Ontario, Erie, Huron and Michigan
Each day and each destination on this Great Loop adventure is different. All are good. Some are GREAT! Our experiences at West Basin/Benton Harbor and Pier 33/St. Joseph have forged deep friendships and long-lasting memories. We arrived to West Basin Marina in Benton Harbor, Michigan, late in the afternoon Thursday (8/12). That is because of …
Our four weeks at home in California allowed us to check on the house, reconnect with family and friends and take care of some medical needs. It also served to delay our entry into the river systems in order to experience the fall colors of Middle America. We flew to Chicago on Wednesday, September 15, …
Our Manitowoc-to-Ludington Ferry put us back at Harbor View Marina around 7:00 pm. We had enough time to get a quick bite to eat and review weather for the next day. The forecast showed southwest winds with moderate waves. Three footers or greater on the beam would not be comfortable so we planned for another …
Our choice to descend Lake Michigan (the “Sunset Coast”) was predicated on the safest route and the news that there were ferries crossing the Great Lake to enable a visit with our Wisconsin friends. We learned that Ludington, MI, offered ferry service to Manitowoc, WI, every morning (except Sunday) at 08:00. We booked our crossing …
We had a very difficult time deciding which coast we’d take as we make our way to Chicago. Northern Wisconsin was always an important part of our route. Two very dear friends and former colleagues of mine live south of Green Bay and they have looked forward to our visit and I was so eager …
“The name Machilimackinac, the place of the “Great Turtle”, was first given to Mackinac Island for its shape and was eventually given to the entire Straights of Mackinac region. In time…it was shortened to simply Mackinac. The founders of Mackinaw City opted for the phonetic “aw” spelling, probably as a way to distinguish their town …
We made our way up the eastern side of the Michigan “mitten,” otherwise known as Michigan’s “Sunrise Coast.” It was foggy and drizzly this day (Tuesday, July 13) with a brief window of afternoon clearing. I took a nice photo of Reverie at the Harrisville Municipal Marina. Harrisville is the sixth smallest city in Michigan (0.63 square …
We left Put-In-Bay at dawn on July 7. Our intent was to motor to the outlet of the Detroit River and stay at the small city of Wyandotte. Our research revealed that this community was founded by the Wyandot Indians (part of the Huron Nation) and the original name of this area was “Maquaqua.” In …
“Lake Erie had 36 islands, sort of.” The best known might be Kelleys, the Bass Islands and Pelee (in Canada, so not an option for us). Kelleys Island is “a nature-lover’s paradise” with hiking trails, sandy beaches, campgrounds and the “world’s largest [easily accessible] example of glacial scoring at Glacial Grooves State Memorial.” It was …
We left Erie, PA, (Monday, 6/28) before sunrise and before any other boats left the marina. Pete loves to be out on the water at dawn to witness the sunrise. I’m willing to sacrifice my leisurely morning cup of coffee to share these quiet intimate moments with the man I love. We’ve developed a departure …