The weather cooperated, and we got underway early in the morning in order to make it to Chicago. We had a beautiful day to cruise.
This looks like a circus in the middle of the lake.Hazy day picture of Navy Pier
We planned to anchor on the north side of Navy Pier, but first went to the south side to the free pump out station. It was Sunday afternoon and that harbor was hoppin with boaters.
We saw Buckingham Fountain from the water.
After checking on a southside option to anchor we decided to go with our original plan to anchor in the Play Pen.
When we arrived. Around 7pm, there must have been 50 to 75 boats anchored in this huge area. We very quickly learned how it got its name. This is party central. There was an average of 18 people on each boat. The music was thumping, people were floating everywhere, much alcohol was being consumed, and you never have seen so many selfies being taken. Girls in bikinis getting their photo taken. Groups laying on the bow trying to get a selfie. It was actually entertaining…..for about an hour.
Boats rafted together having a good ol’ time.
We were approached by a couple on a Sea Doo. They pined over our boat and dream of doing the Loop. They pulled up and we chatted a bit answering their questions.
He then gave us an architectural history lesson. The two building in front of us were the first two buildings built by Ludwid Mies van der Rohe that did not have the typical foundation. He referred to this style as “skin and bone” The central cement structure supported the I-beams that were the frame that glass was attached to. These were the first building with the all glass look to them. The first two he built had clear glass. The second two he used tinted glass. He also pointed out another building that has no I-Beams in it. It is all built with cement and re-rod. It always amazes me what and how we learn things along the way.
View from out boatLudwig Mies van der Rohe’s firs skin and bones building. Note all the white in the windows. He used clear glass so the tenants need to use shades to block the sun.Second set of Skin and Bones building with tinted glass.e This zig-zag patterned building is the one with no re-bar.
There was already a steady stream of boat leaving when we arrived. As soon as the sun set, there was a mass exodus. By dark there were only about 5 boats left and by morning there were only two of us left. It was a Mainship like ours and they were loopers.
So pretty at night.Our view leaving Playpen the next morningEnd of Navy PierFirst building as we entered the city.Scott started dreaming about driving these beauties.
We went through the Chicago Lock together. They are Bob and Natalie on their boat “Bob ‘N Along” Great Name and great people. Funny story about them. They had just crossed Lake Michigan before anchoring in the Play Pen. A day before, our friends Chris and Nelson called us asking if we were anchored in front of their house on Spring Lake. Which of course we were not. But in talking with Bob and Natalie we found out it was them who were anchored there. What a small world.
The trip through Chicago was once again magnificent. We were fortunate to have the sun glinting off the buildings making us feel like we were in Oz.
Stunning silver building.Makes me think of the seventies.Old Architecture. Love this old style.What the heck is that?Uniquely shaped building.
Not only were the buildings interesting, I was enthralled with the structure of the bridge towers. Check out how cool they are and note they are all different.
Travel by riverTravel by footTravel by car. Oh wait that’s a building. 😉Our Buddies, Bob ‘N Along with the Sear’s Tower behind them.
8-23-18 8-25-18 Milwaukee, CT Scan, and The Boat Lovin Bung Queen
This is the Water Filtrations Plant we drove by on our way to Milwaukee.Entering the harbor we found this unusual actetecture. It is the Art museum. This photo the wings are closed. Check out the next photo.Art museum with wings open. They open and close with the wind. The building is a piece of art in itself.
My CT Scan was scheduled for the 25th, however the weather was going to foul for the next couple of days once again forcing us into another marina. McKinley Marina in Milwaukee is huge! There are three or more separate driveways to get to parts of the marina. Before going into the marina, we explored extensively for a safe anchorage. There just wasn’t one. Ugh! We were glad we were in the marina because on the 24th there were 8 to 11-foot seas. She was a blowin.
Your probably sick of seeing Lighthouse on my blog. There is just something about them that commands you take photos of them.
I called the hospital and fortunately was able to move up my CT to Friday. By the way this is just a routine CT Scan, nothing is wrong. Just follow-up on my cancer. We took Uber to the Hospital then were picked up by my sister, who happened to be in town for an appointment of her own.
After lunch at a coffee shop, we went exploring. I had been riding my bike the night before and saw this magnificent tower. It was very ornate, and I was sure there had to be a beautiful church to go with it. We found it, but it wasn’t what we thought.
