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
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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The fall day was cool with blue skies and light breeze – the day just begged for a picnic. After visiting Peninsula Point Lighthouse we ventured to Gladstone. Plan was lunch at the harbor then visit the Gladstone Lighthouse. Continue reading
When asking about Peninsula Point Lighthouse we were told, “the lighthouse is at the end of the road”. At the time we did not realize it was at the end of a narrow, tree branches hanging, dirt road. Traveling is all about adventure so we ventured. Exiting the forestry drive, the lighthouse appeared along with a vast expanse of water; we were at the tip of Stonington Peninsula. Continue reading
Living in a coastal community sounds romantic. The water can have a calming effect, the cool breezes offer solace and walking the waterfront is relaxing. In Fayette, MI, life was not always easy or relaxing. The community thrived for twenty four years and today is a well preserved ghost town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Continue reading
There are so many great views in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula it is hard to single out a few, but Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook is an easy choice. It offers a great hike together with the reward of amazing vistas including those of Lake Superior. From the venture of woods and trails to cliffs views high enough for flatlanders from South Louisiana to truly be impressed. Continue reading
