Ludington Light and Muskegon Sunset

Hooked up the trailer and pulled the sailing kayak out of Lake Manuka to start the trip home. Of course, we didn't jump on a freeway, but wandered south along the shore of Lake Michigan. Manistee was our first stop where we could see the cast iron thirty-nine foot tall North Pierhead lighthouse built in 1872.

Not far south of Sleeping Bear Dunes, sand and grasses mark the shoreline.

Coast guard presence exists at most of these lakeside Michigan towns. Aluminum vessels like this one hold up better against the occasional encounter with ice than a fiberglass pleasure boat.

Breakwalls protect the entrance to the river connecting Lake Michigan with Manistee Lake.

Just inside the inlet, a protected marina sits on the north side of the river. Two fisherman were trolling the river in the smallest pontoon boat we've ever seen.

Ludington's North Breakwater light greeted us on our next stop. This pyramid shaped light, designed to deflect the waves of Lake Michigan, was built in 1924.

We weren't the only ones checking out the view. Some classic cars were cruising the lake shore roads.

Cars don't have to rely solely on roads to reach Ludington. The S.S. Badger transports people and vehicles across Lake Huron from Manitowoc Wisconsin. Her sister ship, the S.S. Spartan remains docked here where she donates parts to keep the S.S. Badger running. Both ships were commissioned in 1952 to transport railroad cars, road vehicles, and passengers across the big lake. The two ships were named in honor of the two state universities that they travel between. Both being graduates of Michigan State we are partial to the S.S. Spartan.

Driving into town, we were detoured by this road block. An RV and Boat show was underway bringing a big crowd, food trucks, and musicians to the downtown area. The chamber of commerce website shows a 2017 population of 8,061 and there were at least than many people at the show.

Fire protection for mariners is provided by this unique, outboard powered, fireboat.

Well groomed parks along the Pere Marquette river invited us to explore Ludington on foot. This sculpture evokes the synergy of wind and sails as it greets incoming ships.

Ludington's maritime museum wasn't open during our visit, so coupled with the car ferry, and rumors of a great local ice cream eatery, we now have several excuses to return.

Muskegon State Park was where we decided to end this beautiful  Saturday. With a choice of two campgrounds, the Canal Side Campground drew in these two reformed sailors. A sidewalk along the canal had us following a parade of boats heading west to see the sunset.

Looking out into Lake Michigan, this freighter seemed to be suspended between the breakwater and the clouds.

Clouds can make or break a sunset. We were fortunate that a little bit of clear horizon let the sun peak through.

Mackerel clouds overhead reflected reds for quite a while after the sun dipped below the horizon.

All manner of vessels had been out on the lake. This one looks like a military vessel, but may be private since it has a Michigan registration. That bow gun would be a little overkill for duck hunting.

Dark hulls aren't easy to maintain, but this Ketch was in top form as it passed the red cast iron South Pierhead Light.

The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy has lots of information about the history of the harbor, breakwalls, and lights if you click here: Muskegon Lights.

Beth was intent on capturing the last rays of light as the evening wound down. Her color vision is much better than mine, so the camera usually passes to her once the sun passes the horizon.

One of the last vessels to enter the harbor was this tourist cruise boat. Their evening guests were treated to a perfect sunset.

Walking back along the canal we could see the USS Silversides submarine illuminated just across the water. A visit to that historic ship is number one on tomorrow's agenda.