Packing for the Lake Erie Islands clever tricks to trim the load

Either an invite has been sent or a place booked on an island in the waters in between Ohio and Canada. Reservations are the first priority to tackle when taking on the remote island system inaccessible via car.

You may want this posh South Beach-style one-one on MBI.

The next is to pack.

I added swimwear and several pairs of sandals (flip-flops) and workout gear. The mercury can fluctuate anywhere between 55° and 95°. Suggestion: pack a pair of sturdy Key West Kinos and, or, starfish sandals by Kirsten’s Kloset from DK’s Style Hut. Dancing is highly likely. Flip-flops fall apart.

Guys, this is the perfect opportunity to wear a flashy, collared button-down shirt depicting your tourist-like, under-the-radar status.

Go Tommy Bahama or opt for any loose clothing depicting your sailing adventures.

The official Florida Turnpike shirt captures the island essence.
The official Florida Turnpike shirt captures the island essence.
Crisp white yacht club polos set the tone.
Crisp white yacht club polos set the tone.

(Call 863-216-5744 or send an email to [email protected]. to order your Fla Turnpike shirt. Visit Florida Marina Clubs here.) The idea is to leave the Tribe, Browns, and Cavs gear where it belongs for this soiree. Live the island life.

Line the bottom of your tote bag, or suitcase with the shoes.

Then roll all of your clothing up to keep wrinkles to a minimum.
Roll all of your clothing up to keep wrinkles to a minimum.
Place any intimates and swimwear in travel bags.
Place any intimates and swimwear in travel bags.

Place these bags and hair essentials such as a hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron on top.

Toss in a passport too.
Toss in a passport too.

The nearness to Canada means impromptu international travel is more likely than less. ((I like this I’m Outta Here case form Ban.do)) from the Banyan Box Shopping Container pop-up in Cleveland’s Warehouse District.))

For the ladies, in an oversized tote like this white-zippered Style and Co. Purse from Macy’s first slide in a notebook computer (if you plan to work. Internet service is unpredictable.) Then a rolled up bath towel, toiletry case, make-up bag and a clutch containing driver’s license, debit and credit cards, business cards and cash.

The front compartment fits chargers and internet hot spot.
The front compartment fits chargers and internet hot spot.

Remember if a car isn’t being taken onto a ferry, or a personal boat isn’t available to load all of your weekend gear onto, each person is responsible for carrying the clothing from the parking lot, to the ferry, onto the shuttle, and to accommodations.

For the gentlemen, have a watercraft stocked with Cruzan or El Kraken Spiced Rum, beer and limes.

Luxury on the lake means packing all the gear of a smooth sailor.
Luxury on the lake means packing all the gear of a smooth sailor.
Plus, pack plenty of beach towels.
Plus, pack plenty of beach towels.

Cheers to Summer 2016.

Car reservations can be made two days in advance. In this event, fill up the vehicle with the essentials and groceries from the mainland for easy breezy transport.

Josie is a former TV anchorwoman and award-winning journalist. She grew up on Coastal Ohio and continues to explore all of the nooks and crannies which make the region spectacular.
Josie is a former TV anchorwoman and award-winning journalist. She grew up on Coastal Ohio and continues to explore all of the nooks and crannies which make the region spectacular.