Riding the Boat

One of the many unique things about living on in island in the middle of Lake Michigan is the "how" you travel to it.  There isn't a road or a bridge that conveniently transports you 30+ miles out into the middle of the lake.  A traveler must choose: boat or plane?

View from the boat in Charlevoix, MI

Whichever you choose, you'll find yourself leaving from the quaint northern town of Charlevoix, Michigan. It's a beautiful town at the top of the mitten.

Specks chillin' on the deck of the ferry.

Yesterday, Cody and I took the boat because we needed to get one of our cars over to the island.  There are two ferry boats that go to the island and they are both owned by Beaver Island Boat Company.  The  ride takes about 2 1/2 hours.  It's slow going, but many people enjoy taking the boat because they can sit in the sun and relax with an adult beverage.  The boat is also a good alternative if you have someone traveling to the island who is afraid of tiny, puddle-jumper airplanes.  Although, for those skittish of travel, being in the middle of Lake Michigan and not being able to see land can also be a bit unnerving.

The island coming into view.

The main downfall of the boat is that from December-April it can't run because of icepack on Lake Michigan.  Every year if different because of natural weather fluctuations, but I think last year it stopped running in mid-December and didn't start back up until pretty late in the spring.  I primarily use it to travel in the summer, as flying is so much quicker.

Your turn…Have you ever visited an island by boat?
Currently listening to…Green Man - Type O Negative