Written by Kristen and Herb Roth, SV Navicula

Lynn and Mark Hoenke SV Roxy hosted the first Salty Dawg Midwest Rendezvous. It was a three-day retreat at their family cottage, The Junipers, on the shores of beautiful Long Lake outside of Traverse City, Michigan. The weather for early October was perfect and they welcomed Lori and Dan Carlson SV Bebe, Joddy and Matt Perry SV Exuberant, Kristin and Herb Roth SV Navicula and Stephanie and Jim Seal SV Hero. Joddy and Matt sailed on Exuberant to Traverse City. The Junipers was festooned with Roxy’s trademark pink flamingos marking the driveway entrance, the shutters, and even an inflatable, illuminated flamingo family. The cottage stood out like a, well, pink flamingo.

Sunday began with sundowners on the porch. Everyone contributed an appetizer and to say it was heavy is an understatement. As a result, the planned hamburgers were placed in the freezer while the cocktails and conversation continued to flow. Sunset was celebrated with Mark and Matt playing a conch serenade to the vanishing sol. Attention then moved to the campfire where some marshmallows were ignited, and others were transformed into gourmet s’mores.

 Monday after breakfast, the group took a walking tour of the neighborhood, then on to Traverse City for exploring and shopping. After lunch in town, they took a trip up the picturesque Old Mission Peninsula (a few were able to ride in Mark’s vintage ’64 red mustang convertible), to experience wine tasting at both the Mari and Bonobo Vineyards while enjoying the beauty of Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding area. The group then returned to The Junipers, with Herb and Kristin taking a detour along the way to pick up a couple quarts of Traverse City’s famous Moomers ice cream. The hamburgers were rescued from the freezer and everyone pitched in for a great impromptu dinner. The boys took a break to practice their marksmanship (no pun intended) with Mark’s collection of slingshots.

Tuesday was another picture-perfect day and breakfast was followed by a pontoon boat ride exploring Long Lake. Lori, Dan, Stephanie and Jim had to say their goodbyes, and after lunch the remaining three crews settled down to a round of Mexican Dominoes. It almost felt like we were sitting back at the Antigua Yacht Club (hope they are recuperating from the terrible fire). Kristin won the match, while Herb, as you could tell by his expression, had the most fun.

The Rendezvous was concluded with a relaxing outdoor dinner at the Broomstick Kitchen and Tap House, in Maple City, with entertainment provided by the Leelanau Curling Club.
Our three-day gathering was a complete success with Lynn and Mark the perfect hosts, the weather totally accommodating, and the camaraderie of Lynn, Mark, Lori, Dan, Joddy, Matt, Kristin, Herb, Stephanie and Jim fantastic to say the least. Many a salty tale was exchanged. Thanks again Lynn and Mark for putting this all together!