Brian at the controls

Cast off from Bondar Marina at 8:00 a.m. to cross over to Kemp Marina in Sault Michigan to clear customs.  The boat made it through!!  Travelled down the St Mary’s shipping channel and saw very little traffic, upon entry into Munuscong Lake  encountered 4-5 foot waves, waves  decreased to 1-2 feet at south end of lake.  Faced with Heavy trailing seas ( 4 – 6 ft waves) once we entered the Straits of Mackinaw.  After 10 hours on the boat, and 80 miles tied up at Mackinaw City Municipal Marina. Real touristy town!

Grand Mackinaw Hotel

Sept 5;  Couldn’t get a reservation at Beaver Island- so plan B was to go down the Eastern shore- ended up in Harbor Springs across the Bay from Petoskey.  Tied up at Harbor Springs facing right into “Blue Moon’s “ starboard side (  198 ft ) super yacht that rents for >300,000 per week . Day’s run 49 NM.

Blue Moon- Super Yacht

Sun Sept 6/15   Harbor Springs to (Leland) – Northport

Cast off from Harbor Springs at 9:30, and heading towards Charlevoix, dealing with SW wind at 20 Kts and 2-3 foot waves, Altered  course to Northport in Grand Traverse Bay in order to  stop the pounding from the 4 ft waves  and prevent mutiny by the crew.  Tied up in Northport Harbor for at least tonight.  35 NM .

Mon Sept 7/15   -Frankfort Michigan

Just heard from Captain, they encountered some big waves as they came around the Point,  near  the Manitou Islands.  They passed by Leland around noon, the water was a little calmer and  they decided to continue on to Frankfort.  Are safely tucked away  in a Marina in the harbor.  When they went to shut down the Starboard Engine would not stop; called a mechanic to come take a look.  Haven’t figured out the problem, but suspect it was a loose connection.

If weather and waves  are favorable, they plan to make the 60 mile run across the Lake Michigan  to Sturgeon Bay or Kewaunee  Wisconsin tomorrow.