lighthouse with flashing beacon


Lighthouse Cruise Mackinac Straits West

Old Mackinac Point

We returned to Mackinaw City in 2004, and of course the first visit was to Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, which has been opened in the summer for tours since June 2004. Our main purpose was to take the Mackinac Straits cruise west. Instead of an early morning, this time we had an afternoon ride.

Today was nothing, if not lucky. We were lucky that it was a picture perfect, not too hot August day (low to mid 70's!) and only some wind.

It was windy enough that the tour route changed slightly. Instead of White Shoal being first, we started with Grays Reef, then Waugoshance and St. Helena Island lights also included.
Of course, before any of that, as traditional, we stopped UNDER THEMACKINAC BRIDGE . I never thought it would happen once, and now we've been under twice! (see Eastern Cruise )
I was so glad to have a hooded sweatshirt, too. Once we started going, at about 24mph, we were showered on. Captain Kevin had warned us we would get wet, and, with a long face, apologized, shook his head, then entered his cabin. Of course, we believed his apology about as much as believing a little boy.
However, all the way to the first lighthouse, we were bumped and rolled and splashed, plus it was so windy, I had to tie my hooded in order to keep on my hat, which added to the adventure. As soon as we turned around, it wasn't even a big issue.
So, bottom line, it was a wonderful cruise trip, with 4 new lighthouses added to the "viewed" list.

For more info on these cruises, See Shepler's web site.

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