Milliken State Park - Detroit Michigan

We spent a rocky night on the mooring ball at Put-in-Bay. The wind was coming out of the north creating a constant chop on the bay. In spite of this, we were up at sunrise preparing for our final day on Lake Erie. With Osimo in the lead, we headed out from Middle Bass Island toward Detroit. 

The wind was hitting us on our starboard side. It was a cold and wet ride so we were wrapped in layers with our winter hats in place. Mystic heeled over at a steep bank with each gust. We put out some of our foresail to help stabilize the rolls we were experiencing. Bob and Sue were having a heck of a time too. We watched as they tried tacking back and forth in an attempt to avoid the powerful wind gusts. Finally, we watched as they pointed due south away from our destination. It didn't take long for them to slip out of site. Later we would learn that their interior was in shambles with everything strewn across the floor.

We finally found relief as we approached the Detroit River Lighthouse and tucked into the Detroit River. A huge tanker was looming up from behind us but we beat it to the river entrance.  

Sunrise over Put-In-Bay

Passing Lonz Winery on Middle Bass Island

Heading for Detroit

Middle Bass Club Pump House

Clear skies over north wind

Choppy waters

August Chill on Lake Erie

Eastbound Motor-sailer battling the waves

Our first glimpse of the Detroit River Light

Perry Memorial behind approaching tanker

Lots of wind

Detroit River Light

We listened to the Sarnia Coast Guard broadcasting over our VHF all day. As we moved north, we kept an eye on our tracking system for Osimo's position. Bob and Sue finally caught up, but not until we were close to our marina at Milliken State Park. Much to our surprise, the water on the Detroit River was a beautiful emerald blue green. There was so much to see on both sides of the the river; the United States on the left, Canada on the right.

Forest covered barge

Monument along the shore

Lots of traffic on the river

Make room for the big boys

Canada buoys

Ballard's Reef Marker 1867-1967

Detroit Water and Sewage Dept

Tiny little power plant lighthouse park

Detroit area industry

The Flame

Honoring both countries on the Canadian side

The Ambassador Bridge

Passing under the Ambassador Bridge

We were surprised to find the waterfront in downtown Detroit inviting, artsy and filled with visitors. Milliken State Park is north of the cities epicenter, right off the river next to the Aretha Franklin amphitheater. The entry is very narrow. The strong river current made navigation tricky. The Milliken State Park light sits on the north jetty wall where locals like to fish. Dave circled once then aimed high toward the lighthouse. I caught the eye of one of the fishermen who had a quizzical look on his face that changed to moderate concern as he watched us head straight for him. Of course, the current swept us south making Mystic look like a crab slipping sideways into the marina basin. It was a relief to get through safely.

US Steel Great Lakes Works Finishing Division

Detroit

Detroit Princess

International Memorial to the Underground Railroad

General Motors Mural

West River Walk

Milliken State Park - Aretha Franklin Ampitheater

We called Bob on the VHF to warn him of the current; recommending he aim high on his entry. We watched as he maneuvered Osimo along the same course we had taken. After securing our vessels we walked to the office to settle up. It was Bob and Sue's anniversary so we headed out of the gated marina to find dinner. The city was bustling with people. There was a concert at the Amphitheatre; folks were tailgating in the parking lots nearby. A local woman asked if we were lost then directed us to the BBQ we hoped to eat at. It was closed so Dave searched for a microbrewery and found one right around the corner. As luck would have it, the kitchen was closed. Our last attempt at eating out was at a neighborhood bar and grill. The host mentioned that they were understaffed but put us at a table with glasses of water. We waited a half hour but the waiter never visited us. Tired and defeated, we headed back to the marina. We ran into the lady who gave us directions to the BBQ. She asked how dinner went. We explained that we never found a spot to eat. She said, "Well then, I'm so glad that I met you. I want to thank you for visiting Detroit and I hope that the rest of your stay is wonderful!" This small gesture made our night brighter.

Biergarten Tap House - Detroit

They had beer but no food

Milliken State Park Marina Offices

Sunset over Milliken State Park Light

Exhausted from our long, day on Lake Erie, we inhaled our dinner then retired as soon as the dishes were put away. We're finished with Lake Erie, a challenging section of the Loop which we are glad to have behind us. Tomorrow we'll attempt to cross Lake St. Clair. We still have a lot of miles to cover before crossing our wake.

Good morning Detroit

Milliken State Park Light

Mystic at Milliken State Park - Detroit