Magnificent tower
The tower covers a vertical pipe, that was designed to absorb the pulsing in the waterline from the steam powered reciprocating pumps. Much like the small water hammer arresters seen in today’s home to prevent the pipes from knocking. (Yes, Scott had to help me describe this) Although the tower is decorative, it also kept it from freezing. Such a beautiful structure for such a mundane purpose. The other interesting thing about it, is the city built a roundabout around it. We had to cross that traffic to go see it. It is designated as a historic site and work has and continues to be done to restore it.
Old North Point Water Tower History plaque
Terrie then took us to grocery store. We took advantage of having a car and stocked up on all the bulky stuff. Thanks sis.
By the time we unloaded we had to leave to go on our tour at Lakefront Brewery.
Terrie Barry, Scott and Karen in front of Lakefront BreweryWhen Lakefront Brewery started they had 3 brew kettles. In order to keep them straight they named them Larry, Mo and Curley. At the last expansion of the Brewery they took the tops of the three kettles and had them painted as the three stooges.
We met Terrie’s husband Barry, and their son Zach and girlfriend Elizabeth. Fun group of people. The tour was like no other. Our tour guide “Battle” his last name, is one of the brewers there. Not only does he concoct great beer he is one of the funniest guys you have met. He was extremely entertaining while giving the tour.
Battle our tour guide. The picture says it all.
The tour included 4 tokens which can be traded for a glass of beer. Beer doesn’t agree with me so I hemmed and hawed at the bar what to do. The bartender asked what kinds of beer I liked. I said “The white wine kind” Without missing a beat, he said two tokens and reach into a cooler behind him and poured me a glass of wine. He may have rolled his eye in fun at me. I liked his attitude.
Halfway through the tour they had a station with two types of beer to get a refill. The tour guide challenged the crown of about 30 people to a $20 tip and he would do the splits. He got his 20 bucks and we got a show. At the area where they filled the barrels is when all the fun began….that is for me. Unknown to me Terrie charged ahead and slipped “Battle” a $20 so that I would be chosen as the Bung Queen. The bung is the wooden plug that is hammered into the barrel to seal it off. He usually chooses someone who is celebrating something like a birthday, but 20 bucks will buy you the throne.
I was promptly brought to the front of my “subjects” Battle dubbed me the Bung Queen. The whole crowd yelled Das Queen, Das Queen, Das Queen. He then asked me what I was celebrating. I said “Living on a boat” He said that was one of his top three answer to that question. Oh my! One of my finer moments in life. I walked away with a new title, a wooden bung and two extra tokens for my embarrassment. If you are ever in Milwaukee, go on this tour! Buy your tickets online if you are going during a Friday or Saturday.
Lakefront does a great Friday night fish fry. Of course they do….it’s Wisconsin. But not many fish fries have their own polka band playing.
Of course they were on break.
Scott’s Aunt Janis arrived just in time for dinner. We sat out on the patio along the river waiting for a table.
Chalk art in front of the bar out on the deck.
That is where I ran into Battle. I had my bung in my pocket. I promptly took it out and placed it on my head. He laughed and took it from me. He proceeded to sign it and wrote “To the boat loving bung queen” on the top. I have a very special memento from the evening.
By precious bung!
After dinner, Terrie and I were going to polka, but the band was on break. They had many people waiting for a table and we didn’t want to hold it up. Who needs music….We went and polkaed on the empty dance floor to no music. Sisters…..
Scott and I took Zach and Elizabeth and Janis for a boat tour as they had not seen our boat yet. We all ended up at my Niece Laurens house. Her daughter Audie was still awake so we got to get a quick kiss before she went off to bed. Sweet child. Back to the boat. Phew that was a busy day.
We thought we might have a chance to see our Son-in-Law Marcelo’s family, but they were not going to make it due to school orientation for his brother.
The winds calmed down, but we did not know if the lake had calmed down after huge waves the day before. We were going to give it a try and if it was too bad we would go check out “Fair Weather Gap” on the Southside of Milwaukee and try to anchor.
Milwaukee skyline. Holy moley there are a lot of boats here
It didn’t take us long to figure out we were not going to travel. Once inside the break wall the water was calm, so we anchored in hopes of a calmer water the next day. The lake is giving us fits. There is going to be another blow with storms lasting several days. If financially we could just sit in a marina, we would be fine, but that isn’t the case, so we are taking a long 10 hour day to Chicago where we can get on the rivers and not be as concerned with big waves when it blows. Rivers …here we come.
