SAULT STE. MARIE - SOO LOCKS - MICHIGAN

The International Shipmaster's Association Declaration of high level of skill and integrity. Double click to read.

The cargo vessel "American Integrity" is 1,000 feet long and needs the largest lock. It is also the oldest cargo vessel on the Great Lakes.

The vessel is almost completely in the lock, in the picture below, it is completely in the lock.

This end section has the command station on top. The three level of windows facing out are the common rooms on the lower level and the two upper levels are bedrooms.

Size check - look at the man compared to the lock and compared to the cargo vessel. Chart below shows differing levels in the Great Lakes. More than 11,000 vessels, carrying 90 million tons of cargo pass through these locks every year.

A tourist boat coming into a shorter lock.

The tourist boat coming from Lake Huron is waiting for water from Lake Superior to fill the lock enough so the boat can continue its journey on Lake Superior.


Below are some very interesting facts on the Great Lakes. These lakes are unlike any other lakes we have ever seen. They are beautiful and at the same time users must be respectful of their enormous power.

GRAND HOTEL - MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN

A little history of the Grand Hotel which was built in 1887.

This is a great porch. Folks can sit outside and can look down on the wonderful gardens, views of Lake Huron, and across to the mainland.

The hotel hires people from around the world for the season, and this young lady in black is from Belgium.

Out for a horse ride. Behind the riders is part of the golf course.

Walking up the steep sidewalk to the hotel. A fancy enclosed carriage pulled by horses brings the guests to the hotel from the docks.

Taking a break from pushing our bikes up the steep hill.

A view of Lake Huron from the top floor turret.
This room is for having drinks, chatting with friends, reading, or just relaxing.

Two views from the turret. This view is towards the road leading to the hotel, and below is a view of a freighter passing through the channel on Lake Huron.

The centerpiece of the lawn gardens.

The lawn and flowers were lovely.
More flowers.

Above the view that shows the lawns and Lake Huron beyond. Below is a horse and carriage topiary.

BIKING ON MACKINAC ISLAND

Inside the ferry at mid morning with our bikes in tow. Most folks take the early morning trips.

As we approach Mackinac Island, we get a sight of the beautiful Grand Hotel.

Parking our bikes downtown as we take care of some errands first.

This marker tells the story of the English entering the island on its backside and wanting the Americans to surrender. The American troops did not know the War of 1812 had begun and since the commander could see how outnumbered they were, he surrendered.
The beginning of our 8 mile trip around the island

One of the street at the edge of town.

We pass the horse and buggy stables. Individuals can rent this set up. Hopefully, they know how to handle the horses.
This seagull was waiting patiently for us to give him some of our lunch, even though I told him it would be better for him to get his own lunch from the lake.

Walter below the Arch Rock which is quite famous on the island.
More than halfway around. This marker shows the different areas to see on the island.

On the backside of the island, the terrain is wild and beautiful
This is a great sign to see along the way.

A comfortable ride.
Our lunch, drinks, and snacks were packed in the coolers in my basket.

The rider beside me had a problem with his chain which Walter was able to fix so he could continue his ride. My hero!

This is the street of "cottages." This one is one of my favorites.

LEELANAU PENINSULA VISIT WITH MARYANNE AND TOM

Historic Fishtown which is part of the community of Leland, is from another time. The buildings are the originals and some are still working the fishing industry, but now there are also shops and restaurants in these historic buildings. It is a quaint and unique place. The best smoked trout we ever had came from this fish market.

MaryAnne and Teri explore the shops finding a very nice pottery shop where pottery is made by local crafters.
Tom, MaryAnne, Walter and Teri had a great picnic lunch at this quiet lake. We purchased our lunch at Fishtown and in spite of windy and cool weather had a great time catching up with each other.

This is a view of Lake Michigan from the top of Sleeping Bear Dunes at Sleeping Bear National Park. Our friends are from Michigan and were showing us their wonderful State. Lake Michigan and the surrounding geography is stunningly beautiful.

Where dunes meet Lake Michigan. Winter can be very intimidating here with Lake effect snowfalls and really cold weather. Hard to believe at the moment!
This is at the top of a very steep dune that drops 400 feet into Lake Michigan.

I was only kidding when I asked Tom to stand at the dunes downward edge for this photo.
The water is multi colored in Aqua green, blue, and deep blue. Today it is very serene, but the Great Lakes are known for treacherous storms. Below is a view of the lake we had lunch at and the wild landscape of the area.

Here you can see a child running up the 400 foot drop. There is a warning about exhaustion, but this youngster seemed to have no trouble at all.