July 23-24, Leland, MI

Rick and Kathy and Owen moved the boat from Northport to Leland, a distance of 25 miles. The weather was a little foggy and the water was flat calm. Other than the limited clarity, it was a beautiful morning for a cruise. Linda brought the car around to join us.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Sand dunes over 100 feet tall.

We rounded the Traverse Bay Lighthouse at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula and cruised south on the Lake Michigan coast. The shore had large sand dunes and many were very steep. Some looked as high as 200 feet as they were 3 to 5 times higher than the fully grown trees on the top of the dunes. The shore line looked rocky and there were scattered homes perched high on the cliffs. Very interesting coast. Rick and Kathy piloted KOKOMO II most of the way and then left us after the morning cruise to head back home.

New clubhouse at Leland under construction.

KOKOMO II at the new floating docks.

The Chicago to Mackinac sailboat race is on and Leland is right on the course. So we see lots of sailboats underway on the return leg back to Chicago. These sailboats are taking a break on the return trip.

The Leland Marina is in the process of being upgraded. It has new floating docks and a new clubhouse and showers under construction. The docks are finished and have power and water. Fuel is now available (yesterday) but the clubhouse will not be finished until later in the fall.

The town of Leland is very picturesque. There is a main street with post office and grocery and lots of shops. Flowers are everywhere. Homes, restaurants and shops are well tended.

Downtown Leland

Pretty lake in downtown Leland

Lots of flowers in this restaurant garden

Flowers at the grocery store

Flowers on the city stairs

One hundred five year old Cottonwood tree.

Early Chris Craft. Beautiful condition.

There is also the 'fishtown' located adjacent to the marina. 'Fishtown' is a collection of unpainted dilapidated fishing shanties dating from the 1800's that are now mostly shops for tourists. The whole area seems charming and unique.

Fishtown-looking west.

Historic marker

Fishtown-looking east.

Fishtown boardwalk

Great Lakes 'fishtug' used to tend the fishing nets in all weather.

There is one good fish market still remaining in 'fishtown'. They have fresh local whitefish and salmon (which turns out to be imported Atlantic Salmon). Lake Michigan King Salmon is in season and the prime area for catching King Salmon is around the Maintou Islands just offshore of Leland. However, the State regulations say that King Salmon cannot be caught and sold commercially in Michigan. Bummer.