We had a rough but short trip from Two Rivers to Manitowoc.
Found this beauty to pine over.The badger car ferry.
This was the first time we ran into other Loopers. Francesca, Selah, and Sea Tiger. We went to the Maritime Museum in Manitowoc with Kay and Keith from Sea Tiger. It is supposed to be the best around. We rank it in our top 3 but not hands down the best. What they did have, was the Cobia submarine. Manitowoc built submarines during WWII. The Cobia is unique because she is in her original state. The tour was well done by an informative docent.
The submarine CobiaUs on the deck of the Cobia. Fun fact all surfaces that face up are painted black so they can’t be seen from the air.Lots of dials and switches all over this boatPin ups, of courseTorpedo Tubes. Someone is working hard on keeping the brass polishedlook closely, yes that is a broom held high. Subs would do that to indicate they just had a clean sweep in battle.This is a model of the Coast Guard boat Scott served on.Each submarine has their own mascot. I really liked this one.
Although it was all interesting, I think I am “Maritime Museumed Out”
Being in the marina, I should have caught up on my blog, but I was unmotivated. I am regretting that now as I try to get caught up.
Of course, where there are Loopers, there are Docktails. We love getting to know other boaters. We even had a few local boaters join us for a while. One guy was interested in doing The Loop so he paid particular attention to our conversations. We also took advantage of his local knowledge. We all were leaving in the morning because of the prediction of calmer seas. We were all heading to Port Washington. He made a call to a friend who lives there to ask about possible anchorages. She stated there is no safe anchorage, plan on the marina.
We all headed in that direction at different times. There were many boats traveling, which caused slight concern about room in the marina, but we were also still thinking we could anchor only because the winds were out of the west. We pulled in, anchored in the harbor and had a great night in the harbor that has no safe anchorage. We rock at anchoring!
Last Call anchored where no anchorage was suppose to exist.Boat being towed in after a patient was taken and brought to an ambulance on shore at high speed. Hope they are ok.Ugly lighthouse with great potential of being cool.We walked into town and found an old fashioned soda fountain. But with a name like that shouldn’t they sell beer?We shared a sundae…..I can’t figure out why I am gaining weight. 😉Wow. Now that is a nice fish. I think they said it weighed 35 pounds.Fish on the dock. You can see how big the top one is. It is huge.
8-17-18 8-19-18 Ice Age Trail, Two River and Family
When we left Horseshoe Island, we anchored in a place where we were set up to get out on the big lake the next day. Scott stumbled on the fact that there was the end of the Ice Age Trail just off our stern. This is a thousand-mile trail starting near Minneapolis and ending in Sturgeon by right by our anchorage. It is a National Scenic Trail. Luckily there was a boat ramp close by. We enjoyed the hike on the trail. It was so beautiful.
Ice Age Trail map
Along the trail which went along the water, the cedar trees grew some crazy roots to stay upright in the rocky land.Trees are suspended over an opening in the rockCheck out this Green rock. A very fine moss has grown over it. It is so tiny that it just looks like a green rock.Hole in rock out to the water
We had a weather break, so we made a run out on Lake Michigan to Two Rivers. They have a brand-new wall with a pump out, power and water—all free. This is unheard of. We no sooner got docked, when the “self-acclaimed harbor host” showed up to welcome us to town. He gave us a key to the showers. He did warn us that if the winds switched to out of the south, there will be a surge on the wall.
Entering Two Rivers
We had been in touch with family and they got there shortly after we docked. Scott’s family, Sharon, Jean, John, Dennis and Sherri arrived. Jean brought us fresh produce from her garden. What a treat! Boat tours were given then we visited on the upper deck. We took them for a boat ride, then out to dinner. It was so great to see them all. Glad we could share a tiny piece of our trip with them.
Last Call at Two RiversAunt Sherry, Uncle Dennis and Scott on the dock.
Once back on the boat Tom Satran, a high school friend stopped by. He lives close. Another high school friend contacted us to possibly meet up, but that didn’t happen. It’s amazing how many old friends we have encountered on this trip.
By morning, the winds were out of the south and the Harbor Host wasn’t kidding. We were getting bounced around due to the surge on the wall. All good things must come to an end. We had hoped to stay on the free wall during the next blow but no such luck. We took the short but rough trip to Manitowoc Municipal Marina.
