Entry #72: N45.38.630, W85.03.111
Wednesday, July 3rd (Day 57): It was a beautiful morning following a solid sleep. I organized my cabin in preparation for the coming day. I checked my bilge, found some water and successfully tried out my back-up battery operated hand bilge. I lifted anchor around 7 am and set sail for Mackinaw City to fuel and my first pump out.
(I have respect for the Straights of Mackinaw and its winds. I wanted to be prepared for any contingency.)
I picked up fuel at the Mackinaw City Municipal fuel dock and successfully completed my first pump-out of my head. (I was a bit nervous as this was the first test of my head assembly.)
Before embarking I walked to Sheperd’s marina supply and picked up a set of bow light bulbs just in case. While at the check-out, I saw a kids’ book entitled “Grandpa’s Bridge”, a story about the building of the Mackinaw Bridge. It was dedicated to ‘Pa and his grandson John’. How right, a perfect gift for my grandson (Little) John. I walked back to the NTL with purchased goods in hand and anxiously set off to cross under the bridge under sail.
As I headed towards the center span of the bridge, I overheard the Mackinaw Bridge Authority make an announcement for recreation traffic to avoid construction zones on my VHF handheld. I looked ahead and could see construction going on between the two southern bridge columns. The ferry boats and power cruisers caused a surprising amount of chop. Between the traffic, gusty wind conditions, the traffic and chop and, the bridge construction I found myself focused in the intensity of the moment while at the same time at awe of the Mackinaw Bridge itself. The winds were surprisingly shifting and gusting as I approached the center of the span. I had tacked numerous times to this point with the plan to sail on starboard tack heading for the green buoy west of the southern tower.
As I went under the expanse towards the leeside (left) of the green buoy, I found myself being hailed by the Mackinaw Bridge Authority. When I replied I was directed to change frequency and on the new frequency I was asked to confirm that my intentions were to continue heading toward Lake Michigan. Following my confirmation a bridge authority boat showed up announcing he would allow me to continue my heading. Unknowingly I had crossed the buoy on the wrong side of the construction zone! (Another lesson learned.)
It was nearly 9 pm before I set anchor in a bay south Waugochange Island west of Beaver Island. It was a long and exciting day. I just entered Lake Michigan, my 4th Great Lake.
Take care.
Never Too Late For 