Well, after 9 weeks, we are out of Lake Superior. The journey was amazing and one that not many people take the time to do. We were in a lot of places and saw so many things that we would never have experienced, let alone even known were out there to experience. Most days we were the only boat on the lake (likely cuz it was foggy), and even in several of the anchorages and marinas. Really an amazing trip of a lifetime! I am very glad we had the extra time to spend in the way U.P. North.
Just a little more history on the Soo before we leave, especially for my brother Dave (I’ll tell ya’all about it sometime). Sault St. Marie is the first non-native American settlement in what became the present state of Michigan.
When I told you last time that we were in the Sault St. Marie for a couple of weeks for minor repairs and weather, well that was a little fib. There were actually weather issues that moved us to the Soo early, but we were there for so long because we flew from there to and back from California for a long weekend as it was Michael’s Dad’s 90th birthday party, and since he reads this blog I was not going to be the one to spoil the surprise. All my kids and grandchildren were there too and we have not all been together in a while, so that was a very special treat. We also gathered with family and friends over the weekend, which was also very special. So Happy Birthday surprise to Bill.
We left Sault St. Marie yesterday, 8/19/23, and proceeded on a 93 mile, almost 11 hour journey. It was our longest trip ever to get back to Mackinaw City to once again beat another weather front…jeez! It’s never ending!! We came in to dock with 8-10 MPH winds and some pretty healthy gusts. It was my very first time docking this giant kite on the water with actual wind and not just a breeze. I handled it like the seasoned pro I have become ;0 and brought her in smoothly, even without extra hands to help with lines and dock control. Of course my line guy gets a lot, ok most, of the credit for that too. We will be here for a few days, weather again, then proceeding toward Green Bay Wisconsin, which should take about a week and a half to get there.
We are now back in with lots of other boaters as well as Loopers that are starting to gather for the trip through the Chicago Locks which will hopefully open on schedule on October 1st. It’s going to be quite the challenge with so many boats going through all at once AND intermingled with the shipping barges, which have been delayed through the summer as well.
Well, that’s about it for this time. Just wanted to give a short update on what’s up on THIS is what. Will update again probably from Green Bay. Thanks for traveling along with us and will be seeing a few of you very soon. The rest of you, the trip is winding down so think about joining us somewhere along the rivers? Love to all, Gina and Mike
