Beautiful Michigan - The Upper Peninsula!!

Thurs July 13 - we got up to drizzling rain and COLD weather! Only 52 degrees and a foggy yucky looking day.  We got up and for the first time dressed in jeans and a jacket! Here I am with my recliner chair up as we drove down the road. I have a blanket over my legs and feet. This is cold for this Florida girl!

You can see how foggy and rainy it is.
 

Our first look at Lake Superior.
 

We had a much longer drive than usual - there's just not much between points and no parks so no where or any reason to stop! But it was such a beautiful drive once the rain let up. Lush green trees and a peaceful drive with very little traffic as we came across the county roads of Wisconsin, north on 45 into Michigan into the Upper Peninsula, east on 28 and 41, following the southern rim of Lake Superior, until we arrived in Grand Marais. The reason I gave that bit of detail is I have a couple of trucker friends who are familiar with this area and were asking the route we took.
 

 We found the only RV park in the area that had electric and water. We discovered this park is actually owned by the city! That's a first. It's rather unattractive, seems haphazardly laid out, with poor roads, but it's only $30 a night, so what can you expect? The big redeeming factor is we are directly on Lake Superior and have a great view right out the front of our RV! AND they have great wi-fi! We usually end up having to use our air card to get consistent service, but it's actually great here!

You can't tell much about the lake view in a picture, but trust me, it's awesome looking out that big ol windshield!

While Earl was setting up, the first thing I did was put on our MI sticker on our map! This completes the Lower 48 for us! So blessed to have traveled all over this great country!

After we relaxed for a little while we went into Grand Marais to check out the town. Quaint little town with only 3 places to eat, a diner and two bars, plus an ice cream parlor and a food truck. There's one very small market sort of like a 7-11, and other than that, you have to drive 50 miles to get to any stores! No chance of getting a car wash! Earl just washed it by hand after we got set up. I don't know the population, but they sure do have beautiful views, just not much in the way of other things.

We were fascinated to come across this little Museum. I think perhaps it might have been the original "tiny house!" The owner, William Donahey was a prolific artist, author and cartoonist whose work became a widely syndicated comic strip in the Chicago Tribune. It featured tiny people who lived in a world of life sized objects. Monarch Foods hired him to do their ads and labels on their products and it became extremely successful. One of the most popular was the little teeny weenie people who lived in a pickle keg. In 1926, as a surprise, the company built this little pickle house for them! It is a large scale version of his art work, and is just cute as can be! They used it for years in the summers, and he thought it would be a great getaway to draw and write, but he was constantly bothered by curious people who would just knock on the door and want to see it! So he eventually gave it to the city.
 

They actually added on this tiny little kitchen in the back, but other than that it's a 2 story barrel.

I snapped a shot of this, thinking I just might make Mary's Gypsy Stew sometime!

I was fascinated by this fact. He became so intrigued by chipmunks that he actually TRAINED them to do tricks and created The Chipmunk Circus!

Upstairs in the pickle house...

This is where he drew many of his characters.

And this is his actual typewriter.

The ceiling of the pickle barrel.

Notice the shape of the door...

The Old Post Office...

We almost missed this! The back door happened to be open and much to our surprise, we stepped out there and found  a beautiful rose garden!

By now, we were really getting hungry, so we headed to the only diner in town, and what a treat! Traveling all over has really shown us that there are fascinating people EVERYwhere we go! The front of the diner is an old actual diner from the 1940's, and its history is fascinating. It was built by the Paramount Diner Car Company in NJ, one of only two ever made with the service area along the front. There are only 9 diners today that still have this pattern, all built by Paramount. The previous owner had a fond memory of the time they made a double cheeseburger to go for President John F. Kennedy! After that, business declined and sat in the fields of NJ and later PA, and fell into great disrepair.

Earl's eyes always light up when he sees "Breakfast Served." I'm telling you this man loves eggs! He could have a breakfast of eggs every day of his life and never complain if we had it again for dinner! 

They have a gift shop (of sorts) upstairs, so I ran up there to take a look while our food was being prepared.

Love this....

