September 16 - Northport

We thought that we were going to Leland today, but the small craft advisory came up early, and we detoured to Northport and are so glad that we did. Not only did we get out of the 4-5 foot waves but had a great visit here. Martha, the harbormaster, was so welcoming and outfitted us with maps and suggestions for a delightful visit. First on the itinerary was rolls and coffee at Barb’s Bakery and then onto a bike ride to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. The SW wind was blowing 25 knots which really highlighted the various shades of green water along the sandy shore. Great market which even had Starbucks Verona decaf coffee and Quince preserves.

September 15 - Charlevoix, Lake Michigan

Small craft advisory was downgraded by 11 am so we decided to try for Charlevoix in Lake Michigan. The state of Michigan has done a fantastic job establishing marinas and ports of refuge at 20-30 mile intervals. Today’s journey was 62 miles, but after this, we hope to leapfrog down the east coast and cross to Lake Michigan’s western shore when conditions are right to get to Chicago. Wind today was N to NW and it was rock and roll in 3 footers but this was comparatively easy.
Charlevoix is located on Round Lake and there is a bascule bridge which opens on the ½ hour. We arrived a little early so had to practice tight boat turns in the canal. Charlevoix City Marina was recently remodeled with new docks and service. The marina facilities include a plush lounge, laundry with HE machines, bright sleek shower areas, and outside boasts an amphitheatre and dancing water fountain. We met a former Looper who gave us a lot of tips for “the trip of a lifetime.”

Mackinac Island

I awoke in Detour Village at 6am to the sound of freighter fog horns calling to each other through the dense fog, but by 8am, the skies had cleared and we were heading west to Mackinac Island with 1-2 foot following seas. Docking on the island is quite an experience as we had SE wind, surge from Lake Huron and 5 superfast ferries with rooster tail spray all coming in with us.
Our marina stays up to this point have been in more isolated remote areas so Mackinac is quite a contrast. Even though the weather was cold and rainy, the ferries brought more and more tourists all eager to take a carriage ride, bike, shop, tour the forts and eat fudge. Fort Mackinac details island history from the early native settlers through the British-American War of 1812 and on to present days. The islanders’ decision not to allow cars was certainly an early version of going green. It was wonderful to do the 8 mile bike loop around the island as it offered views of wild beaches, spectacular old and new beachfront homes and hiking trails. One islander told me that in the late autumn when large freighters and ore boats pass close to the island, you can feel a slight tremble as the land reacts to the power of the sea.