The weather is not cooperating, day 7

It was decided that we should try to get back home as the forecast for not only weather, but the winds and waves were getting worse as the weekend went on. We knew if we did not make it across today there was a good chance we would be stuck for a while. Talking with many veteran lake MI vacationers many have not been stuck across the lake like this in late July early August. This time of year is usually good and does not have repeated days of bad weather and high winds.

When we left Elk Rapids the winds were from the south west which provided us a quartering following sea. This was pleasant and we were cruising along quite nice out of Grand Traverse Bay. Once we turned the corner we now headed into them. this was a much different ride. I needed to slow down as the waves continued to build. We had planned to stop in Leland for fuel and check the forecast again. 

Once we got there and filled up we decided to try to see if we could continue across. Needless to say we did not. We got ten miles out and turned back. It was way to wavy and the worst part was the were crashing square on the bow. I was only able to comfortably go 15 mph.  It would have been a long day had we kept going and the fact the longer we were out there the larger the waves were forecasted to get. The other thought we had was if it was too bad we would head down to Frankfort. The more I contemplated this the more I thought I'd rather just turn around. We were still 25-30 miles away from Frankfort and only 10 from Leland. Heading back in following seas is the best in this wave condition anyway.

When we arrived back at Leland Harbor we checked in and went for breakfast at the Early Bird restaurant. After breakfast we hit the farmers market and a winery (yup for breakfast). By this time Susan and I were doing all we could to not stress-out on the boys. Susan thought it would be nice to take them to the Leland Toy Shop and buy them something to keep them occupied on the boat. After the toys became more of an issue than they were solving Susan decided it was time for her to go to the downtown on her own for a bit.  When she returned we ended up going for a bike ride which ended like most we have done on these trips. Me determining a route based on a nearby attraction that is further away than I estimated. The terrain too challenging for everyone and eventually after pushing everyone too much I get frustrated or give-in and we turn back.  After we got back we ate lunch/dinner (it was already 4:30) at Rick's Cafe below The Cove restaurant in the little historical fish town. 

With little sleep from an early start and stress from not being able to go across and the waves, the day quickly turned into a crabby crew members kind of day. It was a early bed time for all. Hoping tomorrow brings a better day.