Tawas Point State Park, July 27

Yesterday afternoon I sat outside reading a Jim Harrison book.  The sun was warm and the next thing I knew I was waking up.  There is something uncomfortable about falling asleep in a chair in the middle of the day with people milling about.  Did I snore? More than likely and loudly like I normally do.  I also woke up with a nasty sunburn.  Children always wear sun block before your naps.

After my snooze I met my neighbor.  Well truth be told he met me.  The gentleman was extremely hard of hearing and his goal and purpose was not to engage in conversation but to talk.  Every time I tried to talk,  he would talk over me, around me, and under me.   That was fine – I am more of a listener than a talker when it comes to these situations.  The family dynamics interested me as well as his regrets.  I found it sad that he stated 3 to 4 times he was single.  It was like if he said it over and over it would become real to him.   After our conversation he went back and I sat there with all these memories of his.  I am becoming more and more weepy as the days go by.

I cooked up the chicken last night and put that in the freezer.  Then I started the fire in the fire pit and mom and I read well past dark.  She finally said “we are going to need a flashlight or build another fire.” 
This morning (July 27) we walked to the lighthouse and browsed the gift shop there.  Then we walked to the beach and waded.  Our plans is to hit the beach tomorrow.  We will bring our chairs and books.  I will be covered head to toe with sun block.   You never know when a nap will sneak up on you.

wotthehell – for you Hannah

Once in a while a RV park's book exchange will hold a treasure and I was fortunate to find such a treasure.  I have don marquis' book "archy and mehitabel" with pictures by george herriman.   Archy was a talking cockroach and Mehitabel was an alley cat. Due to a tragic mishap of destiny, Archy, once a great poet, was reincarnated as a roach, but maintained the poet's soul, which he poured out in verse each night by hopping from key to key on Mr. Don Marquis' rusty old typewriter. Archy told stories about Mehitabel the cat, Freddy the Rat, and other denizens of the garage he lived in. Since he couldn't manage the shift key, his verse was relatively unadorned by punctuation and all in lower case.  It is a great book.  Yes Hannah it will be sent to you to be place in the library. 
the lesson of the moth
By Don Marquis, in "archy and mehitabel," 1927
i was talking to a moth
the other evening
he was trying to break into
an electric light bulb
and fry himself on the wires
why do you fellows
pull this stunt i asked him
because it is the conventional
thing for moths or why
if that had been an uncovered
candle instead of an electric
light bulb you would
now be a small unsightly cinder
have you no sense
plenty of it he answered
but at times we get tired
of using it
we get bored with the routine
and crave beauty
and excitement
fire is beautiful
and we know that if we get
too close it will kill us
but what does that matter
it is better to be happy
for a moment
and be burned up with beauty
than to live a long time
and be bored all the while
so we wad all our life up
into one little roll
and then we shoot the roll
that is what life is for
it is better to be a part of beauty
for one instant and then cease to
exist than to exist forever
and never be a part of beauty
our attitude toward life
is come easy go easy
we are like human beings
used to be before they became
too civilized to enjoy themselves
and before i could argue him
out of his philosophy
he went and immolated himself
on a patent cigar lighter
i do not agree with him
myself i would rather have
half the happiness and twice
the longevity
but at the same time i wish
there was something i wanted
as badly as he wanted to fry himself
archy

Tawas Point State Park Michigan, Sandy Hook Trail

This is a nice state park located on Lake Huron.  I am so happy we were able to make reservations for 4 nights because I can already tell by day one this is going to be nice.   We will be leaving the 29th and heading to another park that doesn’t have internet.  I am going to stop at a McDonalds and upload three blogs that will  automatically publish over three days.  We are unsure of next destination but I have a feeling we will be heading to northern Ohio.

Yesterday (the 25th) when I found our rv spot, I had a little trouble backing in.  The trouble was where the electric, picnic table, and fire pit was located.  I can do something about the picnic table.   I got out of the van and grabbed the table and tugged and pulled and grunted and pulled….. well you get the picture.  I finally drug it to where I wanted it and backed the van in.  My neighbors came in a little later on and I watched two young strapping males try to pick up their picnic table.  When that failed they ended up pushing, and tugging, and grunting and pulling…..  These tables are heavy.  It made me feel good to watch them.  I should have walked over and asked if they needed help.  It only took one of me to move mine and it took two to move theirs.   Its these little moments that makes me feel good.

On the 26th of July I walk the Sandy Hook trail which will take you to the point. It is a beautiful hike with lots of flowers and beautiful scenery.  At one time the trail took you through a small field of purple thistle.

KOA Roscommon Michigan

We stayed at the KOA in Roscommon Michigan July 23 and 24th.  This is a typical KOA – overpriced and now I am seeing another trend in KOA that I don’t like - they charge you for cable and free internet.  I was told they could advertise free internet because you get one hour free.  I bought a ticket so I could get online and finish up with my pictures.  I spent most of the day waiting for the internet to connect.  Once it did connect it was so slow it was unusable.  I couldn’t publish my blog, I couldn’t upload any pictures, and I couldn’t just surf the net.  At 10:00 I was able to get on.  It is still to slow to upload the last of my pictures.  If you have to stay at a KOA remember to ask for the cheapest lot – usually electric only. 

