Hello! This long entry reviews the last part of our journey, beginning in Houghton–Hancock and ending at our home slip in St. Clair, Michigan. On August 7, we officially completed our circumnavigation of Lake Superior—a whirlwind adventure totaling 1,620.6 miles, including 981.6 miles along the Lake Superior shoreline. Since the shoreline is 2,726 miles, we still have plenty left to discover. This trip gave us a taste of the Lake, and now we know exactly where we want to spend more time on our next visit: certainly the rugged, solitary northern shore, and—because Canadian fires made a visit pointless this time—Isle Royale.
July 29 — Houghton–Hancock to Marquette (80.7 miles)
We spent a few days in Houghton–Hancock waiting for a good weather window. Day 1 was our trek to Walmart (previous blog). Day 2 we explored Houghton, visiting Dee Stadium—the birthplace of professional hockey—the Isle Royale Visitor Center, the beautifully reclaimed waterfront, and lunching at the Ambassador for its renowned pizza. The pie lived up to expectations, as did the brownie‑and‑ice‑cream dessert. That evening we strolled through Hancock and were pleasantly surprised to find the scenic waterfront/ snowmobile trail.
We were underway early on the 29th for the 9+ hour cruise to Marquette. The Portage Waterway was gorgeous in the morning fog and dew—blue heron nests, charming buildings, old fishing boats. We were not prepared, however, for a “moving” marker buoy that turned out to be a swimmer. With fast‑moving sport‑fishing boats around, swimming across the river seems ill‑advised.
Once on Lake Superior the water was a bit choppy but it soon settled into flat calm. We entered the Marquette marina after allowing a large freighter to pass and waving to a class of young sailors that politely stayed clear of the channel.
Just one night in Marquette, but we loved it—dinner in town, a lively street market, beautiful residential streets (sign by a cherry tree in one yard to feel free to pick/eat), and a wide walkway back to the marina with lots of people enjoying the evening.
July 30 — Marquette to Munising (39.7 miles)
A short 4.75‑hour cruise brought us to the home of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We spent the afternoon at the Visitor Center, watching an informative video about the Morrison family, who run Pictured Rocks Cruises—now in their third generation. The first National Lakeshore was formally established on October 6, 1972.
July 31 — Munising to Whitefish Point (91.4 miles)
The cruise began along the 42‑mile stretch of Pictured Rocks. Absolutely stunning. We took many photos—only a handful (45)—are included below.
After a long, uneventful 10.9‑hour cruise (I’m not complaining just stating facts), we arrived at Whitefish Point. We enjoyed a beach walk with plenty of rocks perfect for skipping. We did pret‑ty well—Rob won with four skips!
Whitefish Point’s dock offers transient slips and spaces for Native American fishing boats. Amenities are minimal—pit toilets only, no water, power, showers, or trash. The price is right: free.
Whitefish Point has two major claims to fame: the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, a globally important migration spot. We walked around the bird observation deck while waiting for the museum to open, glad we had gone back to the boat for bug spray. The museum was excellent, with knowledgeable docents. It houses the original bell from the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, replaced on the actual ship in 1995 with a memorial bell engraved with the names of the 29 lost crew.
My favorite exhibits were on the maritime rescuers: you have to go out; you don’t have to come back. The fact that crews saved lives in conditions that sank ships is astonishing to me. One team rowed 10 miles in 50 minutes (12 mph) in stormy seas to rescue a crew. Crews began as volunteers, but in 1871 Congress funded professionally-trained and equipped, paid crews, dramatically increasing survival rates.
Whitefish Point is known as the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes” due to the concentration of shipwrecks. At one point, roughly 3,000 ships operated on Lake Superior; today there are approximately 200, and no travel is allowed from mid‑January to late March anymore. Severe weather, ice, and limited room to maneuver contributed to wrecks, but the primary cause was crashes due to the the thick and frequent Lake Superior fog combined with the absence of designated shipping lanes.
After the museum, we casted lines for Sault Ste. Marie.
August 1 — Whitefish Point to Sault Ste. Marie (41.6 miles)
By the time we walked the 0.9 miles back to the boat, the fog had lifted—only to return soon after we were underway. After visiting the shipwreck museum, I was very grateful for radar.
Approaching the locks, we expected heavy freighter traffic and were not disappointed. There is something majestic about a freighter emerging from the fog—I’d say on par with the excitement as a whale sighting.