So now come the current owners whose story is even more interesting! I noticed as we sat in our booth that it appeared we were in a very old actual home, as it had a massive stone fireplace in the center, and the walls and the fact that it was 2 story, etc. told its own story. When our server came to take our order, we asked her what the story was, and she began to tell us HER story! She also gave us an article of their story, published in the New York Times. Ellen Airgood graduated from the University of Michigan summa cum laude with a degree in Environmental Services and worked for the EPA in automotive emission control. The whole shebang, very high IQ, the brief case and suits in her executive world. One summer she and a friend decided to get away from it all and go camping about 15 miles from Grand Marais. It was over July 4th, and they heard the fireworks at their campsite and decided to come and explore Grand Marais the next day. It was a chilly 50 degree day and they were drawn to a sign in a diner advertising "soup." Sounded good, so she and and friend went in and ordered a bowl of soup, and were told by the young owner of the diner, that they didn't have any soup. Put out, she responded, "Well your SIGN says you have soup!" and he replied it was too hot for soup! She said something about that kind of struck her funny, being it was barely 50 degrees, and she noticed the glint in his eye. She told us something must have sparked between them as six months later they were standing in front of the Justice of the Peace! Long story short, she gave up her high powered executive job - all for love and has for more than 25 years worked at the diner with her husband, Rick.

Because we had expressed such interest, Ellen brought us over several falling apart photo albums of their story of going and buying the old diner, the complete renovation of it and what a story it is! Love meeting interesting people!
 

NOW, the icing on the cake! Ellen, pictured below, is a published author of 3 books and numerous magazine articles. I got info on her books (which of course she sold there, but I prefer to get them on my Kindle), and I look forward to reading more from this fascinating woman!

It was only a little after 6:00, and since we're going to be here for such a short time, we continued to ride around to see the area. Here are some scenes from Grand Marais.

 We came back home and relaxed for awhile and then could see from our window that it was going to be a nice sunset, so we put on our jackets, and went outside at 9:30 and took a walk along Lake Superior.

This was taken at 10:00 at night! Still really light! Makes for a long day. I do remember being amazed by this when we were up north last year and people were out mowing their yards at 9:30 p.m.!

Saturday, 7/15, after breakfast we headed out to check out Sable Falls. Y'all know the issues I'm having with my left knee, so when we got there, it said 500 steps to the falls, and I said "Oh that should be ok, I have on my knee brace." When we walked aways, we got to the boardwalk, and then realized they meant 500 STAIR STEPS! Yikes!! Decided I would not attempt that, as I'm just really getting better from the last time I way overdid it! So Earl went all the way down and took these beautiful photos. I could not see it from where I was, but I could hear it! 

This was at one point a log slide, but is now a very steep sand hill.... kids were sliding down. The sign said it only takes a couple minutes to slide down, but a couple of hours to come back up, and warned that emergency rescue would take some time! Yikes.

More scenic view of Lake Superior.

Before we headed back to the RV, we decided to go get tacos that our neighbors told us about, so here we are in the Lake Superior Brewing Company. The vast majority of the occupants were bikers. Karen and Mark Seeley, we were talking about how much y'all would love biking up here! Gorgeous views from almost everywhere!

Tables made of beer kegs....pretty ingenious.

We noticed this guy sitting across from us, and I sneaked this photo of his boots. What???? Is this for  maybe cross country biking or something? They also put on protective gear across chest, shoulders and backs before they left. I was just curious. We saw some really dirty bikes in the parking lot - with thick tires, etc., so that was our guess. Wonder what boots like this cost? The soles appeared to be made out of stainless steel, and huge clasps all the way up.

Yummy fish tacos! I cold only eat one! This place was pricey too! I guess when there are such slim pickings in eating out, you can charge whatever you like!

Earl got chicken fingers and onion rings - biggest ones I've ever seen!

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July 16th - a travel day, but a really short one this time, only a couple of hours and a gorgeous scenic ride over to St. Ignace, MI. We're staying at the St. Ignace KOA ($48 a night). Just ok as far as a RV park, but they had a lot of rain, so the spot was a bit muddy and the RV sure left some deep ruts. The weather is beautiful now though, so we happily put out our rug and chairs, and while we have lots to see here, we're also hoping for some time to read. The wifi is VERY sketchy, so makes it hard for me to make much progress on my blog without using our air card, which is pricey. Oh well...

We got in, got set up and just relaxed outside. I kept having to find the sun for sitting out to read or it was too cool! Feeling sorry for my family and friends down south right now. I'd send you some of this cool air if I could. We grilled out tonight - yummy chicken, asparagus and zuchinni. We try to eat healthy when we're cooking here as all too often we indulge when we go out. 
 

Excited about tomorrow! Mackinac Island!  We quickly learned that if you say it like it's spelled, they'll KNOW you are a tourist. If you're familiar with the area, you pronounce it like MackiNAW.... not sure why, but that's the way it is. I'm sure we'll find out while we're here. We had a free shuttle from the KOA St. Ignace over to pick up the ferry. No cars on the island - only bicycles, carriages, and lots of walking!

These beautiful flowers were just by our bench where we sat to wait for the ferry.

