September 11-14, 2026
Howie has four sisters, one (Joni) lives in St. Joe, MI and Debbie and Kim live in Granger, Indiana which is just 50 minutes away. We came into the St. Joseph river on Sept. 11 and did a pump out at the West Basin marina. From there, we headed out to the The Inn at Harbor Shores to dock. I took the boat out of West Basin to Harbor Shores, stopping for a train that was going by. Little did I know the crazy spot where they put us in the marina.
So, the yellow area was where they put us. This picture doesn’t show all of the boats in the slips as the place was packed. There was a boat right behind us and two large boats in the slips across from us. I managed to get the boat in, but there might have been a few 4-letter words said.
Finally docked!
Friday evening Joni and Jack were kind enough to bring over the fixings for “Cowboy Caviar.” Joni-if I don’t have that right, let me know!
Joni was amazing and created a wonderful “healthy” dinner for us all. We had a couple of cocktails and solved all of the world’s problems. So nice to spend an evening with family.
Saturday morning, September 12, we headed over the North Wayne Street bridge. There was a large tow barge coming through, so we stopped on the east side of the bridge.
St Joe has an amazing Saturday morning farmer’s market with essentially all fruits, veges, honey, ice cream, soaps, flowers, jewelry, etc. that you need.
It is a busy place on Saturday mornings in St. Joe!!
Amazing fruits and veges!
Had a great time shopping the St. Joe shops as well! Lots to be had and we took advantage.
Howie and Joni figuring out underwear styles!!
Saturday afternoon, Kim (Howie’s sister) and Dann, her husband came aboard with Joni and Jack. They hung out for a bit before heading out to Joni’s and a restaurant.
From the left, Dann, Jack, Gavin, Logan, Dylan, Deb, Joni and Kim.
Dann and Kim
Debbie, Howie’s other sister came for a visit with her three grand-sons. She was at a wedding and had to come later in the day.
Logan, Dylan and Gavin in our shower on the boat.
Family is incredibly important to us and being on the loop has allowed us to connect with a number of our family members. This has been the most valuable part of the loop for us.
Joni and Jack made the early morning trek out to see us off on September 14. Thank you both for taking care of us while in South Haven and St. Joe!!
Joni on the shore saying goodbye.
Jack taking pictures of Bella Nova.
Jack’s picture of us leaving St. Joe.