June 22-23, Cheboygan, MI

We are moving from Hessel, which is on the upper peninsula of Michigan, about 25 miles, to Cheboygan, which is on the lower peninsula.

Lake Huron is FLAT calm.

There is no wind this morning and Lake Huron is FLAT calm. Just the way we like it.

Large hotel, the Mission Point Resort, on the eastern side of Mackinac Island.

Fort Mackinac above the marina.

Downtown Mackinac with the Mackinac Island Grand Hotel above.

Passage Light Round Island Lighthouse is on the north side of the channel between Mackinac Island and Round Island.

Point Light Old Round Island Lighthouse is on the south side of the channel connected to the shore of Round Island.

Boats from St Ignace and Mackinaw City bring passengers back and forth to Mackinac Island.

We cruise in front of Mackinac Island as we motor around Bois Blanc Island (pronounced boys blonk) and enjoy looking at the sights. We can see the big hotels on Mackinac Island including the Grand Hotel with it's loooong white porch, several large homes on the cliff beside the hotel, the downtown area, Fort Mackinac, the marina (which looks to be almost empty) and the active ferry boats coming and going from St Ignace and Mackinaw City. We can easily see the Mackinaw Bridge in the background. This is a pretty place.

Freighter INTEGRITY.

INTEGRITY is pushed by a big tug.

As we head back east, we encounter a freighter (one of the new type without an engine) being pushed by a tug. When the engine wears out, you just get another tug and the freighter will have a longer life.

Large Coast Guard ice breaker MACKINAW is based in Cheboygan.

We enter the harbor at Cheboygan and go through the basqule bridge to our wall location at the Washington Street Park. This is a pretty location to tie up and we have 50amp power here and showers (not as nice as Charleviox) and are next to the main street in town. So this looks like a nice place to hang out for a few days.

Main street Cheboygan.

Cheboygan looks to be having a tough time as about 20% of the stores are vacant and several restaurants have closed. We have internet wifi (some store or office nearby) and it is strong enough for both computers. We walked the main street and find several restaurants that look good and some nice stores and a movie theater with five screens.

Cheboygan Opera House has a summer and winter series of programs, plays and name entertainers. This summer highlight will be Garrison Keeler August 1, 2009 at $100 per patron. Already sold out.

Libby's had great food!

Water Street marina within walking distance to downtown.

These are working tugs. Part of the Cheboygan waterfront has an industrial feel.

Cheboygan Crib Lighthouse on the entrance breakwater wall.