Saturday, August 10, 2024: OMG, today is the day....we are going home! At 11:16 a.m., we're starting to pass beneath the first bridge. Since they coordinate the openings, the second bridge opened for us at 11:22 and we were out on St. Clair River moments later; passing the first freighter within 20 minutes

Friday, August 9, 2024: It feels so good to be in Port Huron again. It is familiar and comfortable. We love staying at River Street Marina because it is right next to St. Clair Community College. I'm in awe that much of the campus stretches along the Black River. What a picturesque place to go to school or work!

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. ​ 

Wednesday, August 7, 2024: We woke up today with the intention of leaving for our next destination. We ate breakfast and then started securing things in the cabin, and clearing the cockpit to make room for pulling up the dinghy. Not long before this moment, a new boat pulled into the slip next to us. They had come in from East Tawas. Larry asked the man, "Was it a little sporty out there?" He replied, "Sporty. That's a good way of putting it." ;-) Even though he, his wife, and daughter, all seemed calm and comfortable, he admitted it wasn't a pleasant experience. That was all I needed to hear and we decided to stay another day.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024: I woke up with a strong desire to get on solid ground. :-) After our arrival yesterday, a few other boats did too and they were in the slips directly surrounding us. As each of us woke up and started talking, we were all complaining how uncomfortable we were from the waves rocking us all night. Larry went to the office to see if we could move to a slip closer to shore and soon after, the other boaters followed. 

Monday, August 5, 2024: We've had the best weekend in East Tawas and are sad to leave. The kids are all packed up. Stacie and Patrick stopped by to say "Goodbye" before driving home. Justin was taking one last swim with the kids. At 12:15 p.m., we were leaving the harbor. We hoped the kids would see us crossing the bay but they didn't. 

Saturday, August 4, 2024: Larry and I enjoyed our morning coffee and breakfast on the boat. Everyone else relaxed on the campground. Justin took a morning swim with the kids. Patrick set up his fishing gear and Stacie drove over to pick us up. They needed some grocery items so Larry went with her to shop in town  while I packed some clothing and toiletry items to take to the campsite. 

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.

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.