Saturday - August 2

 Mark walked to the Lexington Coffee Co. for a latte and blueberry muffin for me.   Nice calm day for cruising.....we left Lexington at 8:10 and went 70 miles to Jefferson Beach (St. Clair Shores, MI).   We were last here in 2021 and it's a huge and very nice marina.

Met this freighter on the St. Clair River

The Wagenborg

Had lunch and then just relaxed.    Jefferson Beach is a happening place this Saturday afternoon - lots of young folks out partying and boats coming and going including a tiki bar boat.

We were last here (Jefferson Beach) on August 19, 2021 - had dinner at Golden Chopsticks and did the same tonight after 4:30 Mass at St. Lucy's with Father Ben from India now serving the Detroit diocese.   We've been to Mass at St. Lucy's in 2008, 2021 and 2025.

Another yummy Chinese dinner + egg rolls and plenty of leftovers.   We rode our bikes (2 miles) to Mass and dinner.

Tomorrow...........Port Clinton, here we come!    HOME SWEET HOME!!!

Friday - August 1

 Welcome August!    We were off at 7:15 this morning headed to "we don't know"!    Ha.....just hoping for a nice ride.    154 miles later, here we are in Lexington, MI.    It was a good day on the water (sunny, 72 and pretty smooth water with the wind behind us.)    We stopped in Port Sanilac for fuel and hoped to spend the night, but there was a Blues festival going on and this weekend has been full since February.    The dock lady felt bad she couldn't accommodate us, but when we said we would go onto Lexington (9 miles), she forewarned us about their depth and so many having to be towed......yikes....didn't like hearing that.    Mark called Lexington and they had a slip and yes, they are shallow but since we only draw 3' he thought we would be ok (he said "there are no rocks, just grass, we would be dealing with).    

He was very helpful as we came into the harbor maneuvering here and there, watching our depth gauge and the color of the water.    No problem and with the help of 3 dockhands, we were tied up by 4:00.    Mark checked in at the office and we walked uptown - dinner at The Village Pub a very happening place this Friday evening - neat old building with the brick walls, hardwood floors, metal ceiling.   Great dinners...

Mark's perch dinner with fresh veggies and roasted redskins

My BBQ chicken salad with homemade ranch

We walked around afterwards and the entire Huron Street was blocked off as many crafters were setting up their tents/booths - boy, did that bring back memories of the many years I did craft shows!!!

It's a gorgeous evening in Lexington, Michigan.    We are tired after almost 9 hours on the water - nighty night!    Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - July 31

 The last day of July and what a day!   We were hoping to leave today but knew with the strong winds it was iffy.....Mark and I walked to the cabin for a hearty breakfast.    Maria (Dennis's daughter) and fiance, Paul came in early this morning from the Dayton area for a few days visit.   We met them earlier this summer in Port Clinton.  Donna and Maria made a big batch of bacon, sausage and scrambled eggs.   

We said our good byes to the gang.....see ya back at Superior Marine!    Mark and I walked back to Catrina and set to work fixing a bathroom (head) issue.   Mark worked away and Donna gave him a ride to Ace Hardware in Rogers City for repairs.   Back to the job.....winds were dying down a bit so hoped we could cruise the 3 hours to Harrisville.    At 3:20, we had stowed all our stuff and on our way.    But after 2 miles....not fun with beam seas, so we turned around and now settled in our slip for another night here in Presque Isle.

Our friends told us to join them for pizza tonight if we happened to stay over.   Really appreciate the offer, but we are tired and have plenty of leftovers.

The wind finally died down around 6ish - beautiful evening.   We went for a nice walk!    Presque Isle is such a lovely place.    

A picture-perfect zinnia

Presque Isle, Michigan

Wednesday - July 30

 Wow....big cruise ship came in overnight - we think its the Great Lakes Cruise.   

Lots of folks visiting Mackinac Island today

Our group was all up early to see Dennis and Teri off in "Magic" and 2nd home for them in Presque Isle.    Bob and Donna were meeting the 8:00 ferry to Mackinaw City and then drive in Donna's new car to Presque Isle.  Said our good byes and then we left around 8:15.    We cruised 70.2 miles - some of it choppy, but been in far worse.    The winds were supposed to be from the NW but they were NE...so......not as nice as we thought we'd have.

