Saugatuck, MI

 As we motored down the Kalamazoo River, we entered Saugatuck, and saw these wonderful homes.

This morning the forecast was for winds 9 - 14 mph and waves 1 - 3 feet high.  We wanted to go to Benton Harbor, which is really at the southern end of the lake.  It would be a 7 hour trip.  We pulled out of Holland's harbor around 8:00 and were immediately struck by the 3 foot waves on our bow.  It was not a quiet day.  So we decided to just go to Saugatuck about 10 miles south.

 Saugatuck is a creative and charming village of artists and shopkeepers and wine merchants. After doing laundry and accounting, we ate lunch and called the bus to pick us up. The bus arrived at the marina in 15 minutes and delivered us to downtown. Isn't that amazing? We stopped at a man's house to get him on the way.  Saugatuck has had this bus service since 1980.  The cost is $1/ride.  We are now senior citizens, so we rode for $0.50.

Get on the bus, Gus.

We enjoyed looking in the shops.  Our favorite was Jeff Blandford's Gallery.  He creates modern ceramics and fine art.  We couldn't buy anything since we are on the boat, and it would break.

I love his colors.

A bit more walking, and we found the soda fountain in the drugstore.  I had a chocolate shake, and George had a Fuzzie, similar to a Blizzard with soft ice cream and crushed candies.  The servings were huge, so that might be supper.  

During the school year the fountain is only open on the weekends.

After a couple of hours downtown, we called the bus and returned to the marina. This time there were several people riding.  We stopped to pick up an older woman.(Even older than we are!) I was struck by how kind and patient the bus driver was.  He got out to help her use the lift.  Everyone on the bus was relaxed.  No one was irritated or feeling in a hurry.  Choosing your bus drivers is important in a place like this.  

Then we went swimming.  After only swimming twice in Canada, we have now been in pools for the past three days.  Yes, the water is chilly.  But it is delightful. We had our books and wine and the pool pretty much to ourselves.  We finished the afternoon with hot showers in the marina's facility.  Now we are back on Aunt Aggie.  

We hope to go to Benton Harbor tomorrow and then on to Chicago.  I hope we have calm seas on Thursday.