Summer Cottages on the water

The Perfect Summer Cottage Marina – Jefferson Beach

Leaving Put-In-Bay with a brisk north wind we sloshed toward the Detroit River for several, ok 4ish, hours before reaching the protection of the Canadian shore on Lake Erie and easing into the shipping channel headed to Lake Huron via Lake St. Claire. Just as the rains came to blur our view of Detroit’s industrial might, we dropped anchor in The Horseshoe – a cove tucked into the top of Blois Blanc (Bob-Lo) Island on the Canadian side of the Detroit River. After calling in to the Canadian Border authorities, we settled down for a quiet if wet night. In the morning we continued through Detroit on an almost deserted river – grey but not actually raining. It seemed fittingly somber weather for the megalith buildings lining much of the river almost into downtown Detroit which was dominated by the glittery steel blue of the GM towers and a few BIG BOYS on the water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arriving in the friendly Jefferson Beach Marina was delightful contrast to the urban jungle through which we had floated. JBM is truly a summer cottage marina – people use their boats as summer homes and the docks are lined with grills and patio furniture and even potted flowers.  Signs stake out territory and boat names confirm the impression.  The marina comes complete with resort amenities like a fitness center and pool. The marina itself is a destination – it is not necessary to take the boat on the lake often to have fun when the party is on the dock complete with 50 amp power, cable TV and free WIFI. Lest I sound glib, this is the norm we have been told about by other boaters in the upper lakes and a rather smart way to get waterfront property for a steal. It also saves a lot on boat wear-n-tear not to mention petrol! Although it is clear there is a regular crowd here and lots of boat traffic, we were welcomed on the dock by our temporary neighbors who kindly grabbed out lines and sagely advised us on how to avoid the unsafe boaters who frequently use the causeway for access to the restaurant at the end of the dock, the Tin Fish.

 

 

There was a little silver lining in the rain we endured Monday night as the local scheduled concert was postponed to Tuesday when we caught the Swing Shift brass band’s free patriotic concert. While they weren’t the most professional in transitioning from one song to the next or even getting the names of the performers correct – they played with skill and enthusiasm music to celebrate July 4^th.  The 12 year old female vocalist belted out her songs like she was Julia Dale singing for the Miami Heat – another product of the American Idol generation? The male lead singer was more than up to singing with a brass band as he did a very credible Neil Diamond. All in all, it was a relaxing evening in the park on Jefferson Avenue, St Clair Shores, MI. Can’t complain about free and as a bonus even delayed to accommodate our night in town!