When we arrived at the Presque Isle State Harbor, Dennis, Teri, Bob, Donna, Andy and JoBeth were at the fuel dock to take our lines.   Andy and JoBeth just stopped for fuel and then back on the water.    We settled into our slip with Bob's help and also Terry (dockmaster).   Had lunch, took showers and then Donna picked us up and we went to cabin (7/10 of a mile).    What a beautiful place on Lake Huron - oh my - so peaceful with the rocky coast line and view of the water from all over the cabin.

We sat outside in the afternoon enjoying the view, sound of the waves crashing to shore and lots of yakking.    Mark and I can definitely see why Dennis and Teri want to "get away from it all" and come to this bit of paradise.                            

Bob, Dennis, Mark - just chillin'

Rocky coast line

Neat archway bult by Dennis's son, Matt

Us at the Arch

The Girls

Pat, Donna, Teri

We had steaks and pork chops which Dennis grilled + corn and and a fresh fruit plate.   We later waked back to the marina and had ice cream at "Ida Mae's Portage Deli" - very good!   Said our good nights to all and they walked back to the cabin and we walked to Catrina.

Mark, Bob, Dennis, Teri, Donna (excellent ice cream at Ida Mae's)

Tuesday - July 29

 Nice sunny start to the day.    Mark went to Watercolor for coffees and then we walked to Doud's Grocery for some of their yummy chicken salad, pasta salad and other goodies.   Brought our stuff home to put away.   Along the way, we saw Michael and Chris who were coming to say good bye as they were driving for Port Huron to see the status on "Journey", their boat that had the oil issue in Tobermory.  

 We walked to the Iroquois Hotel (Carriage House) for our 11:00 reservation for brunch.    This is such a beautiful place and 10 of us had a lovely table by the water with striped umbrellas (all connected) overhead.   We ordered drinks, then our meals (breakfast or lunch) and all having a good time....and then a few sprinkles?   But we "thought" we were protected cause after all, it wasn't supposed to rain?   Well, after a few bites of our food, it got heavier and oh my.................a real gully washer.   We grabbed plates and drinks and headed inside as fast as possible along with other diners.    The staff was so accommodating and set us up with a nice table.   Wow....that was quite a memory, but we all loved our food/drink.

My lobster benedict and spinach salad

We posed afterwards and a nice family from Peoria, IL  took our picture.

Andy, JoBeth, Mark, Pat, Bob, Donna, Teri, Dennis, Chris, Dave

Missing Michael and Chris

After brunch and the sun came out, we walked back to our boats - Mark and I took a short nap and then revived for a walk to The Arch.   It's 207 steps to the top.   We only went 40  and called it good!

Bought a water at Boxwood (coffee/ice cream shop in the Mission Point Inn) and then I browsed around the gift shop "Cherished Memories".   

Stopped at St. Anne's church - 350 years of Christianity here on the island.   It is beautiful.  There are 20 year-round parishioners and 80 in the summertime.

The history

View from 40 steps

Mission Point Inn

These "snowballs" are everywhere on the island - a form of hydrangea

View of St. Anne's from "Magic"

 We have done sooo much eating since we arrived on Mackinac Island (well, for us almost 5 weeks since we started this vacation).    So tonight we each brought an appetizer to "Magic" and enjoyed another gorgeous (and last) evening together.    Chris and Dave brought over delicious brats, baked beans and sweet potato casserole.   And then they went back to their boat and returned with Brandy Alexanders - oh my!!!!

Delicious and made with Tofts ice cream from Port Clinton

Teri and Dennis

Chris and Dave

Andy and JoBeth

Bob and Donna

Pat and Mark

These gals (one from Ecuador and the other, Spain) were paddleboarding near "Magic" - Chris asked if they would like a Brandy Alexander - they had never heard of that drink.....but sure enjoyed it!

August 28, 2008, we ate with Philip and Annette at the Carriage House in the Iroquois Hotel

and today, we had brunch there (and then the deluge came)

Notice....17 years ago, we were wearing jackets!!!

Our last night on Mackinac Island - such a magical place.....tomorrow, we all move on - Mark and I will be heading to Presque Isle where Teri and Dennis have a cabin.   Bob and Donna will join us and hopefully?   Michael and Chris

A few photos from last night at The Woods

The dining room before it was totally full

Carriage ride back 

Dennis, Teri, JoBeth and Andy

Mark, Pat, Donna, Bob

So very sad to hear about Ryne Sandberg's (Chicago Cubs star 2nd baseman - #23) death yesterday.    What a legend he was - I was a big fan back in the day.    Our Anne loved Ryno and followed him with a passion.   Liam and Connor met Ryno a few years ago - they were in a store near Wrigley Field and he was buying a gift for his grandchild.  

