In the last blog I said I would explain about clearing U S Customs. We had heard the stories that it was easier to get a table at a busy restaurant on a Saturday night than clear U S Customs. Thankfully we didn't find that to be true. In 2001 on Mike's boat, the marina owner handled customs for both boats and planes. That has changed and now there are real customs agents staffing Drummond Island. Our agent was friendly and courteous, did not board the boat and we were on our way quickly.
Because of predicted windy weather we chose to be weathered in at Detour Village rather than Drummond Island. Although Detour Village is remote, we thought Drummond Island was more remote and we were ready for some civilization. The weather prediction was more accurate than usual and we stayed there for three nights. While there we were able to reunite with Jan and Larry from Panacea. We had previously traveled extensively with them on the east coast and through Canada.
The wind subsided somewhat and we departed for St. Ignace, Michigan. We traveled with our buddy boat Average Looper around the north side of Mackinac Island. Since we had been to Mackinac Island previously and marina reservations were difficult to obtain, we chose St. Ignace instead. Panacea had reservations on Mackinac Island and chose to go there by themselves.
Since the wind was from the north our two boats chose to travel around the north side of Mackinac Island to stay in calmer water. Panacea departed about an hour later and chose to travel around the south side of Mackinac Island since that was a shorter distance to their marina.
About half way to our destination we conversed via VHF radio and while we were in about two foot waves they were in four foot waves. Shortly after that we received a concerned call from Jan. They were dead in the water and rolling sideways in the four foot waves. Without going into great detail Mark from Average Looper called the Coast Guard who helped Larry restart one engine. The Coast Guardsman stayed on board until they were safely docked in the marina on Mackinac Island. We felt helpless because of the rough water.
Even though we didn't have plans to visit Mackinac Island we took the ferry to support our friends. They were glad to see us and we enjoyed seeing the island again.
The next blog will begin Lake Michigan.
Our tax dollars at work!
Nice ride.
Interesting.
We will take one of these fast ferries to Mackinac Island.
The rooster tail would help propel the boat if it was directed into the water.
They shoot it into the air for show.
The Grand Hotel.
Main street.
There are no cars on the island, only bicycles and horses.
Looking the other way on main street.
This is a typical vehicle on the island.
There are many of these well maintained houses. hotels, B & B's, etc.
About half way to our destination we conversed via VHF radio and while we were in about two foot waves they were in four foot waves. Shortly after that we received a concerned call from Jan. They were dead in the water and rolling sideways in the four foot waves. Without going into great detail Mark from Average Looper called the Coast Guard who helped Larry restart one engine. The Coast Guardsman stayed on board until they were safely docked in the marina on Mackinac Island. We felt helpless because of the rough water.
Even though we didn't have plans to visit Mackinac Island we took the ferry to support our friends. They were glad to see us and we enjoyed seeing the island again.
The next blog will begin Lake Michigan.
The first thing we noticed in Detour Village Harbor was how clear the water is.
These aren't shadows. You can see the trim tabs, prop tunnels and even some of the rudders.
Sunrise in Detour Village.
This government boat was docked in Detour Village Marina.
Our tax dollars at work!
Nice ride.
Interesting.
We will take one of these fast ferries to Mackinac Island.
The rooster tail would help propel the boat if it was directed into the water.
They shoot it into the air for show.
The Grand Hotel.
Main street.
There are no cars on the island, only bicycles and horses.
Looking the other way on main street.
This is a typical vehicle on the island.
There are many of these well maintained houses. hotels, B & B's, etc.
More of the beautiful houses.
After we cross under the Mackinac Bridge we will be in Lake Michigan.
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