Ferry to the 50th

[Nelson]

Just made contact with the Luddington, MI ferry people and that looks like it is a very good deal. We will be driving two cars and taking the ferry both directions. For less than $400 we will be saving the hassle of driving around/through Chicago and a lot of miles in our trip from Ohio. For anyone interested, the reservation must be made before the end of April. We are getting a group rate. The four hour boat ride sounds like fun too. From the ferry to Elkhart Lake is only 30 some miles.

 

[PeterC]

Nelson, It's a GREAT ride. Cocktails on the poop deck, movies inside if it's raining. You'll land at Manitowoc, which is a little embarrassing compared to Luddington. There's a great brewpub near the ferry in Luddington.
If you smile nicely, they'll let you drive your car on, else, their people will do it. They park them backwards. I drove my Mini on head first, and could do a turn inside. They liked that. Make sure your handbrake works!

Peter C

 

[dfwip]

Nelson-

Sounds great! I'm in Milan...
Have not decided if I'm driving th Midget
or dragging it behind the truck. Family also
going, so I need second vehicle in any event.
Can they handle a truck pulling a trailer?

Paul

 

[JPSmit]

any volume discount?

 

[Nelson]

My second vehicle is our Accord. My wife isn't sure she would be comfortable for a drive of this length in the Sprite so that will be her vehicle. We spent some time in Wisconsin a few summers back and suffered through some ghastly heat and a car with air conditioning will be a great refuge if needed. The Sprite's air conditioner got lost when I shipped it back from England. LOL Hopefully the Accord won't have to be given a rescue mission for a troublesome Sprite.

 

[taskadog]

Is Wisconsin warm in July?
What does that do to the frozen tundra?

 

[sswarin]

We should have the details posted on the Midget 50th website in a few days. I'm waiting for confirmation from the SS Badger.

 

[JPSmit]

Is Wisconsin warm in July?
What does that do to the frozen tundra?

the more relevant question here is will the ice be out?

 

[nomad]

One warning. The Badger is coal fired steam. If you sit aft on an open deck you will get gritty! We did, but it is a great ride!!.

Kurt.

 

[dfwip]

Anyone looked into the Lake Express?
Looks much more modern and FASTER.
With SS Badger, looks like trip would be longer.

As for money....2 adults and 2 kids...round trip (non group rate)
Badger...$300
Lake Express...$292

Cost per auto...round trip
Badger...$118
Lake Express...$173

Lake Express also appears to have a fuel "surcharge"
that will cost $80 round trip AND a port chage that will
cost $60 round trip (again, 2 adults and 2 kids).
Sure don't like the extra charges they throw in.

We are definitely gonna do the boat thing.
Anyone interested in me checking on a group package
with Lake Express? I would be willing to do the leg work....

Paul

 

[Jer]

We should have the details posted on the Midget 50th website in a few days. I'm waiting for confirmation from the SS Badger.

Okay, I will wait till you have things worked out with Badger, then make reservations !

Thanks

 

[JPSmit]

We are definitely gonna do the boat thing.
Anyone interested in me checking on a group package
with Lake Express? I would be willing to do the leg work....

Paul

I am interested in any and all proposals

 

[Nelson]

The group deal is already taken care of by Steve Swarin. This info is on the Sprite-Midget Club web site. When you call, just tell the ferry person that you are part of this group. That is what we did yesterday. My wife talked to them and I believe there is also a senior discount available. I am well qualified for that.

 

[sswarin]

Thanks Nelson. Yes, I just worked out the last details with the nice folks at the SS Badger, and sent a flyer with all the details to Jim Johnson at the Sprite-Midget Club. He should be posting the details on the Midget 50th site in the next few days.

The Lake Express is also a possibility for those wanting to take a shortcut across Lake Michigan and avoid the Chicago traffic. The departure point is Muskegan, MI which is a closer to the MI-OH-IN border than the Badger's port of Ludington. The Lake Express' WI port is Milwaukee, which is about 60 miles from Elkhart Lake. The Lake Express is a lot faster than the Badger, and a lot more expensive (Time is Money). I have not checked on the possibility of a group discount.

I picked the Badger because the Michigan MGA Club used the Badger to get to their national event last year in Wisconsin. And the Badger is an historic, coal-burning original ferry that I thought might appeal to folks who drive historic vehicles.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Jer]

Thanks Steve! reservation is made.
One way trip as I will return up the other side of the lake, my location is very condusive to a circle tour !

 

[Tom Rynne]

Anyone coming over on the 18th of July on the Lake Express??
I would like to hook up for the trip to Elkhart from the Ferry with other Spridgets. I live about 2 miles from the Ferry dock so PM me if you are coming over. Thanks.

 

[dfwip]

Hi Tom-

We are coming from Ohio and are definitely gonna do the boat thing.
The Lake Express would save us a couple hours on the trip and the
return times are MUCH better for us. However, it is a lot more expensive
than the Badger (even before all the Badger discounts, group rates, etc), so
that is a factor. Also, we will definitely do the Badger if our numbers
are needed to get the Badger group rate for everyone. If we do the Lake
Express, will definitely meet up wih you. Thanks for the invite. Will advise
when we know our plans.

Paul