CHEBOYGAN, MI

Trip Day:	143	Latitude:	45° 39.27' N	Locks Today:	0
Miles Today:	49	Longitude:	084°28.08'W	Locks Total:	81
Total Miles:	2,939	Location:	Cheboygan, MI

                                         
Knowing we had a long day, we raised anchor at 7 o’clock and headed for De Tour Passage.  As we cleared the passage, KatMan2 headed to De Tour Village but we continued south.  We said goodbye to Betty and Marc for a little while since they have friends joining them, but we know our paths will cross again in Lake Michigan. 

De Tour Village was hardly visible as we passed since the fog had rolled in.  Ron set a split screen on the chartplotter for Radar as well as the chart, then stood watch with binoculars in one hand and the fog horn in the other, sounding the horn   periodically.  The fog was disorienting and way out of Jean’s comfort zone—just hold the compass heading of 225 and everything will be fine!

The fog lifted as De Tour Reef Light came into sight which was good since we were  crossing a large ship channel.  By the time we had gone twenty miles, the fog had totally cleared, the sun was high in the sky, the wind was just off our bow and we had a nice motorsail on Lake Huron.  It was comforting once we sighted land. 

Plan “A” was to  anchor off the state park on Bois Blanc Island, but when we reached the area Ron did not feel the area was protected enough if the winds shifted as predicted.  

So, plan “B” took us across to the Poe Reef Light marking the channel into Cheboygan County Marina which only charges a dollar per foot and allows us to explore the town.  Turns out they were setting up for a Salmon Tournament for the weekend—perhaps we will buy some salmon until Ron can get information about a Michigan fishing license. 

TUESDAY, JULY 31st - HARBOR ISLAND

Trip Day:	142	Latitude:	46°02.92' N	Locks Today:	0
Miles Today:	21	Longitude:	083°46.07' W	Locks Total:	81
Total Miles:	2,890	Location:	Harbor Island

Today we said goodbye to Canada and hello to USA!  Breakfast ashore at Bobbers was our farewell to Bruce Mines.  Leaving the dock, we raised the screecher in light air and clearing skies and set a course of 171 degrees toward the red line marking US waters. 

Crossing into US waters, Ron lowered the Canadian flag and raised the yellow quarantined flag until we could clear customs.  We raised a big shout as we crossed the digital line, reminding me of road trips when I was little and the whole family would cheer as we passed the “Welcome to Georgia” sign.  The water didn’t change, nor the weather, but we are back in the States, off the Global Verizon Plan,  and all is right with the world!

As we approached the dock at Drummond Island, there were people on the dock waving.  Once close enough to see faces, we realized Sandi and Eddie from Cortez were there to take our lines and Ann and Jim from Merritt Island were beside them.  I wanted to get off the boat for hugs, but the Customs Officer needed to board the boat before we were allowed on the dock.  She verified our passports, boat documentation and Homeland Security U.S. decal, then left with our passports in hand.  Once we were allowed to leave the boat, we gave and received hugs all around.  Unfortunately we learned that Tarquin was on the hard for a repair after having hit a rock, but Eddie was optimistic there would be on their way in just a couple of days.  

The wind had come on hard with whitecaps as far as we could see, but we had less than a mile to Harbor Island where we planned to anchor for the night.  We had the anchor down by 2:30 and pirate flag flying within a few minutes. 

Betty and Marc had dinner on our boat tonight—steaks on the grill--they provided the salad and we both provided  wine.  It’s good to be back in the States!