It was time for a Marina Day aka, pump out, laundry shopping etc. We went to Center Point Marina in Sturgeon Bay. This is the nicest Marina we have ever been in. The staff was friendly, and helpful and they knew what they were doing when it came to docking. One gal even knew to spring a line forward to stop the wind from blowing us back. The facilities were clean! They had a lovely pool.
Center Point MarinaBalcony overlooking the poolNice big pool with plenty of seating.
One of the girls in the office gave us a ride to the store. She gave us her cell number to text when we were ready to get picked up. On the way back to the Marina she admitted she was happy to have a break from scrubbing grout in the bathrooms with bleach. I asked how it was working, to which she replied not so hot. I told her to try toilet bowl cleaner. Later that day while we were lounging in the pool, she came by. She was amazed at how much better it worked.
This marina has an upper lounge level with comfortable seating, a kitchen the fastest internet I have encountered at a marina. Other than our home marina, this is the first one that we found had a kitchen. We took advantage of it by cooking our Greek Pizza in the oven, so we didn’t heat up the boat with our oven. Lovely place but not in the budget to stay any longer. It did feel good to be grounded for a few days.
The weather has been baffling us. The predictions of multiple sources said winds were supposed to be out of the south, so we planned for that. Once we got out there the winds were clearly out of the North. How can they all have it so wrong. Plan B to find protection. Back to the north end of Washington Island at Horseshoe Island. Luckily a few boats were leaving as we arrived which gave us room to comfortably anchor in the front and tie to trees in the stern. (aka Mediterranean Mooring) We hadn’t done it since last year, but it was like riding a bike.
Once settled our sailboat neighbors, Marlin and Lynn were in their dinghy and came by.
Marlin and Lynn’s sailboat Soy Amada
They complimented us on our anchoring. They anchor a lot. We even taught them a trick by having the line to the shore long enough to loop back to the boat so when it is time to leave we just pull it through. No dropping the dinghy etc. They provided us with dinner and we cooked it and had a lovely evening. Who says you can’t make friends at anchor?
This beautiful Looper Boat was anchored with us. WE met them briefly on the trail but didn’t have cards to exchange. I am sure we will catch up with them so I can give them this photo.
The next day we dropped the dinghy and braved the 5-mile trip to Sister Bay. It is a lovely little northern town with one very unique place. Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. It is a large restaurant with lots of roof. So why not cover it with grass and put goats up there to keep it mowed. Sure enough, there they were goats on the roof. I was enthralled. It was close to lunch and the line was very long so we didn’t eat there.
We needed some exercise, so we walked the town. When we left in the morning our neighbors asked if we see a store would we pick them up a box of wine. Up the hill we went to find the grocery store, but we had a motive also to go. It was National Rum Day and we needed Rum! What was the urgency? One year ago, we crossed our wake (Finished our Great Loop Trip.) It was a big accomplishment and somehow, we felt we needed to celebrate with Rum the same way we did a year earlier.
National Rum and Brat Day. Best Day ever.
When we got back to the boat we went ashore and walked the path all the way around the island. From the water it looks heavily wooded, but once you get to the interior the canopy blocks the light so there was no undergrowth.
This big doe came out of the woods right behind our boat. She was eating seaweed.
The trail was well traveled and easy to follow. Back to the boat and a nice swim. There were many people bobbing around on floaty things in the harbor. We even saw the cutest Golden Retriever who had her own floaty and she got on and off it and swam around or lounged just like her owners. I tried to get a photo, but it didn’t turn out ☹
lots of people floating, enjoying the calm bay
Our new friends came over after dinner. We had to share some rum with them. After all it is National Rum Day AND National Brat Day. Best day ever. Marlin brought his computer to share a photo he had taken of our boats from his drone. Luckily the night before the light was hitting their boat just right so I had photos of their boat to share as well.
Photo Marlin Took with his drone.
Once again, the weather was chasing us around. It was getting irritating. Couldn’t it just be calm or have the winds in our favor for more than one day. Because of this it pushed us back to Sturgeon Bay. We missed Fish Creek and the famous fish boil. Oh well, next time. This is what happens when you have a schedule. I was scheduled in Milwaukee for a routine CT Scan. Onward….
Oh, one last note about the goats. On our way back through town it was getting warm. There was a man on the roof herding the goats into their shelter, so they didn’t get too hot. I was happy to see this.
Yes that is what the sign said and exactly how it was spelled as we entered Lehman Camp.
