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Two posts in one day - we’re catching up! We departed Killarney on Friday, July 11th headed for Okeechobee Lodge. It was built by Mr Stanfield from Toronto who was a plumber. Having been to Southern Florida, he knew that Okeechobee means “Big Water” and the lodge had sits on the western bank of Frazier Point overlooking Frazier Bay at the north end of Lake Huron - definitely “Big Water”. It was mainly used throughout its history entertaining friends and family, often extending to friends of friends. He built the lodge using logs and wood from the forests on the point. It can only be reached in a boat and the remoteness is said to have attracted the Chicago Mob. Legend has it that they tried to buy it in the mid fifties.

Today, it is still open to family and friends of the Fuller family. Reservations, usually by referral, are an absolute must as explained on their website. We were fortunate to meet a couple who are close friends while docked at Killarney Mountain Lodge and were able to secure an invitation. We thought it would be for one night, but again, weather dictated our length of stay and one night turned to two.

We crossed into Canada this past Monday, in time for Canada Day celebrations. Before we tell you about them, let’s share how we got here, since our last post was from Sister Bay, WI.

6/16 - 6/19/2025: On Monday, Jun 16th we left Sister Bay under hazy skies and with calm seas. We set course through Death’s Door Passage and across Lake Michigan, scooting between the Manitou Islands to Leland MI, over 70 miles.. Leland was home to many fishermen for years and the area near the marina is known as Fishtown. Today, only one family still operates a fish tug and sells both fresh and smoked fish from their store beside the canal where their tug is docked. Due to foggy, cold, and windy weather we stayed for four nights.

The afternoons cleared each day for a short walk around town and the laundry facilities at the marina are excellent so we checked that chore of the list.

6/20 - 6/23: Boyne City MI. We left in fog which stayed with us until about a 1/2 from the Charlevoix entrance channel which is what was predicted. There were no slips available in Charlevoix so we proceeded across Round Lake and into Lake Charlevoix. After a short stop for lunch on the south end of the lake we headed to Boyne City, located in the northeast of the Lake. The elevation rises sharply a mile or so inland and Boyne City boasts a ski resort 3 miles outside town at the top of Boyne Mountain (mountain being relative but it is a great spot for beginning skiers). The town marina is located at the edge of two parks, one offering lots of shaded seating and the other hosting a Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and a huge playground and beautiful baseball field.

On Fridays from the first Friday in June to the last Friday in August they host Stroll the Streets where at least 1/2 a dozen music groups are hosted by various businesses on the two main downtown streets - lots of fun and great variety. Again the weather was not real friendly - extremely hot days and stormy several evenings but we made the most of the sunshine and brisk breezes.