October on Lake Michigan

[CCantagallo]

I spent some time digging around on the forums and online but couldn't find a very good answer to this. I live and sail in Chicago and have wanted to cross for awhile now. Unfortunately, I can not take much time off of work until the 2nd week in October. Has anyone crossed this late? Is the weather too cold and unpredictable?

Off the top of my head, the times I've been sailing in October have been fairly nice. It can be a bit chilly, and it can rain a lot this time of year. But it is also nice that the humidity isn't 100% and temperatures in the 90's. Storms don't usually seem to be as severe either.

Anyways, if you have tried it (or decided not to) let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Chris

[S&S]

Early October an be great sailing weather. But of course as winter approaches, you have to watch the weather diligently.

We sail through October every year. Where do you want to go?

[johnar]

could you tell me when do they close the ill river for the winter? do they even do this.
I would like to travel south to the mississippi.

Dutch

[CCantagallo]

I was thinking about Muskegon or Grand Haven. Some friends and I may head that way and check out some mountain bike trails, hiking, that sort of thing. I'm sure there's more to do in either of those areas that we'd add to the list as well.

Any suggestions on where to go?

[S&S]

Originally Posted by CCantagallo

I was thinking about Muskegon or Grand Haven. Some friends and I may head that way and check out some mountain bike trails, hiking, that sort of thing. I'm sure there's more to do in either of those areas that we'd add to the list as well.

Any suggestions on where to go?

Chilly morings and nights, but fine if you have a heater. You leaving from Milwaukee?

[CCantagallo]

I would be leaving from Chicago, then probably returning to Waukegan for the winter. I figured on planning for a 30 hour trip and hoping for something closer to 22-23 hours.

Like I said, if anyone had better ideas about destinations I am open to it. For me, the excitement will be the crossing itself.

Chris

[S&S]

South Haven or Saugatuck are nice too. Areas up by Grande Traverse get rough late in the season so if you stay in the southern half of the lake you should be fine.
You store at Larsen's? We're there now waiting on an engine install.

[CCantagallo]

I'll look into South Haven and Saugatuck areas.

I do store at Larsen's. Got out of there the first week of June...ran a bit behind this year. I like the fall better for sailing anyways, so I am not too worried about it. Sorry to hear you are waiting on an engine install...that doesn't sound very good at all.

Thanks for the advice and happy sailing!

[S&S]

That was ours next to the travelift.