 

We bought our ferry tickets online, but had to get them turned in for actual tickets.

 On the ferry for the 45 minute ride across Lake Michigan to the island. We bought the longer ride so as to go under the famous Mackinac Bridge. The water here is just gorgeous. It's a beautiful day, but riding the ferry sitting up on top, I'm sure glad I wore jeans and a heavier shirt! Brrrr thank goodness for the warmth of the sun!

 

There it is! The famous Mackinac Bridge!

 

We were in Lake Michigan until we went under the bridge here, and then we were in Lake Huron. So now we've seen ALL the Great Lakes. How cool is that!

We sat up on top of the ferry - I looked like something the cat drug in - crazy windy, but so was everyone else, so no worries.
 

Our first view of the Grand Hotel. Can't wait to see this. Several of my friends said be sure not to miss it!
 

Mackinac Island has enjoyed  traditions that go back hundreds of years. Vacationers, soldiers, fur traders, Americans, British, French and Native Americans - all have been to this island.

Coming into the harbor...
 

We decided the Island is everything we thought it would be! The quaint, historic, pre-automobile ambience makes it a very unique experience.
 

And oh my goodness - the FUDGE!  I have never seen so many fudge shops in one place in my life. Literally, some of them are right next door to each other! How on earth do you choose as they all claim to be the best on the island!

Oh FUDGE! Check it out!
 

I loved the appearance of this Lilac Tree Hotel - one of the more famous of the hotels on the island. 

Doud's Market - said to be the oldest grocery store in America.

 

Michilimackinac! What a name! It has tied tongues and confounded spellers for decades. It all started when Native Americans called the hump-backed island between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, Michilimackinac, meaning "place of the great turtle." Over the years there have been at least 50+ spellings to the name but always ending with a silent "c" as the favored pronunciation, and shortened to simply Mackinac by the mid 1800's. Today Mackinaw City retains the "aw" spelling, while the bridge and island cling to the "ac" spelling. No matter how it's spelled, though, it's always pronounced Mackinaw! So there you have it!
 

During the American Revolution, the British moved the garrison and fur trade community to the Island. Fearing a possible American attack, the British Commander wanted a more secure location for his fort. Mackinac Island, with its steep limestone bluff seemed to be the perfect location for the new fort. The fort and the island became United States territory as a result of the American victory in the Revolution.

Here we are in front of the Marquette Statue in the park. Named in honor of Father James Marquette who brought a band of Huron Indians to the island in 1671. The Jesuit priest was memorialized by this bronze statue dedicated in 1909.

This is the chapel Father Marquette built for the Indians.
 

Fort Mackinac served as a military outpost for the British, and later, American soldiers from 1780-1895. In the early years it was a crucial Great Lakes border post and its soldiers helped protect the lucrative fur trade. By the late 19th century, it had outlived its military importance but gained its new significance when it was designated as a national park.

 

Interesting...the sign tells the story. Our medical friends will enjoy this.

Mackinac Island is home to about 500 residents. It is known for the lilac trees and their beautiful aroma. Guess we need to come back sometime as I know I'd love seeing them in bloom. Interesting, that because of that, many of the homes and stores have a lilac/lavender/purple  theme, and being one of my favorite colors, I really enjoyed this.

In one of the shops, I saw these shirts and texted the picture to my best friend, Sheila. We need these! haha I will wear the one that says I KNOW she's crazy!  Sure do miss our shopping days.
 

In one of the many fudge shops.
 

We thoroughly enjoyed our 90 minute carriage tour. This was the pair of horses that took us on the first part of the tour.

I definitely want to come back here after my knee is healed, so we can bike the island. I've never seen so many bikes in one place. There are full bike lots all over. You can rent them here or bring your own for an additional $10 charge on the ferry.
 

One of my favorite homes, and particularly seeing the lady reading alongside the flowers on this beautiful day. That would be me if I lived here! Note the sign on the picket fence that says gardener wanted. Cute.

Not a good shot as we were on the wrong side of the carriage, but this is the oldest lilac tree on the island.

This is Jon, our carriage driver. He was from Romania, and here for the summer. He LOVES America. So full of personality, he made our tour very enjoyable.
 

At the top of the hill, we had a break, shopped around in this store/museum and then got ready for the second part of our tour.

We had three horses on the final leg of the tour, most likely because of the hills. We were told each of these amazing animals weighs about 2100 lbs and can carry up to 15 times their weight! The one in the middle is a Percheron and the two outer ones are Belgians. Magnificent animals!
 

Several of the historic cemeteries on the island.

