The Adventures of Twoflower

Sunday, June 13 Mackinac Island When we get into port after a long day on the boat, Feather usually wants to lie on the dock for a bit and be off the boat. (This is AFTER we take her to do her business, of course).  On Mackinac Island, I did the usual thing and used a cleat on the dock to attach her leash beside the boat.  If you’ve been following either the blog or facebook posts, you’ve probably seen plenty of pictures that show her quite contentedly sunning herself on the docks in various harbors. I use two Marine Dog ( http://marinedog.com/ ) leashes attached to each other to walk Feather, and usually to tie her out.  I’ve used these leashes for years for hiking and playing in the water.  They’re tough and well made and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a hands free leash option for active dogs,  for medium to large strong pullers and especially for dogs that are around or in water a lot.  The white tape on them is just to keep the metal...

Saturday, June 13 Mackinac Island Coming into the harbor of Mackinac Island, one is greeted by the commanding view of the Grand Hotel, and the beautiful Round Island light and the less beautiful Round Island Passage Light, all accented by the roostertails of the ferries coming across from St Ignace and Mackinaw City.      For those following the blog (all three of you) who don’t know about Mackinac Island, the natives named it the Great Turtle ( Mitchimakinak ), because of its shape rising out of the water as they approached by canoe.   The Island is the home of Michigan‘s first State Park. It also was the premier resort for many of Michigan’s industrial giants. There are no powered vehicles allowed on the island…wait,  I guess that’s not true...these days you can rent an electric bike on the island, and of course, you can fly in if you have a small plane...let’s just say no cars on the island and leave it at that.  The only ways to get to the island are by...

Saturday, June 13 Beaver Island to Mackinac Island Lake Michigan to Lake Huron 58.4 miles Well, today’s the big day.  We finally get Twoflower to Lake Huron.      We were about the third boat out of  the harbor at 8 am.  Feather seems to have gotten over the upset of her last trip.  She immediately assumed the position once we put up sail. Our planned course takes us through Gray’s Reef Passage, a narrow passage through a nasty reef.  ( https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=209  )  Fortunately, we had the place to ourselves with the exception of one lone sailboat going in the opposite direction.   By 1030 am, we can see both lights for the Gray’s Reef channel, and in the binoculars we manage to find the Waugoshance lighthouse on the outskirts of Wilderness State Park. H opefully. we are not among the last to see it.  Maybe it can stand another November gale or the crushing ice of a UP winter. The lighthouse is being sl...

Friday, June 11, Beaver Island  And so...we got another beautiful day on Beaver Island.   In spite of what he says, Chuck didn’t really play tourist.  He washed and waxed the boat (parts of it; it still needs lots of love). He worked some more on the motor mounts and electrical issues. We used a ketchup bottle (never used for ketchup) to put distilled water (which we carry on board for my cpap) to the battery.  But mostly he rested (much needed) and he ate (I love feeding him), and he talked to all the other sailors/boatsmen.   Every time a new boat arrives in the harbor, especially a new sailboat, everyone around gathers at the dock to help get the boat settled and to get her tied up. Then,  there is a gathering of captains and crew comparing notes on the crossing, the conditions, the waves,  and the boats.  Sometimes there’s a little private snark about who did what poorly. And then a new boat comes in and the cycle repeats.   I imagine tha...

 Thursday, June 10 After catching up with Michael, Chuck, Feather and I headed towards the lighthouse on foot.  It was a lovely walk.                                           The Island Historical Society also maintains a Marine Museum, also closed,  this time due to last year’s high waters more than anything else. The good news is that many of the exhibits are outside and still available even though the museum is closed.     One particular display of interest was pieces of a shipwrecked ship, arranged approximately as they would have been on the ship.  Chuck especially enjoyed showing me this exhibit, and explaining to me what things were.     A lot of work has gone into preserving the history of the Island. Go if you get the chance. Just a ways further and we came to the lighthouse that we mcould see so clearly from our spot in the Marina. ...