Chance Encounter ~ Dan Branson and St. Ignace Marina

Wednesday, June 26, 2013 brought us one of those experiences that you never forget. We had made the crossing from St. James Harbor, Beaver Island, under the Mackinac Bridge and were ready for a stop over at a marina. We wanted to stay on Mackinac Island but re-thought that decision when we read that it was crowded with tourists, and it was recommended we call ahead for a marina slip.  We decided to pull into the St. Ignace marina on the mainland.

St. Ignace Marina

The harbor has protected docks within a breakwater.  We pulled up to the gas dock and filled up the tank. We asked the attendant about docking slip for the night. We paid for diesel, moved to our slip then walked up to the marina office to pay for our slip. Dave commented that a man walking along the path toward us looked a lot like Dan Branson, the Vinette boatyard owner who launched us in Escanaba three days ago.  I responded, "Dave, that IS Dan."

How awesome is life...Two days ago, we waved goodbye to him in Escanaba.  We traveled by water and chose a marina based on a cruising book, a last minute change to our original plan to stay on Mackinac.  The timing for our paths to cross had to be almost exactly perfect to see each other but it happened.

We asked Dan what he was doing in St. Ignace.  He looked as baffled at seeing us as we felt seeing him. He said he was delivering a car for someone.  He stopped at the marina to ask for directions. Coincidence? Maybe or maybe not, regardless, it was a delightful encounter for us!

Life is good and funny and chaotic. Sometimes, if we are lucky, we experience an event that makes us see that life is an amazing journey, full of surprises.  We have to pay close attention in order to enjoy all there is to experience.  We will never forget this chance encounter.