October 5, 2014

October 5, 2014

We hope that you have enjoyed traveling with us this year. Our trip took us over 2800 miles through five states. We were able to visit three carousels, fifteen lighthouses, several state and federal parks, two wildlife refuges, three waterfalls, the Soo Locks, and several out of the ordinary small towns. Food was never a problem with “locals” happily sharing their choice of the “best food in town”.
 
As we have said before, traveling in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is like stepping back in time. Busy small towns, friendly people, family run restaurants and stores are the norm. The lack of big box stores, chain restaurants and hotels, and empty store fronts are also the norm. Cell phone service can go undetected for miles… we actually saw people that were not carrying phones, but were enjoying the scenery.

One of the most noticeable things we have encountered while in the UP is the lack of trash along the highways and back roads. You can drive for several hours and not see any trash. Talking with  people about this, they credited it to a concentrated effort of citizens along with the fact that Michigan has a deposit on cans and bottles. Every major store has a recycle center where you are reimbursed for your returns.

We posted lots of photos over the duration of our trip, and have several more that we would like to share with you.

 

St. Joseph Lighthouse at sunset

 

One of 440 cottages in the community of Bay View, MI.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_View,_Michigan 

 

 

Polished stones along the Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore

 

 

White Fish Point at sunset

 

 

Tahquamenon River just above the Tahquamenon Falls

 

International Bridge between Canada and the US at Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

 

 

Small pilot boat leaving the Poe Lock in Sault Ste. Marie
From 10 feet to 1000 feet, they all pass through free of charge

 

 

Completed in 1902, the St Marys Falls Hydropower Plant has 74 generators running on one continuous shaft
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Marys_Falls_Hydropower_Plant 

Again, we hope you enjoyed our blog this year. We are planning another adventure next year and invite you to travel with us.

T & C