Short run over to Leland

Sunday, May 28 -- North Manitou Island to Leland Township Marina (14 miles)

We woke to yet another calm, clear, cool day. John decided to tackle that sand dune, so he launched the dinghy and off he went. Janet stayed back to take pictures.   It took him close to 25 minutes, with half a dozen stops to catch his breath, but it was worth it. He's the little tiny spec at the top.

Here are pics that he took along the way...

This last photo was taken up at the top of the dune. The circle patterns in the sand come from little roots that stick out and get blown around (but not blown away). 

After the hill climb we took a leisurely ride over to Leland, figuring we would find a place to watch the Indy 500 and then do some grocery shopping. John was here fifteen years ago on a cruise with his Dad and his nephew and knew it was nice little town. It turns out that the township marina has lovely facilities, so we watched the race in comfort.

There is hardly anyone here in the marina, even though it is Memorial Day weekend. We continue to be surprised by how quiet it is on the water. The marina guys told us this isn't unusual, that things don't get going in northern Michigan until mid-June or so.

We had dinner at a nice place called The Cove that looks out over the small river that runs through town. Leland is an old fishing village that has been turned into a local tourist spot. The old fish shacks are now shops of various sorts.

After dinner we watched the sunset from the flybridge. The island in the distance is North Manitou where we anchored last night.