Badger Boat Ride

Getting on the boat.

After our week in Ludington, we took the car ferry (The Badger) out of Ludington over to Wisconsin. We wanted to get to Chicago to see Pete's Grandpa George and Aunt Carol, so we thought the boat would be fun for Charlie. One of my former students at Free Soil works on the boat, so he was able to hook us up with a free trip! It was SUPER nice of him because it's really expensive to ride the boat, and even more to take your car across. Charlie LOVED being on the boat. There were so many cool things to see and do: games to play, movies to watch, etc. He was even able to see the boat captain and wave to him! The unfortunate part of the trip was that the water was ROUGH. All the beaches were closed due to strong undertows, and Pete's friend, Micah (who is a charter boat captain), said they were calling for gale force winds that day. Great. Luckily we paid extra to get a state room just in case the kids needed a nap or if we wanted a place to get away from the rest of the people. We ended up spending half our time in the state room, laying down to avoid getting sick. I couldn't take Dramamine because I'm nursing, so I just had to lay down on the bed the whole time. Charlie watched a movie for a bit, but then the rocking of the boat put him to sleep and he slept for almost two hours. Once we got closer to Wisconsin, the waves died down a bit and we were able to walk around again. 

All in all it was a great adventure! I've always wanted to ride the boat, and Pete & I knew that Charlie would love going on it. Maybe we'll be able to do it again in the future and have a better day on the water!

Charlie and Seda posing where Pete's dad and his brother did when they were kids.

Grandma and Grandpa took our picture from land.

Leaving the harbor in Ludigton... it was chilly!

Waving to Grandpa and Grandma at the lighthouse (they are on the left)!

Charlie and Pete all excited for the boat ride!

Me trying not to be sick on the boat. :(

Having fun in the state room... not at all bothered by the big waves!

Being a little monkey.

Snuggling in for the long ride.