Tuesday, July 16, 2024: At 9:50 a.m., we're making our way out of the harbor, moving on to our next destination. Each time we leave this harbor, I'm overcome with emotion and a strong desire to stay longer. This is a very special place; truly one of the most beautiful and serene places I've seen. I can't help but keep looking back and taking pictures as we leave the calm, beautiful water and head out into less than ideal waters (for my preference) but it's all part of the adventure.

At 12:28 p.m., we are approaching the Cheboygan River. We saw only a few other boats along today's passage when suddenly, another powerboat was quickly approaching us from behind. We both wondered where it came from because nobody has been around us for miles. The waves are uncomfortably rocking our boat making it feel as if we're trying to thread the eye of the needle as we're navigating into the mouth of the river. My nerves have settled a bit as we slow to idle speed which is required in protected areas like this. The water is much calmer and we ease our way to the gas dock. The other boat passes by us, on-plane, continuing his way up the river, creating a significant wake. It turns out it was the couple who was docked behind us in Port Austin; the couple who caught my attention when her nightgown was blowing in the wind. :-)

Monday, July 15, 2024: We were startled awake to the sound of rain just before 7:00 a.m. The sky was clear and stunning when we went to bed the night before so we didn't put up any canvas in the cockpit and the rain storm caught us by surprise. We jumped out of bed and quickly started zipping everything up. It took both of us working together to get everything secure since the wind started blowing pretty intensely. I glanced across the dock and noticed the woman on the boat behind us. She was helping her husband zip up their canvas too but she was still...In. Her. Lacy. Flowy. Nightgown. ;-) I n t e r e s t i n g. 

So anyway, many other boaters were also hustling around to get their boats secured just like us. We intended on leaving by 8:00 a.m. but instead, we relaxed and savored a pot of coffee with Mike & Mary until around 10:00 when they left to go home. The rain was moving out so we left Port Austin at 11:05 and saw a few raindrops for about another hour but nothing serious. Soon after, we had clear blue skies and calm waters.