Mackinac Is.,Beaver Is.,and Charlevoix

We sailed away from our marina early Sat. a.m. after 3 days there. Yes, the sails went up right away-. sailing the straits of Mackinac and under the famous Machinac Bridge into the northren waters of Lake Michigan along the shipping route.. This was great only the fog also settled in around us so we had to be extra cautious to stay clear of the lake frieghters..We were thankful for radar and communicating captains.After the fog lifted we passed 2 more frieghters  at a good distance. We came to our next destination mid afternoon-- St. James harbour located in a bay at the north end of Beaver Island .A quiet and picturesque little community , a good place to spend our 2nd Sunday. We found an interesting museum that told a lot of the history of the Island especially the short stay of the Morman settlement there under the leadership of' King' Jesse James Strang.After they left a lot of Irishmen settled the island.. The ferry comes across from mainland 2 times a day in the open season. It comes from Charlevoix . This busy marina became our next destination. We had a nice sail from Beaver Island to Charlevoix on Monday morning.This busy marina and community is also a very friendly place. We toured a very classy art and antique store with mostly Dutch art and furniture. This store keeper recommended a Bistro in town. We enjoyed it very much.On Tues.after doing laundry and cleaning boat we toured the town and took photos of 'fairy tale' stone houses  with curved roofs- designed in the early 19oo's by Earl Young. Since the camera battery needed charging we headed out again in the eve.on the way back we heard music on the street .The street was closed down for a block  party which has become an annual event in this town.As we walked by- people stopped us and invited us to join them for food and drinks and local talent. we spoke with many more interesting people.We came back to do the blog. Our plans are to go to Leland,Michigan tomorrow. Now for some pics.