Mike and Beth's Adventures

Desolation Sound is a majestic section of British Columbia that is only accessible by boat or float plane.  It is located ~150 northwest of Anacortes Washington and south of Johnston Straits, which is the entry point into the Broughton Archipelago.   Desolation Sound is characterized by its abundance of islands, passages, snowcapped mountains, lush forests, wildlife, and snug coves which offer quiet anchorages and protection from winds and storms.  BC Parks has improved many of the bays and coves by providing stern tie rings, anchored in rock that allow you to drop your anchor and then the stern of your boat to shore.  Safely parked, you can launch your dinghy and explore the sea or land.  We did both.   Prideaux Haven  Homfray Channel offers a stunning view to the Northeast Rock ledges, above and below the water, demand your full attention as you enter Prideaux Haven Anchorage The outer bay is deep and preferred by the large boats which carr...

Harbor Entrance in St. Jo / Benton Harbor Michigan I'm sure we did a dis-service to the portion of Michigan between Grand Haven and Chicago.  We were so excited about getting to Chicago, that we blasted through as quickly as possible with our eyes set on the goal of visiting the windy city.  I hope we will be forgiven.  We didn't even get out of the harbor at our first stop in St. Jo, just across the river from Benton Harbor.  We understand this city has a great amusement park.  Did we see it?  NO!  Why? We had a long travel day, ate dinner, and went to bed so we could depart in the morning for Chicago!  Unfortunately, the afternoon winds did build to an uncomfortable level and we called an audible, and ducked into Michigan City hoping the weather in the morning would be more to our liking. This is a snapshot of all the Looper boats in transit down the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in our immediate vicinity.  This is the mariners equivalent ...

Light House at Entrance to Grand Haven Channel Grand Haven is a lovely town.  One in which it is easy to linger.  Recreation, at least in the summer time, has clearly become an important part of it's story.  From talking to locals, they shared that refugees from Florida's summer heat also migrate to town and then return to Florida for the winter.  New loft apartments are under construction along the waterfront.  Perhaps to serve this population.   There is also a sizeable Coast Guard Base in town.  Grand Haven loves their Coasties!  Every year there is a Coast Guard Festival which draws a large number of visitors.  If you are in the area during the Festival, stop by and honor those that serve. We arrived in Grand Haven after a 68 mile run south from Ludington.  This picture was sent to us by another Looper who got the shot from their drone as we were in transit.  It was very nice of them to send us a shot of Amy Marie underway...