Monday - July 28

Very windy today.....we wanted to ride the 8-mile bike road  around the island but with so much bike/horse traffic, decided to do it EARLY.   So, by 8:23, we were on our way and what a delightful ride.   Nice wide path and not many others out and about.    Took us 55 minutes and then back home.   Thoroughly enjoyed this ride and by the time we came back, the crowds were back in force and just growing as the day went on. 

BIG news since I posted the blog last night - our friends Bob, Donna, Michael and Chris from Port Clinton ll showed up last night - they drove (separately) from OH to Mackinaw City and took the ferry over.   What a wonderful surprise!    Bob and Donna are staying with Dennis and Teri; Michael and Chris at the Mackinac House.

Mark got the bike batteries and our headsets charging and then we took off for downtown - the coffee shop lines were LONG, but we remembered the Liberty Bay Cookie Co. on Hessel had a new location here so we went there (Mackinac Island Cookie Co.) which has those huge delicious cookies and my latte but they had no decaf Americano for Mark.   He walked across the street to Doud's for a chocolate milk.   We also shared a cinnamon roll from the cookie company.

Bob and Donna walked down to meet us at the Pink Pony - Donna bought a cap and then we walked on this very nice day but oh so many people out and about! 

Donna and Bob

After lunch Mark and I walked to the Grand Hotel - such a spectacular place!   

The Grand Hotel

Mark resting amongst the flowers

Esther Williams swimming pool

Stopped at Sanders for ice cream and then visited with our Port Clinton marina folks on "Magic" belonging to Teri and Dennis.

The Boat Sisters

Donna, Pat, Teri, Chris

1st time to all be together since we were in Fort Myers in March

12 of us took a carriage ride to The Woods (part of the Grand Hotel) which is literally in "the woods"

for a wonderful dinner - wow....what a neat place.   Unfortunately,, did not get a picture.    Carriage ride to the Iroquois Hotel and the Carriage House bar for after-dinner drinks and more visiting.   A very fun evening!

Sunday - July 27

 Gorgeous Sunday....we walked a few blocks to Our Lady of the Snows for 9:00 Mass.   What a neat church with Father Jemejt Sustar.   Father has served 4 parishes (Our Lady of the Snows here in Hessel; St. Florence on Drummond Island, St. Stanislaus Kostka in Goetzville and Sacred Heart in Detour Village.)  Today was his last day so a nice farewell followed by a reception after Mass.   Father's new assignment will be at St. John the Evangelist in Ishpeming, MI.

Beautiful tribute to Mary at Our Lady of the Snows

After church we walked to the coffee shop connected to the culinary school.   It's open Friday-Sunday.   Enjoyed our coffees and shared a delicious cherry (gotta love those Michigan cherries) and orange muffin.

Bye bye Hessel - sure enjoyed our stay here!

We arrived on Mackinac Island at 12:40 (nice cruising at 9.3 mph and 15.3 miles).   So good to be on east dock and see our Port Clinton friends - Dennis and Teri, Andy and JoBeth.   Another couple from Catawba Island (Dave and Chris) are on the town dock, but we'll all be hanging out together.  

  Mark and I walked down the main drag of the island - oh, soooo many people this beautiful Sunday along with oodles of bicyclists, and horse=driven carriages     We think we've been here 5 previous times, but not since 2008 when Philip and Annette were with us and we did a day trip by car from Tawas City. to Mackinaw City and then took the ferry to Mackinac Island.   Later we sold Sail Catrina that trip.    17 years.........wow.... still as beautiful as ever and the flowers are just magnificent.

The others went to the Pink Pony for drinks, but a 1.5 hour wait....not sure what they ended up doing.    After our walk, we came back to Catrina and took a nap!  Sure feels like summertime today with a high of 81.

We went for another walk in the afternoon and then decided to check out Doud's grocery store and instead of braving a restaurant and the massive crowds, we bought some delicious chicken salad (with Michigan cherries), and pasta salad and back to Catrina for a very tasty early supper.   

Only 6 on zoom tonight - Karen (Auntie) is on vacation at Spirit Lake, Iowa, the usual health concerns, etc.....missing Jim, Marilyn, Janet, Sharon and Tom H.

Ryan and Erin having fun on Lake James

Saturday - July 26

 We left Drummond Island at 7:55 on a very calm sunny morning.   We cruised 42.6 miles to Hessel.   We had a leisurely trip at 9.5 MPH and arrived at 12:30.   The majority of the trip was cloudy but then, a nice sunny welcome when we arrived with 2 dockhand gals in blue shirts waiting to take our lines.

