We awakened to sounds of conversation – about types of bait, where the best spot is – to find ourselves unknowingly anchored in the locals’ favorite fishing hole! We pulled up and headed to the big lake.
About 50 miles on, we were welcomed to our destination by the Holland Harbor Lighthouse. Erected in 1872 with $4,000 of federal funds, the lighthouse got its nickname – Big Red – after the Coast Guard painted it bright red in 1956. It definitely marked “red on right returning” as we entered the channel, which was dug with picks and shovels by determined Hollanders in 1860, to connect six-mile long Lake Macatawa and Holland Harbor to Lake Michigan.
Weather predictions are for a significant gale to develop. So, instead of pressing on or anchoring out here in Lake Macatawa, we sought safe dockage at the Anchorage Marina Yacht Club, where we were warmly welcomed. As we are now in the “off season,” we don’t have to worry about availability, and think the dock crews are lonely and glad to see us. This marina has a half-indoor-half-outdoor pool, an on site restaurant, convenience store, laundry facilities, and nice showers.
Many local boats remained in their slips, and this beautiful schooner came to the dock. This is a nautically oriented place, with at least half a dozen marinas, yacht clubs and hundreds of boats of all sizes and types.
As we prepared to wait out the storm, we found a nearby park, with walking trails in the woods.
Small bridges had been built over the woodland streams, and a “Frisbee golf” course installed in the woods. The park provided a beautiful fall walk.Jerry’s friend, Scott Wright, lives nearby. He has loaned us a car during our stay so we can get around, see the sights and shop – what a treat!
Now for a new feature - The Great Loop Cruisers Association has added a feature to their website that will let you track our progress on Google Earth. We often get questions on just where we are, so hopefully this will help. We will add the link to each of our blogs as we move along our route. Hope you find this helpful. Here is the link - http://greatloop.org/mod/aglcalocator/membermap.php?id=1601
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