www.iFourWinns.com

Wife and I have Septmeber 21-26th off to play in the boat. Weather in Michigan is either going to be fantastic or junk. Here are my initial ideas. Help me choose. Remember 7 MPG in the Hummer pulling the boat...........Boat gas is not an issue.

I'm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan

1. 181 miles to Petoskey and northern Michigan. - Inland waterway, Mackinaw Island, Traverse City.....Fall Colors
2. 232 miles to Port Clinton, Ohio - Put in Bay- Lake Erie Islands, Cedar Point, Run up the Detroit River to lake St. Clair, Toledo
3. 370 miles to Cincinnati, Ohio - Run the river towards either Cairo or Pittsburg
4. 517 miles to Lake Cumberland, Ky - Nice area, lots of miles to boat
5. 600 miles to Lake of the Ozarks - Have friends who has a home and dock for the week. We can see our old friends from St. Louis.

Spend my money and give me some highlights and ideas. Obviously, weather will be my big factor.

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

Too bad your vacation days don't coincide with the poker run on Cumberland (5th-7th). Supposedly one of the top runs of the country.
http://www.lakecumberlandpokerrun.net/

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H210SS 6.2
F150 Platinum

My first choice would be the northern MI trip ..... simply beautiful.

Of course, if you've never run from Erie up through the rivers to St.Clair ... and even Lk Huron .... that would be cool. Best would be to have someone move the tow rig for you .... no back-tracking.

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

Go up north. Traverse City area wineries are a week in itself.

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2000 268 Vista
Flying Dutchman
"Howl with me boys"

I've been to put-in-bay a couple of times, unfortunately didn't own a boat then. It's a really cool place lots to do.I'd say if you haven't been there it's worth going to.

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2008 H190 4.3L Blue W/Red Graphic
2002 Honda CBR954RR BLK/SLVR slightly modded
2003 Yamaha Warrior 350 6spd < SOLD!

Hey Dave--Why not try Canada? Put in around Brighton, in Presquille Bay, go through the Murray Canal--ten miles--no locks only two swing bridges which open on request. This gets you into Bay of Quinte which is one of the best cruising grounds on Lake Ontario--a lot of fairly sheltered waterways and small towns with Motels/hotels near a marina. Other option--go a little farther east and do the Thousand Islands--again very scenic and empty this time of year. 5-6 hours from Port Huron. Probably can still go swimming--I was swimming there last week--fairly warm clear water.
A suggested itinerary--you can pull it up on your GPS and check the route
1. Launch Presquille--hit Sandbanks Provincial park--shallow, sandy water. Transit Murray Canal
2. Overnight Belleville--
3. Belleville to Picton--overnight Picton--a neat little town to explore--Marina/Motel at end of the Bay.
4. Picton to Kingston--stay at Confederation Basin--lots to do and see and hotels nearby.
5. still have some time--explore some of the Thousand Islands--can be done in a day trip.
Once you cross the border I don't think you need to do any check-ins.
Fall colours would just be starting (depending on the temperatures). Good area for fishing--small lodge/cabins on Hay Bay
--Blakewood Lodge my son had a lot of fun catching perch right off their dock!

[quote="mike288"]Hey Dave--Why not try Canada? [quote]

You would have to go right by my place! plus I could trailer you back to your truck so your not backtracking!

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

That may be an option. I spend enough time in Canada in the winter with the sleds, I might like it when the ice isn't frozen!

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

my vote is northern michigan for a fall color run!

Maybe inland water way or the chain?

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Boating is not an expense, it's a lifestyle!!

How long does it take to run the Inland Waterway?

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

It can be done in a day if you wish.

Take a look at this link.

http://www.fishweb.com/maps/inlandwater/index.html

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2000 268 Vista
Flying Dutchman
"Howl with me boys"

A full day to run from one side to the other and back!

We normaly start in indian river, run one west one day then east the next day!

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Boating is not an expense, it's a lifestyle!!

We are pretty set on running Northern Michigan and if the weather says no, Lake Erie.

I might stay in Cheboygan and run the waterway south to allow for the proper time coming back. Not sure yet. The other thought is to start on the south end and spend the night in Cheyboygan with the boat (The Best Western has docks right?). This will give us time to run to Mackinaw if we want.

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

Good Morning from Cheboygan, Michigan. I'm sitting on my deck overlooking the Cheboygan River after being woken up by ducks and seagulls. I am listening to the LOUDEST duck I think I have ever heard and he's 25 yards from me. Not a bad alarm clock.

I just looked at the near/offshore forecasts and the straights of Mackinaw are calling for 1 foot or less for waves. Looks like a great day to make the 20 mile trip by boat to Mackinaw Island. Our only issue is we have to be back by 5:00 before the lock closes on the river for the night. I'm not sure if I like these time pressures!

We had a good drive up yesterday and enjoyed running through Houghton Lake to see what has changed since we both spent some time there as kids. It's funny Melissa and I have both stayed at Korbinskis when we were kids. It looks like the lighthouse is gone, but they have a nice dock now. We might end our trip there for old times.

A kayak just rowed through infront of the hotel and is leaving quite a wake. I shoudl yell at him to slow down. More news later

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP