Sunday at Bailey's Harbor

Well we have been at Bailey's Harbor now for 3 days and it looks like we might be here a couple more.  The winds have been ferocious.  On Sunday a storm rolled through in the morning.  We kept an eye on the radar and noticed there was a window of opportunity where the rain was going to subside for a while so that we could run over the the farmers market.  Which was conveniently located right across from the marina.  So we put on our rain gear and started our way over.  There were about 8 booths set up.  I stopped at one to pick up some produce, peaches, and tomatoes. I purchased 4 cucumbers for a $1.00 from another gentleman, what a bargain.  We then stopped at booth that had home baked goods.  The lady talked us into one of the pastries and we decided to split it.  While we were talking with the ladies running the booth it decided it was going to rain, again.  The ladies were kind enough to let us hang out in there tent until the rain subsided.  We then walked next door and saw a display with clothing products that were made from alpacas, at least I think that's what they were.  I thought it was interesting the guy brought the animals with him.  After spending about half an hour at the market we worked our way back to the boat, just in time for another down pour, this time though we didn't quite make it into the boat in time.  Oh the joys of wet garments and towels on a boat.  We did decide to turn on the heat to help dry things out.  I know, heat in the middle of August, well we were surprised too, but the temperatures were only in the low 60's so it actually felt pretty good.

We decided to make a dash for it over to the Farmers Market.

I think that these are alpacas 

Part of the farmers market

Wonderful looking produce

Things we brought back, minus 2 cucumbers already fixed

Seeing that this harbor is mostly for fisherman (salmon and whitefish) they have a cleaning station here right next to the office.  Before we went to the farmers market I noticed that some folks were gathered round the cleaning station.  A young woman had caught a good size salmon and a gentleman was helping her clean and filet it.  If you have a squeamish stomach this photo is not for you, but I must admit it was quite interesting.

A little gory but this is you that wonderful salmon comes about

I spent the rest of the morning making peach cobbler from the yummy peaches I bought at the market.  Mike did some reading and worked on some boat projects. We enjoyed a light lunch on board and afterwards Mike went to the local pub to watch the Packers play a preseason game.  What a luxury to actually be able to watch the Pack in Wisconsin.  While Mike was away I cleaned up the galley, did some sewing and relaxed for a while. 

My sewing corner (for a while)

 Upon Mike's arrival back to the boat we went up to the marina office to see if the offer from one of the marina employees to use their car was still available.  It was so off we went to the grocery store.  The store is located in Sister Bay which was about 8 or so miles away.  We had been warned that the stores aisles were very narrow and there was not getting around folks.  Boy where they correct on that account.  But we were happy to be able to get to the store and pick up some provisions.  We would have never made it there on our bikes.  Sometimes you have to depend on the generosity of others. We are so blessed!

Here in Bailey's Harbor we have found there are a great deal of folks out on the water, no matter what the winds, and in all types of situations.  Some much braver than the Captain and I.

Kite surfers

This kayaker was out in some pretty rough wind and waves

Later that afternoon I had planned to FaceTime with my daughter Amanda.  What a great time that was.  Our grandson Jacob's 1st birthday was the day before.  We had tried to Skype with them at the party but the reception was insufficient so we opted to FaceTime on Sunday when things had quieted down a little.  Okay true confession here, I the first mate, had a bit of a melt down after trying unsuccessfully to be a part of our grandsons birthday party.  I still struggle with being away from family and friends.  These types of gatherings have always been a big part of our lives and to not be there specially for Jacob's 1st birthday was hard.  But knowing we will see them all in September really helped.

Jacob eating his first birthday cake.  Oh I miss this little guy.
(photo by Christy Ramin)

I made dinner on board of a large salad, chicken tortilla casserole and peach cobbler for dessert.  One happy Captain after that meal.  After dinner I was out on the bow of the boat taking pictures when I heard someone calling my name.  For a minute I thought they must be talking to someone else.  Well they weren't because I looked up and coming down the dock was Jeanne and Ward, the folks we had met back in Washington Island.  They were visiting with some friends while docked over in Sister Bay and stopped by to see us.  They heard us call in on the radio on Friday so they knew where we were.  The visit was short, but it truly made our day.  Jeanne and Ward are such nice folks, I truly hope we keep in touch.  

The sky was gorgeous but oh was the wind blowing

Our friends Jeanne and Ward (on the right) with their friends from here at Bailey's Harbor.

The winds continued to howl away outside our hatch, but we spent a warm evening inside.  Tomorrow we hope to go for a bike ride around town.  The winds are still going to be high so another day we will spend in Baileys Harbor.