Presque Isle Michigan

We took our time leaving Harrisville. We spent the early morning on a walk into town and then took a much needed shower. Dean and Janice on Blue Barnacle had already left the docks when we cast our lines and headed out onto Lake Huron a little after 8:00. There was a beautiful big red sunrise and a light wind in our face. The shoreline was remote with long stretches of forest dotted by lighthouses and small town communities. The changing topography feels like our home port of Knife River, Minnesota. Our next stop is Presque Isle, Michigan.

Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse

Middle Island Light

It took nine hours to travel 55 the miles north on a very calm Lake Huron. Calm waters have become the norm; a nice surprise after the tumultuous days on Lake Erie. There were several boats anchored in the bay that leads into Presque Isle Marina when we turned and passed Old Presque Isle Light. We took a hard right to head straight through the entrance to the protected State Park Marina. We were assigned slip number 103 but there was a trimaran spider-webbed across two slips. We took slip number 106 instead. Later we would realize that slip 103 was actually on the outside of the dock open to the channel. It would not have been ideal without the protection of a dock on either side of Mystic so our confusion worked out. When we paid for dockage, the Dock Master told us to stay where we were. The marina cove waters were dead calm. The reflections off the clear water were spectacular.

Passing Old Presque Isle Light on our way up the cove

Mystic at slip 106 Presque Isle MI

Forest Reflection

Mystic reflection in the clear Lake Huron water

Blue Barnacle and Free Spirit were settled in their slips on other piers. We went for a walk to Old Presque Isle Lighthouse through a well traveled forest trail. There was a huge bell that Dave couldn't resist ringing. The hammer was just sitting there waiting to be used. It seemed that no one could resist it. We would hear that bell ring often during our stay. The shoreline near the lighthouse was covered in pebbles under the clearest blue water. It was incredibly beautiful and serene and reminded us of our beloved Apostle Islands on Lake Superior. The scent of pines filled us with nostalgia.

Tribute to Presque Isle
Lighthouse Keepers

Historic Turnstile

Old Presque Isle Light

Dave ringing the Bell

Across from the marina there was a small store and ice cream shop. Presque Isle State Park is a popular camping location. There were a lot of visitors at the store, looking to stock up on forgotten supplies. It was quite expensive but we made a few purchases to extend our meal options. 

We got out our folding bikes and took a long ride to New Presque Isle Light. It is the tallest lighthouse on the Great Lakes and sits on the north point of the park. It was too late in the day to climb either of the lighthouses but we enjoyed meandering around the grounds. There is something romantic and nostalgic about these icons. We've visited so many on this journey and often go out of our way to do so. 

We rode to North Bay and sat along the pebbled shoreline. Gazing out into the cove we could see LegaSea tucked all the way up inside, bobbing on the hook. On our way back we passed a group of deer munching along the side of the road. I scared them off with my attempts at capturing a photo. 

We passed the marina and rode toward the other end of North Bay hoping to get a closer look at LegaSea. The bright red sun was now in the western sky, ready to set over the bay. The view was breathtaking. 

LegaSea on the hook

LegaSea under a beautiful sunset

LegaSea anchored in North Bay

LegaSea off Presque Isle, MI

LegaSea

We stopped at the little store for ice cream on our way back to Mystic. John and Kathy from Free Spirit, sauntered up and joined us. They told us they planned to stay for a few days then head for Mackinaw Island. We shared that we were leaning towards crossing our wake the next day. It would be a long haul but we could pull it off if we left early. The weather forecast was heading toward unfavorable conditions a couple days out. We were eager to beat that weather.

We returned to Mystic under a gorgeous full moon. It would have been nice to stay  longer here at Presque Isle but our excitement for completing our loop was drawing us onward. If at all possible, we will return to this beautiful place one day.

We were up in time to watch a beautiful red sun rise over the pines. It was quiet and calm at the marina. We took a walk on the levy before preparing Mystic for our last day on the Loop. 

Presque Isle was one of our favorite stops. It reminded us of where we began this journey. We are focused on crossing our wake, coming full circle, back to where we first found Mystic on Lake Michigan.