10-11 July, 2021, Port Huron, MI

 

41 SM; 7.3 hours

10 July, 2021.  0400 coffee and weather check.  Good to go.  We review the route and verify some of the flashing navigation aids since we will be moving at night for the first hour.  Our navigation software auto routing had us going a bit too shallow for my comfort and we adjusted south to intercept the red flashing buoy guiding us into the north channel.  All set; complying with the request last night to leave early, we untied the lies and cast off at 0500.  Sunrise at 0602.  53 degrees this morning, calm winds with freshening  easterly breezes by mid-day.

Course vs track

Brightening up early

Spotted the 4 second flash red buoy and positive identified at two miles we were confident of our position and track.  Reaching the mark we turned NE and proceeded along the charted and well marked channel with emerging daylight the markers were easy to pick out at distance.  The north channel intersects with St. Clair river which is draining part of Lake Huron.  Nice, smooth cruising the first couple of hours.

Numerous waterfront homes at the northern end of Lake St. Clair

Entering St. Clair river we bucked a 2 mph current making our up river travel slow at 5 mph.  Lots of boat traffic, combined with the man-make bullheaded walls lining both sides of the river, make a very rolling and bumpy ride most of the way.  Destination was Port Huron, three miles before the lake entrance.  

Two lift bridges to negotiate prior to the fuel dock

Old bank building now apartments/condo

Port Huron

Arriving at the fuel dock, we took on 42 gallons of diesel, then proceeded to our assigned slip # 91.  Safely secured at 1200.  A planned stop for fuel, provisions and pick up deliveries at the post office.  The PO was open till 1500, so we headed out on a 4+ mile round trip walk.  Nice neighborhoods passing but a few major streets did not have sidewalks.  After the post office, we stopped at a convenience store for energy snacks—hot dog and chocolate mile and a pop for POC.  Once back at Serenity we took a nap.  It has been a long day.  Leftovers for supper as we tidied up the boat a bit.  Nice marina with slips all along the Black River running through Port Huron.  Port Huron video

Serenity nested among the crowd

11 July.   Slept in.  Rain began around 0600.  Marina staff gave us a ride to Kroger grocery store which was about 3 miles away.  We got our groceries and came back in heavy rain.  Once groceries put away and lunch consumed, we walked along the waterfront to the hardware/marine store about 3/4 mile away.  Drizzle off and on.  Purchased a few items needed for the boat then back we hiked.  Rain remains in the forecast for the remainder of the day but in between showers we will grill on the marina provide gas grills and have supper back on the boat.  Unsettled weather forecast for the next few days but winds seem favorable to head out into Lake Huron.  Will assess the weather carefully as thunderstorms are in the forecast, slight risk, but have to consider.  Careful weather study in the morning and make the go/no/go decision.  

4940 SM traveled; 1885.3 hours hobbs