Settled in and then took off for a coffee shop - the Liberty Bay Cookie Co. was very close by and located in the E. J. Mertaugh Boat Works Building.   I got an iced latte (yay...they have the maple flavor), Mark had ice cream and we bought a HUGE (dinner-plate size chocolate chip cookie - this will last a few days, but oh so yummy)!    On Mackinac Island we'll find the same cookie company which just opened this summer - yeah!

It's been many many years since we were in Hessel (we think in 2003)?  ....pop 2,324 and 326th largest community in the state of Michigan according to Google!

While Mark worked on a boat project, I walked downtown (about 1 long block) and checked out the one and only shop - "Pickel Point" - unique 2 story house that had a bit of everything.   Holy moly............never saw so much stuff - a little bit of this and a little bit of that!   Their t-shirts say "No Hassel in Hessel".   The clerk was so friendly - said Bonnie, the long-time owner is still going strong at 93.

Kept on walking and found the Catholic church which we're planning for tomorrow at 9.    So many beautiful flowers around the church (Our Lady of the Snows).

Craig and Sue on their  PDQ, "Last Arrow" came over to visit - Mark loves loves visiting with other boaters, especially PDQ folks!!!   He and Craig chatted non-stop.   And then it was time for us to get ready for dinner.    Sue and I had a good visit - their 3 kids are the ages of Drew, Davis and Liam.....

Culinary Institute in Hessel

So this little village of Hessel is home to the Les Cheneaux Culinary Institute - we heard it was a must place to dine as the students are preparing wonderful food before their graduation in August.,    It is a 1-year school.    London from South Carolina was our server and explained that the kitchen crew is where the students were doing their thing(future chefs).    She and all the other servers come from all around the country, but they are strictly servers, not involved in the culinary school.

Our dinners were excellent - Mark had a Manhattan steak and I had the Green Curry Whitefish with peanuts, herbs, vegetable, green chili crunch.    It was a delicious experience!

Side view of the church with Mary and Jesus and the stations of the cross around the courtyard.

Another gorgeous evening....

 

 

Friday - July 25

 A very nice summery day on Drummond Island (78).    We were up early and before 7, on our way to the laundry (got out our little wagon with 4 loads and so close and handy from Catrina to the laundromat).    This facility here at the marina is the one and only laundromat on the entire island, so very busy.    Glad we could beat the crowd.

Brought our clean clothes back to Catrina and off for breakfast with a stop at The TeePee for a latte for me.   We ate at Bear Track, a local (and visitor) favorite that's been here forever.   I always get the (giant blueberry pancake).    This is spread out over several years 😋 - it is sooo good and today, enjoyed it as much as ever!   Leftovers, too.    

Then we drove around a bit, stopped at North Haven gift shop, but no purchases.    Then to Sune's for a few more groceries and then Sune's dry goods shop next door and on home.

Mark walked around checking their many storage buildings here at Yacht Haven for climate controlled in the winter time - he said they are not as clean as Superior!    We are lucky, Dave and crew are so particular!   

Boats here from all over including Mission Hills, Kansas (we never see a boat from Kansas??)   

We went for a walk and watched boats including a PDQ come into the marina - busy place this Friday afternoon.   We helped the PDQ folks dock - they just got the boat 4 days ago in Muskegon, MI and now doing the Loop.   Jimmy and Holly are from Oriental, NC.

We went to Fred and Carol's beautiful home for dinner and a wonderful visit.   Fred and Mark have known one another over 35 years thru State Farm and the Mid Illini Power Squadron.   Their friends, Pat and Kathy were also there - Pat was an airline instructor, they winter in Punta Gorda and summer on Drummond Island.    It was a delightful evening and Carol had thee best appetizers, wine and dinner (shredded chicken, pasta salad, corn/frito salad, chips, and all topped off with cherry cobbler and ice cream.)   DELICIOUS!!!!    What a great way to end our visit on Drummond Island - tomorrow we head to Hessel, MI.

Fred, Carol, Pat, Mark

Kathy and Pat

Thursday - July 24

 We are back in the good ole USA as of 10:15 this morning.    We left Meldrum Bay at 7:50 and cruised 41.2 miles to Drummond Island, Michigan.   So good to be back here (14 years) but we were here September 11, 2021 with Flo visiting friends Beth and Bill (not able to get together this trip) but we'll see Fred and Carol (from near Bloomington) who have a lovely home here tomorrow.

