Port Huron to Harbor Beach, MI

Bluewater bridge the sailboat ahead and a 3+ knot current

We departed the slip about 7:15 and requested an opening from the 7^th street bridge. 7^th street replies and Military Street replied as well. Most towns have more than one bridge in this case operated 24/7 by two people. One call on the radio and we can contact both on channel 09, however, they will not raise the second bridge until the first bridge is fully lowered and passing traffic. In this manner they are assured one bridge is always functional incase the second bridge gets stuck open. We entered the St. Clair River expecting a strong current and were not disappointed. We watched a sailboat ahead of us deal with the current and weave back and forth as the current pushed it along. Watching our speed decline to 3.5 knots for a short period of time told us we were facing a 3.75 knot adverse current. The strongest current was under the Bluewater Bridge to Canada and of course this is the best fishing area as well and the opening was dotted with fishing boats. So we did a bit of a slalom course between the fishermen. Then of course, a 38 ft. twin engine power boat needs to pass us and the fishing boats at 20 knots throwing a large wake. We could turn into the wake but the drifting open fishing boats were not as mobile. Some people are inconsiderate even when on the water.

Lighthouse at Port Huron

A light north breeze all day but little waves and a fine ride arriving about 3:00. We decided to anchor in the harbor, but from the time we set the anchor I was a bit uneasy since we had no protection from the south or south east. The wind was to turn to the south in the morning but as one could expect it began this evening and the forecast 3-7 knots became 10 knots and building. Scott grilled some delicious pork chops and made a salad with spinach, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, yellow bell pepper and mushrooms. I like his high protein diet and he has lost 16 pounds, so I guess he likes it as well.

Salvage of Tug and Barge sunk last week

After supper we decided to move the boat and possibly move to the marina in the harbor. After moving to the lee shore we could feel the protection from the trees and I was satisfied with the anchorage. We can see the flag on the lighthouse on the breakwall standing straight off the staff but here ours are hanging down. We do expect the wind to diminish overnight but weather is the most variable part of our journey.

Cool this evening in the 60s at 9:00 PM, and the breeze is starting to diminish. Nice sunset over an industrial harbor with a power station at the center and a nice municipal fishing pier.

Lighthouse at Harbor Beach entrance

Nice Sunset