July 24 - July 28 Straits State Harbor, Mackinac City

On to Mackinac -- the adventure REALLY begins

Although the winds were still brisk, we left Presque Isle at 6:45 am under blue skies.  Talk about a traffic jam!  Waterford is represented by the red boat on the chart to the left.  The 6 blue triangles represent freighters on the move!


Waterford was beating into 2-3 footers most of the morning, but then, again as predicted, the waves began to subside.

Along the way, Garry had a chance to catch up with his great friend Walt, from the Chicago area.  The two were college friends who have kept in touch all the way through retirement.  A very special connection!

Dodging the ferries, we pulled into Straits State Harbor by 4 pm.  Once secure, we took a quick walk into town to locate the post office --- we had several packages shipped to the marina, but they don't have a  post office address!  So anything sent by USPS has to be picked up at the post office ---- live and learn!  We'll check in the morning.

Time for a light dinner and early turn in --- chores to do tomorrow!

Friday, July 25

Off to the post office first thing to pick up 3 packages that had arrived there.  It was perfect timing for a great breakfast at the local pancake house while we opened all the mail.   By the time we finished, the marine store was open, so we made a stop there for supplies on the way back to the dock.  Garry needed a trim, so we located a salon/spa where he got a haircut and I got a pedi -- what a treat!

Wifi wasn't working out on the docks (common situation it seems), so I took my computer and a load of laundry up to the marina office.  Our sister ship, Day Dreams, with friends Doug and Jan aboard was just pulling in as I finished.  

There were several trawlers in the harbor including C.A.R.I.B just across the dock from Day Dreams.  Lon and Pat were out of St. Petersburg, FL going the opposite direction from us on the Loop.  Before we knew it, we were enjoying cocktails and sharing intel.  No better info than from someone who's just been where you're going and vice versa (makes sense, right?)!  A good time was had by all.

Saturday/Sunday/Monday

A chilly, gray, windy, rainy day!  That was the theme for most of the weekend.  We slept in, did a lot of reading and a few little chores.  Garry changed the oil and in between showers, we managed a trip to the grocery store to stock up the the North Channel.  We put the Burley cart to the test!  

Sunday we got to connect with our daughter Laura and grandsons Zachary and Evan --- lots of catching up to do.  Even got a 3-way conversation going with Great Grandma Millie, who continues to do quite well even after suffering a stroke a year ago.

Also Sunday, Doug and Jan welcomed visitors Jeri and Patti for a couple of days.  Cocktails aboard Waterford followed by dinner in town --- great times.

Monday started out gray and very windy.  While the Martin crew set off for Mackinac Island, Garry and I headed off on bikes for a late brunch followed by a 4 mile ride south of town to Mill Creek campground.

A view of the Mackinac Bridge from the campground .

When the wind finally settled down, we left the harbor to go "next door" to fill up where the fuel price was significantly more attractive.  Back to Straits Harbor for a pump out and back to the dock.  Now we're ready for the North Channel --- provisioned up, fueled up and pumped out!