Given the traffic, we used the Canadian lock. The lockmaster recognized us—more likely Leland Tug—from a little over a month earlier. Friendly, welcoming, and interested in our adventures. The Canadian Soo lock is the gentlest lift/drop we’ve ever experienced. After descending 21 feet, we headed to George Kemp Marina. The moment we tied up and plugged in, a downpour began. Perfect timing.
August 2nd we explored the Soo. The Shipwreck Museum (different from Whitefish Point) is staffed by two volunteers and open only on weekends. Ron was extremely knowledgeable and introduced us to Freighters on the Great Lakes, 2026. Now when we pass a freighter, we mark it/look it up in our book. We see the Barkers (Kaye E., James R.) regularly, and we also saw the Paul R. Tregurtha, at 1,013.5 feet—the largest on the Great Lakes.
August 3 — Sault Ste. Marie to Presque Isle Harbor (95.2 miles)
A beautiful 10.5‑hour cruise down the St. Marys River and across Lake Huron. Seeing familiar landmarks from our journey north gave me a bit of wistfulness—our Lake Superior adventure, with all its joys and trepidation, was nearing its end.
Presque Isle Harbor is now well known to us. We enjoyed the complimentary bikes, pizza, and gorgeous marina views.
August 5 — Presque Isle Harbor to Harrisville (53.1 miles)
A shorter 6.2‑hour day. We intended to run to East Tawas, but as we approached our bail‑out point, the waves became uncomfortably beamy with predicted increases. I’d grown spoiled by Lake Superior’s flat 0–0.3’ conditions and voted for Harrisville. The captain agreed, and within 15 minutes of sporty seas, we were in the marina.
I absolutely love Harrisville—and the young people who work at the marina are impressive (always polite, always busy working). What puzzles me is that the city and surrounding neighborhoods are beautifully maintained—lawns, sidewalks, buildings—yet the main street is nearly empty except for two thrift stores and a hair salon. Vacant shops and restaurants make me hope businesses will take root again.
August 6 — Harrisville to Lexington (106.0 miles)
This 12.5‑hour cruise left even me a bit apathetic—like the long car ride home after a lively Christmas vacation. I think Rob and I each took two naps (at different times, of course). We also had to pass East Tawas and Port Austin—places we hoped to visit but skipped due to the forecast.
Lexington is a great stop, but by the time we arrived, few restaurants were open, and the two that were had loud bands playing between them. Lots of golf carts and people enjoying the evening, but it wasn’t for us. We grabbed take‑out from the local grocery store and enjoyed a quiet night aboard LT.
August 7 — Lexington to Home Port, St. Clair (69.6 miles)
A 12.25‑hour cruise home. Fog, then clear skies, then fog again—then just before the Blue Water Bridge, clear skies! Timing the passage under the bridge with freighters is critical; the seawalls south of the bridge bounce waves back and forth, sustaining their energy. Entering right after a tug or freighter can make for tumultuous seas (learned the hard way on previous passages under this bridge).
Heading south, the current gave us a wonderful push—we logged 14.1 mph at one point (our typical cruising speed is ~8.7 mph).
Most of the day was spent on the river. I love river travel—predictable, no wave worries. But rivers are more work for Rob: dodging boats, staying clear of freighters, turning into wakes so we take them on the bow instead of the beam (which once sent a coffee cup tumbling and prompted the infamous “Brace, brace, brace!” chant).
The last two hours were across Lake St. Clair. It must have been a boat party—oodles of speedboats heading toward Goose and Big/Little Muscamoot Bays. We maintained course and speed all the way to the fuel dock. After getting LT tucked into her slip, we washed her down and lightly packed for home.
Thankful hearts to God for many good memories and an overall safe trip. Sad hearts that the adventure was over.
Thank you for reading and sharing our trip—and thank you to those who prayed for us. Those prayers mattered.
With love, Amy (& Rob)
Preparing to leave Houghton-Hancock.
Preparing to leave Houghton-Hancock.
A peaceful Houghton.
A peaceful Houghton.
A peaceful Houghton.
A peaceful Houghton.
On our way from Houghton-Hancock to Marquette.
On our way from Houghton-Hancock to Marquette.
Along the Portage Waterway.
Along the Portage Waterway.
Along the Portage Waterway.
Along the Portage Waterway.
Along the Portage Waterway.
What’s in that tree? (We circled back.)
What’s in that tree? (We circled back.)
A really large Bald Eagle!
A really large Bald Eagle!
Swimmer crossing the Portage Waterway!
Swimmer crossing the Portage Waterway!
