Day 5 of 30 / Presque Ile to Cheboygan

12/18/2024

Harbor Hopping on the Great Lakes 2024

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. :-)

The Harbor Master is extremely friendly and helpful and his demeanor calmed me even more. After fueling up, we got settled into our boat slip for the night which is located directly across from the fuel dock and along the edge of the river. Our view is industrial buildings and barges and I'm desperately trying to hide my disappointment. Larry walked to the office to check us in while I made our lunch. When he returned, he told me that he dropped the lanyard, for the dinghy, in the river and that he made arrangements for a driver to take me to the local marine supply store to purchase a new one. The driver, who also keeps his boat at this marina, will be there to pick me up in an hour. As the time got near, I walked to the parking lot and noticed a large clearing to my right. I gasped and asked the driver, "is that a beach?!" He laughed and said "Yes it is!" OMG...I was giddy and my disappointment started to dissolve.

When I returned from the marine shop, Larry was nearly finished with his virtual work meeting and anxious to go for a dinghy ride. We packed some essentials and headed up the river. After passing the barges and industrial area, I started to fall in love with the surroundings. We saw some other marinas, waterfront condos, houses, buildings, bridges, the backside of the downtown area, and the locks. By 5:30, we were walking to the beach to swim in the bath-like temperature of Lake Huron, then, sitting on our towels to dry off in the sun before walking back to the boat. We were so excited to have discovered the locks earlier that we made another trip up the river and went through the locks by dinghy. We would've done this earlier but there is a fee and we didn't have money with us so we made a second trip. Pulling into a confined space, towards rushing water is a little intimidating by dinghy. We grabbed onto the ropes that scale the wall and then the massive doors closed behind us with a loud creaking and echoing boom. We exited the locks once we were at the proper level and took a very short ride, turned around and went back to the locks. The lock keeper laughed when he saw us returning so soon. We explained it was my first time experiencing this so he waved us through and let us ride for free!

We headed back to the boat, got cleaned up and ready for dinner, and at 8:20, we pulled the dingy up to the wall at the edge of town, tied up, climbed up the break wall, and walked into town to have dinner at Nauti Inn Barstro. The food was excellent; thankfully we didn't need a reservation and were seated quickly even though they were super busy!

Our final dinghy ride of the day was slow and leisurely along calm waters....it was so peaceful and beautiful as dusk is fully setting in now. We walked to the beach one more time and just stood in awe, taking in the views. To top it all off, we could see a glimpse of the Mackinac Bridge in the distance.