This is definitely one place I will not come back to.

There is good news – when this is published we will be sitting on the beach of Lake Huron.  4 nights watching the water roll in and roll out. 

I bought three throw away grills.  Tonight I used the last one cooking up the last of the hamburgers.  I am happy that we did purchase the throw away grills because I finally broke down and bought a small grill.  This week I will be grilling chicken and adding that to the hamburgers in the freezer.  I am enjoying cooking outside and so far I haven’t burn anything or blew anything up.

I will post more on the 29 of July!

Tee Pee Campground

I liked this laid back campground.  It is a family park so there were kids all around playing, riding bikes, shooting hoop…. but it was nice.  I enjoy hearing laughter.  On weekends there is a band, “Geezers Gone Wild” and a bonfire on the beach.  The ferries have shuttles that will pick you up for free so we didn’t have to drive the van every day.  The campground also has a store with the basic supplies without the exorbitant prices.  The people that worked there were friendly and informative. 

The only downside was the bathrooms.  I was in the shower when someone flushed the toilet.  That caused a back up and quite a ripple effect among the other bathers.  I just jumped on the ledge and teetered there for a second.  Fortunately I hadn’t soaped up.  I got dressed, went home and dug out the bleach and scoured my feet.  We had to bird bath it while there. 

My daughter, Hannah, told me I had to eat a pasty while in Michigan.  Honey – I don’t like meat pies but I did eat a lot of fish.  I did try the fudge – yum. 

Our neighbor gave an impromptu concert on his accordion.   It was really nice and people were walking by clapping and giving him the thumbs up.   Unfortunately I cannot upload the video.

Enjoy the pictures!

Hiking

I will finish up my Mackinac Island trip with the pictures I took while hiking. 
I will be honest and say I am still recovering from taking the steps (147 but who is counting).  I started off at a trot and halfway up I slowed down to a crawl.  I met a couple who said “94 more to go” and encouraged my trotting.  I have been sleeping with BenGay every night since.  What was I thinking?  Oh yeah I remember…. I wasn’t thinking.

Click here for more pictures.

Hannah – the Tee Pee Campground pictures will be on tomorrow that will include the awesome accordion player! 

Cemeteries of Mackinaw Island Michigan

There are 3 cemeteries on the island, St Anns, Mackinac Island Cemetery and the Post Cemetery.  While the Post Cemetery was well tended and cared for, the other two was not.  Some of the stones were broken and it just needed some TLC.  Since the cemeteries are on the sight-seeing tours you would think something would be done.  Of course tour guides had their stories of who was buried there and how they died.  I just let it go in one ear and out the other.  One thing tour guides are good at is embellishment.   I had fun roaming around and looking at the stones.

Click here for more pictures.

Different Buildings On The Island

Trinity Church
Episcopal services on Mackinac Island date from 1837, when a Bishop preached in the Mission Church.  For many years the congregation met in the post Chapel at Fort Mackinac and in the Court House.  In 1873 a parish was organized and in 1882 this church building was constructed.  Its furnishing include an altar of hand carved walnut, and two chancel chairs made by soldiers at the fort.



Mission Church
This is one of Michigan's oldest Protestant churches.  It was built in 1829 - 30 by the Presbyterian flock of Rev Wm. M. Ferry founder in 1823 of nearby Indiand mission.  Robert Stuart and Henry Schoolcraft were lay leaders.  About 1838 private owners bought the building.  It is judged Michigan's best example of the New England Colonial church style.
 


Sainte Anne Church
In 1670 Jesuit Father Charles Dablon founded a birchbark mission chapel on Mackinac Island.  The following year, Father Jacques Marquette relocated the mission at Saint Ignace.  Abandoned in 1706 and restablished at Fort Michilimackinac around 1715, the new church was named sainte Anne de Michilimackinac.  During the winter of 1780 - 1781, British troops relocated to the island and moved the church building across the ice.  The parish is the nation's oldest dedicated to Sainte Anne, and maintains baptismal records dating from April 1695.




Island House
Constructed for Charles O'Malley about 1852, this building was one of the first summer hotels on Mackinac Island.  Captain Henry Van Allen, a Great Lakes skipper, purchased the hotel in 1865.  He later moved it from the beach to its present location.  By the 1880's the Island House was known as "The best family hotel on the  island."  Following the death of her parents. Mrs. Rose Van Allen Webster became proprietor about 1892.  She was the wife of Colonel John Webster, whom she had met during the 1870s when he was stationed at Fort Mackinac.  Mrs. Webster added the large wings in 1895 and 1912, retaining ownership until her death in 1938.  The Island House still serves as a resort hotel.



