Two Lakes and a River

Going under the Bluewater Bridge - it unofficially marks the separation between Lake Huron and the St Clair River

Our last 15 nautical miles on Lake Huron started off a perfect ending to the non forgiving lake we have experienced this last week and a half however that quickly changed to the normal high winds and waves that we have experienced day in and day out while sailing the entire length of this lake. We were determined to not let this get to us and sailed to the last bouys before the St Clair River entrance, which is also a very high traffic area with both large and small boats zooming by!

We are happy to get off Lake Huron!

As soon as we hit the river our motoring speed increased 1-2 knots due to the current, first time experiencing a current and fortunately for us we were going the same direction!  We averaged about 7 knots going down it, which was great since we lost some time by tacking back and fourth on the southern end of Lake Huron. This marks off two more firsts for us; going down a major river with large ships and dealing with a current! 

Sharing the road

As we entered the St Clair River we had Canada on the left, north, side and Michigan on the right. At first it was very industrial and then it was lined with houses and nature on both sides. I never knew that a river with so many big boats going through could be so beautiful! Luckily we docked just before a line of storms hit the area. (Thankfully our luck hasn't run out just yet in regards to the weather!) However, these storms did not help with the heat, things just got more steamy after they passed. The town was so cute but once again we were too exhausted to go out and explore. It ended up being to our advantage since we were able to enjoy a free live concert across the river from our dock!

Detroit Lighthouse

Going under another bascule bridge!

How do you keep a dog cool
during a heat wave?
Put him on top of the fridge!

The Detroit River

The next day we headed to Detroit. We completed the trip through the St Clair River, went through Lake St Clair and then entered into the Detroit River where once again we were very shocked to see just how beautiful this area was. This was my first time in the area and other than the insane heat, it was nothing like I expected! Both rivers were not surprising, very industrial, however what was surprising was a) how clean both rivers were (who thinks of Detroit or any major city having a clean river, much cleaner than the Chicago River) and b) how many beautiful homes were lined up on the river front and c) how the majority of both rivers were lined with nature and not industry! We were able to enjoy the sights of industry, urban landscape and nature all working together. Both Brady and I kept looking at each other and saying, I never knew Detroit had this side to it! I love being extremely surprised because my assumption of somewhere is completely different than what I experience. One of my favorite things about traveling and visiting new places! 

The Ambassador Bridge with Detroit in the background