Fellow Woody Boater Alex Watson wanted to make sure that the Great Lakes were represented in our perfect lake series. So on Saturday, Alex sent us these photos and comments describing his “Perfect Lake” – Les Cheneaux Islands on Lake Huron located on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. So… Ladies & Gentleman, we would like to introduce you to Alex, his family, his cabin, his 1949 25′ Chris-Craft Sportsman and his Perfect Lake. Take it away Alex…
Les Cheneaux Islands — Lake Huron — Hessel & Cedarville, Michigan.
Best known for classic wooden boats, classic wooden boat houses, classic (crib) wooden docks, and classic cottages.
Sunsets over the Great Lakes are simply awesome. Ringside seats are on the front deck of a classic boat.
In Hessel and Cedarville, while woodies are well maintained, they are “user” boats — deck varnish isn’t sacred. (Hey is that a younger version of The Situation posing on the deck of the Sportsman with his crew? – Texx)
Early morning in Hessel. Nothing is more relaxing than wiping down the dew while enjoying a cup of joe.
A woodie in every boathouse. Of course, three’s even better…
That’s not a campfire. THIS is a campfire. Er, one problem though… You can forget about roasting marshmallows. Got any glass or iron you need melted down?
Few things say Summer up here more than kids still in bathing suits at 9:00 pm.
…Other than a good old Slip ‘n Slide, that is.
Beware the baby-eating swans.
There’s two happy passengers guarding the back seat of that Lyman… Hey Matt, forget the Woody Babes. Drop a couple sedate Golden’s in Sylvia and she’ll sell in no time.
July 4th. Boats anchor in the bay to enjoy the fireworks. The burble and sight of scores of woodies motoring home through the channel after the fireworks is even more magical. The kids like to join in with their own fireworks celebration… Tough to do in the city.
There isn’t a bad sunset seat in the house up here…
Thanks Alex for sharing your Perfect Lake story and beautiful photos with us. I would love to experience Hessel and the Les Cheneaux Islands one day. It looks like supplying the fire for the wiener roast won’t be a problem…
Texx
Nice. All that fresh water on which to float all those woody boats.
Alex,
Thanks for the awesome photos. I would love to come up and visit the area. I have heard it a great place to spend some time.
The Les Cheneauxs are the most beautiful Islands you’ll ever find! Growing up there, I didn’t realize just how special the old woodies are. I do now.