South Haven

July 3 and 4: leaving Chicago for South Haven-around 6amDT. Winds lighter than expected and almost aft. .  Some sailing and much time motoring. These conditions made it very hot and there were the same biting flies that we get on Lake Ontario but there seemed to be many more!! Some excitement on the VHF as we listened to the conversations from a fisherman and the Coast Guard who had found a man in the water. An 18’ boat had sunk with 3 others on board only one wearing a life jacket. Eventually they were all found. The conversations were interesting as the fisherman could only identify his position by depth of the water, the Coast Guard did help him find his position on a GPS he had..

South Haven (official population 4,403)  was a great comfortable marina; fortunately there was a breeze coming down the river to keep us a bit cool.

There were fireworks the evening we arrived, starting at 10:30. Michigan is on EDT…at western fringe so sundown is not till 9:15. For hours it seems, there was a constant parade of people headed for a good spot and it looked like thousands turned out-families loaded with chairs, strollers, coolers and bunches of teenagers, everyone happy to be there. We had great view of the 30 minute show from the marina deck – quite spectacular. Did you know there were smiley face fireworks?.

View from end of our dock-found a godd italian restaurant just up the street