Charlevoix, MI


To get to the Charlevoix Marina (pronounced Shar-le-Voy) we had to pass through the Charlevoix Lift Bridge which required timing it properly as it only opens once every 30 minutes.  As you can see a tight channel with current flowing is not a place you want to wait around for even a few minutes. 

The last boat you see is Texas 2 Step (Curtis and Michealeen from Amarillo) who we haven't seen since leaving Ft Myers on April 2nd. We intersected each other from differing directions as we got in line to go through the bridge.  It will be wonderful to share stories.




You never know what you will see cruising down the Charlevoix cannal.


We saw the most amazing sunset this evening. Although the picture doesn't do it justice. The sun's disk was huge and streaked with different tones of orange, red and yellow - we'd never seen anything like what we saw tonight. - even from Mallory Square in Key West.


The grounds around the marina were very inviting and the facilities at the marina were above average for a municipal marina.


The marina office and Captain's Lounge are in the building below.



Although we don't always use them - we sure like 'em.



Cool amphitheater on the marina grounds just beyond our slip.




Here's a little flavor of downtown Charlevoix.




On one of the days we got the dinghy down and since we were in a small lake named Round Lake, we cruised around looking at all the unique homes and boat houses.  


These are a couple of the "Mushroom Houses" along Round Lake in Charlevoix. There are many more on street level.


Along one of the shorelines the Winn families own impressive real estate. They are the founders of Four Winns boats.



Tried another Mexican food restaurant in Charlevoix this time and it wasn't too bad - they stuck with tacos and quesadillas (no enchiladas on the menu).  We took Curtis and Michaeleen with us since they too have had their share of Mexican food over the years.


The next day we took the free bikes offered by the city of Charlevoix and went to find all of the other Mushroom Homes.  This is a big attraction in Charlevoix.  They even offer tours. 

Earl Young was a home builder who studied architecture at the University of Michigan and returned to his hometown and built 30 stone mushroom type homes. He built them from 1918-1950.   Today the "hobbit houses" are considered works of art. Each house has a character that is never repeated in any other house.









On our way back from touring the mushroom houses we stopped by this beach which was located right next to the narrow inlet that we came through to go under the bridge. Fine sand and beautiful water - we had no idea Michigan was like this.


On our last evening we were treated to a concert in the amphitheater but we had a great, comfortable seat from the flybridge without even leaving the boat. The Belknaps joined us and we played cards while we listened to the tunes.



View from the flybridge looking back toward the marina office and downtown just beyond.








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