Along the Portage Waterway.
Along the Portage Waterway.
Along the Portage Waterway.
Along the Portage Waterway.
Leaving the Portage Waterway for Lake Superior waters once again.
Leaving the Portage Waterway for Lake Superior waters once again.
Still leaving the Portage Waterway.
Still leaving the Portage Waterway.
Portage Waterway marker.
Portage Waterway marker.
From Portage Waterway into Lake Superior.
From Portage Waterway into Lake Superior.
Along the way.
Along the way.
Along the way.
Along the way.
Nearing Marquette - letting the freighters coming out of Presque Isle (Lake Superior) pass us by.
Nearing Marquette - letting the freighters coming out of Presque Isle (Lake Superior) pass us by.
Younger sailors (late afternoon).
Younger sailors (late afternoon).
Older sailors (early evening).
Older sailors (early evening).
Coming in to Marquette.
Coming in to Marquette.
Iron Ore Dock, in operation 1931-1971.
Iron Ore Dock, in operation 1931-1971.
Iron Ore Dock, in operation 1931-1971.
Iron Ore Dock, in operation 1931-1971.
Iron Ore Dock, in operation 1931-1971.
Iron Ore Dock, in operation 1931-1971.
Dinner at the Iron Bay restaurant. They must get asked about the Iron Ore Dock a lot.
Dinner at the Iron Bay restaurant. They must get asked about the Iron Ore Dock a lot.
Walking around town after dinner.
Walking around town after dinner.
Happen to catch the street market.
Happen to catch the street market.
Free cherries!
Free cherries!
Neat homes in surrounding neighborhoods.
Neat homes in surrounding neighborhoods.
Neat homes in surrounding neighborhoods.
Neat homes in surrounding neighborhoods.
Neat homes in surrounding neighborhoods.
Neat homes in surrounding neighborhoods.
LT is in the last row - can’t really see her.
LT is in the last row - can’t really see her.
Back at the marina. Rob loves these boats!
Back at the marina. Rob loves these boats!
Coming in to Munising, Michigan.
Coming in to Munising, Michigan.
Coming in to Munising, Michigan.
Coming in to Munising, Michigan.
Coming in to Munising, Michigan.
Coming in to Munising, Michigan.
Coming in to Munising, Michigan (tomorrow many more images of Painted Rocks).
Coming in to Munising, Michigan (tomorrow many more images of Painted Rocks).
Walking around Munising.
Walking around Munising.
Walking around Munising.
Walking around Munising.
Leaving Munising for Whitefish Point.
Leaving Munising for Whitefish Point.
The sky brightens quickly.
The sky brightens quickly.
THE FOLLOWING ARE IMAGES OF THE PAINTED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE
See you later National Lakeshore! Heading to Whitefish Point!!
See you later National Lakeshore! Heading to Whitefish Point!!
Whitefish Point marina — not many amentities!
Whitefish Point marina — not many amentities!
Whitefish Point marina shore area.
Whitefish Point marina shore area.
LT in her slip for the night.
LT in her slip for the night.
After cruising 12+ hours, a stroll along the beach with some rock skipping was perfect!
After cruising 12+ hours, a stroll along the beach with some rock skipping was perfect!
Fellow boaters. The last 3-4 slips are transients; the first 4-5 are reserved and have power.
Fellow boaters. The last 3-4 slips are transients; the first 4-5 are reserved and have power.
LT and neighbor.
LT and neighbor.
0.9-mile walk to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. MOSQUITOES, DEER FLIES, BLACK FLIES, GNATS!
0.9-mile walk to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. MOSQUITOES, DEER FLIES, BLACK FLIES, GNATS!
Walking along the coast- waiting for muesum to open.
Walking along the coast- waiting for muesum to open.
Whitefish Point is a major migration route for birds, raptors, waterbirds, and owls.
Whitefish Point is a major migration route for birds, raptors, waterbirds, and owls.
Project “provides a crucial sheltered harbor of refuge with breakwaters and a dredged basin for regional navigation.”
Project “provides a crucial sheltered harbor of refuge with breakwaters and a dredged basin for regional navigation.”
A place to bird and boat watch.
A place to bird and boat watch.
Photo speaks for itself. :)
Photo speaks for itself. :)
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Talk about a rudder! It is from the MM Drake, 1882-1901..
Talk about a rudder! It is from the MM Drake, 1882-1901..
The famous Fresnel lens, focuses a small amount of light into a single bright beam. This lens is a Sixth Order, which is the smallest size, typically used to mark harbor entrances.
