From the 19th Century to the 21st overnight

From the 19^th Century to the 21^st

After waiting for a weather window we finally tore ourselves away from the delights of living in the 19^th century horse and buggy era of Mackinac Island and crossed officially into Lake Michigan on glassy calm seas.  Our first night on Lake Michigan found us in St James City the protected harbor on Beaver Island.  This stop, almost time travel back to the 1950s, was a nice transition back to the 21^st century. Beaver Island has an interesting history which we learned about at our stops there.  First we visited the Mormon Print Shop which is home to the local history museum. James Strang led a break-away Mormon group to this island but he was killed by two “disillusioned” followers and the remnants of the group left the island to be replaced by Irish immigrants who were evicted from their island home in Ireland. Fishing provided the main source of employment until the stocks were depleted which we discovered at the island’s Marine Museum. Today the islanders enjoy welcoming tourists especially those attracted by the many musical and visual art events hosted by local groups. All of this takes place in an atmosphere of rural simplicity which was in sharp contrast to the high style and polish of Mackinac Island. In contrast to the heyday of 19^th century resort life, St. James City appears more like a western frontier town  - on the water. Our afternoon bike ride along the shore was a relaxing interlude for our next stop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With only a few hours of bumpy water we crossed easterly to the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and our anchorage on Little Traverse Bay in Harbor Springs.  Even though the forecast called for some waves in the morning, we wanted to get across the open stretch and into the protection of the shoreline before the predicted strengthening winds kicked up in the afternoon.  Harbor Springs is a must stop for most loopers and it is the 21^st century version of an upscale summer resort town. The sparkling downtown streets bustled with well turned out tourists shopping in the trendy stores and munching on treats like fudge and ice cream (called Gelato) or dining al fresco. Hopping does not describe the scene on a Monday afternoon, so we were glad to have missed the weekend crush.  Shouts and hoots from nearby clubs and beaches echoed late into the night. The sailing school even had boats out for a moonlight sail. The young sailors were quiet compared to the party boat charter that returned for a final cruise around the harbor serenading us all with slightly off-key song as they danced on the bow. Beautiful, charming, and manicured, but not peaceful and quiet is Harbor Springs. 

 

 

While we know many of our friends are steaming under higher than normal temps or drowning under excessive rainfall, we are again pulling out the sweats – with a high of 65 today. Thankfully one result is the kids who yesterday spent all afternoon and evening into the darkness screaming on the float and beach next to our boat have found indoor fun this afternoon. A little wind and rain with these cooler temperatures are not a big problem compared to some of the extremes in other parts of the country. Fortunately, we have enough slack in our “schedule” to wait out any unpleasant events Mother Nature sends our way. As a bonus we got to enjoy Little Traverse Bay for a second night!