Fresh Produce and Thoughts on America's Digestive System

On my early morning rambles about Port Huron in search of an ATM, a cup of coffee and groceries I realized that, not only has shopping been exported to the suburbs, but banking is no longer a Main Street business. After much searching I located an ATM and, with cash in pocket, headed off to locate the other commodities.

There being no grocery or convenience stores in downtown PH I was heartened to see tents set up a la farmer's market. As it was right across the street from the marine supply store (boat's, like kids ALWAYS need stuff) I resolved to come back at 9 a.m. Upon arrival I learned that the chandlery lacked the boat bits I needed and the farmer's market was a flea/junk market, not a tomato to be seen!

With a deep longing for salad and fruit unfulfilled, I cast Whisper off in the great alimentary canal of America. Immediately upon exiting the harbor what should I see off the starboard bow but a HUGE farmer's market right on the river's bank. ARGGGGH!

I have come to see the series of rivers and lake connecting Lakes Huron and Erie as an American digestive system. Clean, clear waters enter the mouth with Port Huron as lower jaw and Sarnia, Ont. as its upper and, as this photo shows, these sister cities represent a bad case of periodontal disease.

Speeding down the esophagus named the St. Clair river, all you must do is aim between the channel markers and avoid hitting any of the numerous powerboats or being hit by any of the numerous 'big boys'.

Many Great Lakes bulk carriers have the wheelhouse forward and the engine room aft. This is not a form of segregation between deck and engine personnel, rather it gives pilotage an advantage when transiting locks and other close maneuvering. That said, the coal freighter on the right executed a perfect 180 degree turn in little over its own length, something I cannot do with my little Whisper.

Exiting the St. Clair river, one finds oneself in a "stomach" of sorts, the shallow Lake St. Clair. One of the 'boat bits' I had been in search of was an electronic chart for my GPS. It turned out to be totally unnecessary as the channel is so well marked it could be navigated by a blind squirrel swimming underwater at night.

Lake St. Clair empties into the Detroit River which I liken to the intestines, large and small, leading to the colon, just below Detroit. What does that make we who are Lake Erie bound?