Thursday - June 25

 Mother Nature apparently has not checked the calendar to see that summer officially began last Sunday?    This is crazy.....another day of cold and wind (rain, too, this morning)!

Plenty of rain this morning.    We grabbed our yellow raincoats (looked like 2 ducks), and umbrellas and walked downtown to Cook's Coffee Nook for our coffees and some yummy scones.    What a cute shop with gifts, too.  

Cook's Coffee Nook

Patriotic tree

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Stopped at Save-a-Lot for a few things and back to Catrina.    The rain had stopped briefly so decided to take off for Mackinaw City but by the time we got ready, the rain came back.    We cruised 52 miles and most of it was without rain, but the last mile coming into Mackinaw City was really rough (ferry traffic caused some of that).   3 young guys helped us at the fuel dock (Catrina is very thirsty these days 😒) and then took our lines along the wall across from Shepler's ferry dock which goes frequently to Mackinac Island.

We walked downtown (all bundled up as are all the other folks)   Here it is June 25th and instead of shorts, t-shirts and flip flops, we're wearing hoodies, jackets, etc. etc.

We had lunch at The Dixie Saloon - Reuben for me and whitefish for Mark - delish!    We each went our separate ways -  I wanted to check out the shops (it's been 20 years since we were here - some changes but still lots of fudge shops, t-shirts and sweatshirts are everywhere and a lotta touristy stuff).    Back to Catrina - nice 'n cozy.    Mark took a nap and I did puzzles and read.

At 6:30 we put on our layers (3) + rain coats + gloves and off we walked - took the street where all the motels/hotels are.    A lot of new stuff since we were here last August 18, 2006.  I didn't start doing the blog till January, 2008.    But Mark has kept great records of our boating trips way before that. As we were coming back to Catrina, it started raining again............

A few days ago Mark heard on the VHF radio that 1 year ago Alpena, Michigan had broken a record with 97 degrees.....what a big difference this year!   Sure could use some of that heat!

 

Wednesday - June 24

"What a Difference a Day Makes" as the song goes and that was sure the case today - 7 hours of smooth cruising from Harbor Beach to Rogers City (130 miles).

We got some diesel for Catrina here at the Rogers City Marina and then settled into our slip- maybe one night or depending on the weather, could be 2 nights as rain is predicted for tomorrow.    Actually the rain started shortly after we got back from our walk downtown and checked out a cute store (The Painted Lady) - also 2 coffee shops (tomorrow).

We went to The Lighthouse (with umbrella) for early dinner.   It was very busy.   Mark had pot roast and I had pizza (good stuff)!    Then the walk back in the rain (it poured while we were eating) and cold.    

Hard to believe we were last here in Rogers City 19 years ago with sail Catrina - now starting our 18th season with power Catrina.

Around 7:30, the sun came out, the wind died down and a beautiful evening so we did another walk.

Tuesday - June 23

 Very windy and chilly.    I fixed eggs/sausage/toast for breakfast and we planned to take off today, but I was a bit skeptical with the strong winds.    Well, we got out on Lake Huron but not for long - really rough with lots of banging, so...........turned around and came back, got tied up and happy to be safe 'n secure.

Mark got our bikes off the boat but I thought it was too cold (barely 60) so off he went and I curled up in the sunshine with a good book.   He admitted it was COLD and WINDY but he rode the trail downtown.

And then later this afternoon we walked downtown and had lunch at Smalley's - good burger and salad.    On home for naps.    Connor called.   He's going to visit Liam this weekend.   On July 18th, he and 2 friends will be performing in his first ever concert in uptown Normal (30-minute gig).   Bass guitar, 6-string guitar and drums.   Can't wait to see a video of that!

I made a batch of tuna/egg salad  and we finished getting our steps after supper.

Monday - June 22

 We got a very nice gentle rain over night (8/10").    We stopped for diesel ($5.50 per gallon) and then left Algonac at 9:30.   The nice gal at the fuel dock said it was over $7 at the marina nearby.  😐 The rain was done for the day but chilly!    We cruised on the St. Clair River for 30 miles and then we were on Lake Huron (300 miles to Lake Michigan).  😒

We arrived at the Harbor Beach Marina in Harbor Beach, Michigan at 2:40.  We were last here in 2008 with Sail Catrina.  Most of the trip was comfy and smooth, but we stayed down below out of the elements.    Last few miles got a little choppy and more wind!    We did 88 miles today.   Always appreciate and happy to see dockhands (2) waiting to take our lines!

Entrance to the marina

I read and did my puzzles and took a little nap along the way.   Mark did his navigating and was a happy captain.

Mark did all his stats from the trip and then we were off to check in at the office.    We walked downtown (1.2 miles) to Freskia Ice Cream and Coffee.   Mark had a chocolate milkshake and I had an iced vanilla latte.   Definitely warmer inland away from the water (but still far from a heat wave 😀).  Harbor Beach has a great biking/walking path from the marina to downtown and beyond - if we had extra energy, we would take the bikes off the boat and ride, but we are about out of steam!

Pretty park in Harbor Beach

We love all the patriotism displayed (yesterday in Algonac and here today)

Flags are everywhere!

It is a gorgeous afternoon but only 62.    Where is summer?

Yesterday Liam told us he rode 58.95 miles on his bike.....he and Connor are in heavy training for their 1/2 ironman they are doing in July.    WOW!!!!!

We walked again at night - such a beautiful evening.   An Amish family were fishing - Mom and little kiddos while Dad and older son were using waders to catch some small-mouth bass.

I forgot how light it is here this far north  - at 9:00, the sun is still shining brightly and 10:00, still not totally dark!   

 

Sunday - June 21

 WOW.....lots to celebrate today!    Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there including this guy.

The Captain of my ship

and thee BEST Hubby, Dad and Grandpa!!!

Mark and I have so many memories of our Dads - 2 farmers with a gentle, humble spirit and wonderful role models.   Remembering Patrick and what a proud Dad he would be of 

Liam and Connor.

Michael and Philip gave us 6 grands - thank you!   You guys rock!

Today is the 1st Anniversary for Erin and Ryan

Erin, "Karen", Ryan

Congratulations

June 21, 2025

Today is the 40th wedding anniversary for Tom (Mark's brother) and Beth.   Also the birthday of our Canadian friend, Ron and Prince William.   It's also the first day of summer and the summer solstice (longest day of the year)!

We started our summer 2026 cruise this morning when we went under the Portage River bridge at 8:30.    Lake Erie was a little choppy and chilly but we had mostly sun with off and on clouds.   Then to the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River.    98.2 miles later we arrived in Algonac, MI (2:30).    Had some Mayflies we brought along from Lake Erie, but a quick hosing off got rid of them

We've stayed here a few times in the past but never walked downtown, so this afternoon we set out - it was a good jaunt but we needed to stretch our legs and then found a DQ, so had a small cone and kept on.   Never did get downtown, but not sure there is much of one.   We did get our 10,000 steps so that's what it was all about.

Tomorrow's forecast doesn't sound too promising - 95% chance of rain!   

Zoom tonight was missing Jim and Tom H.    Matt (Tom's son) and Kara sold their home and will soon be moving into their new home.    The sisters who were at McCormick's Creek told about their 2 week vacation there (spending some time in the basement during tornado warning).   Joan updated us on her ankle recovery.  

Have a great week....