North Channel to Mackinaw City, MI
First an explanation from last post due to a few questions received by email. The red chairs mentioned at the Kirkfield Lock are unique to Canadian Parks.
In 2011, team members at Gros Morne National Park came up with the idea to place 18 sets of Adirondack chairs in lesser-known, but just as stunning locations, inviting visitors to enjoy and share on social media. They even ran a contest where the first people to find all 18 pairs won their very own red chairs to enjoy. Today, the iconic red chairs can be found in over 100 locations administered by Parks Canada. We saw three sets of the two red chairs on the Trent Severn Waterway. : )
Second, I’m behind on our blogs so am doing them in shorter segments just to get caught up quicker. This blog will cover August 6 - 9.
This shows the route from Kagawong, Ontario to Mackinaw City, MI.
Tuesday, August 6th. We left at 9:00am from the Kagawong Municipal Marina and headed to Long Point for an anchorage, still in the North Channel. The water was a little choppy but the waves were coming straight on our bow which made an ok cruise. The wind was not settling down and the anchorage was not too far away, so we decided to go a little further to Blind River-44nm away.
One of 4 churches along the same road in the small town of Blind River. We walked to a grocery store and a Tim Hortons for a quick snack. Our only Tim Hortons while we were in Canada. They are pretty good!
We were happy to meet up with a couple of loopers that we had met before. Tom & Jen (Sol Mate) we met in the Dismal Swamp, Shari & Brian (Hula Loop) we met in Waterford before the Erie Canal—this is a true example of Loop Frogging! We enjoyed docktails and a few new faces joined in, Kurt & Leanne (Festivus) and one more boater that I did not get a name down in my notes.
The docks were lovely as well as the sunset at the Blind River Marina.
Wednesday, August 7. Darth and I left before the other boats. It was a pretty morning but windy enough for sailing.
Destination was DeTour Harbor - back in the USA. Coming in from Canada we input the information on a phone app CBP Roam; Customs Border Protection. They gave us a quick video call and welcomed us back in. DeTour Harbor was another 44nm day. The other boaters from Blind River also arrived and we gathered briefly before dinner.
Thursday, August 8th. We decided to keep moving and headed to Mackinac Island.
Our guys rarely have any issues with rough water--no one was happy.
There was a huge bright side to the rough water as Karla and Paul (Current Plan) were staying at the Mackinaw City Marina. We decided we would not stay at Mackinac Island as we would be stuck for a few days due to weather. Instead we could take the ferry from M. City and visit with our dear friends. Karla and Paul were way ahead of us since last May when we went home—we didn’t think we would see them again while on the loop. They had slowed down for their family to visit while they passed through Mackinaw City, and we were so glad to see them and meet their family.
Mackinaw City's Transformer--we did not see him do a transformation though.
Friday, August 9. Mackinac Island. We found out that we could take our E-Bikes to M. Island on the ferry, but we would need to remove the battery. Apparently the horses don’t like the noise. This was fine with us—the bike path is flat and a great way to see the whole island. If we wanted to see more we would park and walk.
Another surprise for us was Elaine & Bobby (In Cahoots) were RV-ing in the area. They had sent us their itinerary and we were amazed at the timing. According to their itinerary they were across the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace. We phoned to make arrangements to see them, and coincidently they had planned to go to M. Island on this day as well. Elaine and Bobby discontinued their loop back in Clearwater, Florida. Now they are enjoying seeing this part of the country by RV. And for those who may remember Snickers mentioned before, (golden retriever), he is along with their RV adventure.
Elaine and Bobby - always laughing. This was taken on a horse and carriage ride to the Grand Hotel. Sitting with them was their friend Jane.
The Grand Hotel.
At the Grand Hotel, the wedding carraige.
Arch Rock.
Selfie by Arch Rock. We bicycled then walked up 207 steps. (I did not count--there was a sign at the bottom).
Photo of the water from Arch Rock.
A plaque-on-a-rock marks the spot where 1980 Christopher Reeve meets 1912 Jane Seymour in the romantic time-travel film "Somewhere In Time." I remember watching this film with Anne when she first visited me from Wales in 1981. My memory is we had to get up early to watch it on Showtime--no DVR back then.
M. Island was a fun visit for the day. There are 500-600 people that live full time on the island. I can imagine how quiet life is after tourist season is over.
Our ride back on the ferry. We were sitting on the top deck of the ferry and water was splashing over!
Next blog will be coming soon.