Dodging Showers in Cleveland

Dodging Showers in Cleveland

While thunderstorms were predicted for yesterday, they thankfully dissipated before getting to us and we arrived at the Lakeside Yacht Club to partly sunny skies, WARM temps and HIGH humidity.  We used the afternoon to catch up on “chores” around the boat – laundry for me and painting for Steve. We were grateful to be hooked up to power so the AC could keep us cool. This morning the predicted rains again held off so after finishing some of those “chores” we taxied into downtown Cleveland for a stroll among big city skyscrapers.  It has been years since I visited Cleveland, and so I had no memory of the lovely, well preserved, and vibrant city center.  The art deco buildings were abundant and well described on our walking tour map. We especially enjoyed both the outside and inside of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Public Square and the Old Stone Church nearby. Our tour also included the first indoor mall in the states, The Arcade, – now renovated as a Hyatt Regency Hotel with shops and food court.  Again, the art deco touches were astounding as well as the five story high skylight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleveland restaurant options were almost overwhelming from simple sandwiches to every ethnic food imaginable.  We finally selected Mallorca for a delicious Spanish influenced lunch served by courtly Spanish speaking wait staff. Nearby in the Warehouse District was Constantino’s a fantastic deli/market with everything needed to stock the boat and more if we desired. Not feeling the need for rock and roll we passed on the big attraction here, the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, but plan to keep it for our next visit. Sadly, at this time no marinas suitable for our boat are within walking distance of this urban playground.  When we complained jokingly to the Visitor Center, they informed us that the redevelopment is ongoing and those plans include exactly what we were asking for. So, Cleveland is getting better and better for boaters, and we may just return to visit that main attraction. Also, as it turned out our return to the boat was well timed – rain drops started to fall on our way down the dock and they have not stopped yet. Those promised thunderstorms have finally arrived in force. We are hoping they blow themselves out so we can move on tomorrow.