St. Ignace, MI

Sunset last night at Drummond Island, MI. 

Today we came across Lake Huron to St. Ignace, Michigan.  We are in the Upper Peninsula.

The water was glassy as we crossed fifty miles of lake.  We are amazed at how smooth these last three days have been.  This gives us hope for our travels on Lake Michigan.

As we left Drummond Island, we passed this large commercial ship and

a tow pulling a double barge. It's been a long time since we faced commercial traffic.

We had to pay close attention with the binoculars.

We heard three security calls this week.  Here are the reasons the US Coast Guard is sending out warnings on the lakes:

Thursday:  A 44 foot sailboat was taking on water and needed help near Turnbull Island in the Northern Channel.  We were approaching that spot, but since we move just 8 mph, they had been rescued by the time we got there.  A boat from North Channel Yacht Club came out and helped them and also towed them in to shore.

Friday:  A diver was in the water in the Mackinaw Strait, hanging on to the side of a boat.  That was far from us yesterday. There also seemed to be a partner in the water.

Today:  Be aware that a swimmer is in the water from 0600 hours until 1200 hours between St. Ignace and Mackinac Island, single-handedly towing a barge. What some people do on Saturday surprises me.

Our friends from Atlanta, Cathe and Tom, have been in Michigan for a week.  Today we met them in St. Ignace and had a great visit.  They came bearing goodies - wine, beer, and homemade cookies - and we heard about their touring near here.  Then we went to dinner. We returned to the boat and watched the sun set as we waited for fireworks. We had time to discuss our children, grandchildren, and mutual friends, so now we are all caught up.  An excellent fireworks display over the water started at 10:00, which is when it really gets dark.  Tomorrow they are returning to take me to the grocery.  

This sign was on the grocery store at Killarney.