Lower Michigan Day 1

Since I purchased an annual Michigan State Park pass, I decided to stay in the state parks when convenient.  They are a little pricey for just electric, but with this heat and humidity, boondocking is not inviting at the moment.

This little beauty sits at the entrance to the park

The first park I stayed in on the south side of the Mackinac Bridge was Aloha State Park in Cheboygan.  I am surprised as I travel what constitutes a campground; it varies from state to state and private to public.  This one has a large central grass area and everyone just backs into a spot; there are no "formal" sites, just the number on the pavement indicating your "spot."  There is also a grass strip along the shore.  I literally got the last vacant campsite in any state campground in the upper area of lower Michigan. Good thing I was on the website when I was because I'm sure it was a cancellation.

Some things I have learned here so far:  don't cross the bridge on a Sunday, going either way, and everyone is out and about on Sunday, so it's not a good sightseeing day.  Michigan drivers hate being behind a Jeep with a Florida license plate going the speed limit.  And don't try to get into or out of a campground on a Sunday; it was like a mass exit when everyone packed up and left.  A couple hours later, a new group arrived.

But not knowing those first two things yet, I set off to explore, heading back across the bridge to start.  $8.00 and an hour sitting in back-up, I decided that the trip over the bridge may not have been worth the drive.

My first stop was Castle Rock, a nearly 200-foot rock with a man-made ramp.  Its purpose is to take in stunning views of Mackinac Island and Lake Huron. Sitting at the base of the rock is a statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe, the Blue Ox.  I did not climb the rock because there was a line and it did not look to be worth the wait .... I did drive down 2 1/2 miles of gravel road, thinking I was going in the right direction but ended up at a trailhead instead.


My second stop, The Mystery Spot, also proved disappointing.  The Mystery Spot was discovered in the early 1950s by surveyors whose equipment didn't work properly in the area. It has since been named as the state's #1 Unusual Attraction by Michigan Living Magazine. At this spot, the laws of gravity don't seem to apply fully, and you're apt to experience unusual sensations and distorted perceptions.  $9.00 to watch a ball roll uphill ....  so, back across the bridge to Colonial Michilimackinac.

Colonial Michilimackinac was worth the stop and the price of admission.  This is Fort Mackinac in 1776 before it was moved to Mackinac Island.  Historical interpreters representing voyageurs, British soldiers, and French-Canadian merchant families are stationed throughout the fort to answer questions and perform demonstrations.  All the buildings have exhibits or interpreters inside.  It was very interesting and well done.  And once again I am aware that I am traveling in the wrong direction according to history.  I find myself ending up in a period prior to the one I was just in, which makes keeping things in perspective a little challenging for us non-history buffs.


To get to Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse was a walk along the lakeshore through Michilimackinac State Park, a lovely walk. So much so, I took the time to sit on a bench and just enjoy the day.


The lake was beautiful, with a nice view of the bridge.

The Lighthouse has been helping passing ships navigate the Straits of Mackinac since 1889.  The Keepers' Quarters contain 3 rooms restored to their 1910 appearance, a gallery exhibit on the history of the lighthouse, the original lens, and more to see.

Again, interesting and worth the stop.

OK, lunchtime (past) so I stopped at a restaurant for some Whitefish and found Custard pie!  Yum.

So far day 2 is a thunderstorm/do your chores day.  Maybe more sightseeing tomorrow .....