Maddie and friends helped us dock and after settling in, we cleared customs, checked out the laundry and the office to settle up (diesel, pump out and 2 nights stay).

Had lunch and then waited for the storms - we keep getting alerts on our phones about severe weather for this area.   And then, the heavens opened up at 12:30 - so glad to be here tied up.

Had a real gully washer and some thunder!    I took a nap and we had a nice quiet afternoon and then more rain at 3:30.   And then....our internet went out???      We have Starlink and the entire island was out - only could take cash at dinner.    

Fred and Carol offered us their truck while we're here - how nice of them and much appreciated.    They delivered it to us at the marina and then went on to an anniversary party for friends.    We went to dinner at Northwood - very good and then got a few groceries at Sune, next door.    The cashier told us internet was finally back - yeah....almost 3 hours.   

It's so good to be back on DI.....lots of memories!

 

Wednesday - July 23

 Leaving Killarney today and a bit sad - 7 nights here (off and on) and so many fond memories and calories! 😋   Such a charming little town (definitely a favorite of this trip).   We were surrounded by some big boats so Red and another dockhand moved a big sailboat so we could leave our slip and we were on our way at 8:34 AM with sunny skies.    Red is thee best - so courteous, helpful and I really think he lives at the marina, cause he's ALWAYS there!!!  

Bye bye to the Gateway - wonderful restaurant (breakfast, lunch, coffee, ice cream and thee best baked goods)!!!

 Our pals from Port Clinton were planning to leave later and cruise to Baie Fine and anchor out.

We went 82.6 miles and for the most part, it was pleasant on the water, but the wind picked up and we did have some pounding.    Arrived at Meldrum Bay at 2:00  - a memorable small marina (65ish year-round residents).   We've been here 3 times and the 1st time (1990) was on Miss Megan (28' sailboat) - Ryan was 5 and his buddy, Katherine (Paul and Kathy's daughter) was 7.  Those little kiddos played together on the dock in the rain wearing their yellow rain coats!    The Meldrum Bay Inn and Restaurant were located in a big house but now only the inn remains - the restaurant was excellent but been closed for several years.   

We were here May 18, 1995 heading to Racine with our brand new sail Catrina.    And then July 12, 2003 on a Mid Illini Cruise and Rendezvous.

There's only other boat (besides the locals) here and it's "Conchy Jac" from Tarpon Springs, FL....what are the odds, TWO boats and both from FL.    They are doing the Loop.

As we were getting closer to Meldrum Bay today, we came near "Chamberlain Point".

Colin took our lines and after we were settled, we walked to the office to check in and then to the little general store (also an LCBO) and Mark got his ice cream fix (Heavenly Hash).    Later Mark went to the "Net Shed" Museum which was full of artifacts (stuff) that folks have donated thru the years.   Meldrum Bay was a big lumber and fishing community when folks from southern Ontario settled here 150 years ago.    The "Net Shed" term comes from the shed where the fishermen repaired their nets.

Enjoyed some yummy leftovers tonight from past 2 nights in Killarney,

Tonight is our last night in Canada....4 weeks ago tomorrow we left Port Clinton on this journey - what a wonderful trip cruising almost 900 miles at this point.

Rain is on the way...

Tuesday - July 22

 Another cool but spectacular day here in Killarney - we are surrounded by some very big yachts!   Mark walked to Gateway to buy some lemon/blueberry fritters (excellent) and one left for tomorrow to share!

It warmed up quickly but even though it got to 68, felt much warmer with sunshine and not much wind.    We went for a long walk to the end of the road...and then to The Canada House (conference center) which is really wow......when it was built just a few years ago, they made the basement into many smaller rooms for conferences, meetings, etc., but then came covid and then zoom and so many onsite meetings are no longer happening.   It has a state-of-the-art fitness center, too....very impressive.

Pat and very large inukshuk

We ran into JoBeth who was waiting for a massage but later realized she had scheduled for tomorrow when we're all leaving.   

Read, played our games and watched the YouTube video "Survival Mode" regarding Ian and the horrific hurricane devastation that was shown on NBC last night - thanks to my sister-in-law Linda for telling us.

Made a batch of tuna/egg salad this afternoon - so refreshing to have Catrina's windows open!

"Seaclusion", "Go NAVY" and "Vitamin Sea" "Beyond Kare'n" are more neat boat names.    

We all met at the Killarney Mountain Lodge for another wonderful dinner......said our good byes and tomorrow we're all back cruising.

Pat, Mark, Dennis, Teri, JoBeth, Andy