Soo to Mackinac/ Mackinaw??

Since our time on the east shore of Lake Superior was cut short and we had a few extra days,  we decided to take the scenic cruise back to Mackinaw City. We turned off the St. Mary's River and followed  St. Joseph's Island Channel.  Our first night's stop was at Richard's Landing Marina on St. Joseph's Island.  The small community was hosting a triathlon and we had a chance to observe the young children swimming, running and bicycling.

Richard's Landing Marina

Running course

On your mark, get set, go!

The next day,  Sunday, Aug. 18th, we anchored in Dead Boy's Cove (horrible name for a beautiful spot) on the NW side of Campememt D'Ours Island and to the SE of Picture Island.  Close by is another anchorage (between Picture Island and Sapper Island) that is apparently the local party cove complete with a jumping-off rock for kids large and small.  We dinked over to get a better look.   It was empty by nighttime, but we were well anchored and didn't care to move for one night.  This area is very North Channel-like with granite outcroppings surrounded by cool, clear water.

Party Cove

Nearly every outcropping is home to a cottage.

On Monday we moved on to Bruce Mines, a small marina rather shallow with good floating docks.  Tuesday we decided to go into Drummond to clear customs, which went quickly and smoothly, and then on into DeTour Marina.  Last year when we stayed at DeTour we were one of the last boats of the season.  They closed on Labor Day and completely rebuilt the docks reopening on July 1, 2013. There are now floating docks that can accommodate about twice the number of boats.  While there we started meeting loopers once again.  Pazza Bella ( Mike and Veronica Wisneski from Mount Pleasant, SC),  dARrF V (Ray and Arline Cutro from Belleair Beach, FL), and Spiritus (Eddy and Linda Johnsen from Navarre, FL).  Many had stories of waiting at the Erie Canal this summer.

Wednesday we went into Mackinaw City Marina, passing Mackinac Island enroute.

The lakers are always impressive.

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

Lighthouse across from Mackinac Island

Old fort on Mackinac Island

Square rigged sailing vessel
moving right along through
Straits of Mackinac

Soon after we arrived in Mackinaw City,  a new looper came by to introduce himself as Tom Rea (pronounced Ray).  My Tom did a double take and asked him to repeat what he had said.  They both had a good laugh after my Tom introduced himself as Tom Ray.  We went out to dinner with them and their guests, Steve and Kathy, who were leaving that evening.  Both couples are from Petosky, but keep their boats at Duncan Bay in Cheboygan.  Tom and Nancy Rea had officially begun the loop 3 weeks ago, though they were still in their home cruising grounds.  They laughed and said they were having a hard time getting under the bridge!

Nancy and Tom Rea with friends, Kathy and Steve

Thursday, Tom and I were true tourists.  We walked to Fort Mackinac passing the old lighthouse along the way.

Firing muskets

Garden at the fort

Natie American encampment

Old Mackinaw City lighthouse

Statue of Alexander Henry--fur trader
One of many wooden carved statues around the city.
I did not realize that a stalker was peeking out from behind the statue.

Overview of the fort

Preparing cannon  to blow up bridge??

Costumed demonstrator explaining the Voyager canoes

Walking home we bought pasties for future dinners, enjoyed walleye and whitefish chowder at Scalawags, and ate Mackinaw fudge ice cream. All this in addition to Alice's caramel corn that Nancy gave us that morning.  I'm sure the calories we walked off did not equal the calories we consumed.  Oh well!