Racine

 

September 2, 2021  Racine, Reefpointe Marina

We really enjoyed our 3 nights in Racine.  Reefpointe Marina was the nicest one we’ve experienced.  There was an on-site restaurant with pretty good food, very nice facilities, a pool and two hot tubs!  The other fun part of this marina is that there were several Looper boats there.  Each night, there was a gathering, called “docktales” where we all sat around sharing tales of our adventures and good information for what is ahead.  Eight of us went to dinner one night at Olde Madrid and had a fabulous time.  Our looping experiences, up to now, were mostly just Dan and I and an occasional looper boat or folks on land who have had, or hope to have, looping experience.  Starting now, however, we seem to be in a big bubble of boats who are making their way south.  Not only are we in the prime time of the season for this migration, but there is a tremendous increase in the number of boats out here – likely because of the pent up demand from the pandemic.  We’re enjoying the social aspects of the journey!

Racine, like many of the towns we’ve visited is an old city with interesting architecture.  Compared to Milwaukee though, Racine looks as though she is having a rougher time economically.  I enjoyed my two morning walks, taking pictures of old houses with nice porches and buildings with attractive architectural details.  I really enjoyed visiting their art museum – lots of whimsical pieces that were a joy to behold.

Milwaukee

 August 30, 2021,  Milwaukee,

We enjoyed Milwaukee very much.  The McKinley Marina is HUGE, and is actually 3 marinas.  Friends, on the Subject to Change, were on E dock and we were on N.  It was a half hour walk to get to their boat!  We had drinks and snacks the first night we were there.

We tied up the boat on the Port side, which allows us to deploy the dinghy.  We had several excursions using the dinghy – what a hoot!  The first trip across the big harbor and going up the river, Dan and I both got drenched!  We had followed Tim and June on their dinghy.  When we got close to them, we realized they were dry as a bone!  They are very experienced dinghy users and filled us in on some tips.  They have the same dinghy and motor as we do.  What worked for us, on subsequent trips, was for me to sit on the floor in the middle of the dinghy.  This allows the bow to go up, and any splash is absorbed up in front. 

I took several nice walks in Milwaukee.  The first, was around the park which surrounds the harbor, then up a trail and steps that put you up on the street level.  Quite a climb!  But, it was worth it.  I saw some nice sculptures, lovely old homes – took lots of pictures, as usual!

Another walk was in the Third Ward.  Dan put me off the dinghy and went on to the Harley Davidson Museum, whi ch I had no interest in seeing!  So, I got to explore Milwaukee’s Public Market and walk around the streets taking pictures of some beautiful architecture.  The Public Market is nothing like Eastern Market in Detroit.  Milwaukee’s was a collection of eateries and seating for folks.  It is lovely and had quite a selection of food, from middle eastern to wine, tosandwiches, to fresh fish, to bakery goods.   My favorite big building was Milwaukee’s City Hall.  I saw the building in the distance, then drew closer.  It has a tall spire and is quite beautiful.  The building closest to it has a mirrored surface, which perfectly reflects the City Hall tower – cool!   There were also a few more sculptures around the area.  Milwaukee has a huge number of the sculptures, each with its own characteristics.

We were delayed in leaving by one day, and we used that day to just relax, do some needed light chores, and nap!  I would go back to Milwaukee in a heartbeat!

Now, on to Racine – looking forward to 4 nights there.