It was an exciting day knowing we will be crossing under the Mackinaw Bridge. It was built in1954. It connects the Upper Peninsula with the Lower Peninsula of the State of Michigan and spans 5 miles. Although we have traveled over the bridge many times this will be my first time and Scott’s second time going under the bridge on our own boat.  It was a thrill!

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Click the image above to watch a video of us crossing under the Mackinaw Bridge.

We had a lovely travel day into Charlevoix.

Charlevoix is known for it’s “Mushroom Houses.” An architect built homes and buildings in the area that had rounded and unusual roof lines that resemble  mushrooms. They look a little like fairy houses.  There is an area with quite a few of these homes in a neighborhood.  We had visited them numerous times before so we didn’t go again, but we found two along the lakeshore visible from the boat.

We anchored out the first night then went into Irish Boat Shop Marina in anticipation of having a routine valve adjustment done. We took the dinghy to explore Lake Charlevoix.  It is a Big lake.  We found a lakeside bar and restaurant.  Scott was so happy to find a Grand Rapids brewery beer on tap. He didn’t care as much for any of the beers in Canada.  They just aren’t the same as a good IPA from a Michigan brewery.

When we got to the marina the next day, we pulled into our slip and I fell in love with the Meghan B, a tug across from us. She is a bit crusty and almost as wide as she is long.  She has character! A guy was cleaning a big old Chris Craft next to her and we said hello to each other.  I said something to the effect of how cute this tug is…….cricket…..cricket….cricket it was obvious he didn’t appreciate this old thing and said something to the effect of  “I guess you can find beauty in anything?” The next day our mechanic, Andy, DID share our appreciation and gave us a tour not only of the Meghan B, but also the Heather B another larger tug next door.

We met more new Loopers at the marina.  It has been sad to see so many of our friends cross their wakes, knowing we won’t be running into them down the road.  However, we are thrilled for them completing this amazing trip.

After we had the engine work done, Scott proceeded with more work that he could do himself like changing zincs, changing the oil, and changing the fuel filter.   He said he did “Boat Yoga” in order to get to all the zincs.  Wish I had pictures for you, but I was off doing laundry.

We had intended to leave today, but there were suppose to be five foot seas on Lake Michigan.  No thanks. We stayed an extra day which gave us more play time.  The art show was in Charlevoix.  It was huge and fantastic.  So many talented people! The quality of the items was top notch! Charlevoix is such a neat little town.

There is large neighborhood of beautiful old summer homes that was established in 1906. It is amazing that it is still intact today.

We had a lovely 3 days in Charlevoix. We are less than a week away from crossing our wake and completing the Loop at Lake Shore Yacht Harbor on the 18th.  It is unbelievable.

Thanks for reading,

Karen and Scott

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