Grand Island, Munising To Grand Marais Then Whitefish Bay

September 14 - 17, 2016

Our first stop after leaving Marquette was Grand Island. As we left the dock, the wind was in our face again and stronger than predicted. It took us six and a half hours to go the 40 miles to our anchorage at Murray Bay in Munising. We'd been here before so Dave brought us right back to the spot we knew and we dropped anchor in about 15 feet of water, letting out another 75 feet of line. We were in bed when Mystic started bouncing sideways. The wind had shifted and swung the boat around so we were parallel to shore. The last time we anchored here, the wind was from the north which held us in place facing the island in deep water. The warnings in Active Captain were spot on. The depths change quickly here; going from 15 feet to 3 within a yard's distance. Swinging sideways on 75 feet of line put our hull right up against the sand. We had to drag ourselves back off and motor across the bay with only the full moon for light, then re-anchored in a safer area. Oh boy, we are learning every day. 

Range leading us around Grand Island

Murray Bay Sunset

We left our anchorage early and headed for Grand Marais passing the East Channel Lighthouse which sits on the tip of the thumb of Grand Island. It is one of the few wooden lighthouses ever built. There is something special about it and something haunting. You feel it as you pass. I took dozens of photos from, every point of view, as we passed by.

Grand Island East Light

Grand Island East Light

Grand Island East Light

The air temp was chilly at 55F but it warmed nicely as the day passed. This part of Lake Superior is gorgeous! We are in awe of Picture Rocks and Au Sable Sand Dunes. There are still a ton of tour boats taking sightseers & kayakers out to enjoy the wonders of nature found here. As we passed Picture Rocks we saw a life jacket headed for Marquette. Luckily there was no one dangling from it needing our help.

Kayakers at Picture Rocks

Tour Boat at Picture Rocks

Cliffs at Picture Rocks

Passing Picture Rocks

Tour Boat

Nature's Artwork

Au Sable Lighthouse

Au Sable Sand Dunes

Au Sable Lighthouse

We docked at Grand Marais and walked to town for groceries. The Lake Superior Brewing Co was on the way so we dropped in to see if they had WIFI. We tried to leave for Whitefish Bay on Friday but turned back after only about 4.5 miles. Holy Hell; it was rough out there. It was the right decision. There were thunderstorms all day in Grand Marais. We celebrated the two day break with brown ale at the microbrewery. Whitefish Bay is one of the harshest bays on Lake Superior. We will respect that fact.

Pickle Barrel House, Grand Marais

Welcome to the Lake, Grand Marais, MI

Entering Grand Marais Breakwater

Photo of a Picture of how bad it can get
entering Grand Marais Breakwater

We left early Saturday morning along with the fishermen of Grand Marais under beautiful skies with light wind. There was a fog shelf along the dunes that made it look like snow capped mountains. Setting the foresail added nearly a knot to our speed. It was 54 miles to Whitefish Harbor of Refuge. We had the foresail up for 44 of those miles. Just as we passed Crisp Point, squalls plowed in from the west. We tied everything down, including ourselves, in preparation of the worst, but we got a gentle downpour, like a summer rain. After the rain there was a rainbow.

Once we passed Whitefish point, the squalls came in waves and the wind picked up immensely. Once again, we would have to dock in severe conditions. We made our way past the first breakwater and up to an open slip just in time for the next downpour and big wind! Exhausted, we both fell asleep. The rain never let up but we took a long walk on the road to the Whitefish lighthouse then back along the point. There were black flies that gathered on our clothes in clusters, sometimes taking a bite. Our short walk turned into a four mile round trip. We got back to Mystic wet, tired and annoyed with the flies. It is so beautiful here; and quiet! We are alone most of the time!

Whitefish Point Selfie

Mystic in the background docked at Whitefish Point

Whitefish Point Lighthouse

We only have 25 miles to get off of Lake Superior! This is a HUGE milestone! Today was a good day with seven hours of gentle forward motion and 45 minutes of extreme stress. It is never the same out here! No two days in a row are alike, EVER!

Pitcher Pump

Lake Superior Brewing Co

Note: We are now in St. Ignace, MI, some 130 miles closer to Chicago. Internet is hard to come by but we will update the blog as we can.