Montague to Ludington, MI…NOT

We’re underway on our next great adventure!! “Wheels up” this morning at 6:00 am to a beautiful morning leaving Ellenwood Landing Marina on White Lake in Montague, MI. This was to be the first day of our 4-5 month journey on Who Cares number four, our 53′ Fleming motor yacht, from Montague, MI to Punta Gorda, FL! Everything was properly stowed for the journey, we were sufficiently provisioned, course plotted, systems tested, water tank full… and very little sleep last night in anticipation for our new journey!!!

Within the first 30 minutes, while transiting White Lake, the wind speed increased and by the end of the first hour wind speed was a sustained 24 MPH. Wave heights on Lake Michigan were reported to be 2 to 4 feet and increasing. We decided that with all the recent engine maintenance and the fuel polishing for the last two days, we were not completely confident in the boat to be out in those sea conditions on day one. What if the engines quit on us?!! Boat US is hours away!

By 6:40 am we were turned around and headed to the nearby Crosswinds Marina for a little fuel (the plan is to fill the tanks in Ludington, cheaper fuel) to be sure that if we got into any trouble we would have plenty of fuel. We were back in our “temporary home” slip at Ellenwood Landing Marina by 8:30 am. The forecast for tomorrow is less than one foot seas…that sounds much better for our maiden voyage. And by maiden voyage I mean the 45 mile trek to Ludington, MI! 😛