Beaver Island

The weather looked great for a run over to Beaver Island 31 nautical miles east of Little Traverse Bay.  Once again, the lake was flat and the trip was pleasant.  We docked between two Hinkley's, so we were in good company.  The docks were substantial and provided a panorama of St. James harbor.  Beaver Island is easily described as rustic and quiet.  Right after lunch we rented some bikes and took a 23 mile bike ride around the north half of the island.  Our Huffy bikes had balloon tires and numerous mechanical issues.  Kevin, not a bike fan, described this ride as the worst he can remember.  The roads were primitive with dust flying and bone jarring bumps and holes.  After cleaning up we had dinner at the Beaver Island Lodge and a few drinks at the local bar, The Shamrock.  The only negative was the billions of gnats at the dock.

Beautiful view at the dock

Lunch at Daddy's Dog Shop

Swim break during the bike ride

Sunset at the Beaver Island Lodge

Harbor Springs

It was going to be another perfect day for motoring on the lake, so we pushed on to Harbor Springs.  Today's cruise was 112 nautical miles and took us a little over 4 hours.  We have traveled with another boat, Encore from VYC, since Old Club.  Yesterday I led the way and today Tom led the way.  As we entered the Straits of Mackinac some fog was around.... but, nothing like the pea soup we experienced in 2011 up here.  Normally, it is very difficult to get into Harbor Springs on the weekend... But the Irish Boat Shop had space since many of their dockers were over at Beaver Island.

Pancakes and sausage for the hard working crew

Mackinac Bridge entering Straits of Mackinac

Operation Kayak

Presque Isle

A high pressure system has located itself over Lake Huron and the lake forecast looks docile..... So it's time to motor up the lake.  Our first stop is Presque Isle which is 190 nautical miles from The Old Club.  We left at 7:15 AM and arrived 8 1/2 hours later after traveling a smooth lake.  After fueling the boat we took a hike to the two lighthouses near the marina.  Dinner at the only restaurant in the area was fine.  The moon tonight was nearly full and super bright in the clear sky.

Leg 0 crew leaving for home as Leg 1 departs

We saw about 10 Lakers on the St. Claire River

Leg 1 lunch as sea north of Port Huron

Presque Isle Harbor

Biking and Croquet

We went on another 15 mile bike ride and then had the 2014 VYC Croquet Match.  Linda got eliminated in the first match and I advanced to the championship game.... and lost.  The Leg 1 crew arrived around 10 PM.

Only One Rest Stop Today for Photo Op

Old Club has nice court

Biking and Shooting

The weather was beautiful today.  We woke at dawn to dense fog on the river (photo op).  It was intriguing to listen to the fog signals of the freighters from the boardwalk of The Old Club.  It is true that sound in fog plays tricks on your direction perception of the source.

After breakfast it was off for a 22 mile bike ride to Sans Souci and Algonac.  About 15 members of the club went on the ride.

Rest stop at mile 9

After lunch, filling the fresh water tank, and washing the deck.... it was time to go shooting.  About 10 of us shot 25 to 50 rounds at orange clays over the water.  Our only girl shooter, Nancy Simpson, ended up being the sharpshooter of the bunch.  I shot 50 rounds and my shoulder feels like it.

Nancy bagging clay bird

Arriving at The Old Club

The weather wasn't so grand today.... rain and thunderstorms ahead of a cold front.  The trip up the Detroit River was gray and dismal.  However, the ride was quite comfortable inside the cabin.

 Bumboat Approaching Ambassador Bridge

After a quick fueling stop at Gross Pointe Yacht Club, we arrived at The Old Club just as the weather began to clear.  The Old Club had us tucked away at a dock in their South Harbor.

Our Old Club dock for next few days

North Bound

We are off on a multi-leg voyage to the upper Great Lakes!!!  Linda and I are joining the VYC cruise which is currently at Boblo Island.

Shoving off in Vermilion

After a couple hours of cruising at 27 knots on a flat lake we arrived at Boblo Island on the Canadian side of the Detroit River.  The docks were short and the water was shallow.... but the company was good (9 boats from the Vermilion Yacht Club).