Indian Dormitory
The 1838 Indian Dormitory was built on Mackinac Island as part of improvements to the Mackinac Island United States Indian Agency called for in the 1836 Treaty of Washington, in which Indian nations of the Great Lakes deeded significant portions of Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas to the United States.  The dormitory was constructed to house Native Americans who came to the island to receive payment as part of the provision.  However, as the Native Americans visiting the agency continued to camp along the harbor, it was primarily used by Indian agents as an administrative building and as the residence of the dormitory keeper.  After eight years, it no longer served this purpose and was eventually converted into a schoolhouse for island children.  The front of the building was subsequently enlarged for that purpose, and it served as the Mackinac Island Public School for nearly 100 years.
 
To View More Pictures Click Here

Fort Mackinac And Fort Holmes

Fort Mackinac overlooks the harbor of Mackinac Island.  It is 133 feet above the lake level.  Built by the British in 1779 to replace the old Fort Michilimackinac at Mackinaw City, which was lost to the Indians 6 years earlier.  Fort Mackinac’s function was to protect the British interest in the Northwest Territory from the Americans, who had declared their independence from England.  The British retained possession until after a treaty in 1796, at which time they withdrew to the island of St. Joseph and the United States took command of the fort.  It is now a National Historic Landmark and a museum.  Costumed guides perform military re-enactments.  The era of 1880s have been brought to life by exhibits and performances depicting the American Soldier and family life with rifle and cannon demonstrations.  It served as a sentinel for 115 years.  Fourteen original fort buildings house exhibits.


In the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain, the fort was recaptured by the British, who dragged a cannon to a position now known as Fort Holmes, a high point behind Fort Mackinac. With this cannon in position, surrender came easily, without a battle. The British named the fort Fort George and reinforced it with cannon, a blockhouse, and a magazine for gunpowder and other munitions. After the war the Americans renamed the post in honor of Major Holmes, who was killed during the American assault in 1814.  However, Fort Holmes never functioned as an independent military fortification. It was always a dependent outpost of nearby Fort Mackinac. The American forces made several unsuccessful attempts to regain the fort during the War of 1812.  At the war’s end, American troops did return and took possession in 1815.


I thought the hike to Fort Mackinac was steep but the hike to Fort Holmes was worse.  I think they said it was 147 steps.  The views and the history was well worth the climb.  I took the bike trail back instead of the steps.  

Click here for more pictures.

Michigan Music

I have discovered that most times the best music is local music.  When I am browsing through gift shops I always look for CDs by local musicians.  This time around I picked up a CD by Neil Woodward, Michigan’s troubadour.  The first part of the CD is by a group called Cats and the Fiddler, Neil didn’t come on until later and I just love his music as much as the Cats and the Fiddler.   The following is a song by Neil Woodward.  Two of his albums can be purchased on CD Baby.

Yawn

I returned to Mackinac Island this morning and explored the forts, cemeteries, churches, and did a little more hiking.  Truth be told I am tired – to tired to blog,  I need to head to the “sanitation station” tomorrow and then I am going to head into Mackinaw City.  After that I will post the rest of my pictures and talk about the history of the island. 

The Rest of the Pictures of Mackinac Island

Tomorrow I plan to return for a little hiking, weather permitting of course.  These are the rest of my pictures of the island that I took yesterday.
Click here for butterfly pictures.
Click here for natural wonders…. that sound a little presumptuous. lol

For those that don't want to wade through a bunch of photos - here are a few of my favorites.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

This morning mom and I caught a ferry that took us to Mackinac Island.  On the way to the island we saw the bridge also known as Big Mac.  It is 5-miles long and takes you to the upper peninsula.  That is a place I would like to see but I am going to save that for another trip.  One thing you learn really fast is you can’t see it all. 

Mackinac Island is simply beautiful.  Yes it is another tourist trap but it has a lot of charm and character.  I like the fact that motorized vehicles are not allowed.  You can bring a bike or rent one.  You can also rent a horse or a horse and carriage.  Mom and I took a carriage with several others.  It was a fun way to see parts of the island.  I plan to come back on Monday and hike the island.  I want to see the highest point, the cemetery, and several other sights not covered in the carriage ride. 

One of the places we visited was the butterfly house.  Mom has never been in one and she was wearing the perfect color – red.  She had them swarming her. 

As usual I took to many pictures and I have organized them in three categories.  I think I need to leave my camera at home. 

When we returned to the campground we put our things up and headed down to the beach area to listen the band, The Old Geezers.  They let you know they are not “heavy metal” but “tired iron.”   Mom left early but I stuck around for the show. 

All in all – this has been a fun day!
Click here for pictures of the town.

Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Ludington Michigan

We cheated and took the ferry to Ludington Michigan.   We boarded the SS Badger July 14th in Manitowoc Wisconsin.  It was an afternoon crossing and the weather was perfect.  Aboard the ferry is enough entertainment to keep folks of all ages entertained.  There was a TV room, a movie room, play area, cafes, museum, gift shops… it was just amazing.    I can say my little house has traveled both on land and water.  Because my home is a van I was able to take advantage of the special car rate.  

We are heading to Mackinaw City Michigan and will be there on Friday.  Mom and I both want to see the island.  She remembers her mother talking about her visit there and always wanted to see it as well.

To view more pictures of Manitowoc Wisconsin click here.
To view more pictures of the ferry crossing click here.