Better late than never. August 19, 2019 marks the one year anniversary that we left California. We have since sailed almost 6000 miles from our starting point in Kentucky. Other than missing family and friends something fierce, this has been an incredible trip thus far.

We departed Killarney under sunny skies and brisk winds.

Did a short run of ~28 miles to Mary Ann Cove in Baie Fine. Baie Fine is one of the largest freshwater fjords in the world. It is surrounded by quartz cliffs and is absolutely stunning. We chilled out in the cove as we got there late afternoon. I did not get enough pictures.

The next morning, we picked up anchor and went into the fjord another 7 miles and anchored. Jumped into the dinghy and anchored into The Pool, which was beautiful but crowded. Tied up to a tree and hiked up to Topaz Lake. Super clear lake with gorgeous quartz rock. Water wasn’t too warm, but Mike actually got in with a floaty and a beer. I had a great swim.

<Insert by Mike: Mikey boy don’t be liking cold water…but hey! How many times in my life will I be able to do this? As the old saying goes…it did warm up a bit after a while. I was, however, speaking a few octaves higher.>

Next day, made the short run to Little Current in really nice seas. Beautiful leg.

Little Current was another cute town. While in the Northern Channel, cruisers can tune into to Channel 71 on the marine radio for the daily Cruisers Network. Roy Eaton hosts this every morning during the months of July and August from the Anchor Inn in Little Current. It was fun to see where folks were, and hear the surrounding weather conditions. Each morning during this 1 hour or so broadcast, boaters would “check in” from the various outlying areas. We heard 95 cruisers check in one morning. I just realized I took no pictures of Little Current.

Departed the next morning for the Benjamin Islands. More brisk winds, but the seas were good.

The Benjamins were gorgeous. That said, the anchorage was pretty damn rolly. This was to be our last stop in Canada which was bittersweet.

Took off at sunrise for the 80 mile run to Harbor Island, Michigan. Were treated to beautiful skies.

We had crappy beam seas for the first 25 miles, then the seas were gorgeous! Popped a bottle of Veuve with Parker and Leslie and toasted to being back in the USA!!! (Because nothing screams America like good french champagne.)

Departed the next morning en route to Government Island, which was out of the Northern Channel and into Lake Huron proper. Had perfect weather, sunny skies and glassy seas.

Arrived Government Bay, which is part of the Les Cheneaux Islands, early afternoon. Jumped in our dinghies and went about 4 miles to the town of Cedarville. Happened upon a fantastic draft beer and distillery joint that had great food!

Had a fabulous lunch, and some great cocktails. Bought a bottle of whiskey to support the local economy. Had a fabulous dinner on Scaliwag and were treated to a gorgeous sunset.

Took off the next morning for Saint Ignace, MI. Took off early and had beautiful conditions for the short ~24 mile run. Sailed past Mackinac Island which was so cool. My folks went there years ago and absolutely loved it! The weather forecast was calling for high winds and periodic thunderstorms for days, so we knew we were going to be in a marina for a while. This was a bummer as we had been so spoiled by the phenomenal anchorages of Georgian Bay and the Northern Channel. But, I knew I could get lots of laundry done and do a ton of provisioning!

The next day, we took the ferry to Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Island. It was a cold and blustery day, but beautiful nonetheless. Walked around the island and marveled in its beauty.

So, there are no automobiles allowed on the island (except for public safety & ambulances–and they hide them!). You get around by walking, riding a bike, riding a horse (they rent them), or riding in a horse drawn carriage. Mackinac Island is known for their fudge. There are fudge shops everywhere. We laughed walking around as the whole east (touristy) side of the island smells like horse shit and chocolate. It’s an odd combination. We shlepped up the hill to do a walking tour of the fort. It was very cool, and the views from there were stunning.

By the time we ferried back to St. Ignace, the winds and seas were ripping! It was a wild ride. I was shocked, and very pleased, people on the boat weren’t sick. Those jet boats rock!

The next few days, we did a lot of walking, eating and drinking around St. Ignace. We went to farmers markets and art shows. We tucked in during numerous thunderstorms. Then, we ate, drank and walked some more. It was a lovely town, and I really dug the people. They were almost all locals and very proud to be from the UP (upper peninsula). They called themselves “Yoopers,” while *nicely* referring to folks who reside south of the Mackinac Bridge as “trolls.” Our breakfast server told us “vacationers” were called, “fudgies,” as most come for a visit to Mackinaw & the local fudge. She didn’t have a name for us folk on the loop–we’ll just keep on with the “looper” handle.

Funny story…shortly after we tied up our boats, Parker said, “I saw a Mexican restaurant across the street. I’m dying to have Mexican.” I (being a Southern California Mexican food snob) shook my head, but said we’d go check it out. Lo and behold, there is no Mexican food in St. Ignace, but rather a burger and beer joint named MI Patio…MI being the abbreviation for Michigan. Parker read it as Mi’ Patio and had visions of tacos and guacamole! I ribbed him about it every time we walked past.

While in St. Ignace, we met members of the St. Ignace Yacht Club. I am so bummed I didn’t take a picture of it! It was about a 15′ by 18′ structure on one of the long docks. It had an ice maker, panini press, popcorn machine, crock pot, bar, refrigerator and table and chairs in it. There was a beautiful BBQ and picnic tables just outside. They gave us the keypad code and told us we could use their club anytime. We did use it one night to have crockpot chili and play dominos, while it was thunderstorming outside. Thank you to the SIYC! The thunderstorms do make for some interesting skies.

Also while in St. Ignace, we were contacted by Greg and Shelly Simmons, MI natives who happened to be in the Government Bay anchorage. They forwarded a great picture of our boats to us.

They were vacationing nearby and asked if we needed a ride to provision or anything. They ended up coming by the boat and brought us a beautiful package of Michigan goodies! So nice. Greg is retiring in March and they are hoping to do the Loop soon. Thank you Greg & Shelly!

We FINALLY left St. Ignace yesterday morning after taking on 250 gallons (cough cough) of diesel ($800.00!) Seas were beautiful as we went under the Mackinac Bridge.

Seas picked up a bit, but we had a lovely trip about 55 miles to Harbor Springs, another super charming town. Took off on our peds for a walk and dinner. Had a fabulous meal at a local bistro.

Took off this morning, and had a sporty sail to Sutton’s Bay, about a 46 mile run.

Going to chill out on the upper deck, then dinghy into town later. Scaliwag is here with us, and Heartbeat just pulled in. Will have a little AT rendezvous.

Sorry for such a long blog. Hope everyone is having a wonderful Labor Day weekend! Stay safe. Cheers! M&M

<Insert by Mike: What she said…word!>