We have reached the last page of the Michigan Harbors Guide, given to us by the harbor master in St. Joseph, on our first day in Michigan. That seems so long ago. Now that we have visited many of the harbors in Michigan, we truly appreciate the partnership made by the Michigan State Waterways Commission, the DNR, and the many towns and counties that support the Michigan Harbors Program. The mission is to have a safe harbor every fifteen miles along the Michigan Coast. These "Harbors of Refuge" provide shelter from stormy weather or high seas; they also provide assistance in the case of a mechanical problem or health emergency.
Port Austin is one such harbor of refuge and where we arrived by tow boat. This state run marina is operate by the DNR. These are hard-working folks who take their responsibilities seriously. After securing us at the dock, they volunteered to drive Kurt in the DNR truck to the closest rental car outlet so he could drive to Detroit, over an hour away, one-way. While the captain was gone, I spent my day cleaning the boat, doing laundry, and going to the grocery and hardware store, all in and around the marina. I had a good chance to see the marina staff at work. The only way I can describe it is that they NEVER stopped working! From cutting the grass and pulling weeds, to washing the docks, dusting for cobwebs and cleaning the showers twice a day, the end result is an immaculate marina.
This also means that someone was almost always available for answering questions. Laura, the harbormaster,
*photo* set the example for the entire staff with her work ethic. She was very knowledgeable and didn't seem mind all my questions about the marina, the DNR, Port Austin, the TAT and our next destination. Kudos to the DNR for recognizing and promoting strong capable women to leadership positions.
We are leaving
Michigan behind us, but memories of the places we've seen and the people we have met will stay with us forever. Onward to Lake Erie and Ohio!