As we travel we look for the unique, interesting and out of the way places. Sometimes we find such places and sometimes they find us. The Mushrooms Houses of Charlevoix, MI was something we happened upon. Not that we did not have to go in search of them, but our visit to East Jordan, MI did not include them since we knew nothing of the houses. Continue reading
As the Capt. Shepler pulled into the dock at Mackinac Island, the first thing we noticed were bicycles, lots of bicycles. The numerous bicycles were waiting to be rented by visitors to the island. Since the island has no vehicles, bicycles are a major means of transportation. In addition to bikes, horse drawn carriages, wagons and flatbeds ferry visitors, baggage and supplies about the Island. Continue reading
The Capt. Shepler – St. Ignace, MI
Feeling the wind whipping our hair and sea breeze on our face brought back childhood memories of ferry rides across the Mississippi River. While once the main mode of transportation across the Mississippi, the ferries in our area have long ceased to operate. Not so in Michigan. Ferry service is the only means of transportation between the mainland and Mackinac Island. Little did we know our ride would link us to Louisiana. Continue reading
Growing up, ferry boats were a means of transportation for us. In fact, they were also entertainment; many Saturday afternoons were spent riding the ferry back and forth between Baton Rouge and Port Allen. As children we never considered just how important they were. Once the interstate bridge was built and river traffic became heavy, the ferry boats were parked. A piece of local history vanished. Continue reading
East of the Mississippi, there’s Niagara Falls, then there’s Cohoes Falls and finally there’s Tahquamenon Falls MI. Close to Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan it is the third largest falls in the Eastern part of the US. Continue reading
Days along lazy bodies of water, weekend sailing and sandy feet were important aspects of our life. When we began fulltime rving, we traded our sailboat for an RV and water for a highway. Yet we are still drawn to water like a magnet. Water is soothing, calming and can bring peace to your soul. Continue reading
A lighthouse is not always a lighthouse. Okay, a lighthouse may not always be an operational lighthouse. From 1998 to 2004, travelers stopping at the Monroe MI Welcome Center on I-75 were greeted by a lighthouse. The lighthouse was not operational yet it paid homage to the more than 200 lighthouses in Michigan. In 2004 when the center was renovated, the lighthouse lost its home. In steps St. Ignace MI… Continue reading
Easy walks with great views are high on our list. Today we found both at Castle Rock in St. Ignace MI. Although there were quite a few steps, the entire path was paved and even had a resting stop if needed. The skies were bright blue and the day cool with a fairly stiff breeze. The walk was enjoyable and the view from the top was amazing. Continue reading
Surf Boat
“Ahoy, NAHANT, you’re afire, get out.” The cry came November 29, 1897 on a frigid night at an ore dock in Escanaba MI. It was a zero night so everything, including water hoses, were frozen. When the fire finally burned itself out, the NAHANT was totally destroyed along with the dock and railroad cars. Two crew members on the NAHANT also perished. Continue reading
Mary Terry was a strong woman and she had to be. She was one of the first female lighthouse keeper’s on the Great Lakes. For 18 years Mary kept the light burning in Sand Point Lighthouse on the shore of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. Like many other stories we heard in the UP, Mary’s death was a mystery.
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