Day 20 of 30 | Cheboygan to Presque Ile

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.

We leisurely crossed the bay, pulled the dinghy up on the beach at Tawas Point State Park, and walked around. For the first time in all of our visits here, we wanted to see where the campsites are located because the kids are driving up tomorrow to camp here for two nights. We can hardly wait to see them! We saw the dog beach and assumed the campsites were very close but we decided not to walk through that area until the kids arrive.

Sitting on the east side of the peninsula, we relaxed on the beach, watching the kite surfers and people watching. I love hearing the squeals of toddlers playing along the shore.

​This is our fourth time staying in East Tawas State Harbor. It's one of our favorite destinations because there's so much to see! During two of our previous visits, David & Lori, Larry's brother and sister-in-law, drove from their home in Hillman and stayed with us. We anchored the boat in the bay and swam in the calm, crystal clear water for an afternoon. It was so much fun! It was cooler and windy during their second visit so it wasn't as relaxing on the bay that year but we still had fun visiting with them and walking into town.

There's an RV park that I love walking through, located at the entrance to the marina. I've never seen an RV park with beach access so I find it fascinating! There's also train tracks that run through town and it's fun to sit on a bench and watch them pass by. 

We love eating Mexican food at Mango's each time we're here and tonight was no different. It's a very busy place and definitely worth the wait. After dinner, we took a long walk, out into the bay, on the East Tawas Dock. I love walking all the way to the end and looking back at the marina with all the soft lights glowing beneath the dark sky.

At 1:49 p.m., the Blue Water Bridge was in our sight! At 2:40 p.m., we were fueling up at Desmond's, on the Black River, watching the boats go by and waiting for the bridge to be raised. As much as I love Port Huron, it hurts my heart to see the color of the Black River compared to the crystal clear blue waters we've been in for the past month.

We had time for a short dingy ride before walking into town for a snack. This is a great place for extensive dinghy rides. The Black River is a winding one with houses backing up to it with expansive, rolling lawns that end at the edge of the water. Each time we're here, we want to take the dinghy to the beach but we have yet to accomplish this. We've heard talk about a cut-off to take but we haven't found it so we're content to just meander along the river. 

The chicken wings at Wings, Etc. tasted extra special today. Maybe it was the refreshing fruity drink I ordered and the feeling of familiarity and comfort all layered in. I can sum it up to pure happiness. 

We walked to the boat to change into our bathing suits. It was so funny to watch Camden when he recognized our boat; his 4-year-old brain was wondering how "Grandpa's boat" got to this new place. By this time, it was nearly time to check in at the campsites. The plan was that Shelby and Camden will go to the beach with us to swim while Justin, Stacie, and Patrick drive to Tawas Point State Park and get their tents set up. After about an hour of swimming, we walked back to the boat to get some dry clothes we can change into later. Then, with the kids, we drove the dinghy, across the bay, to the park they are camping in. Stacie and Patrick were standing on the dog beach to wave us in the right direction. We pulled up on the beach, walked through a line of trees, and there were the campsites.

We spent all afternoon swimming in the lake. This was River's first time on a beach and she was so funny to watch. Betty White isn't thrilled with getting wet so she'd walk in and just stand still while River was running laps around her. Camden was just gaining confidence in his ability to swim with his face in the water and he kept calling out to each of us, "Watch me! Watch me!" He was excitedly talking about how he will show his other grandma's when he gets home. 

At the campsite, we ate Street Tacos for dinner and then took a long walk around the campground, over to the lighthouse. Later, back at the campsite, we watched a spectacular sunset as we sat on the beach, looking across the bay. We sat around the campfire for a while longer and then it was time to get back to the boat. We walked the dinghy into the water. Once I was in, Larry pushed us off further, and then started the motor. With proper lights in place, we slowly made our way all the way across the bay. It was breathtaking to be on the water with a black, clear, star filled sky over us. It was an experience I'll cherish forever.

10:05 a.m. Until next time, Port Austin.

Leaving Harrisville

Blue Water Bridge

Approaching Tawas Bay

Look at all of the birds!!!!

Blue Water Bridge

Larry bringing the dinghy to the boat from the gas dock.

Delicious! Wings, Etc.

This is us!

I always forget the type of this bird but we have them at our home marina and I LOVE watching and listening to them. I was sooooo happy to see them here!!!!