Well, we're finally at the very last port in the State of Michigan, New Buffalo.  Today we traveled 40 miles on a very calm Lake Michigan.  Thank you, Jesus!  All the towns we've visited in Michigan have been unique in their own ways and we have special memories about them all, but traversing that lake to get to visit them has been a bear.

MTOA Port Captain friends Carleen and Bert Shedd live here in New Buffalo and were here when we arrived at the New Buffalo Municipal Marina around noon today. They introduced themselves and helped us tie up and offered to take us to the farmers' market and the grocery store in their car. Also here are Bev and Bruce on Paddy Wagon, Joyce and Lane on Makin' Memories, Ricki and Carl on Quest, and Kathy and Mike on Queen Kathleen.  This is a beautiful marina and it was sunny and 85 degrees today. 

Six of us went to dinner this evening at  Redamak's Hamburgers and swapped Looper stories -- and after having done the Loop eight times, the Shedds had many memories to share with the rest of us. While dining, it began to rain in earnest which is welcome here  since it has been so dry all summer.  We're staying here tomorrow and plan to sleep late -- at least until 7:30.

It's also teeming rain in the Gulf as Tropical Storm Isaac makes its presence felt.  We're watching the weather closely.  Here are a few photos from today:

Striper snoozing on a smooth ride across Lake Michigan

At the farmers' market in New Buffalo

Dinner at Redamak's Hamburgers

Everything's better with lots of ketchup

Sunrise on the St. Joe River

A pleasant 40-mile cruise on Lake Michigan today

New Buffalo Beach