I just found out that my family is planning a week-long reunion in the Sandusky area in the summer of 2005. Where are the good places to visit and stay while I'm there? Beside the obvious (Cedar Point), what other cool things are within 40 miles or so? I'm planning on having my 382 Formula trucked over, so it looks like trips to the Lake Erie islands are definitely on the list.

Most of my relatives are into fairly "basic" accomodations, so something like the cottages at South Beach Resort in Marblehead looks about right as far as a base of operations. I'm sure that The Admiral would prefer to be at Sawmill Creek Resort, but we might very well be staying on board.

If they still have it; fly the Ford Tri-Motor over to Put-In-Bay. While in PIB, go to the roundhouse.

What week, there are a ton of offshores in that area many of them frequent the board Wicked Won, Glassdave, Tizbad, Half Nutz, Leopajm, and lot more.
A lot of us also belong to LEOPA so when it gets closer to that time frame, post again and they will let you know what is going on. But Put In Bay and
Kelly's Island should definitely be stops you plan on making.

yea . . what Ms. P said Put-in-Bay and Kellys are a must. let us know when the date get closer. you will have a very busy week as there is lots to do in that area. your 382 is gonna love sandusky bay

Ditto what they said Chuck. LOTS to do in and around the islands...and a day trip to the Cleveland Flats or to Muskamoot Bay/Detroit/St Clair area would be recomended too.

You'll have alot of fun, good crowd of people hang out at the islands too...

I'm sure we will hear more when the date is closer. Lots of people on this and my board go to Erie on a regular basis and will be able to tour guide you into the fun spots

Huron, Kelleys, PIB, Middle Bass (Hazards). Man if this is your first time your going to have a BLAST!!

Make sure you are running with a local - Erie is a big lake, but sometimes it's just a puddle. You can wind up in 2' water before you even realize it.
I grew up on that water, and it is some of the best.
Cruise down the Maumee River into Toledo and go to the restaurants on the east side - those were great when I was there - but it's been about 4-5 years. Still a nice river to run.
You'll love Erie, shallow lake, and storms kick up fast. It's great water to run in - get a nice 2' chop that's really "tight" - damn, I miss that water.

After 7 years on Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, with some open ocean and Albemarle Sound lessons thrown in, I'm sure we'll find all those conditions in the area.
My boating passion started on the Maumee River. My uncle lived in <edit>Rossford, Ohio<edit> and had a 24' Owens on a home-made lift in his back yard off of one of the side creeks. He passed away many years ago, but I hope to re-pay him by giving all my cousins a ride along the same route.
Thanks for all the feedback - I'll know more about the proposed dates soon.

This was really cool ... did it when I was real young. Unfortunately, this ended many years ago.

C-Spray,

Let us know when you'll be heading over this way. Would like to catch up with you while you're here.

Chris

Do youself a favor and get a chart of the lake. Trust me, I've run from the Detroit area to Put In Bay twice and never saw more than 35' of water, and often found myself in less than 6' without a bit of warning. I have since bought a paper chart and have added that section of the lake to my GPS plotter.