INTERLOCHEN ARTS ACADEMY - MICHIGAN

The Story of Interlochen above, where now stands one of the most premier fine arts boarding high schools. The school has a 1,200 acre wooded campus near Traverse City, Michigan.
Del, a couple from Minnesota, and Teri are listening to our tour guide. She just graduated from the high school and we were able to see the school from a student's perspective.

Del, Mary Ann, and Teri are standing in front of the flags of nations whose talented young artists are attending 6 week summer sessions at Interlochen.
If you double click on the picture, the country names can be seen. This picture only shows half of the flags that were flying.

Students in the summer session range from 8 years old to 18 years old. This young student found an innovative way to get around this large campus.
The inside of the buildings are a beautiful as are the outsides.

The campus is lovely with its trees, flowers, walkways, and its very rustic feeling.
This is where outdoor concerts are held. When in the audience, the lake can be seen behind the artists on the stage. It is quite unique. Students perform here as well as well-known artists.

The bricks beside this walkway are engraved with names, sayings, and tributes from alumni and others interested in buying a spot on the brickway.
This room is set up for creative writing today. The students will come in and read their compositions and then will be critiqued by the others. The room is also used in other disciplines.

This is the summer uniform for visiting students and regular students. There are four colors of socks and each class at the high school has its own color. The regular high school session runs for 151 days a year. The school day is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with 50 minute classes in the individual arts and college preparatory program.
This is a common sight around campus--student and instrument.

The new school center for film studies.
This class was learning facial expressions for acting.

One of the indoor theaters.
Complicated tubing to achieve the right length resonant frequency.

Mother bear and youngster. The students have a fondness for this statue.
This area of Michigan has black squirrels. These cuties are larger than gray squirrels and really are a dark, like charcoal, black.

HISTORIC FISHTOWN, MICHIGAN

The buildings in Fishtown look like the above. They have been kept in their original style when this part of town was all fishing related. Now, it is a mixture of shops, fish market, restaurants, and fishing.

Mary Ann and Teri are chatting just outside a clothing shop.
Here they are at the pottery barn where pottery is made on premise.

Mary Ann, Del, and Teri are discussing the pottery selection.
A view from Fishtown to homes across the lake. Non commercial boats are moored here.

We were having a great time with Del and Mary Ann in this historic area.
The boat to the right is enclosed for fishing in very cold weather on the Great Lakes.

Del and Mary Ann ,who have a home in Michigan, wanted to show us their State of Michigan which they are proud of and with good reason. They are our next door neighbors at Gulf Waters in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida
Another fishing vessel at the docks of Fishtown.

A fishing net being dried.
At the Fish Market. This fish is from the catch brought in each day by the fishing fleets.

In this case is the best smoked fish we have ever tasted. They had smoked salmon, trout, and white fish. So good!
The fish at the left is a spotted lake trout, salmon, and on the far right is lake white fish.

SLEEPING BEAR NATIONAL PARK - DUNE CLIMB

Having a some lunch before going to the Dunes.
First, stopping by a Life Saving Museum along the way.

Here some audience "volunteers" were recruited. This group is getting ready to rescue the other group who are stranded. An excellent reenactment of early rescue methods. Surprising anyone lived!
This is a very early rescue boat that was used. It took courageous rescue workers to go out on the treacherous stormy lake waters.

Walter and Del at the beach on the museum property.
These folks were taking a break to enjoy the beach and water.

At the Dunes, Del watches us as we begin our trek up the dune.

Are we there yet?
We are almost there--huffing and puffing.

Finally, we did it - we did it.
The reward; this beautiful view.

One of many farms in this area of Michigan.

TRAVERSE CITY WITH DEL AND MARY ANN

Part of a small regatta on Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Michigan The elegance of a swan.
Lake, swans, sailboats - what could be better

Momma and babies.
Boats moored in Travers Bay.

VISITING DEL AND MARY ANN IN CADILLAC, MICHIGAN

After having dinner at Dell and Mary Ann's, we went to this lovely park. It is like the town square as it has downtown buildings around it. The fountain is spectacular.
This public park often has concerts, fairs, and other events.

Below is a historic marker about the Shay Locomotive and its history with the town of Cadillac.

The old Shay Locomotive.

Mary Ann, Teri, and Del chatting and enjoying this lovely park.
Prices from days gone by. Double click the picture for a better view of products and prices.