Narrows Minded: Marina wide open for summer

By F. Josephine Arrowood
Sun contributor

Since the dismantling of the Narrows Bridge late last year, local residents have become used to taking the long way around either of the Glen Lakes to get to and from homes and businesses in the Glen Arbor area. With summer now underway, seasonal residents and visitors are also mastering the new routes, and learning to ignore the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) confusing construction signs regarding road “closures” — let’s just say that the placements of the big orange placards ignore a whole host of residences and thriving commercial enterprises, especially on mile-long Glen Lake Road (M-22) as it winds from the village to the Narrows site itself (only the bridge is out, until the end of the year).

(The original version of this article failed to note that MDOT’s sign between Anderson’s Market and Boone Docks restaurant in Glen Arbor correctly states, “Road closed to thru traffic,” redirecting drivers instead down M-109. A bright orange sign next to the “road closed” sign states, “M-22 open to businesses north of Glen Lake”. — Editor)

Docked next door to the construction action, On the Narrows Marina has been getting shipshape as the McCahill clan readies for its first season as proud new owners. They bought the family-friendly business last fall from Jack and Marcie Ferris, who had lovingly tended it for 18 years. They plan to continue a long tradition (since the early 1940s, when it was part of old Mom and Pop McDonald’s Resort) of offering boat rentals, bait and tackle, and other watercraft activities that define summer for many in this Up North paradise.

Marcie Ferris enthuses, “If I could have handpicked the new owners, it would be them. They have a passion for Glen Lake, and understand it’s a unique business. They’re going to build it up, just like we did when we first started 18 years ago. We just feel so blessed to be turning it over to them.”

Tom and Carol McCahill, and their three adult children Conor, Megan and Neil hail from Littleton, Colo., but have spent over 20 years vacationing on Glen Lake. Conor recalls, “We started coming to the old Glen Eden resort off Northwood Drive,” on the north shore of Big Glen. Although the property was eventually sold for residential development, the pair cherishes memories of their annual getaway, and the family gatherings that still continue on the lake each year.

Megan says, “My dad, Thomas, is one of 10 [siblings]. His brother and sister lived in Grand Rapids, and found this area. We had a big family reunion every year.” She laughs, “The boat we would rent got a lot of use. My mom, who’s from Texas, taught us to swim and water ski when we were really young.”

Now Megan, Conor and Nick Bartelloni, a Boston native and college friend of Conor, will oversee the daily operations at the marina, with occasional visits from brother Neil. They’ll share their water sports skills with customers, providing lessons, equipment and even a driver for water skiing groups aboard a 340 HP Tige that seats up to 14 people. The stalwart trio will be assisted by an experienced, seasonal staff of six locals, who have worked previously at the marina. All are certified in water safety and driver certification through USA Water Ski, as well as in CPR and first aid.

On the Narrows Marina offers a tempting array of pleasure craft, for individuals, couples or a crowd. Those seeking a peaceful sojourn can rent a canoe, kayak or aluminum fishing boat, with or without an outboard motor. Don’t be fooled by that gigantic marlin on their website, www.narrows-marina.com: Glen Lake’s sports fish — including bass, northern pike and trout – come a tad bit smaller, but make wonderful trophies, suppers or subjects for tall tales of “the one that got away.”

Sailors can hang low in the water on a two-person ”wet” craft, or skim along a larger, sloop-rigged day sailer. Pedal boats and pontoons (some of which are wheelchair accessible for multi-generation outings) invite more vigorous participation, especially since the pontoons offer the option of tubing, sightseeing or just mooring offshore to splash around in the big blue basin ringed by jewel-green hills. Speedsters can thrill to water skiing, wake boarding and surfing, and the marina’s new, environmentally friendly jet skis. With a four-stroke engine, the Sea-Doo GTIs run quieter and pollute less than old two-stroke technology, adding to a more enjoyable experience for everyone on the lakes.

Water fun always makes people hungry, and On the Narrows steps up to the table, with grilling supplies that include chicken hamburgers, brats and dogs. Pop, sandwiches and pizza on the weekends will be available, as well as other supplies like sunscreen, fishing licenses, temporary boating safety certificates, bait, tackle and fuel. Moorings can also be rented for those needing a place to park their watercraft, with beautiful Glen Arbor and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s Alligator Hill hiking trails only a one-mile stroll away.

Since Conor, Megan and Nick will be living on-site, they’re ready and willing to accommodate special requests. Despite the challenges of the bridge construction, On the Narrows Marina is shipshape-ready for its launch this season.

“This is what we always looked forward to for our summers,” Megan sums up. “Now we’re excited to be a part of the community,” carrying on the venerable tradition, and becoming a part of other families’ own Up North summer fun memories.

For more information, contact On the Narrows Marina at (231) 334-4891 or (800) 707-5921, or online at www.narrows-marina.com.