Canterbury Sails by Chasseur: Cheboygan to Presque Isle, Michigan

July 6 - 9, 2012 Friday -Monday

We departed Mackinaw for Cheboygan. This was a short trip under jib alone - another great day at sea. We spent an extra night in Cheboygan, not for anything special just waiting for favorable winds. We did some provisioning here. It was a 2 mile walk to the grocery store. Terry commandeered a drive back to the marina from the store manager. We left Cheboygan at 0730 with NE and NW winds 5-10 kts and less than 2 foot waves. We hoped for the 10 kt winds but they did not last for long. When there are beautiful skies, sea and scenery one doesn't mind a little motoring.
We arrived in Presque Isle, Michigan (July 8, Sunday) at 1730. What a pleasant surprise! This is a beautiful harbor, DNR owned and maintained. If you are looking for night life this is not the place, but if you are into peace and quiet and natural beauty this is IT. The only facilities here are a good restaurant, general store, and a pizza /ice cream parlor.
Presque Isle Harbor is one of Lake Huron's safest harbors of refuge. The name for this peninsula come from the French, translate it means "almost and island".
This morning we awoke to another beautiful day and decided we needed to enjoy this place. There are 2 lighthouses and some interesting history. We walked to the "old" lighthouse built in 1840. The last lighthouse keeper at the lighthouse, Pat Garrity, was appointed by Abraham Lincoln. The Garrity sons continued lighthouse keeping until the "new" lighthouse was built in 1870. A taller, more visible lighthouse was needed due to many shipwrecks. The shipwrecks are marked and are visible. The water here at Presque Isle is crystal clear.
We borrowed the free bicycles the Presque Isle "Yacht Club" provide, to reach the "new" lighthouse. We climbed the 136 steps to the top and tolerated our fear of heights to experience the cat walk outside for and incredible view.
There are hiking trails everywhere and we hiked the North Bay trail. We were overwhelmed by the beautiful cedar trees and the scent of evergreens. Most of the trails work their way around the shore. We picnicked lunch on the shores of Lake Huron and topped a perfect day of play with a swim in the "bath water" temperature of the North Bay.
Presque Isle is a MUST stop by boat or car, but especially by boat.