Next morning, we were off in a light fog for Beef Island -- because we were above 46.15N my chart plotter had NO detail, so I followed like an obedient child to make sure that I hit no rocks. Eventually the detail came back -- below that magical number which must be where the charts for Lake Superior begin. The anchorage behind Beef was lovely with sandy beaches and tromping across the small island to other shores -- saw deer and bear paw prints, but none of the critters themselves. Sunrise was spectacular.
Then motored onto Drummond Island, Michigan where I docked and waited to be cleared by Customs Officers who must come down from the Soo to check in boats at Drummond. About two hours, but Chessie was patient. Noticed a horrible smell -- rotten eggs -- so another battery problem had to be addressed (different battery) -- turned out it was BAD and really leaking acid. Thank goodness for good mechanics! It blew like stink all afternoon and evening -- everyone heading to Cheboygan went to bed thinking they'd wait til Friday to cross Lake Huron, but Thursday the forecast changed again and by noon on Thursday after my repairs I was putting some speed under my hull to try to catch up with the others. About half way across I passed Class Act (they were motor sailing) and bucking three footers on the bow I headed straight for Cheboygan.
USCG Mackinac showed up on radar, and then closing fast on the horizon -- since radar indicated a possible collison course, I called on the VHF -- they concurred with my assessment and offered to stand down (have evening meal in the process) and let me enter the channel to Cheboygan first. Nice guys and gals those Coasties.
Into Duncan Bay Boat Club, where all my buddies and the staff were ready to catch me. So, I'm here for a week before taking off with my friend Susan to cruise the northern shore of Huron and head on over toward Charlevoix after the Labor Day weekend.
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