Rising 146 feet above the water, Arch Rock spans 50 feet at its widest point. Formed by wind and water eroding the soft rock below, leaving the hardest breccia rock which forms the arch. So beautiful.
 

Just as an added note, our tour guide told us there is an Indian legend that tells a different story of how the rock was formed. A long time ago, a beautiful young Indian woman named She Who Walks Like the Mist, met a handsome young man who was the son of a sky spirit. They fell in love, but were forbidden to marry, as he was a non-mortal. He beat her and tied her on a rock high on the bluff of the island. She wept softly for her lover, and over time, the tears washed away the stone and formed the arch. In time the young man found a way to rescue her, and together they returned to the home of his sky people. You decide which story you believe. 

Another view of the Fort on our return trip.

And now...the Grand Hotel and its beautiful views and gardens! Its porches are the longest in the world!

The Grand Hotel is the world's largest summer hotel. It is the showplace of the Great Lakes and built in 1887 to accommodate the large number of visitors to the island. In the old days they arrived by rail and then steam powered passenger boats. The porch is 660 feet long, and is the escape from the summer heat. Gentlemen are still required to wear ties and jackets at dinner, and ladies are not allowed to enter wearing slacks - dresses only!
 

Hollywood filmed two major movies at Mackinac Island. Esther Williams and Jimmy Durante starred in the 1947 film This Time For Keeps, and Miss Williams took a dive into the pool as she was an Olympic swimmer.

In 1979, Hollywood returned to make Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. The Grand Hotel made the perfect backdrop for the story set in 1912. Now we need to find this movie, if not both movies, and watch them. It will be interesting now that we've seen this idyllic location. 
 

Beautiful view from the porch.
 

 More of the homes and/or Bed and Breakfast Inns on the island.

I have to find out where I can get chairs like this!

Sorry to leave this beautiful island, and definitely one to add to our list of "come back to" places!

Tuesday, July 17th, we found our way to Sault Ste. Marie - pronounced SOO Ste. Marie. Another quaint seaside town, and known for its famous Locks.

Note the level of the water as this cruise ship came into the Locks. 

We met a lovely couple from Michigan, who took our photo - they live about two hours away, and in chatting with them, found out they come to Orlando area every year during the winter. They both have family who retired there. We meet such interesting people.

Now, compare the level of the water in this photo. A 21' drop!
 

 

Very interesting to watch the ship proceed through the locks here. This is one of the major locks systems allowing ocean liners to move through the Great Lakes.

 

 

As we left the locks, we saw this "map" of the Great Lakes area - Earl is standing on the map indicating exactly where we are in Sault Ste. Marie.

Castle Rock.

Look what we found! A yummy Mexican Restaurant! Yay! 

Wednesday, we enjoyed a quiet day of reading and relaxing, but before we left the area, we were told we must try eating pasties! We're like, what in the world is a pastie? We were pronouncing it with a long A, like hasty, but were quickly told it's pronounced PASS-tee. Several of the locals told us Bessie's was the BEST place, and they've been supplying the locals with pasties for many years. Earl looked on Travel Advisor and sure enough, rave reviews! I made a FB post about this, and oh my, you'll have to go to my page to read all the comments. Hilarious!

I admit, I was a little taken back when our pasties were presented to us, as I didn't find them particularly attractive. BUT anxious to taste this tasty pastie (haha), we started in! Earl got beef, and I got chicken, so we could compare. I actually found both of them way too bland for my taste. Even with the gravy and salt and pepper, they were just "so so" to me. Earl liked his a little better than I did. I think it might be a northern thing?
 

I wanted something YUMMY, after the bland pastie, to end the night so we walked over to the ice cream store, got us a delicious ice cream cone (you just can't ruin ice cream!) and walked across the street and enjoyed this gorgeous view while we ate our ice cream. 

Thursday, our last day here, we went over to see and experience The Mystery Spot. 

We went to a similar place in NY when we were on our honeymoon, and have never forgotten it - it really is fascinating! The girls look like they're leaning here, but were standing comfortably straight. 

It would appear Earl is falling, but was actually standing very securely straight up!
 

See the level here - showing it is perfectly level, yet you can see how it looks, and the ball is drawn UP what appears to be the slanted wall! Weird.
 

Interesting stop. On the way home, we stopped at a lookout place where you could walk upstairs for great views of the famous Mackinac Bridge.
 

We enjoyed a quiet afternoon reading, and went out for dinner, and here are our companions, beautiful Canada geese. They were quite noisy! Tomorrow is a travel day and we will be headed to Oscoda, MI for the weekend. Hoping it'll be a great spot to read and relax. As always, thanks for traveling along with us!