Lake Michigan

We left Cheboygan, MI early in the AM to take advantage of the last good weather window available for crossing Lake Michigan.  There are wonderful ports and places to see on both sides of the lake, but knowing the prevailing winds blow from the west, it is more often calmer on the eastern Wisconsin side, than on the western Michigan side.

We bypassed Mackinac Island, which is famous for its historic restoration, it's picturesque vistas, fudge shops and no-cars on island policy.  But winds were coming and we had a long way to go.  We passed under the 5 mile long Mackinac Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in N. America and headed into Lake Michigan.

We tied up in Jackson Harbor on Washington Is. Wisconsin.  It is a very small place, with minimal services.  It was well protected however and we met some fine local folks.

A small museum and display of an old USCG boat was nearby.

During our 2 day stay we went for walks and admired the heavily wooded terrain and occasional flower.

 

Again Angie was rewarded by the display of barn quilt blocks.

We took a small 15 minute ferry over to Rock Island State Park.  Enjoyed some trail hiking

and viewing an old "recreation hall" for a former wealthy owner who had grand plans for building an estate on the island.  After he died, his heirs donated the island to the state.

After 2 days the winds died down and the waves subsided, we continued our journey.  Here is a picture of Angie preparing our egg and ham bagel breakfast while underway at 20 mph.  Mmm good!

We first stopped in Sheboygan, WI for the night.  They have a first rate marina with nice beach nearby and very well laid out.

We left early the next morning for a 70 mile run to Racine, WI.  They have a well recommended marina and the Milwaukee airport is less than 20 miles away.  We quickly set to cleaning the boat and preparing for departure early the next morning.  Our slip neighbors are also Loopers who are resting for a couple of weeks before continuing south.  I'm sure we will meet up again later.  Sorry, but now realize we never even took a picture we were so rushed.

So this concludes our Great Lakes leg of our Loop trip.  We traveled 1140 miles in 3 weeks, with only 12 days of actual boating, for an average of about 100 miles/day. More time would have been nice, but we're glad to have seen what we did.