor, in many ways similar to Racine.

Next time give us a heads up and maybe we can get you out on a sailboat!

sharps4590 · Post by **sharps4590** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 2:39 pm

tgentry, I believe I have an uncle in Racine. I know he's somewhere right in that area. I just now remembered that when I read your reply.

It was a pleasant and enjoyable trip all the way around. I'd sure like to sail on it some day.

Vic

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 11:09 am

skyking · Post by **skyking** » Sun Jul 11, 2010 7:36 am

Vic , nice story...

Just remember " Life is not measured by the breaths that you take, But buy the moments that take your breath away"

I too sail on a small lake, and dream big every day....Its the dreams that keep us going...I too would love to sail the great lakes some day, and living only 90 mile from lake Erie, I may just go up there and rent a day sailor just for the joy of it...

I just told my wife that after reading your post, we should go...I think its on the calander for next weekend..

Thanks for the inspiration

sharps4590 · Post by **sharps4590** » Sun Jul 11, 2010 11:23 am

thanks guys! sky, make sure you post up on your Lake Erie sail. Can't wait to read it.

Does one have to have any kind of rating to rent a boat on the Great Lakes? Say something 22 ft. or smaller?

Vic

skyking · Post by **skyking** » Sun Jul 11, 2010 3:31 pm

Vic,

I have rented small day sailors in different areas, and all I had to do was answer a few questions?

As for the great lakes , I dont know if they require anything or not? Maybe some of the others could shed a little insight?

I will look around on the web to see if I can find anything?