Food, fun and history make 2024 Rendezvous a winner

By Lori Sprague

Escanaba (M-101) extended a heartfelt Upper Peninsula welcome to the 2024 GLCC Rendezvous. 

Festivities kicked off with a potluck happy hour in the big tent where old friendships were rekindled, and new acquaintances made. Registration and setup were facilitated by Yvonne Murray with help from Jeanne and Craig Shantz, Dee McClure, Greg Murray, Janet Stone, Cheryl Cheger-Timm and Lori Sprague.

Sunday evening brought a spectacular display of weather as an astounding squall blew through the cozy harbor. Boaters later thanked the organizers for the “free power washing and dock line test.” Thanks to the GLCC docking crew (Craig Shantz, Lou Bruska,  Linda and Dan Cline, Jay and Sarah Matthews, Vern Meyer, Tom Stone, Lennine Occhino, John Holcombe, Nelson Stone and organizer Dee McClure), everyone was tucked in safely. The sky after the storm was a sight to behold. 

Rendezvous participants had many opportunities to learn about the history of Escanaba. The nearby Delta County Historical Museum and Sand Point Lighthouse graciously opened their doors to Rendezvous attendees all week. Jim Austin said, “The museum is remarkable. We told the volunteer staff that it was clear that so much hard work and love has gone into it over many decades. It was a really fun tour.”

Local artist and sailor Gregg Bruff shared his paintings of “Working Boats of the Upper Peninsula” and talked about the history of fishing and shipping in the UP and Door County.  

Delta County historian Ann Jousma Miller regaled us with tales of the origins of many communities that line the shores of Big and Little Bays de Noc. A highlight was her recitation of a poem by Rudyard Kipling. Two local hamlets, Rudyard and Kipling, were named by an admirer of his work. 

Troy Henderson, historian for Fayette State Park, presented the history of the iron industry in the Upper Peninsula and answered questions from boaters planning a stopover at Fayette. Don’t miss this spectacular park if you are in the area.

Unique to the Escanaba Rendezvous was the Players de Noc theatrical production of “Playing Dead.” Guests boarded a shuttle bus to historic Lakeview Cemetery where a number of actors portraying prominent or interesting spirits from Escanaba’s colorful past told us their stories as we strolled through the picturesque graveyard. The ‘ghosts’ included a lieutenant governor of Michigan, the first lighthouse keeper in Escanaba (perhaps murdered?), and a creative but somewhat deranged dentist. 

The GLCC is grateful to the Escanaba Yacht Club for partnering with the GLCC for several events. EYC hosted the club’s  Board of Directors and Port Captains meetings. Yacht club members also planned a number of activities for Rendezvous attendees, including model sailboat races, a hot breakfast, and GLCC member participation in EYC’s Margaritaville-themed Mid-Summer Race. The folks at EYC embodied Escanaba’s friendly and welcoming vibe and made everyone feel at home.

The week’s program was dotted with many favored GLCC activities beginning with Book Club where the wide variety of GLCC reader interests was apparent. 

The ever-popular Bilge Auction with auctioneers Niels Jensen, Nelson Stone and Bobbe Miller, entertained the group while re-homing a large collection of useful, underappreciated and frankly odd items. The auction raised $2,826 for the Great Lakes Foundation. 

Gadget Hour was a great opportunity for boaters to share their favorite tips, hacks and gadgets. A new feature was GLCC School Live and In Person” during which Lou Bruska presented his seminar, “From the Mackinac Bridge to Escanaba.”

The GLCC Ship’s Store was open daily. Bobbe Miller presented a selection of GLCC merch including some featuring the 2024 Rendezvous logo. Heidi Egensperger, Sharon Henrich and Pam Jackson staffed the store.

A new tradition began with the inaugural Rag Haulers vs. Stink Potters Cornhole Tournament coordinated by Dale and Teena Lashbrook. Participant Dee McClure commented, “The spectator’s absolute silence during the final match of yesterday’s cornhole tournament was reminiscent of a Wimbledon final. It was a very serious competition with bragging rights on the line.” 

Missy Siudara and Amy Babinchak sailed to victory and motored away with the championship as these long-time sailors on their first voyage with their new Spanish motor yacht left both sides feeling like winners.

Food is always a Rendezvous highlight and Escanaba did not disappoint. Monday’s Commodore’s Reception at the brewpub Hereford and Hops featured “heavy hors d’oeuvres” including mini-pasties. Not many felt the need to go in search of dinner afterward. Tuesday had a jam-packed schedule of presentations and activities. Several food trucks at the marina provided boaters with convenient options for lunch and dinner.

The Commodore’s Dinner at the historic and elegant House of Ludington was the capstone of the 2024 Rendezvous. Niels and Vicki Jensen, as 25-year members, and Vern and Jeannette Meyer as 50-year members were recognized for their tenure in the GLCC. The Commodore’s Trophy for traveling farthest by boat went to Dick and Nancy Coleman. Sarah Matthews won the raffle for a quilt made and donated by Cynthia McNine. The raffle raised $515.

The Thursday sendoff started with the last continental breakfast as all the cruisers packed up their vessels – car, power or sail – to continue cruising the Great Lakes or heading for home.