River Raisin is a National Battlefield Park, commemorating the War of 1812 battles of Frenchtown on the Raisin River, January 18 and 22, 1813. It was a big defeat with especially heavy casualties for the US, mostly Kentuckians. The United States pursued a land war here because British ships ruled Lake Erie to supply their troops, militia, and native allies. You can walk around the grounds; there are plaques explaining the battles and what happened. And there are exhibits in the visitor's center.
No trip to Michigan would be complete without a stop in Dearborn, and of course, I had to find some stuff to see along the way.
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| I found this really great bridge |
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| The Uniroyal Giant Tire was created by the United States Rubber Company for the 1964 New York World's Fair, where it functioned as a Ferris wheel. Since 1966 it has served as a static display in Allen Park, Michigan |
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| I drove by the Michigan International Speedway, but it was closed |
The tour starts with two very different films, the first about Henry Ford and his vision, the second is a lazer-type show about development and production. The actual factory tour includes six observation platforms along the catwalk, where you can watch the vehicles being assembled. OMG mind-numbing work! I was surprised there were no robots doing the work except the windshields, as I had heard Ford used them and I was excited to see them, but all this work was performed by men and women screwing in the same nuts as the frames moved down a conveyor belt. When I inquired about the boredom, I was told that the workers are in "pods" of 10 and every day the employees decided what job each will do in their given department, so they do get to switch it up a little if they choose to do so, but still ....
I was very surprised to learn how much of the vehicle is glued in place before nuts and bolts are applied. Also, no safety gear is required for the employees except glasses, which most of them weren't wearing. It was loud, but ear protection was not required and if they were using headphones or earbuds, they had to have one ear uncovered all the time. Also, any clothes, including shoes, were allowed. No steel toes required.
The roof of the plant was interesting. It is a living roof. Also, those greenhouse-looking structures are actually sunroofs to provide natural light for the factory. Ford recycles and uses solar as well; all water going to the river is "cleaned", even the rainwater runoff from the roof, and they have 1500 trees to help clear the air from the exhaust. The last part of the tour is a nature walk through the trees.
I left Detroit at 4pm and was very glad I was traveling the direction I was on Hwy 94 because it was a solid line of cars for miles and miles; you couldn't see the end, traveling the other way.
As I think I mentioned before, Michigan was a different camping experience for me. Because of the heat and HUMIDITY, I stayed in State Parks for electricity to run my A/C, instead of boondocking as I normally do. Michigan State Parks are different from most state parks, as they "group camp" rather than provide separate secluded sites for campers. A new experience is always nice.
The roads are no better/no worse than other states. I think the entire county needs to revisit their transportation systems. As usual, it is the construction season here, as everywhere in summer.
I head back to Ontario later this week. I'm looking forward to my ferry crossing, Toronto, Niagara Falls, and meeting new friends. I'm even going to try some of their "plant-based" meat they are so proud of. I'll let you know if it really tastes like meat.
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