We leave Hessel, Michigan and head to Harbor Island, MI where we will spend the night at anchor.
We cruise through Lake Huron, pass De Tour Village, up the St. Mary’s River into the Potagannissing Bay. While close to Canada, we will still be in U.S. waters. From here, we will enter the North Channel and spend a week, or more, exploring the waters.
The North Channel is marked in dark blue. It is a body of water along the north shore of Lake Huron, within the Canadian province of Ontario. It is approximately 120 miles long and varies from 1 to 20 miles wide.
On our way, we pass several wooden boats on their way to the Hessel’s Wooden Boat Show.
No sail for power… just a long line today.
We pass by Dollar Island, right in the middle of the waterway.
Dollar Island is home to just one home! Perfect for anyone not wanting neighbors.
Named Dollar Island for the government’s $1.00 price for which it sold. The structures were originally built in 1913. Over the years, the original small cabin and windmill became a three bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage with boat stalls, gazebo, decks and even a kissing booth. All this can be yours for just $850,000.
There are also the more “traditional” homes on our route where boats are a wonderful amenity, but not a necessity to gain access to your home. While nice, I doubt these homes have that sought after kissing booth!
We pass by our first of two lighthouses.
This is the Martin Reef Lighthouse. This lighthouse marks a rocky shoal that has as little as 3 feet of water. Before its construction, the steamer Muskegon ran aground here in 1923. In 2018, deemed unnecessary by the Coast Guard, it was auctioned off for $52,777.
We also pass the Detour Reef Lighthouse. This lighthouse is one of the few in the world that offer a lighthouse experience weekend to the public. For $245, you can clean, greet visitors, and climb a 20 ft. vertical ladder whenever you want. New this year, without power and water currently, you can have what they call a “rustic” lighthouse experience.
There are not too many boater neighbors to greet our arrival into our anchorage for the night. We do however have many of the locals eager to make our acquaintance. 🤬
According to my insect app, this is a deer horse fly. He is not as large as your typical horse fly; more similar in size to the annoying house fly. However, this guy stings and it does hurts.
All anchored and snug for the night. Relaxation time can begin!
Our last sunset in the U.S.A for a while. Onto Canada tomorrow.
2 thoughts on “Hessel, MI to Harbor Island, MI”
Such a natural environment…horse flys and all. Looking healthy through your journey.
Such a natural environment…horse flys and all. Looking healthy through your journey.
Thanks!