July 3, 2021, Saturday, Wolverine Marina

I always have to remind myself that when I stay at the Wolverine Marina I am not supporting the Michigan football team!

I saw a red glow on the cabin portlights when I woke up which I hoped was a signal that we were having a great sunrise and that the rain is over. I had to get up to look, and was very pleased with what I saw. 

The batteries were low again so I turned on the generator to let the alternator slowly recharge them a little. The main engine would be much faster but I just hate to run it at idle for low periods - not good for a diesel. Mark from Parker Marine does not think shore power will work for recharging, and if that is the case I will have to run the main engine. I'll know soon enough.

Pulling up anchor was a breeze. We had just the tiniest amount of seaweed on the chain, and no mud on the anchor which was really surprising. The trip to the marina was 2 miles, which we did in 26 minutes at a speed of 4.6 knots. I went slow to maximize the battery charging by the engine. 

Docking was easy. I explained to the nice couple already docked next to us that I may have to run the engine, but I would try to do it while they were gone. Naturally my exhaust is right near where they were sitting. Mark was right, shore power did not charge the batteries. However, the solar panels worked well today in the bright sun and got the batteries up to 84% in the afternoon. 

We decided to walk downtown before our showers. The farther we walked  from the marina area the less safe we felt. Just as we were discussing how we felt we were approached by a pan handler wanting money. Then as we started to turn around we saw the Dollar Store we were heading to, so we did our shopping and started back. 

There was a beer garden we passed on the way back. It was closed for remodeling or we might have stopped for a brew. Kerry just loved the setting and would love to have that look at home. 

The neighborhood improves considerably as you near the marina. We passed the Art Museum and saw a statue that would be perfect for an Andrew's hat picture. I walked the 3 weeks back to the boat to get it while Kerry waited for me to return. I think the effort was well worth it. We also got three more hat scenes we can use later if needed.

Lunch on Annie was sliced chicken breast sandwiches we saved from a Costco roasted chicken - so good with a Stella. Kerry worked on the computer, we showered, I filled water tanks, etc. for a pleasant laid back afternoon. There are fireworks tonight right at the end of our pier. We will have super seats.

We decided to go to Ashtabula YC tomorrow instead of spending the day at anchor as it appears to be a better travel day than Monday. I hope the favorable forecast is right because it is really windy today. We were lucky to be able to get a dock there. Geneva was full. We are cutting our trip a little shorter than planned. The battery problem is a downer to us both. The lake forecast will determine what we do after Ashtabula. The long motor should allow the batteries to be fully charged and minimize our problems. 

I got a note from Anne that they have a big camping weekend planned. She said the kids and pups are all packed up and ready to go, and sent proof. I love this picture.

Happy hour was on the rear deck. Again the warm sun was the attraction. The upper deck is shaded, cool and really windy. Martini's, big salted pretzels and gold fish were on the agenda. We had planned to go out for dinner at one of the nice local restaurants, but instead decided to bake a fresh loaf of bread. We devoured it still warm with butter, strawberry preserves and cheese. Yum! 

Kerry laid in bed reading and playing her computer games after dinner. I had more energy so I took a couple of walks before fireworks. Lots of activity here. There were hundreds of people milling around and grabbing places for fireworks watching. Several boats were anchored in the harbor. Finally Kerry agreed to walk with me for some great people watching. I had 13,581 steps yesterday, most in a long time.

The fireworks were great. They started right at 10:00 PM and lasted 20 minutes. Very enjoyable. 

We went to be a little before 11:00 with still a lot of activity going on. Happily the batteries were at 86%. It appears that the refrigerator/freezer is running off shore power. That's the most power hungry thing on board, and if it is not using batteries, the solar panels seem to be able to keep up with demand, at least on a sunny day.