We met Kevin and Kathleen who were gracious hosts, especially seeing they had never met us before. Kevin showed us around. The first thing we saw was a very lovely old barn covered with vines. He said it is not uncommon for them to come home to multiple people sitting in front of the barn with their easels set up painting this beautiful barn. I can see why. I was enthralled with it myself. He told us they held their wedding reception in this barn many years ago.
What a beautiful barn.
We saw a few of the cabins. They are rustic. No plumbing, but most had comfortable looking bedding. The Lehman family has owned property for many years on the water of the east side of Washington Island. Lehman Camp was a Girls Dance Camp in the early 1900s. Several of the cabins still are standing. The family is trying to repair and preserve them the best they can.
Cabin with a new roof.My favorite cabin … see next picture for a closer look.Yup it is where they shoot the clay pigeons from for trap shooting.
The beach is all rock like most in this area. The water was crystal clear. It was an easy walk to get there. Just lovely. I bet sleeping there is wonderful with the sound of the surf hitting the rocks.
Beach at Lehman Camp
The house is unique with mostly beds lined up for sleeping many people in one area and seating in another. It has a modern kitchen and bathroom, but outside next to the deck is a not so modern wood fired hot tub. Love it.
Inside Lehman Camp house these stairs were painted by the Grandmother which depict all the places she has lived. I hope they never get painted over.Wood fired hot tub
Kevin and Kathleen let us take the Jeep back to the Harbor where they will pick it up in the morning. No worries about it getting stolen, because it is an island with no bridge. Where would they go.
We had a lovely visit to Washington Island and met some wonderful folks. Thank you Lehman Family for sharing your little piece of heaven with us.
Washington Island is at the northern tip of the Door Peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan.
Huge propeller at the Visitor Center on Washington Island.
The first night we were there we anchored in Nicolet Bay on the north end of the island. It is a popular place especially on the weekend, but we found a spot to drop the hook. The paddle boards were used to go to shore. I was a little chicken to stand up, because of all the wakes from boats. But I did it and never fell off. I must be getting better. At the end of the bay is the unique Schoolhouse Beach Park Beach.
The beach is covered with white, smooth sandstones similar in size and color.
Rock beach at Schoolhouse Beach
The beach, however, has a problem. For years people have been enamored with these smooth stones and have been taking them home. This unique beach is disappearing stone by stone. There is now a $250 fine for taking stones from the beach. A sign was posted showing where the rocks used to come to on the shore. The beach is half its original size now.
$250 fine for removing a stone.View from beach
We walked up to the top of the road. There stood St. Michael’s Chapel.
St. Michael’s Chapel
It was once a store, but a friend’s grandmother purchased it. Seeing there were no Catholic Churches on the Island, she arranged to have an appropriate altar sent up from Chicago, so they could have Catholic Mass there. A traveling priest came to say mass there on regular basis. The family told us, that the building has been sold. The altar has been sent back to Chicago. A Lutheran church allows the saying of a Catholic mass at alternate times in their church .
The friend who has a place on the Island, arranged to have his sister and Brother-in-Law bring us a Jeep to use to sightsee on the Island. There is quite a bit to see, but it is not conducive to bike-riding. They met us at the post office gave us the Jeep and told us we will likely get some 2-finger waves. It’s not the “Jeep Wave” but close. It is the island wave. It was a warm day and the older jeep with top off and windows opened was the perfect transportation.
The Island Stavkirke (church) was an interesting stop.
Stavkirke
It was built in 1991 patterned from an ancient style of church build in Borgun, Norway in 1150AD. This construction was common in Norway during medieval times. The church is a tribute to the Island’s Scandinavian Heritage. It is a place for spiritual meditation and worship.
Front entranceLook at the craftsmanship
Me signing the prayer book at the altar.
Next to the church is a Prayer Path. The entrance has walking stick for anyone to use. Both the church and the path had a very spiritual feel to them. You somehow feel closer to God there. I was moved.
Entrance to the Prayer path
On down the road we came upon a Lavender Farm. Not something you see every day. The rows of purple fragrant flowers were ready to be picked and made into one of the many things they had for sale in their gift shop. Touristy, but neat to see row after row of flowers.
Rows of Ripe Lavender
Mountain Park and lookout are exactly what it sounds like…. Lots of steps uphill! The exercise felt wonderful and we were blessed with beautiful woods on the way up and a spectacular view once on top of the Lookout.
