Lady Royal: East Tawas/Harrisville/Presque Isle

East Tawas

August 30

When going to town at East Tawas, it was reminiscent of Port Huron, but thriving. Cute stores lined the streets, from retail to gift shops to restaurants. The nicest thing about these small east-coast towns in Michigan is the coast, which is lined with beaches and homes as far as you can see. We walked around town, had dinner at G's Pizza, and walked through a Ben Franklin store (which I had never heard of, but Rob has). The weather has been clear although the waters have been a little bit rough for the past few days. Sunrises are beautiful. We met Bill, who teaches and coaches during the year, and is a harbor master during the summer. He is participating in an upcoming triathlon, and when weather permitting, practices his swimming before work at the marina's neighboring beach. Good luck Bill! Meeting Bill was a continuing reminder about how nice all of the hospitality is wherever we go.

Harrisville

August 31

Michigan is very boat friendly, with state marinas that line the coast about every 20 miles. Harrisville marina is located just a short walk from a very small town (did I say very small?). We've been on the waters for a week now... so here's our one-week reality check:

What is your favorite part?

Deb: Peacefulness. Sunrises. People we've met and how helpful they've been. Rob's confidence and knowledge in operating the boat.

Rob: Getting comfortable with the boat. Seeing how it responds. Meeting a lot of nice, helpful people.

What is your least favorite part?

Deb: Rocking. Public showers. The number of power cords and chargers needed to keep everything running.

Rob: Rocky seas.

Best time this week:

Deb: KC and the Sunshine Band... and blackjack!

Rob: Making it across Lake Erie. It was the first time we crossed a body of water by ourselves.

Worst time this week:

Deb: First night at Put In Bay... Rockin' and rolling.

Rob: Bobbing around at Put In Bay.

Harrisville Marina

Sunrise

View from Marina

Beach Houses Line the Shores

Presque Isle

September 1

We made it to Presque Isle early afternoon and checked in. When asking what there is to do here, we were told by the dock masters to go see the lighthouses. I gave them a look, waiting for them to complete their sentence, only to find they had already done so. So the lighthouses it was! There is an old lighthouse, and a new one, both with extensive histories. The old one's history includes legends about George's ghost still living there. Just before the lighthouse closed, George was its keeper. Look closely at the photo in the lighthouse and decide for yourself whether or not George is still there. The new structure is the tallest lighthouse tower accessible by the public on the Great Lakes. Built in 1870, it replaced the old tower, which was build in 1840. Again, we enjoyed beautiful grounds, and had a nice dinner at the marina's restaurant.

Rob learned that he doesn't need to climb to the top... he could enjoy the view from my photos!

Quote: Seeing is believing.