Here We Go Again!

I wake up with an uncharacteristically stiff back and neck (I guess I haven’t been doing enough yoga). Today we’ll try again to make it to Mackinac Island. The day is fine, with sun and a light breeze. Weather reports confirm 10 knot winds and 1-2 foot seas, so although not glassy waters, still easy. We leave early to avoid any change of an afternoon thunderstorm and perkily cruise out of Harbor Springs. La di da di da….

Within ¼ mile of the harbor, the wind picks up to 20 knots. The waves get bigger. There are white caps everywhere. Suddenly, there’s a giant splash against the port side bow and spray flies over the hull and through the sun roof, spraying the cockpit. Here we go again. We close all windows and the roof. I move from my seat next to the captain so I don't make him more nervous and uncomfortable as I brace with each wave. (The mystery of my stiff back and shoulders is solved). Captain suggests I take two Dramamine and go to sleep. I know I can't because I need to be alert and ready in case of emergency! I put on my life jacket. I grab my iPhone and for the next ninety minutes try to distract myself by photographing the waves crashing across the windshield. It begins to feel a little like we are rounding Cape Horn. This sucks! (I am however amazed and impressed by my lack of seasickness).

John informs me that this all has to do with ‘fetch’ (the distance over which the wind excites the waves) which is interesting so I later look it up and learn that wave height is determined by ‘fetch’ and by the depth and topography of the seafloor, which can focus or disperse the energy of the waves. It’s a Northerly wind, and we are heading north, but as soon as we turn east approaching the straits of Mackinac, things begin to calm down. I'm happy now and we cruise another hour before happily pulling into a cool and cloudy Mackinac harbor. After docking, we walk up the hill to have lunch with stunning views at Fort Mackinac, (originally a British fort founded during the American Revolution - Americans took control in 1796), then walk through town. We have a nice and uneventful afternoon, and later walk to dinner at the Carriage House where we have more gorgeous views.