Straits State Marina - Mackinaw City

August 12 - 15, 2091

We depart Drummond Island at 8:15am with clear skies and relatively calm seas. Our course covered 56 miles taking us through the channel separating Drummond Island from the Michigan Upper Peninsula, across the northwestern end of Lake Huron to the Straights of Mackinaw. Once in the straights, we passed Mackinac Island and turned south to the Straits State Harbor Marina, Mackinaw City on the northern tip of Lower Michigan.

We were at the Mackinaw City marina fuel dock by 1:35pm (and Bo was off to the nearby grass). Brian contacted the local boatyard to schedule our battery replacement the next day. We had a great Italian dinner at Nonna Lisa’s that also had very extensive Northwoods décor (see photos).

The two mechanics arrived Tuesday morning with the new battery. Why two mechanics? Glad you asked. The two main batteries are 8D MHD marine batteries. They weigh 135 pounds each. Replacing a battery requires lifting the existing battery out of the battery box compartment in front of the port engine, moving it across the engine room and out the access door. The process was reversed installing the new battery. Two guys could do the job, but three made it a lot easier. The new battery was installed and tested by late morning and we were ready for tourist activities. 

A retired US Coast Guard Icebreaker Mackinaw was located next to the marina. We toured the entire ship that was very well maintained and contained a lot of items to show what life was like on one of these ships. We met a family entering as we were leaving. The dad said the smell reminded him of his ship in the navy 30 years ago. Sue later said the smell reminded her of our boat when the engine room hatches were open.  Our next stop was the Mackinaw Bridge Museum located above Mama Mia's Pizza, then off to the Family market for supplies.

Wednesday was another tourist day. Bo and Brian had a chance to meet a large river otter hanging out on the dock. The otter saw Bo and did not seem at all concerned about having a 70 lb. lab barking at him (see photos). Bo on the other hand thought this creature should get off his newly defined territory immediately. The otter finally moved into the water and swam away at a leisurely pace.

We took one of the local ferries over to Mackinac Island. Brian had been there as a kid with his brother and parents. He remembered the smell of horse manure and was not disappointed. This was Sue’s first visit to the island. We signed up for a carriage tour (no cars are allowed on the island) and visited the main historical sites including the Rock Arch & Ft. Mackinaw. Our carriage driver John was from Transylvania, Romania and was very entertaining. This was his second year working on the Island and seemed to really enjoy having the opportunity to visit the US and work on the island for the summer. Was it touristy – yes. Was it worth the visit – yes. 

We took the ferry back to the mainland and spent the remainder of the day preparing for the next leg of the trip. This includes fun stuff like getting more engine oil, laundry, blog updates, weather updates and charting our course to our next stop.