Harbor Beach to Harrisville, MI

Harbor of Refuge

One of the few times we will lose sight of land is the crossing of Saginaw Bay. Today we read mixed weather reports some said the wind would diminish and others said it would stay at 10-15 from the SE. About 58 nm of open water between the two ports with little place for refuge. We decided to leave as early as possible, so up a 6:00 and we weighed anchor about 6:45 after our normal morning routine of checking and warming the engine, checking the instruments, washing down the anchor rode and anchor and of course making coffee breakfast is usually later.

Nice quiet coast line to the PTE AUX BARQUES LIGHT and then open water to Harrisville our destination. The wind did build most of the day 15-17 knots from the Southeast up the bay to our port stern quarter. We used the auto pilot the first couple of hours and then steered manually the rest of the trip. Scott learned how to surf a 40 ft. 25,000 lb. trawler as we reached Harrisville in three foot waves.

Notice the flags

Sunny and cool and another successful 58 nm day. The Harrisville Harbor is a Harbor of Refuge built by the Michigan DNR for the town. Harrisville manages the marina and it is within walking access of the center of town. Harrisville has a quilt shop so I saved a bunch of money because Scott does not quilt.

We arrived about 3:00 and settled in, took a walk about town, cleaned up and Scott prepared flame broiled chicken, nothing but the best. We expect rain tonight and tomorrow morning, not sure about traveling yet.  

Olympic Trawler Surfing Champion, Scott Johnson