The famous Fresnel lens, focuses a small amount of light into a single bright beam. This lens is a Sixth Order, which is the smallest size, typically used to mark harbor entrances.
Prior to 1915, the U.S. Coast Guard was known as the U.S. Life Saving Service.
Prior to 1915, the U.S. Coast Guard was known as the U.S. Life Saving Service.
Leaving Whitefish Point for the Soo. The morning fog appeared to be leaving…
Leaving Whitefish Point for the Soo. The morning fog appeared to be leaving…
But then the fog returned…
But then the fog returned…
Freighters in the fog.
Freighters in the fog.
But then it cleared up again.
But then it cleared up again.
See you later Oakglen!
See you later Oakglen!
Fog is back. Staying out of the way all morning of freighters going to and coming from the locksut of the locks.
Fog is back. Staying out of the way all morning of freighters going to and coming from the locksut of the locks.
Thick fog along the coastline.
Thick fog along the coastline.
Heading into the Canadian lock.
Heading into the Canadian lock.
Storm rolling in on the heels of getting in our slip.
Storm rolling in on the heels of getting in our slip.
One museum we missed. Looking forward to getting on board Valley Camp next time we are here.
One museum we missed. Looking forward to getting on board Valley Camp next time we are here.
The dawn of a new day: Soo Locks tours will start soon.
The dawn of a new day: Soo Locks tours will start soon.
Good morning, James R Barker!
Good morning, James R Barker!
That’s close enough.
That’s close enough.
St Marys Falls Hydropower Plant. Still in operation.
St Marys Falls Hydropower Plant. Still in operation.
St Marys Falls Hydropower Plant. Still in operation.
St Marys Falls Hydropower Plant. Still in operation.
Blue Heron nests along the St Marys River.
Blue Heron nests along the St Marys River.
Blue Herons along the St Marys River.
Blue Herons along the St Marys River.
St Marys Lighthouse.
St Marys Lighthouse.
Range markers.
Range markers.
DeTour to Drummond Island ferry.
DeTour to Drummond Island ferry.
The John Sherwin.
The John Sherwin.
Entering Lake Huron. Another beautiful day.
Entering Lake Huron. Another beautiful day.
Many fishing nets at the entrance of Lake Huron to St Marys River - watch out!
Many fishing nets at the entrance of Lake Huron to St Marys River - watch out!
Coming in to Presque Isle Harbor.
Coming in to Presque Isle Harbor.
Walking around during our 2 day stay.
Walking around during our 2 day stay.
Pretty colors!
Pretty colors!
Leaving Presque Isle for East Tawas (or Harrisville if a bail out is needed).
Leaving Presque Isle for East Tawas (or Harrisville if a bail out is needed).
Bail out requested by First Class Passenger. Harrisville was only 15 minutes away when seas got uncomfortable! :)
Bail out requested by First Class Passenger. Harrisville was only 15 minutes away when seas got uncomfortable! :)
Happy in Harrisville.
Happy in Harrisville.
Harrisville.
Harrisville.
A pleasant home in Harrisville.
A pleasant home in Harrisville.
Scenic river in Harrisville.
Scenic river in Harrisville.
LT happily in slip for the night.
LT happily in slip for the night.
Leaving Harrisville for Lexington.
Leaving Harrisville for Lexington.
Lexington marina.
Lexington marina.
August 7. From Lexington to St. Clair. Last leg. Happy birthday, Rob!
August 7. From Lexington to St. Clair. Last leg. Happy birthday, Rob!
According to the radar, there is a freighter in this area.
According to the radar, there is a freighter in this area.
From Lexington to St Clair. Foggy coastline.
From Lexington to St Clair. Foggy coastline.
The State of Michigan just passed under the Blue Water Bridge.
The State of Michigan just passed under the Blue Water Bridge.
Coast is clear for passing under the Blue Water Bridge.
Coast is clear for passing under the Blue Water Bridge.
The State of Michigan passed a while ago but left us yet with sporty water.
The State of Michigan passed a while ago but left us yet with sporty water.
A webcam - we are the white-ish dot on the left.
A webcam - we are the white-ish dot on the left.
Marking off Freighers as we see them.
Marking off Freighers as we see them.
Lots of fishing boats in the St Clair River.
Lots of fishing boats in the St Clair River.
And 31 days later, we are back where we started.
And 31 days later, we are back where we started.
Thanks for hanging in there!