Spent all day exploring Mackinaw, MI - Tomorrow, it's The Bridge!!!

Hello Fellow Wandering Travelers!!!

Today I spent my whole time seeing the sites of Mackinaw, Michigan!!! In fact, I go back to the trailer after 7:30 PM. I wasn't able to post a proper BLOG because I had to plan my trip for tomorrow. You see, if I don't plan the trip, I won't know where I will be staying and I don't like that much uncertainty!!! So, I will not be sending my proper blog tonight, but I will update it tomorrow night with photos of what I saw today --- and I saw a lot!!!

Just so you know, I went to Mackinaw's Historic Water Run Saw Mill and Grain Grinding Mill, I saw two light houses that are now museums, I saw the rebuilt old Mackinaw Fort, I had a Great Lakes Whitefish dinner (it was great!), and I walked through town going into all the shops. I was busy and I enjoyed myself, so stay tuned tomorrow for more detail and photos!!!

With that I will say good night!!

Jon

Hello Fellow Wayward Travelers!!!!

Here I am again, late in updating my BLOG Posts. Sometimes I just get too busy seeing what is going on around me!!! At least I got this one updated!!!

Anyway, here’s what I did in Mackinaw, Michigan!!!

First off, I left the Trailer at the KOA RV Park, and drove the truck to the first water powered saw mill in the area. They had reconstructed many of the buildings, including the saw mill. They rebuilt the dam, filled the pond, and got it all working again. Then they gave the story about how the owner worked the mill and even got grinding wheels to grind wheat and other grains!!! Even though it was raining off and on during my whole stay at the mill (and I mean thundershower raining!!), I had fun and saw a lot. It was very interesting to see something like this working!!! Here are a few photos of the park ---

Here’s the dam ---

 

Here’s the wooden water trough ---

 

Here are the power wheels that the water turns ---

 

Here’s the saw mill itself ---

 

Here’s the pond ---

Then I drove to the first light house – it was the McGulpin Point Lighthouse. It was set up in period furniture and you could walk through it looking at everything. Here is a photo of the light house ---

 

You could even go to the light tower and here is the view from there ---

 

Then I went to the second light house which was the Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Here are photos of the lighthouse and the view from the light tower ---

 

Then I went to the Colonial Michilimackinac Fort. It was rebuilt from artifacts, maps and other things and now it is a hands-on exhibit. Here is the fort ---

 

And here is where they are demonstrating the firing of their muskets ---

 

They even have college students and Archaeologists (most working on their PHDs) working on the “dig site” ---

 And, of course, here are some photos of the famous Mackinac Bridge ---

 

Then I went into the town of Mackinaw and got dinner. I had been hearing about the Great Lakes white fish and wanted to try it. I have eaten it in Chicago last year, but I wanted to try it again. It is very light and very moist. It was quite good.

After dinner, I needed to walk, so I walked the half mile main street going into the shops and buying the occasional thing!!! Most shop folks are very friendly and would start up a conversation with me. It usually had to do with the weather. I was told that the hot, muggy weather with the thunder showers was unusual and that the weather is more like Seattle summer weather. Oh, well, I must have lucked out and got the “bad” weather!!!

Well, that was my day!!! Very busy, but interesting and fun. I even learned a few things!!!

So, with that, I will go for now, but I will see you all again tomorrow.

Again, to quote that great comedian, Red Skelton, "Good Night and May God Bless!"

Happy Trails ---- Jon