Today we were going to travel under the Mackinac Bridge, through the Straights of Mackinac, to get to Beaver Island. The wind was at 3 knots when we left. We left fairly early, as we have come to understand mornings usually are the lightest winds, and we wanted to get out of there before the ferries started churning up the waters.
We approached the bridge, and slowed down a bit to marvel at the structure. This link will give the stats and history: Mackinac Bridge – it is quite fascinating to read.
After we passed the bridge, we came to the Straights of Mackinac- this is a narrow waterway between Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas. The main strait flows under the bridge and connects the two Great Lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. There are very shallow shoals and rocky areas on either side, so you have to pay attention to the markers and charts. There are also a lot of freighter traffic that comes through here. As we came through, we could feel the current sometimes slowing us down, and sometimes pushing us. A little bit later, the wind started to pick up and got to 9 knots, but it was coming from the north, so that put us on beam waves, which made for a little rocky ride.
We arrived to Beaver Island around 2:45pm, and made our way to the anchorage. The north part of the island has a little alcove, which is good protection from wind in almost all directions. There were a couple of small marinas, and several boats anchored around. We saw a boat Lauren has followed on Facebook, called Stinkpot. They are also doing The Great Loop. We anchored near them, as this was one of the few places not occupied, and close to land for us.
Once we were settled and felt secure with the anchor being set, I took Frank for an exploratory walk. I noticed there were a few dinghies on shore in a sandy area, so I headed in that direction. Closer, I realized I wouldn’t fit another boat on the little ‘beach’, so I maneuvered to the side and found a soft landing spot among the rocky shore. Across the street was a small brewery (notice the theme here?) and a small grocery store. We walked around a bit, and retreated back to the dinghy. As I was getting in, another couple was getting in their own. Me, making conversation: “Hello! any good vegetables at the market?” (I noticed their grocery bag). “Some…” in a not so friendly tone; “see that post over there? That’s the property line, you should stay on this side or they might yell at you.” With that they got in and departed for their boat. I seem to have been on the ‘wrong’ side- probably not the last time! I should clarify, they weren’t mean, and they did tell me so I wouldn’t get in trouble, but they did seem a little stand off-ish. Oh well.
Once back on Klondike, Lauren and I figured we could try to get the bikes to land from the dinghy. This is going to be something hard, or it could be easy; I don’t know yet. We figured it will be a two trip process, as I don’t think both of us could fit with the two bikes. I brought the bikes to the back of the boat and readied the dinghy- I got in and Lauren handed a bike off to me through the back gate. I then put it on its side across the front, and repeated for the second bike. Once loaded, I went to shore, being careful to stay on the ‘right’ side of the post. I unloaded them, locked them together, and went back for Lauren. Success! We now know we can do this, it wasn’t too bad of an ordeal, and this opens up opportunities for us when we are at anchor.
Lauren had researched a bit about the island and area we were on it, and wanted to bike to a lighthouse. We headed in the direction, and got to where she wanted to be. We wandered around and she took some pictures, then it was off to find a lake that is on the island. Lake Font is a loon preserve and fishing area, and is Beaver’s second largest lake in surface area. We were looking at the google maps, trying to figure out how to get there, as we were cruising down back roads and bike paths. I saw a younger girl walking down a road, and stopped to ask her how to get there. “follow the path, and take a right at the end. When you see a bar, stay to the left.” Guess what I was thinking? When I see the bar, we’re stopping! So we continued on, following the instructions given. It was a mile or two, and we were still following the path. Hmmm…where’s this bar she spoke of? At the end of the path, there was a post in the middle, which splits into two paths; This was the bar(!) she spoke of!! No thirst quenchers for us!
So we followed the path to the left and eventually found the lake. We had to ditch the bikes, as it was surrounded by sand and brush. We walked a ways up to get close, but it the area we were was wild and overgrown, with the water levels so high, there was no shore really to speak of, and we could see houses or rentals a bit up the hills we were walking around. We did see the lake, and some wildlife (snakes!) and went back to the bikes for the trek back.
Coming back we stopped at the grocery store, and got some supplies for dinner. We reversed the process to get the bikes back to the boat. Lauren first, then back for the bikes. Hand them up to her, and then secure them back in the front with the bungees. We finished the smoked trout Rob had brought us, and went to work figuring out where we were headed tomorrow.
Little Traverse Bay is on the agenda- there are a couple of harbors there it looks like we can anchor at, and it’s not far from Petoskey, which is a resort area and known for its unique stones. It is also on the way to Traverse City, as we’ve had to decide which way we want to go south: Michigan side, or Wisconsin side. We have chosen the Michigan side.