Back to a Boat

July 31^st, 2021:  We gotta-Go!  

We left Burnham Harbor Marina this morning at 5:49 a.m.  We went through the checklists, the engines and generator started right up and we entered Lake Michigan with 2 mph winds and temp in the 60s.  Perfect!

Having closed on our 2006 Carver 43 MY on July 13^th, we arrived in Chicago on Wednesday, July 21^st to get her ready and move her southward to a marina where we can leave her safely until next January when we’ll be looking to get away from Minnesota’s winter.  By “her” I mean the boat, currently named “Amitie,” Hailing Port:  Chicago, IL.  Under our ownership, she is registered as “True North” with hailing port:  Bemidji, MN.

Wednesday evening was spent moving things on the boat, taking things off the boat, and getting beds made for the first night’s sleep.  It was 9 p.m. before we thought about eating dinner and found there wasn’t anywhere nearby that was open.  And so, we enjoyed instant oatmeal, raw cauliflower and peppers with a Hershey bar for dessert!

Thursday was shopping day before it became a cleaning day:  After purchasing cleaners, buckets and  brushes, Mike scrubbed the decks and Brenda washed down the interior.  The cleaning process is a first step in getting to know our boat and its many storage compartments.  As we cleaned, we made lists:  Needing to be fixed; Things to pick up;  Groceries;  Things needed for the future (ex:  Boat decals).

Friday was a shopping day to get provisions, supplies and parts needed to get ready for a weekend with Brother-in-law Scott and sister JoAnn Brolsma.   A fuel odor was evident in the salon, the VIP toilet didn’t work, the sinks were slow, drawers needed new locks, snaps and screws needed replacing to keep the bimini and back covering from flapping in the wind, there were no window coverings in the stateroom, and more.  When Scott and JoAnn arrived with Boss Man Tacos in hand for dinner, our things were stored in their proper places, the boat was cleaned up and looked pretty impressive!

JoAnn and Scott were a tremendous help to us in learning about our new boat in short order.  With four of us checking out systems and shopping for additional items, we were ready to take our new Highfield Dinghy out for a marina tour on Saturday night and True North for its maiden voyage under new captains on Sunday. 

After fueling at the marina’s fuel docks, JoAnn and Scott loaded the dinghy onto the hydraulic lift platform for the first time.  Once secured on the boat, we headed to Chicago’s “Play Pen”, an designated area on the north side of Navy Pier where boats can anchor and enjoy an afternoon of swimming and water fun.  Mike’s new Rocna anchor worked like a charm (the windlass slipped a bit—we added this to our “fix it” list) and while Brenda put together peanut butter and pickle sandwiches for lunch, JoAnn, Scott and Mike cooled off from the hot temps by jumping into Lake Michigan.  There were several onlookers in Burnham Marina as the Carver 43 moved down the ally to maneuver smoothly into Dock Slip R-11.  By 4:30 p.m., JoAnn and Scott were on their way back to Indianapolis and Mike and I were back to work fixing and cleaning and adjusting our lists.

Most days from Monday through Friday consisted of taking Bertie on walks, meeting more of our dock neighbors, a little bit of PSMW, Inc. work; personal business; shopping for more parts, more supplies, more groceries; catching up with family and friends; and more fixing, organizing, and cleaning.  A highlight of the week was a visit by Seattle friends, Son Michael and Judy Pham.  We walked to “Del Campo” for a taco  picnic on the concrete along Lake Superior enjoying the day’s water, sunshine and cooler temps (70s instead of 90s).  Judy and Son left us around 2 p.m. and this time, our work consisted of last minute things needed done before takeoff early Saturday morning:  Put the Subaru in storage at Ray’s; Install cushions (water noodles!) on the hydraulic lift chaulks to protect the dinghy; put on water; and pump out.  Because LaLa Palousa is happening in Chicago this weekend, the marina was abuzz with activity and how lucky we felt to be included in a group going to the Marina’s “Boat Drinks” for dinner.  Together in a circle on the lawn area next to live musicians entertaining us, about 20 boat lovers enjoyed each other’s company, readying themselves for the “LaLa” festivities.