Thursday, August 8, 2024: The winds calmed and changed to a favorable direction for us. The boat next to us left early to go back to East Tawas; against the wind. At 10:05 a.m., we were pulling out of our boat slip. Even though I'm happy to be heading closer to home, I'm torn to leave Port Austin knowing it will be at least a year before returning here. It was a little bouncy as we headed out into the lake but the closer we got to St. Clair County, the calmer the wind and water became. ​ 

Friday, August 2, 2024: It was 11:00 a.m. by the time we were ready to leave Harrisville. We were so excited to arrive in East Tawas State Harbor about 90 minutes later! We could hardly wait to get secured in our boat slip and head out in the dinghy. 

Saturday, August 3, 2024: The kids are here! We're so happy!! Justin and the kids arrived first and just in time for lunch. We walked into town to meet them. We didn't have far to go before finding a large table on the patio at Mr. Jack'ss Sports Bar and Grill. We ordered appetizers and drinks while waiting for Stacie, Patrick, and their dogs to arrive. After everyone finished eating, we walked around the shops in search of a bathing suit for Shelby that was mistakenly left at home. We found an adorable shop, Chick'n Dots, and they had plenty of options she could choose from. The owner was so friendly and helpful and she showed me a brand of suits that her daughters love. Being close to their age, Shelby found them appealing too.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Monday, July 22, 2024: It was nearly noon before we pulled out of Petoskey and 90 minutes later we were at the gas dock in Northport Harbor. We watched another boater in the distance pull into the harbor ahead of us and I noticed that it made a sharp turn. As we approached the mouth of the harbor, we saw why. This is probably the smallest marina we've been to and with all the activities going on, it was a little intimidating coming in.