West Basin Marina

September 5 – September 10, 2023

What a Marina!

West Basin Marina in St. Joseph, Michigan, wins the prize for the cleanest marina with the friendliest and most helpful staff.

The grounds, facilities and office lounge at West Basin Marina are pristine and the laundry is free! That’s a plus for sure.

Marinas have distinctive sounds – squawking Canadian geese; seagulls screeching; clip clop of horse hooves in Mackinac; whistling from sail masts; buoy balls banging on docks. This marina has a first though – “clickety clack clack” and whistling – from a train! The marina is adjacent to a train track that carries aggregates and commodities. We watch the boxcars whiz by in both directions.

The only downside to this marina is that it is not close to the downtown area for shopping or dining.

Captain Pat takes advantage of the free bikes provided, even riding to Wolf’s, a well-known boating supply store. Captain Pat is a little disappointed in Wolf’s – he heard so much about it from fellow Loopers. Turns out it is very similar to Sailorman in Ft. Lauderdale – lots of boating merchandise in disarray. Amazon proves to be a better bet.

The marina staff provides rides to the grocery store upon request. One morning we get a ride to Martin’s, a locally owned store with lots of selections. In the store we treat ourselves to a lunch of fresh sushi and Starbucks lattes!

Mexican with George and Tracy

We arrive and to my surprise, there is our friend Tracy from the Looper boat “Done Saving” at the dock to help us tie up. When Tracy heard on the radio we were coming in, she headed over to our slip to help. Boaters, especially Loopers, are so generous, always willing to lend a helping hand.

It’s always a treat to meet up with Loopers at the marinas. Some you see more often than others, as everyone’s speed and travel destinations vary.

Our first evening we join Tracy and her husband George for Mexican. They are always fun and we love the festive vibe from the restaurant. George secures a ride for us to the restaurant. After dinner we decide to walk the mile back to the marina. The time flew by and before you know it, we are back on our boats. Tracy and George leave the next morning to continue their journey to Hammond, Indiana. Because of windy weather conditions, we end up staying five nights in St. Joseph.

Evening Walks

Each night Captain Pat walks to the nearby park with a walking pier to the lighthouse and a beach.

Most nights the Admiral joins him. These are memorable evenings. We always peruse the boats on the docks. This is a must for Captain Pat.

One evening we think we’ve located “No Rush,” the boat sold by our Looper friends Anne and Mitch. We send them a photo and discover this is a second “No Rush” – same boat type, Camino Troll, as theirs and the same name, “No Rush!” This “No Rush” also completed y completed the Loop. St. Joseph is their home port.

We also meet two older gentlemen who are long timers in this marina. They’ve sailed and motored many boats and raced in sailing regattas. Tonight, they are going out in their refurbished Century boat aptly named “Rumble Bee” – see photo below.

Century’s production facilities are now in Zephyrhills, Florida, having moved from Manistee, Michigan and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Allcraft Marine of Florida bought Century from Yamaha in 2012.

Here are more photos from our evening walks:

Beach at Tiscornia Park

Toes in the sand always feels good even if it’s a little chilly. I always marvel at the seagulls and the tiny sanderlings.

Every night we see photographers snapping family photos. These children play blissfully as their parents frolic in the sand for the photographer.

What a backdrop with the glimmering sunset and majestic waves. One evening there is a wedding.

The bridal party barely dodge the thunderstorm. Wonder if rain is really a sign of luck for wedding couples.

Amazing Kite Surfers

Thursday evening it is so windy Captain Pat cannot walk out to the end of the pier. He captures photos of the waves crashing over the seawall. The Admiral didn’t accompany him on this night.

The next night the wind subsides. We walk up to the pier and see many kite surfers.

I have never seen kite surfers in action. We watch one surfer prepare his equipment to make his launch into the water.

These surfers are amazing! I can imagine the strength and balance required to maintain their flying presence in the sky and on the water. Our photos do not do them justice.

Stormy Winds, Rough Seas

That same evening, we witness a sailboat attempting to enter the inlet. We watch it from afar, wondering if it is headed for the inlet. It is.

That sailboat is rocking and rolling. The two sailors on board wrestle with the waves and they eventually make it, miraculously.

We arrive back to our boat after our walk and realize the sailboat is docked in front of Sunshine! We introduce ourselves and congratulate them on their seafaring expertise. The two boys sailed the boat from Chicago. They are exhausted and hungry and ready for a bite to eat. We share our videos and photos with them, so they have documentation of their adventure.

The Lure of Lighthouses

We have certainly seen our share of lighthouses on this trip. We never tire of them. The structures have a distinctive lure, a connection with the sea and the sky.

Each evening droves of people – and dogs! – walk the pier to this lighthouse, taking photos of the sunset and the ocean. There are also people fishing.

The marina manager warns us of the dangers of walking the lighthouse boardwalk. Many non-vigilant visitors have underestimated the dangers of Lake Michigan.

There is an ominous sign as you near the lighthouse, displaying photos of youth who have met their demise in these waters.

Enjoy the beauty of nature but also respect its power and strength.

Dining Al Fresca

On our last evening Captain Pat treats the Admiral by making dinner on the grill. He makes the best barbecued chicken. This reminds me of dinners at our lake cabin.

We dine al fresca on the wooden picnic table by the grill. Such a pleasant evening and the perfect way to say goodbye to West Basin Marina.