Chapter 6: The Swells of Emotion

It is July 16. Dense smoke from wildfires in Canada reduced visibility to about two miles and the lake swells are 2-3 feet. We are boating slowly to Mackinaw City. We see no other boats. Eerie on the far west end of Lake Huron.
July 17. Still smokey and we cannot see the big bridge. Took a ferry to Mackinac (also pronounced “mackinaw”) Island to see the Grand Hotel, luxurious historical site of the movie “Somewhere in Time.” This special island only allows transport of people and things by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage. Our Hanna/McDonough party of seven had an amazing day together including a miniature golf game in the Secret Garden. So fun! The next morning was brother Bob’s big swim under the Mackinac Bridge. He did it! Despite an early ending due to hazardous current, waves, and weather, Team Bob was oh-so proud!
On July 20, we departed after sunrise to travel 51 nautical miles to Petosky. We hoped to beat the high winds expected after noon. Hello Lake Michigan! Cruising under the Mackinac Bridge was the highlight and then soon after the winds picked up and so did the swells. For three hours, Captain Bill courageously led us through the worst and roughest waters we have encountered. At times, water splashed above the bow exceeded the height of our 17-foot-high boat. We rocked in every direction. Like an earthquake, many items inside and out fell creating a colossal mess! Our amazing boat Maggie kept us safe, and when we arrived at the marina our debrief this time was simply a tight hug.Read more