Go wild at Wilderness Rally in Lake Huron

One amazing thing about cruising is that it allows you access to places others can’t easily visit. One such opportunity is this unique GLCC event: the Wilderness Rally at the Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge.

It’s at the difficult-to-pronouce-but-lovely-to-see Potagannissing Bay of Lake Huron, Mich. ( 3.5 miles south of the Canadian border, Harbor Report NC-2).

The Wilderness Rally runs from Monday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 2.

Event timetable:

•    Arrive Monday, June 30. Meal 1700. Bring an appetizer to share.

•    Tuesday, July 1, explore harbor and vicinity. Potluck dinner, 1700.

•    Depart Wednesday, July 2 after meeting new friends (and with maybe some leftovers).

The organizers of this rally have two goals for members: Meet with new fellow boaters, and catch up with those you have not seen in a while. And, well, you know: eat, drink and laugh.

Some suggestions for those attending:

1.    Bring folding tables and chairs. This is a wilderness rally. It has no boulders, or picnic tables on shore to sit on. We are amidst nature. Insect repellent (and a good attitude) is suggested.

2.    This is a wilderness site. No open fires allowed; safety is first. All trash must be brought back to your boat.

3.    The shoreline space for dinghies is limited. Sharing a ride helps.

4.    There is no reliable cell service in Harbor Island. To get reliable service you must go out in a dinghy and straight line to Detour or Yacht Haven for better connectivity.

5.    Sit back and relax. Listen to nature. Be the first to sight a deer, blue heron, or perhaps an eagle.

There is no registration fee for this rally. The much-treasured Wilderness burgees for 2025 are available. Information will be in the May 2025 Lifeline Newsletter.

This Wilderness Rally’s hosts are Bill and Sandi Matley, Co-Port Captains of Harbor Island. Their boat name is Spirit of Aloha. For more information or questions, email Wm1252@comcast.net