What I though was Lake Michigan was Green Bay, according to the map. It was a big body of water, but parts of Wisconsin could be seen to the east. I know. Weird! We were driving in Michigan, but Wisconsin was to the east. (Look at a map.)
One of the exciting stops today was at a light house, a working light house. I have seen them before, but not quite this close and personal. The walk was a half mile out and then back again. The walk started on a board walk, went to sand, then boulder climbing, before getting to the cement causeway/walkway/pier. (A chilly 51º along Lake Michigan.)
this guy was at the top of the light house waiting for
our arrival
the final walk
we needed a photo on the steps of the
light house for a geocache
mileage signs at the parking lot
What we first thought from a distance was smoke was actually swarms of insects. More about that later.
first view of Mackinac Bridge
The bridge opened in 1957, connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. It is the world's 19th longest suspension bridge at 26,372 feet long or almost 5 miles long. We traveled north to south, from the UP to the Lower P.
The width of the bridge measures 54 feet. It rises 200 feet above the water level. Approximately 11,600 cars cross it every day. (It wasn't that crowded today. With construction, some of the four lanes were down to 2 lanes.) The bridge cost over $99 million to construct.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City
on the south side of the Mackinac Bridge
now a historic site under renovation
the bridge looking north
from whence we came...Straits of Mackinac
separating Lake Michigan and Lake Huron
Remember those swarms of insects I mentioned? Well, there were so bad in Mackinaw City, we walked with our heads down, swatting everywhere.
that is not smoke coming from the chimney
that is swarming insects
a tug towing an equipment barge on Lake Huron
that is how bad the insects were
in your mouth, eyes, ears
they covered our clothes and got in the truck
when we got in the truck
ICK! YEW!
but we got the 3 needed geocaches!
The adventure continues tomorrow in Michigan as we head south towards our goal of Cincinnati.
The price you pay for the "needed" geocaches. I've got an 850 mile trip planned for later this week for "needed" geocaches. 😏
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your blog about your adventure, John!
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ReplyDeleteWell this is exciting to read, you are ‘sort of’ in our territory. Have travelled the roads along Lake Michigan to Mackinaw either crossing into Canada or heading down Port Huron way towards Detroit, hope you go off the main highway and stop in Port Huron. The Bluewater bridge is right there along the St. Clair River and Sarnia is across the river. Stag Island is 10 miles down river. It is so much fun to see what you saw in familiar territory!
Just did not have the time to do the exploring we should while here. Too many commitments. Maybe next time...
DeleteNice pictures - we love that area of Michigan!
ReplyDeleteWe have really enjoy traveling thru MI. Now we are in the more populated areas, so not as enjoyable as the past two days.
DeleteI love reading your blogs. Almost as good as coming along. But you can keep the bugs. If it was 51º they are hardy bugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marlene!
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