Scenery along the Mountain Park pathWe made it to the top. Whoo Hoo
Siever’s School of Fiber Arts is where you want to go if you are into any fiber, cloth for quilting, many yarns for knitting, and crocheting. They teach classes and have retreats both instructed and non-instructed to do your own thing. They have cabins for you to stay in.
Fiber Art School
We then proceed to the northwest tip of the island where there was a log cabin build by Mr. Jacboson There were exhibits of things from the area, like the rudder off a shipwreck, a rock crusher and a stone wagon that was used to build Mr. Thordeson’s stone boat house. On top of a small hill stands another tiny log cabin. It is the historical museum. For such a tiny place, it was packed with all kinds of historical artifacts, from Indian arrowheads and clothing to, unique stones from the area, and more modern items. It is one of those places you can walk through many times and not see it all.
Jacobsens CabinScott Meditating at the LakeThis was the tiniest little creature. I think it is a newt.Rock Crusher. Looks like it would still work todayFound the beauty on the way. Someone should buy her.
We needed to get the Jeep back as Kevin and Kathleen were leaving the next day. They invited us to their place Lehman Camp. That’s a whole other story. Watch for my next blog “Tresspassers Will Be Violated”
We anchored in Washington Bay off Washington Island. It was a five-mile dinghy ride to Rock Island. A bit of a bumpy ride but worth the trip. This island is known for its magnificent stone boat house that was built around 1920 by Chester Thordarson. He gained considerable wealth when he invented the transformers that allowed high voltage electricity to be transmitted over long distances.
His family move to the US from Iceland when he was a child. You will notice the icelandic influence in the Viking Hall Boat House.
He bought all 750 acres of Rock Island and worked to make it his summer estate. One of the structures is the Grand Viking Hall Boathouse. When we approached the island, the boathouse stood boldly on the shore.
Grand Viking Hall Boathouse
We could see the openings for boats and joked about parking inside. Much to our surprise, there were other boats parked inside already. In we go with our dinghy. What a thrill to park inside the majestic structure. We went immediately to the Ranger to ask if it was okay to park in there and to see if we owed anything. He said you can park inside for free because there are swallows in there that might poop on your boat. You can tie up to the wall outside for a fee. We stayed in the boathouse. It wouldn’t be the first time our dinghy has been pooped on.
There is a grand hall above the boathouse that was Thordardson’s library and meeting place.
Inside the Grand Hall above the boat house.Impressive stone work. These look like the stones that were on School House Rock Beach.Thordarson commissioned an Icelandic woodcarver to make this furniture with intricate carvings.The back of each chair had a nordic mythical character and their name carved on it.More of the collection. Thordarson sold off this furniture piece by piece in the 1960s. These pieces have been donated back to the property. Glad we got to see them.
He also had an impressive book collection which was worth 13.9 Million dollars in 2017. In his will he left it to University of Wisconsin.
There was a model of a magnificent home that was planned to be built. It is unknown why it was never built.
The house that was never built.
Outside there is a pavilion with a Japanese flair to it. Mr. Thordarson had built a beautiful Japanese garden. After Pearl Harbor he had it all ripped out. The pavilion still stands but is fenced off.
Japanese PavilionThis green clay roof caught my eye. The island is a State Park with camping. This building is a shelter in case of bad weather
We walked the trail to the north tip of the island where The Pottawatomie Lighthouse stands.
The Gateway To The North….. Nordic Style
This lighthouse was lit in 1836 and is the oldest light station in Wisconsin and on Lake Michigan.
Pottawatomie LighthouseThis is the modern light tower that replaced the lighthouse. Love the giant spider that photobombed this pic.The garden at the Lighthouse. Innovative and artistic fence.Karen climbing into the chamber that holds the fresnel lens of the lighthouse.This oven is original. The story is that the wife of the lighthouse keeper had a premature baby. They kept it warm in the little doors above the oven.What a nifty way to have a library. They would take these cases to trade with other stations so the keepers and their families had new books to read.Our docent showed us the inside of the library.
There are groups of people that volunteer to stay at the lighthouse for 1.5 weeks to give historical tours. They sleep in the house but must use the outhouse. Water is produced from a well that operated by solar power. Essentially camping in a lighthouse. Fun.
Back to the dinghy…….yeah! no bird poop. It was worth the risk.
