Run up to Harbor Springs

 Monday, May 29 -- Leland to Harbor Springs (53 miles)

Yet another cool, calm day on the north end of Lake Michigan. We set out a bit after ten sitting up in the flybridge, but after about an hour retreated to the cabin -- it was just too chilly up top. Reported shore temps today are in the high 70s, but it sure isn't like that out on the water. 

Our target was to spend the night in Harbor Springs, which we had heard from a number of Michigan friends is a charming town. But we stopped first at the Petoskey Municipal Marina for fuel (and a pump-out), as their diesel price was a $1.50/gal below that of the commercial marina in Harbor Springs that is the only game in town there for diesel. Since we knew would be buying over 100 gallons we figured the extra stop was worth it, and it only added about twenty minutes to our trip. We pulled into the Harbor Springs Municipal Marina at two. Both the Petoskey and Harbor Springs marinas were staffed by college kids. That would be a nice summer job. 

Here is the old lighthouse out on Harbor Point,


and here are views of the harbor, which is deep and naturally well-protected. 



Harbor Springs has a charming old downtown with lots of shops. Notice how trees are still in bloom this late this far north. 


After we tied up we changed to short-sleeve shirts for the first time since we left Florida. Once off the lake and out of the light breeze it actually felt like the high 70s. We did some boat chores and some reading, then had an early dinner in town at The Paper Station Bistro. 

The only downside of Harbor Springs is that they have an inordinate number of bugs (midges?) that just love to gather on the boat. They don't bite or hurt anything, they are just a bother. We've encountered them at most every stop heading up the lake, but they are particularly bad here. The first mate took the hand vac and made them disappear inside the cabin.

Almost forgot that we passed a nice industrial site on the ride today -- the St. Mary's Cement plant just west of Charlevoix. 
  

Comments

  1. AshleyMay 29, 2023 at 6:17 PM

    Bugs & a cement plant & temperature changes! An exciting day on the water. Northern Michigan looks lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Laurie CookMay 30, 2023 at 2:18 PM

    Sure are enjoying your journey up the coast and you are stopping and seeing some of the most beautiful spots. Keep us all posted and thank you for sharing xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ed DJMay 30, 2023 at 8:54 PM

    I noticed the flowering crab tree in one of your pics. Just for reference, that tree species would normally have been blooming in SW lower Michigan around May 6th. Shows that Harbor Springs weather is behind SW Michigan by about 3 weeks. Confirms your need for long sleeves for the first part of your trip and maybe a bit longer too. Your blood will thicken along the way ;-).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John & Janet CraunJune 1, 2023 at 8:41 PM

      I think you're right about the timing on blooms. We were on Mackinac Island today and the lilacs were just exploding. Full bloom and fragrant. And red buds, too. And we are getting used to the weather. Still wearing long pants, but managing without socks or sweaters.

      Delete
  4. AnonymousMay 31, 2023 at 6:44 AM

    Enjoy it all! Say Hi to my cousin Susan who lives in Harbor Springs. Lol. Continue on🚤

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mary LouMay 31, 2023 at 8:28 PM

    Looks like a lovely trip so far minus the bugs! Thanks for the fun updates.

    ReplyDelete

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