Day 56: Saint Clair River - What do you mean you closed the river?!

Jefferson Beach, MI to Saint Clair Marina, MI: 7.4 mph; 37 miles; 5:01 hours

Oh Canada!

The goal for the day was to boat from Jefferson Beach to Lexington MI. We had no idea there was an unsanctioned “River Float” with about 5,000 participants heading straight for us. The United States and Canadian Patrols jointly shut down passage along the river from Port Huron to Marysville (north of Stag Island, Canada). I called the Coast Guard to ask how in the world do you close a river and to see how far north we could travel. I also asked, "If the bottom of my boat never touches the seabed in the waters closest to the Canadian side, would I, technically, be breaking any rules?" The Coast Guard was helpful, if not amused, and asked how I got the restricted number; I told him - Google!

We needed to find a marina or safe anchorage fast. Anchoring in this river is unwise due to the current. Our Looper friends helped out and we headed to a marina.

Saint Clair Marina 

$47/excellent choice: electric, water, showers/bathrooms, fuel, pump out, free shuttle service to grocery store or anywhere else in town. 

We are here with Free Spirit and Experior. We used the shuttle service as a group for the grocery store. Later, Free Spirit hosted docktails and the perfect spot for a community dinner. Loopers - love it!

Photograph by Rove.me

Craig Lamb: There was a fantastic collection of boats at the end of our dock: Shepsl VII, Shepsl XI, Red Shepsl. There was a "NO CROSSING" yellow line painted on the dock. The owner of the boats, Craig Lamb, caught me jumping back-and-forth over the painted line. Whoops!. He ended up being pretty cool and a wealth of boat knowledge - lots of fun. The word shepsl is Yiddish for 'lamb'. We learned he winters in Florida and I hope to see him again … just need to look for a boat named Shepsl.

RIVER FLOAT AN UNSANCTIONED ANNUAL AUGUST EVENT: This palooza-like event happens every August. Starting August 1, people just buzz through FaceBook for the FLASH announcement. Because authorities don't have time to react, the event takes shape. 

One year, a westerly wind blew the floaters onto Canadian shores and they weren't able to paddle back across the river to the United States. Canada collected the floaters who had plenty of beer but zero id/passports or money. Canada processed the floaters then bussed them back to Michigan. Though the act was Canada's way to deter the event, their hard-line-heavy-handed-approach only gave the movement more enthusiasm. Now people from Michigan AND Canada have joined forces. Because of 'current unpleasantness and political uneasiness' this year is the largest River Float to date. COVID be damned!