Taking in the sights of upper Michigan, August 2007 and 2008
     and July 2010 to Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay, WI

Flint Central High School had a 44th and 45th reunion - afterward
     we headed up north

In a companion web page featuring the reunions there was just a hint of the wonders of upper
Michigan, referred to as up north. In this web page we see more of the winter-water wonderland of Michigan.

Again in 2010 visit - this time crossed Lake Michigan on the high-speed ferry; then returned on the
coal-fired-steam-powered S.S. Badger from Manitowoc to Ludington, Michigan.

The bridge over the Straits of Mackinac symbolizes Michigan’s up north - its also the only way to get to
the Upper Peninsula - UP unless you enter from the west - Wisconsin

Lighthouses and Lifesaving Stations first Point Betsie Lighthouse is being restored by a local group -- it is very common around the country for groups to volunteer to improve, maintain and then rent out the lighthouse as a vacation destination; Point Betsie is located just north of Frankfort; Frankfort is a must stop destination Sleeping Bear Point -- lifesaving station is now a museum for the Coast Guard Lifesaving Service; the Lifesaving Service was one of three units that were combined to form the modern day Coast Guard Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Lifesaving Station -- was comprised of a boathouse (left) and living quarters (not seen); this museum is worth the drive to see; when the boat station was operational the track went out to Lake Michigan Grand Traverse Lighthouse -- is located in the Leelanau State Park and is on the tip of the peninsula

For those of us who moved away after graduation, getting around Michigan (in August) is a treat - look at some of the sights ... Our favorite - great blue heron -- standing at water’s edge beside the Mackinac Bridge public viewing area Striations and clouds and shadows give a unique effect Park sign giving us a historical perspective -- this park is about 20 miles west of Saint Ignace A peaceful view .... the same park, looking south-south-west onto Lake Michigan; the intent was to drive 40 miles west to the Manistique Lakes to look for loons Looking east from Sleeping Bear Seashore -- those are the Glen Lakes Looking west from Sleeping Bear Dune Seashore at South Manitou -- a view that is hard to match Instead of Michigan up north, the high speed ferry from Muskegon,    then up to Green Bay; the slow ferry from Manitowoc (July 2010) Lake Express arriving Muskegon; note the bow doors will swing open allowing the passengers to drive off; the stern is open; this high speed catamaran was built at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, AL Lake Express docks bow-in in Muskegon; this service has the owner drive car onboard - with directions from the crew of course; at the Milwaukee terminal Lake Express reverses into the quay S.S. Badger arriving Manitowoc - coal-fired-steam-engine -- this unique 50-year old car ferry was one of a dozen operating on Lake Michigan by the C&O Railroad primarily for carrying rail-cars In 1992 ASME awarded the vessel a Landmark - Google “asme badger” Stern gate open and reversing into the slip; there is only a stern door; cars and campers are driven onboard by company staff, around the center casing, then are parked ready for unloading; the cabana (aft upper deck) was added in 1992 -- in earlier years the upper deck aft was for cars Badger underway -- the sat-nav dome is covered with coal soot Looking at the dunes north of Ludington Now out of service, the Spartan at the quay in Ludington, Michigan - the ramp leading from the left was for loading the cars when there were carried on the aft upper deck; today, this ramp is used to load provisions aboard for the cafeteria and ship supplies Loading bridge - since stern loading only, the Badger will reverse into the quay; the old ramp for cars is seen in the upper left Sorry ... but, could not keep from closing the “picture show”, looking west into the setting sun ..

Dated: November 3, 2008; revised November 9, 11; August 2010; January 7, 2012 [family/reunion/michigan.htm]