The Dog Ate My Homework
- Lori S
- Aug 24, 2024
- 4 min read
One excuse why there haven't been any Naval Gazing posts this season
Normally you would have been inundated with stories of our modest successes and spectacular failures at sea by this late time in the summer. This hasn't quite been a normal summer as I got sucked into planning the biggest event of summer for the Great Lakes Cruising Club. This involved planning four days of entertainment, education and feasting for about 95 people and squeezing about 40 boats into the marina. I'm really proud of how it turned out. Until we can catch up on our regular posts, please enjoy this recap that I wrote for GLCC after the fact.
Escanaba extended a heartfelt Upper Peninsula welcome to the 2024 GLCC Rendezvous. Festivities kicked off with a potluck happy hour in the big tent where old friendships were rekindled and new acquaintances made. Registration and setup were ably and efficiently facilitated by Yvonne Murray with help from Jeannie & Craig Shantz, Dee McClure, Greg Murray, Janet Stone, Cheryl Cheger-Timm and Lori Sprague.
Sunday evening brought a spectacular display of weather as an astounding squall blew through the cozy harbor. Boaters later thanked the organizers for the “free power washing and dock line test.” Thanks to the GLCC docking crew ( Craig Shantz, Lou Bruska, Linda and Dan Cline, Jay and Sarah Matthews, Vern Miller, Tom Stone, Lennie Occhino, John Holcomb, Nelson Stone and Dee McClure) everyone was tucked in safely. The sky after the storm was a sight to behold.
Rendezvous participants had many opportunities to learn about the history of Escanaba. The nearby Delta County Historical Museum and Sand Point Lighthouse graciously opened their doors to Rendezvous attendees all week long. GLCC Secretary Jim Austin said, “The museum is remarkable - we told the volunteer staff that it was clear that so much hard work and love has gone into it over many decades. It was a really fun tour.”
Local artist and sailor Gregg Bruff shared his paintings of “Working Boats of the Upper Peninsula” and talked about the history of fishing and shipping in the UP and Door County.
Delta County historian Ann Jousma Miller regaled us with tales of the origins of many communities that line the shores of Big and Little Bays de Noc. A highlight was her recitation of a poem by Rudyard Kipling inspired by the two Delta County hamlets, Rudyard and Kipling, which were named by an admirer of his work.
Troy Henderson, historian for Fayette State Park, presented the history of the iron industry in the Upper Peninsula and answered questions from boaters planning a stopover at Fayette’s natural Snail Shell harbor. Don’t miss this spectacular park if you are in the area!
Unique to the Escanaba Rendezvous was the Players de Noc theatrical production “Playing Dead.” A shuttle bus transported us to historic Lakeview Cemetery where a number of prominent or interesting spirits from Escanaba’s colorful past told us their stories as we strolled through the picturesque graveyard. The ‘ghosts’ included a Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, the first lighthouse keeper in Escanaba (murdered?) and a creative but somewhat deranged dentist.
GLCC is grateful to the Escanaba Yacht Club for partnering with us for several events. EYC graciously hosted our Board of Directors and Port Captains meetings. Yacht club members also planned a number of fun activities for Rendezvous attendees including model sailboat races, a hot breakfast , and GLCC member participation in EYC’s Margaritaville-themed Mid-Summer Race. The folks at EYC embodied Escanaba’s friendly and welcoming vibe and made us feel at home.
The week’s program was dotted with many GLCC favorite activities beginning with Book Club where the wide variety of GLCC reader interests was apparent. The ever popular Bilge Auction with auctioneers Niels Jensen, Nelson Stone and Bobbe Miller entertained the group while re-homing a huge collection of useful, underappreciated and frankly odd items and raising $2826 for the Great Lakes Foundation. Gadget Hour was a great opportunity for boaters to share their favorite tips, hacks and gadgets. A new feature was GLCC School, live and in person where Lou Bruska presented his GLCC School seminar “From the Mackinac Bridge to Escanaba.” The GLCC Ship’s Store was open every day. Bobbe Miller presented a fine selection of GLCC merch including some featuring the attractive 2024 Rendezvous Logo. Heidi Egensperger, Sharon Henrich and Pam Jackson staffed the store.
A new tradition began with the inaugural Rag Haulers v. Stink Potters Cornhole Tournament coordinated by Dale and Teena Lashbrook. Spectator Dee McClure commented, “The spectator’s absolute silence during the final match of yesterday’s corn hole tournament was reminiscent of a Wimbledon final - it was a very serious competition with bragging rights in the line!” Missy Siudara and Amy Babinchak sailed to victory and motored away with the championship as these long-time sailors on their first voyage with their new Spanish motor yacht left both sides feeling like winners. Congratulations!
Food is always a Rendezvous highlight and Escanaba did not disappoint. Monday’s Commodore’s Reception at the brewpub Hereford & Hops featured “heavy hors d'oeuvres” including mini-pasties. Not many felt the need to go in search of dinner afterward.
Tuesday had a jam-packed schedule of presentations and activities…fortunately several food trucks parked at the marina to provide boaters with tasty and convenient options for lunch and dinner.
The Commodore’s Dinner held at the historic and elegant House of Ludington was the capstone of the 2024 Rendezvous. Longtime GLCC members were presented with special blue on white burgees: Niels & Vicki Jensen were recognized for 25 years of membership and Vern & Jeannette Meyers for 50 years. The Commodore’s Trophy for traveling furthest by boat went to Dick & Nancy Coleman. Sarah Matthews won the beautiful quilt made and donated by Cynthia McNine.
The Thursday send off was started with a final continental breakfast. Chaplain Nelson Stone gave the blessing of the fleet. Then, having experienced the full range of UP summer weather in only four days, all the cruisers made ready their vessels - power, sail or wheeled - to head out from the heart of Little Bay De Noc.
Bonus Material--My statement to Escanaba City Council starts at the 12 minute mark