The state of Michigan acknowledges that the weather and conditions on Lake Huron (east side) and Lake Michigan (west side) can change quickly and dramatically. So, they’ve constructed refuge harbors along the vast shoreline at roughly 35 mile intervals. And they built them beautifully, with solid breakwaters, wide docks and adequate runway space. Unless the wind kicks you in the stern. For example, if you are docking in Port Austin, top of the Michigan thumb, where the wind gusts (at say 15-20 knots), and you see slip A42’s sign is bent a little, that because the wind kicked Irene’s ass a bit and I did that. I bent that sign.

How it started-

The first state harbor we stopped at after Port Huron was Port Sanilac. Completely uneventful docking in calm water and 90 degree sunshine. Way too hot for comfort so we had to crank up the AC. FYI: We make a sport out of enduring heat before we even consider closing the ports for AC, but this heat was well beyond being able to get comfortable. David rested and I set out to the market. Caught a ride from the Harbor Master, Kelly Trowhill. She proved to be the most thoughtful and kind person even driving me slightly beyond the village so I could get fresh produce. Swoon. David and I did manage a sweaty walk to the local water hole, emphasis on “hole”, for dinner. Followed by a shower to prepare for an early start to Harbor Beach in the morning.

The morning ride to Harbor Beach was dreamy with light waves and wind, until it kicked up about 90 minutes underway. Then we beat the last 3 hours, but it was so nice to be traveling and feeling the elements. Even though it was a Thursday, we only saw a few other boats. Guessing they got the change in wind memo before they headed out? We pulled into Harbor Beach and it was quite a wild ride through the 3-4 foot waves at the break water entrance, but once inside, zen calm at the water level. Times like this confirm things like energy matches and love at first sight.

We loved this harbor and the views from every angle. Remember Kelly the awesome Harbor Master? Well, we’d left our power adapter on the dock in Port Senilac which we discovered 40 miles later when we went to plug in. She drove it to us. She’s the hero for sure.

We explored the village of Harbor Beach and got caught up on a few chores before heading out on Saturday morning for Port Austin. We knew we were running ahead of a storm to get there however; we are really trying to make up for lost time in the Erie Canal. Was it worth it? Yes and no. Remember the bent sign? 😂 Also, David fell in trying to hold the stern off the sign post. He was hot, but it was a bit of a shit show. Brief, fast and ended well enough. David says in boating you’re either the show or watching the show. For a hot minute, we were the show. Ultimately, I took an end spot on the dock, normally reserved for a bigger boat, and David was hot before his dip, so there’s that. Praise Spirit for happy endings 🕊

The wind persisted in a big way and again, we stayed two nights. The little town was quaint, the laundry was free and we had a perfect spot for watching the show.

We made it to East Tawas at noon sharp. Clearly “five o’clock” somewhere! And what a beautiful bay this is. Our view is stunning in every direction.

That’s it dear reader. Beauty abounds. We keep doing hard stuff and savoring the elements. No taking the power of wind, the power of water and the tenacity of a human spirit for granted. Cheers to the sweet taste of freedom. ✌🏽🤟🏽🙏🏽