Wednesday, July 31, 2024: Oh my goodness, we woke to another stunning sunrise. This time, the sky is soft pastel colors, rather than gray and white like yesterday. It's still incredibly breathtaking and I don't want to move and disturb the peace and tranquility. We're both so inspired to be near large bodies of water. It's freeing to know this river opens to a bay that opens to a lake that can take us anywhere we want to go. Today we're staying in Lake Huron and going back to Presque Ile; a second visit for this trip to one of our favorite places. 

Tuesday, July 30, 2024: This morning was nothing short of miraculous. When I woke up and looked at the river, in the direction of the bay, I was completely overwhelmed by its beauty. The contrast between the heavy cloud cover and the mirror-like water was breathtaking. The cloud cover lasted for about an hour, creating the most stunning views. I was mesmerized as a fishing boat passed by, heading out into the bay. I walked over to the beach but the view wasn't as great so I quickly walked back to the boat, not wanting to miss another moment. Larry was working and I just sat and stared, finding it difficult to turn my eyes away from the water. I took picture after picture for about an hour before the clouds started to break up. It was amazing to witness.

Monday, July 29, 2024: I'M SO HAPPY! Last night, we made the decision to return to Cheboygan today! We enjoyed our first stay there and we're looking forward to visiting again!

Sunday, July 28, 2024: It's time to continue on to the next destination of our journey; Hessel. Before leaving Harbor Springs, we needed fuel and a pump-out. We were told the gas dock would be very busy this morning with many boats leaving so we radioed ahead and headed over there at the time they suggested. There was only one dockhand working so we were there quite a while as he was tending to three different vessels. It was so fun watching these massive sailboats pull out of their slips and maneuver very sharp turns in tight places. They looked majestic and the energy was still festive from the races.

Saturday, July 27, 2024: Today we are in need of some groceries and the nearest store is not within a convenient walking distance. The marina, Walstrom Marine, offers a golf cart to their guests and while we were talking to the harbormaster, the couple who borrowed the golf cart before us pulled up. They had another stop to make and offered to drop us off on their way and pick us up when they're finished. The timing worked out perfectly and as we drove up the somewhat steep and winding road, we were relieved not to be walking.

This couple keeps their boat here all summer and he used to live in the area. He asked if we wanted to do a little sightseeing and of course we were excited at his offer. They drove over to the bluff and we just sat and chatted for a while, watching the sailboat races on Little Traverse Bay. It was breathtaking!

Friday, July 26, 2024: Good Morning Suttons Bay! We woke to a beautiful sunrise and a surprise visit from Matt & Keri. They stopped in before we headed to continue our journey. At 12:15 p.m., we left Suttons Bay Marina. I'm filled with emotions; sad to leave and excited to see what's next. By 2:23 p.m. we were settled into our new boat slip in Harbor Springs!

Thursday, July 25, 2024: We were relaxing with our morning coffee on the back of the boat, enjoying the stunning views. A woman was walking along the boardwalk and glanced in our direction. She continued walking a few more feet and then stopped and backed up. She exclaimed, "Grosse Pointe Woods?! I used to live there!" She was astonished to hear we brought our boat this far. She lives in Suttons Bay now and was happy to reminisce about the east side. I'm not sure who enjoyed our talk more, the woman or us. :-)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024: Today was extraordinary! Our next destination is Suttons Bay, where our friends, Matt & Keri, live. We have been talking about bringing our boat to Suttons Bay Marina for several years and today is the day it happened! With Mike & Mary staying at Matt & Keri's house, the plan was for Paul & Patti to drive from Traverse City and we'd all meet at their house later this evening, after they were done working for the day. With plans already in place, we didn't have any reason to talk to anyone until later so we enjoyed a relaxing morning in Northport and left at 11:56 a.m. 

Tuesday, July 23, 2024: We woke up to a gentle, steady rain and it lasted the entire day! It worked out perfectly because we had plans to meet with friends. Mike & Mary are staying at their daughter and son-in-law's house in Suttons Bay. They drove over to the marina to pick us up and take us to Traverse City to meet with more friends! Gary & Cathy live in Traverse City and Paul & Patty were in the area for vacation. We had a wonderful time catching up over lunch at Sleder's. Then we went to see Paul & Patty's vacation rental inside the Grand Traverse Commons and walked around the shops there. We were back on the boat for an early dinner, laundry duties, and relaxation.