Storms in the Great Lakes come up in an instant, are loud, wet, windy, and spectacular, and are gone as quickly as they appear.
After we left Alpena we were finally able to spend a night out on anchor in a little cove along Presque Isle; which is pronounced Preskeel. They run both words together and give Isle a strange twist. Okie dokie.
It was peaceful and calm at night with almost no moon and every star was out and shining bright. The water is so clear in Lake Huron that we could see all the way to the bottom. We could even see the anchor and chain as we dropped it and it laid out across the bottom.
On Tuesday 8/23 we headed a whole 9 miles up into Presque Isle (Preskeel) Marina, the top of the index finger on the mitten map. The safe harbors of refuge in Michigan are run by the State Department of Natural Resources and have all been pretty nice marinas with decent facilities, and are pretty inexpensive compared to the marinas so far.
Presque Isle, which means almost an island, has a rich history going all the way back to early nomadic Native Americans. In later years it became important in the lumbar and eventually the limestone and Calcite industries. Today it is identified as “the best natural harbor on Lake Huron between Port Huron and Makinaw City”. (wikipedia)
Interestingly, it feels like we are in the mountains in this part of Michigan. There are pine trees everywhere and the air is crisp with fresh pine and clean lake water smells. I like this part of the country, it reminds me of my favorite place on the planet, Lake Tahoe.
Presque Isle has two historical lighthouses that we walked to. The Old Lighthouse was completed in 1840. It stands 30 feet tall with an 18 foot diameter at the base and 9 feet at the top.
The “New” Lighthouse went into service in 1871 and still functions as a lighthouse today, now automated and electrically lit. It originally had a huge kerosene lamp that had to be maintained, hence the necessity of on sight lighthouse keepers. The keepers and their families lived in houses attached to the lighthouses. In 1939 the lighthouse service was transferred to the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard automated the light in 1970 and boarded up the station buildings. In 1998 the county was given full control of the lighthouses and the grounds and today is Presque Isle Park. The “new” lighthouse is one of the highest towers on the Great Lakes.
We were able to climb the towers of both lighthouses and the views were spectacular.
We found this guy at the grounds of the old lighthouse.
Tomorrow, August 25, we head further up the coast for another two day stay where there should be a new bilge pump waiting for us, yup, it’s always something. One blew up and we had to hand pump out the back part. Stinky work in an almost impossible place to get to. But, so far there does not appear to be any more accumulation of water. Michael thinks it is coming from the handles of a hatch along the very back deck of the boat when it rains. We are testing that theory by duct taping the handles so water can’t get in next time it rains. It’s just crazy how much water gets into areas of a boat. Thought there were supposed to be water tight?
Thanks for following us along the adventure. Love to all, Gina and Mike
