Aug 4

New Buffalo to Hammond Casino Marina 40.7 miles 10 hours


It was long day but we made it all the way.  The weather forecast this morning was not great when I check at 5 am.  wind turning bad in the afternoon.  So I woke Dianne at 6:30 and we moved quickly to get out by 7:30 meaning we arrived here in good time.  The start of the day had 3 foot big waves right in our face this made for poor coffee drinking weather, but by the end of the day it was completely calm.  We saw no other boats out on lake.  Notice how misty it was at the end of the day in picture of the ship and the skyline of Hammond;.


The radio was busy at the start of the day.

  • three different announcements on the speed boat races in Michigan City
  • four announcements on “small Craft Advisory” start behind as we moved south they came closer but clearly never caught up to us.  
  • Then as we approached Hammond 1 warning about a laker leaving habor
  • A announcement by a barge entering Indian Harbor
  • about 3 requests for passes
  • 2 requests for locks
  • 2 requests for bridge lift to open. 

So it was a busy day on the radio.  I have come hate the radio weather warning test system.  The beeping is the same sound the boat alarms make when stuff go wrong.  (shallow water alarm, engine over heating or High water in Bilge).  I jump each time and search for a problem only to have it end with the announcement that it was test.  


Docking again was a new experience the slip is next to another boat.  I came in bumped the dock and bounced off towards the boat.  Had Dianne push me off the boat and backed out a little and docked easily the next attempt.  I need to take the Hitch Hiker Guide to the Universe more to heart and remember “Don’t Panic”.  


After docking and setting up the fenders and attaching the power we walked to the Casino.  Dianne played the slots and ended up $60 which is pretty good.  Dinner was at a Hamburger place as not others spots were open in the casino.  It was not too crowded but it was busy.  







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