Port Huron (Black River): We left Jefferson Beach Marina out into Lake Saint Claire again. Cruising was smooth that day. We entered the shipping channel in the St Claire River and wouldn’t you know a freighter was right behind us. We moved way to the right of the channel to allow the freighter to pass. These freighters are huge when they are up-close-and-personal. After that encounter, the other freighters were all going the opposite direction which made things easier. It was slow going up the river as the current was about 2 kts against us. We enjoyed seeing the area (Port Huron/Sarnia) from the water but didn’t enjoy all the recreational boaters buzzing around us. We finally arrived at the Black River where our marina (River Street Marina) was located. Lots of boaters stacked up in the river awaiting the lift bridges going up river. Upon our arrival, we put in about 200 gallons of diesel, pumped-out our black water and headed to our slip. We only planned to stay one night, so after docking and securing everything we walked around town, ate at an Irish restaurant (French onion soup wasn’t that good), and watched all the people coming and going. We were docked right next to an old tug boat which got a lot of attention from those passing by. We also filled the water tank just to be sure we had enough water for the next few days.
ed by a freighter then met another coming at us. Above, two bridges had to open to get to our slip in Port Huron
Port Sanilac: Left Port Huron/Black River around 7:30. Bridge master was kind enough to open the two bridges before the 8am normal opening. Then we hit the current under the Blue Water Bridge. Lots of current and eddies in that area ( 4-5 knots of current cut our forward progress in half ) and then on to Lake Huron. Wide open space and very little current and we headed to Port Sanilac. Smooth sailing to the port. The only issues were the buoys of the dredge in the harbor (the dredge worked for 36 hours straight while we were there). We stayed for 2 nights as the wind kicked up the next day. Walked around town like usual to see what might be there. Found the ice cream store, a diner, and a restaurant that was recommended by the locals. It was very windy the second day, but we were safe and sound in our slip (thankfully). We enjoyed a breakfast at the diner and a meal at the harbor restaurant–both very good eating.
East Tawas: Long cruising day and the weather made it longer. The wind was coming off the land and as long as we were cruising with the land on our west we were fine. Things turned not so nice, or as the boaters would say, sporty, when we turned to cross the Saginaw Bay toward East Tawas. The wind was building as were the waves. It was a long 4 hours until we were able to surf into the harbor in East Tawas. This was probably one of the worst crossings of this whole loop. We were both exhausted that evening. While eating dinner that night Tim commented: “Is the bar moving or is it just us?” Early to bed with plans to stay at the harbor 3 nights because of the high wind and thunderstorm warning coming our way. First day it rained and stormed. Second day was nice but windy still. Finally people came out of their boats, campers and houses and the streets were filled with people. We enjoyed a Mexican meal, cauliflower pizza (martha did) and Jack’s (a local favorite). Yes, we do eat out a lot, but it’s great to taste what the local area has to offer. We stay away from chain restaurant if at all possible. We also did a few boat chores and readied the boat for our cruise the next day to Alpena.
Alpena: Left just after 6am as it is a 7 hour trip. The lake is calm today with light winds coming offshore. Makes for easy and more comfortable cruising. YEA!!!! We arrived safely at Alpena Marina. Tim toured a museum while I walked around the small stores–lots of summer sales going on. Enjoyed dinner with fellow boaters/loopers at a nearby restaurant. Provisioned a few things at Sav-A-Lot.
Rogers City: Interesting entry to harbor–Hard right, Hard left, another left, hard right, another left and into our slip. This is a very nice marina. I’ve never seen such a people friendly setup. The break wall around the marina is nicely done with even an area so people can get right close to the waves but still be protected. Another area has a bench to just sit and watch the waves/water. The day we arrive, Sunday, most things were closed. But there were 2 open air services happening. I think one was Catholic and the other Protestant (I recognized some of the songs). Tim went to a small maritime museum while I walked around the sleepy downtown. I did find a few stores open, but not many.
Cheboygan/St. Ignace: Anther long day of cruising. Lake Huron is behaving today. We had intended to stop in Cheboygan, but decided to go the extra 2+ hours to St. Ignace. Cruising around Mackinaw Island is kind of surreal as we have been to the island only by ferry, but now we are on our own boat. Docking was simple in the well protected marina in St. Ignace. Met a few other loopers. Walked the downtown area–not many things open. Went to a recommended restaurant and had dinner with another looper couple. St. Ignace is working on a boardwalk, but it is not complete. But we enjoyed what was done. It is always nice to walk after being in the boat for so many hours. We are about to enter Lake Michigan!!!
Tim & Martha's trip around the Great Loop 