We leave Holland, MI, and head up the Michigan coast toward Mackinac Ialsnd
We pass some of the famous Michigan sand dunes.
The bow wake of the Grande Mariner is hypnotic ...
... it has such delicate shading and texture.
The Grande Mariner flies the Rhode Island state flag.
More of Michigan's sand dunes
Sand dune detail
We pass the North Manatou Shoal Lighthouse.
A pleasure craft makes it very clear that his boat is faster than our boat!
We see very little commercial traffic in this part of the lake. Here, in dry brush, is a very distant passing ore boat.
Myself seen in the glasses of a crew member
The ore boat draws closer. It's the Great Republic, a 635 foot "bulk carrier".
We reach Beaver Island. This is the Beaver Island Lighthouse.
Someone's tiny house on the shore of Beaver Island
Next to the Lighthouse is the Central Michigan University Biological Station.
The Beaver Island Ferry passes by.
Some summer fun towing a kid on a rubber raft
Another view of the point that reaches out from our Beaver Island moorage
The Grande Mariner will berth directly in front of the Beaver Island Community Center.
Our boat poses for us ...
... is she not a handsome craft?
Now ashore -- we look out at the sights in the water.
A woman practices using her paddle board.
The town statue honors ... well, beavers, of course.
And how does one get about on Beaver Island? By foot or by bicycle, mostly. (Abstract bicycles in this case.)
Back at the Grande Mariner, and she's still posing for us ...
"I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. deMille."
Almost supper time. Always delicious.
We pass Grays Reef Lighthouse at sundown, as we approach Mackinac Bridge.
The distant Waugoshance Lighthouse