Nelson’s Hall, Bitters Pub and Restaurant is the oldest continuously run tavern in the state due to the intake of Angustora Bitters.
Here’s the story we heard. Tom Nelson opened this bar and was doing well with a thriving business. Then came along prohibition. Instead of closing his doors, he got his pharmacy license. Bitters was a treatment for stomach ailments. There must have been a large population with undiagnosed stomach problem because he was selling amore bitters than ever.
A prohibition office challenged him in court stating that he was illegally selling alcohol. Mr. Nelson brought a bottle of Angustora Bitters and a shot glass with him to court. He politely poured a shot for the judge. The judge took his shot like a man. Slammed his gavel down on the bench and said, “Not Guilty.” Anyone who wants to drink that stuff, go right ahead. Nelson’s continued to serve Bitters all through prohibition. When alcohol was allowed again, people still came to get a shot of Bitters. This started the “Bitters Club.”
To become part of the club you drink a shot of bitters. It was recommended to us to have a Pilsner beer as a chaser. Once this is accomplished, the bartender sticks his thumb in the left overs in the bottom of the glass and puts his seal on the signed member card. Then and only then can you sign the official book. When in Rome…..we joined the Bitters Club. 10,000 people a year join the bitters club. The bitters was not as bad as I thought. It tasted more like strong cough syrup. Strong is right it is 90 proof.
Ready….Set….Go!
Membership: we are now officially “considered a full-fledged Island and entitle to mingle, dance, etc. with all the other Islanders.” It says so right on our cards.
These are official. See the thumb print!
Nelsons is the largest purveyor of Angostura Bitters in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The current owner of Nelsons, Robin Ditello, states that Mr. Nelson drank a pint of Bitters a day, that’s 16 shots.” He lived until he was 90. Who can argue that it was wrong. Nelsen’s spirit is supposedly still in the hall. Doors shut when they shouldn’t, and footsteps are heard when no one is there.
Oh boy! We must be getting old. We split a lunch.;)
The whole thing is a bit silly, but the story is so good we just had to embrace it.
Thanks for reading. Drop us a line we love hearing from you.
We yearned to go explore these caves.How did he get here?The bell rang with the waves. It gave us a true sense of cruising.
Fayette is the locations of an extremely well restored and preserved Iron Ore smelting town. Yes, much of it still stands as it did back in the mid-1800s. It is amazing how many of the original structures were still intact. The Iron ore smelting furnaces are huge and stand majestically on shore as we pulled into port.
Blast furnace. Majestically still standing today.The town from the water
The white cliffs we saw upon entering the port were beautiful. It was the source of stone for buildings as well as the raw material in the smelting process. Fun fact; Iron ore was put into a blast furnace along with charcoal and limestone. The limestone bonded with the impurities of the rock which then floated to the top to be removed as slag, the waste product of smelting. The iron is then poured into ingots called pigs.
Cliffs as we entered Fayette Harborthere were still a few “Pigs” left in the blast furnace building. They are really heavy!
The term “pig iron” dates back to the time when hot metal was cast into ingots before being charged to the steel plant. The moulds were laid out in sand beds such that they could be fed from a common runner. The group of moulds resembled a litter of sucking pigs, the ingots being called “pigs” and the runner the “sow.” www.metalic.org
We also saw a very unique round brick charcoal kiln. There were 80 charcoal kilns in the area to keep up with the demand of heating the iron ore in the smelting process.
Charcoal KilnInside the Charcoal Kiln
We found some trails that went along the cliff still has the drill marks from quarrying the stone.
Beautiful wilderness trail
We could only imagine…. The town started with quarry men, masons and lumbermen to build this large facility, offices and homes. Then it went to work. The plant only operated from 1867 to 1890. Only 23 years. It is reported that 230,000 tons of iron were produced at this plant. The work was sporadic due highs and lows in the demand of iron. It closed because it was no longer a cost-effective way to produce iron. When the work men left, some residence stayed on as farmers and fishermen. It was also a resort town for a while. By 1950 the State of Michigan was granted the property. They are keeping up the buildings in their original state as much possible and are doing a wonderful job.
This area had the healthiest and largest Birch trees we have ever seen.Lime KilnBlacksmith shopRuins of the 3-story Company StoreInside the company Store RuinsWear and tear on the stones over the years, but still strong.Nails in door. Looks neat but I’m sure it was to make a stronger doorNo it is not an optical illusion. This building is angled not square. For the life of us we could not figure out why.
