Belle River 2010

– by Martin Kohl, Fleet Captain and Cruise Co-Sponsor
"Great food, great friends, and great wine sums up the 2010 Belle River Wine Cruise! Oh, and did I forget to mention the unbelievable weather and romantic sunsets over Lake St. Clair? Most were greeted by a bit of high winds on Friday evening but it was no match to our boaters' talents in getting their vessels docked like professional Captains!
Our first day, Friday evening, began with an array of white and red wines from Mastronardi and Muscedere vineyards which are local to the surrounding area. To top this off we had one of our very own wine experts, Richard Allen, explain the differences and intricacies between the wines so us inexperienced wine connoisseurs could smell and taste the subtleties of the various types of wines. Rich even managed to through in a few laughs for us! Thank you very much Rich! And let us not forget the delicious docktails that everyone shared that night - thank you to everyone!
Saturday morning started with hot coffee, fresh cut fruit, juices and a light continental breakfast. Shortly after breakfast the sounds of dinghy motors could be heard as boaters hopped aboard their small crafts and headed on a journey down the river or down the shores of Lake St. Clair. Some even ventured to the “Sandbar” restaurant a few miles away to have a hearty lunch! I heard the Perch was very tasty! Others took their boats out and anchored near the local beach, which was just around the corner, and enjoyed a nice dip in the cool waters and stuck their toes into the sandy lake bottom to take in the absolutely gorgeous weather!
Saturday’s dinner was a feast fit for a King too! “Captain Nickolas” (aka Gus), the onsite restaurant, catered a delicious Gyro dinner with lamb and chicken as our
choices. Greek salad and 'yes', baklava, were also on the menu along with cream puffs and éclairs. There was so much food that many boaters took some back to their boats only to get creative the next morning with breakfast omelets (thanks Sue Croll...yum, yum! – are you going to the next trip too?). Boaters also shared their favorite bottle of wine with friends that evening to broaden our wine tasting experience – have you ever had a “Chocolate Wine?” It wasn't that much later after dinner that we all witnessed a beautiful sunset over Lake St. Clair. Folks were in awe as the sun began to slowly set in the distance. Many snapped pictures of family members and friends to capture the precious moment. Others even headed out to sea with their boat to experience this once in a life time sunset. We were blessed with two absolutely stunning days of perfect weather.
Sunday morning, once again, started with hot coffee, fresh cut fruit, juices and a light
continental breakfast. Boaters shortly after breakfast began to head back home. Oneby-one, boats began to launch into a perfectly calm sea back to MacRay Harbor. Most were wondering "Will this tour happen again next year?". Well, like a good wine, only time will tell.
Your cruise sponsors, Allen's, Goemmel's, and Kohl's would like to thank everyone for making this a cruise of a lifetime and also thank you for your support and help during
the event - we truly enjoyed every moment. 'Sea' you next year!"