The Canadian portion of our adventure came to a close on Friday, August 28th when we checked back into the United States through Customs at Drummond Island, Michigan. Our trip through the waterways of Canada exceeded our expectations! It was an incredible adventure with memories we will cherish for many years. We departed the North Channel a few days early as the weather forecast predicted deteriorating conditions. We headed to the customs dock at Drummond Island arriving at 9AM planning to cross Lake Huron before the wind picked up in the afternoon to find the Customs office didn’t open until noon (information not contained in our cruising publications). Once the paperwork was completed, we headed through De Tour Passage into Lake Huron where, as predicted, the swells were beginning to build and the winds were increasing. Our speed being an asset on this occasion, we covered the 45 miles in two and a half hours arriving at Mackinac Island at 3:30, happy to be securely tied to the dock and excited at the prospect of exploring this charming island with horse drawn carriages carrying tourists and Victorian homes dotting the hillside.
The winds increased during the night, the roughest we have experienced on the entire trip. The morning found Harry out re-tying lines and Leslie finding more lines to add as the swells were coming directly into the harbor. The wind direction being the only one not protected from either the island or the breakwater, the rocks against the sea wall were only feet from our propellers!
Having done all we could, we headed to Starbucks for Vente Mochas (the largest size they offer) and a good dose of “terra firma”. The wind calmed down as the day progressed and, though it had shifted to a more favorable direction, the rain continued all day. Sunday arrived with clear blue skies and cool temperatures; we set out to explore this beautiful island. We began by riding the eight miles around the circumference of the island viewing the Arch
and Devils Kitchen, a group of small caves formed 350 million years ago, said to be one of the youngest rock formations on the island.
There were magnificent views around every turn. We toured Fort Mackinac which sits prominently at the crest of the hill overlooking the marina.
Sunday evening we boarded the horse drawn taxi and enjoyed dinner at the magnificent Grand Hotel.
The evening was another highlight on this incredible journey!
We felt fortunate to have four days to explore Mackinaw Island, even the horse drawn street sweeper added to the charm. We were glad we had extra time to visit this beautiful island!
Departing Mackinac Island we cruised under the bridge which crosses the Straits of Mackinac entering Lake Michigan to begin the next portion of our adventure.
The winds increased during the night, the roughest we have experienced on the entire trip. The morning found Harry out re-tying lines and Leslie finding more lines to add as the swells were coming directly into the harbor. The wind direction being the only one not protected from either the island or the breakwater, the rocks against the sea wall were only feet from our propellers!
Having done all we could, we headed to Starbucks for Vente Mochas (the largest size they offer) and a good dose of “terra firma”. The wind calmed down as the day progressed and, though it had shifted to a more favorable direction, the rain continued all day. Sunday arrived with clear blue skies and cool temperatures; we set out to explore this beautiful island. We began by riding the eight miles around the circumference of the island viewing the Arch
and Devils Kitchen, a group of small caves formed 350 million years ago, said to be one of the youngest rock formations on the island. 
There were magnificent views around every turn. We toured Fort Mackinac which sits prominently at the crest of the hill overlooking the marina.
Sunday evening we boarded the horse drawn taxi and enjoyed dinner at the magnificent Grand Hotel.
The evening was another highlight on this incredible journey!
We felt fortunate to have four days to explore Mackinaw Island, even the horse drawn street sweeper added to the charm. We were glad we had extra time to visit this beautiful island! 
Departing Mackinac Island we cruised under the bridge which crosses the Straits of Mackinac entering Lake Michigan to begin the next portion of our adventure.
