Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth is well known for Bavarian charm. It's nickname is "Michigan's Little Bavaria." There are many unique shops and the buildings have a Bavarian architecture. We are actually here when they are having Oktober Fest so it's pretty crowded in town and in the campground. Beer drinking really isn't our thing so we are just going to go around and enjoy the other things the area has to offer.

River Place holds shops and other attractions - I found a shop that was called the Popcorn Wagon - they had over 40 flavors of freshly popped popcorn! I am in popcorn heaven:)

Frankenmuth Clock Company is an authentic German Clock Shop - lots of cuckoos!
http://www.frankenmuthclock.com

The "Holzbrucke (Wooden Covered Bridge) is a beautiful sight.

One store that was surprising to tour was called Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland they say they are the world's largest Christmas store. The size of 1 1/2 football fields! There is a replica of the Silent Night Memorial Chapel that was built in 1992. "The original Silent Night Chapel is in Oberndorf, Austria and was built on the site of St. Nicholas Church where "Silent Night" was first sung with guitar on Christmas Eve in 1818." (Franz Gruber wrote Silent Night). http://www.bronners.com
I should also mention in the area there is the Frankenmuth Brewery - we tried to bring home beer for everyone but it was not pasteurized (in other words it would spoil) so you are all out of luck:) There are two wine tasting places - we went to one and yes we bought a few bottles - I doubt they will make it back to Florida:) http://www.frankenmuthbrewery.com
A restaurant that was very interesting is called Zehnder's of Frankenmuth. It is said to be the largest family restaurant featuring world famous family-style chicken dinners. I believe they say they can seat 1,500 people. http://www.zehnders.com Other tasty treat could be found in the way of bake goods, cheese and sausage factories.
FYI - Frankenmuth is 1252 miles from Orlando!

Mackinac Island

We had great weather today and took the ferry to Mackinac Island, Michigan's most popular tourist attraction. On the island there are no motorized vehicles. Years ago there was a petition to ban the automobie as the "horseless carriage" startled the horses. To get around you go by horse and buggy or bicycle. Mackinac Island is the home of the Grand Hotel, Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock and other unique places. One thing you see everywhere are FUDGE shops! They are quick to offer samples! Mackinac Island was the site for the making of the movie "It Is You" and "Somewhere In Time." I guess I'll have to rent them :)

It was very WINDY, and COLD on the ferry ride over from the main land.


These photos show the Grand Hotel (taken while on the ferry), a shot of the main street, the Arch Rock, and the Ferry.

Tahquamenon Falls

This is the Land of Hiawatha -
the first picture is the Lower Falls and the second is the Upper Falls

By the shore of Gitche Gumee,

By the shining Big-Sea-Water,

At the doorway of his wigwam,

In the pleasant Summer morning,

Hiawatha stood and waited. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is the second largest state park in Michiganand the park's Upper Falls is the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi.
The only larger falls in the eastern U.S. is Niagara.

Things we learned as we drove up here:
1) there a lots of trees! ... lots of them are the Christmas tree variety.
2) cars are very scarce on the roads this far north.
3) fast food resturants are non-existent around these parts of Michigan
4) they have signs for places that sell BEAR BAIT!
5) a sleeve of Fig Newton cookies cost $4.28! we were hungry!
6) there are signs that say "No Snowmobiles" on the sidewalks.
7) there are road signs that say "Drive at your own risk"
8) there is one bear per each square mile (didn't see any:)
9) elk, moose, red fox, coyote can be seen (didn't see any of them either!)
10) many of the trees have Beech Bark Disease or Emerald Ash Borer
lots of dead tree! They don't want campers bringing in wood from other areas.
and last but not least...
11) school is called off or delayed frequently for FOG!

Sault Ste. Marie

We took a drive over the Mackinaw Bridge and headed north to Sault Ste. Marie (they say they are the third oldest city in the United States) to see the Soo Locks. It was amazing to see and to watch large freighters, almost close enough to touch, move through the lock system.

The Soo Locks consist of two canals and four locks, "that allow vessels of many types and sizes to safely traverse the 21 foot drop in elevation of the St. Marys River between Lake Superior and Lakes Michigan and Huron."

For history buffs, The Edmund Fitzgerald was a constant traveler through the Soo Locks. That ship and crew was lost in 1975 in Lake Superior --- I can't get the song out of my head! Above is a ship that I took at two separate times to show it was rising in the lock. (compare the control room location on the first picture to the second picture.)

Mackinaw City, Michigan

We have arrived in Mackinaw City - our campsite is right along Lake Huron. The weather is much cooler and there is a strong breeze. The winter jackets have come out! We have not seen anything above 58 degrees!

This is the Mackinaw Bridge or "Mighty Mac" that links the lower Michigan peninsula to the Upper peninsula. The bridge was nicknamed "the bridge that couldn't be built" and is considered the State of Michigan's single greatest asset. It was completed in 1957. At times the winds gusts are so great the bridge is closed down, the maximum speed limit is 45 mph and trucks have a maximum speed of 20 mph. I should note that Lake Michigan is on the left side and Lake Huron is on the right side. http://www.mackinacbridge.org

The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse from the early 1900's. This lighthouse served primarily as a navigational aid for the ferries operating between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.
This a shot of the bridge from our campground during the night and next is a day photo. The bridge is 5 miles long and is the world's longest suspension bridge.

Holland, Michigan

Holland sounded like a unique city so we decided to head here. The weather is getting cooler, in fact last night it got into the 50's and from the weather reports it looks like it will not get much warmer today. Yes I brought my long johns! Apollo and I took a 'necessary' walk this morning and when he first hit the ground I got that look that said "let's do this fast!"

We arrived around noon in Holland and relaxed and watched a little football -- Virginia Tech was playing (do you think Gary planned this or what?) After the game we headed out into the area. I should note that Virginia Tech won! They beat North Carolina.... if you're keeping score that gives them a 2 - 0 season:) Go Hookies!



These are photos from Windmill Island. In early spring this area is filled with tulips. this time of year there are still many beautiful flowering beds. The attraction also has authentic Dutch Windmills and recreations of a Dutch village. While we were there they were getting ready to host a wedding the weather looked like it would rain:)! (memories of Savannah). At Windmill Island there was a candle making shop and I purchased an exquisite hand carved candle -- While Gary was paying for the candle the owner of the shop noticed his Crystal River jacket and she has relatives that work at the plant! It's a small world!
Another attraction is the Dutch Village. They too have Dutch architecture, gardens, canals and windmills. The costumed interpreters added to the experience.