Fri Aug 25: Sault Ste Marie to De Tour Village, MI

Rick here: Well, that’s it then.  Today we crossed back over into the USA, leaving our wonderful times in Canada as a memory!   We got moving at a reasonable hour - about 8 am and got ready to go.  The last thing we did was submit our request to enter the US using the CBP Roam app.  We probably mentioned the app last year, but just to refresh our readers’ memory, this is the app that has all our passport and boat data.  When we were ready we used the app to request entry by listing the port of entry (Sault Ste. Marie) and answering the standard questions like “do you have anything to declare” and  “are you carrying more than $10,000”,  we answered no to all questions except that we did say yes to fruits and vegetables (we do have food on the boat).  Once we hit “submit” we waited about 5 minutes and then, without talking to anyone, we received an approval via the app and by email.  And just like that we were cleared to enter the US.   

We cruised from the Canadian side of Sault Ste. Marie to the US so that we could stop at the George Kemp Marina to fill up with diesel fuel.  Diesel fuel in Canada was about $5.50/gallon and back in the US the price was $4.29 and as we would take 150 gallons going to the US would save us about $180! Well worth the trip.  

We met this “laker” as we left the marina (Lakers only cruise on the inland lakes, versus “Salties” that cruise overseas across oceans)

Once finished fueling we headed out onto St. Mary’s river.  We had anticipated a 5-hour cruise from Sault Ste. Marie to De Tour Village Marina in the Michigan Upper Peninsula, but didn’t realize how much the current would push us downriver.   This is the fastest we’ve traveled so far this year!  Cruise time dropped down to less than 4 hours!

The trip itself was uneventful.  It was a sunny, beautiful day and we got hot sitting on the fly bridge!  We had to put on an extra layer of suntan lotion!  We did come upon one surprise.  This wonderful “house” was on the shore just a mile or so outside of De Tour.  Apparently the owner was a ship captain, and when he retired he built a house to look like his ship.  Other people say that when he was done working he just put the boat in reverse and backed up right on to his lawn…..no one knows the true story. 

With great sadness we struck our Canadian courtesy flag (while playing TAPS in the background).  It has been a faithful friend through last year and this and we are sorry to take it down.  We had such a wonderful time in Canada.  The people are friendly and the scenery beautiful.   We will certainly be back!

Rick’s balls respectfully stand to attention for the lowering of the colors.