This morning we launched our 14-foot aluminum boat for its inaugural voyage of the year. The 25-horse Merc rumbled to life on the third pull, and Nicholas pointed Little Tobe’s bow south toward the Blue Water Bridges.

Blue skies, flat water, and a rising temperature on shore. But I knew from experience how chilly it can be on the lake in mid-May, so I wore my winter parka and did not regret it. En route I photographed the newly restored Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, the first lighthouse on Lake Huron and the oldest surviving lighthouse in Michigan. It is to reopen May 19 for public viewing and climbing.

Purpose of the one-hour trip? To apply some carpeting to soften the pilings of the Black River well that soon will be occupied by our larger boat.

Our first boat trip together was 30 years ago this week when Nicholas and I had known each other for about a year. I’ll never forget the conversation that led up to it.

“I have a theory about small-boat handling on a large body of water,” Nicholas said as we gazed out on the frozen lake one February Sunday

“And that is?” I asked.

“If you adjust the speed and direction of the boat, you can ride the waves like a duck,” he said. “Did you ever see a duck tip over in a heavy sea?”

No, I said. “There, you have it,” he replied. And on a Sunday morning, May 16, we ventured forth to prove his theory.

From his parents’ beach in North Lakeport. we headed out across the foggy lake in Nicholas’ fully loaded 14-foot aluminum boat, the same one that ferried us this morning. About 25 miles later, we were within waving distance of the opposite shore, north of Kettle Point in Ontario.

On Wednesday morning, we arrived in Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, had breakfast and turned toward home. By Thursday night, we were standing again on the shore in North Lakeport.

This dry summary omits the adventure part: camping on beaches at night; dodging storm cells; rocky shores; sudden shoals; ice floes; snakes; miles of hatching insects; bathing in Lake Huron; dense fog; unfavorable winds; fishing nets, and the unforgettable birthday surprise.

Ask Captain Adventure to flesh out the story. Suffice it to say, we rode the waves like a duck.

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What do guests like to do while staying at Adventure Inn bed and breakfast?

First, Lake Huron is fascinating at all times of the year.

Watch the sunrise, migrating birds, freighters on the horizon, or the occasional northern lights.

Plop down on the sand or relax on Adirondack chairs on a deck underneath the tall cottonwoods.

On a night when the breeze is still or offshore, sit around a campfire and tell stories or just a dream.

From our 100 feet of beach, walk along the shoreline south to the end of Lakeport State Park, 2.3 miles roundtrip. Or walk a quarter-mile north to the Burtchville Township Park beach and beyond. If conditions are right, travel by canoe instead. (Canoe and safety gear provided.)

Tool around the not-heavily-traveled byways of North Lakeport on our vintage Schwinn bicycles. Or bring your rollerblades.

If conditions are right, Captain Adventure may be available to take you out for a cruise on our humble fishing boat, or our small sailboat, if launched.

Keep in touch with the rest of your world via our free WiFi network, even while sitting on the beach.

Rainy-day pastimes include movies, puzzles, games and books. In winter, enjoy our wood-burning fireplace.

Summer weekends in the Blue Water area and Michigan’s Thumb feature a succession of art fairs, music festivals, sailboat races, farmers markets and county fairs – even a bologna festival.

What else you can do while you’re here?

Five minutes away                         

• Play tennis or horseshoes or shoot baskets.
• Ride bikes on a four-mile section of the Bridge to Bay non-motorized trail.
• Walk wooded trails in 565-acre Lakeport State Park or Fort Gratiot County Park.
• Try geocaching if you have a handheld GPS.

10 minutes away

• Play miniature golf or hit a bucket of balls.
• Pick your own apples, raspberries, cherries or pears in season.

15 to 30 minutes away

• Explore the shops of Lexington. Our favorites include the Irish Rose, Noble and Weekends.
• Take your pick of three restaurants in Port Sanilac: Stone Lodge, Uri’s Landing or Van Camp House.
• Watch freighters pass under the Blue Water Bridges or at the Great Lakes Maritime Center.
• Play your choice of three 18-hole golf courses, two at Lakeview Hills in Lexington and one at Fore Lakes.
• Check out museums, restaurants, the historic Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and Huron Lightship and much more in Port Huron.
• Try your luck at the casino, watch live harness racing or enjoy fine dining in Sarnia, Ontario.

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