8/30 - Day 17 - Tall Ship Sailing

We had a real treat for breakfast this morning as one of our volunteer teams put on quite a spread featuring eggs, ham, pancakes, and more fruit than we've seen all trip.  What a great way to start the day!

And, a beautiful day it was, with clear skies and light winds.  It was a good thing, since our morning destination was the Tall Ship Manitou (http://www.tallshipsailing.com/).  We had a private three-hour sailing adventure out in Traverse Bay that was outstanding.  The day remained sunny and winds only picked up a little on the water.  It was a very relaxing sail, and everyone enjoyed watching the hard-working crew masterfully working the rigging.  We had our "picnic lunch" on the water as well.

We carpooled to the dock for the Tall Ship "Manitou".

We were soon ready for the "safety demonstration".

Some of our caravanners were enlisted to "heave-ho"!

And the sails were soon hoisted.

"Team member down"!

Even the topsail was unfurled...

...and, yes, that's quite a way up!

With direction from our fearless leader,...

...we were soon under way with various couples taking turns at the wheel.

"Nap time"!

Even though the crew lives on board, we were invited below decks to view the living areas.

Love the stove!

Sparkling...

"Lean"!

We were able to get a group picture during the sail.

Post-sail, it was back on the shuttle to the parking area.

Back on dry land and safely across the street to the ship offices, we were soon headed back home for a short break before dinner.  Once again taking advantage of the Resort's hospitality in the clubhouse, we gathered for "social hour" where our fearless leaders, Steve and Andi, were serenaded to a rousing rendition of "O Sponenberg", a recent composition.  We soon found ourselves  carpooling to dinner at TraVino Traverse Wine & Grill, conveniently located just down the street.  We had a nice private room overlooking the local golf course and most people enjoyed the dinner, although a few got surprised when the "spicy" Cavatappi Diavolo turned out to be excessively "hot".