We hadn’t originally intended to have extra time in St. Ignace, but a small schedule change allowed us a chance to visit Mackinac Island before heading just an hour up the road to Sault Ste. Marie. We made the best of the opportunity by booking a ferry trip to the island, exploring Fort Mackinac and visiting the Grand Hotel.
Mackinac Island, MichiganMackinac Island, MichiganMackinac Island, MichiganMaking Fudge at Murdicks Original Fudge Company on Mackinac Island, MichiganMaking Fudge at Murdicks Original Fudge Company on Mackinac Island, Michigan
The town is extremely touristy, but it is quite picturesque and there are plenty of people watching opportunities. Getting to the fort requires a bit of a climb, but once there the views were worth it and it was quite interesting.
Mackinac Island, MichiganMackinac Island, MichiganMackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganRifle demonstration at Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe Little Stone Church on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, MichiganFort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, Michigan
We retreated to the Pink Pony restaurant for lunch and to cool off. We had been debating whether to walk over to the Grand Hotel and had almost decided not to. But our helpful waiter asked us if we had been, then proceeded to convince us that we should make the effort. Then he told us about the “Secret Garden” that offers beautiful flowers and a nice view of the house. It wasn’t completely secret, but there were way fewer people there than there were up at the house.
The ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe ‘Secret Garden’ at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan
We didn’t take the time or spend the money to go inside the house, but we did enjoy the classic views from outside. And I found the official Picture Spot so I could be sure to properly document our visit!
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganThe Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganMackinac Island, MichiganThe Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MichiganFerry from Mackinac Island to St. Ignace, Michigan
After our time in St. Clair, we made our way toward the Upper Peninsula, stopping for a night in St. Ignace. We learned the correct pronunciation – IGness, not igNACE – and managed to get it right and not embarrass ourselves. 😉
St. Ignace Marina in St. Ignace, MichiganSt. Ignace Marina in St. Ignace, MichiganSt. Ignace Marina in St. Ignace, MichiganSt. Ignace Marina in St. Ignace, MichiganWawatam Lighthouse in St. Ignace, Michigan
We were only there for a few hours, but managed to get a few photos of the marina and the lighthouse.
Breakfast Pasty at Bentleys Cafe in St. Ignace, Michigan
We learned on a previous visit that when visiting the U.P. having a Pasty is kind of a requirement. I managed to have a Breakfast Pasty at Bentley’s Cafe.
St. Ignace Marina in St. Ignace, MichiganBayside Inn in St. Ignace, MichiganSt. Ignace, Michigan
I realized a few weeks ago that I had not completed editing and processing my photos from our trip to Michigan in July. I finished them up a few days ago and have posted a gallery on my Adobe Portfolio page.
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse seen during our cruise on the St. Clair River aboard Huron Lady II Cruises in Port Huron, MichiganBlowing in the Breeze. Fort Gratiot Lighthouse in Port Huron, Michigan
We spent a few days in the Port Huron area, staying a bit south in the town of St. Clair. It was our first time in that area, and gave a chance to catch up with Mark Graf that I posted about earlier. While in St. Clair we managed to spend some time in Port Huron, exploring the town, taking a boat cruise on the St. Clair River and visiting the Thomas Edison Depot Museum.
Readers of an Edison biography might remember that Thomas Edison lived in Port Huron during his early years, and as a 12 year old got his entrepreneurial start selling newspapers and confections on the train from Grand Trunk to Detroit. The railroad depot in Port Huron houses the Thomas Edison Depot Museum.
Thomas Edison Depot Museum in Port Huron, MichiganThomas Edison Depot Museum in Port Huron, MichiganThomas Edison Depot Museum in Port Huron, MichiganThomas Edison Depot Museum in Port Huron, Michigan
An interesting thing about the St. Clair River is that it marks the boundary between the United States and Canada. We realized that when we were looking across the river we were looking at Canada! And our phones would occasionally welcome us to Canada also! 😉
Cruise on the St. Clair River aboard Huron Lady II Cruises in Port Huron, MichiganThe Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River connects the US and Canada in Port Huron, MichiganThe Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River connects the US and Canada in Port Huron, Michigan
As it happened, we were in Port Huron during the lead up to the annual Blue Water Festival, so things were starting to get a bit busy. We managed to get in and out of town during the day and before the start of festivities without a lot of traffic issues, although a boat parade on one of the evenings would have been fun to see.
Overall Port Huron is a nice town on the water with plenty of things to see and do.
Freighter headed up river toward Detroit in Port Huron, MichiganRetired lightship ‘Huron’ seen during our cruise on the St. Clair River aboard Huron Lady II Cruises in Port Huron, Michigan
Ramp leading to the Generations Lounge at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
I’ll be posting things in random order just because I am randomly processing photos!
An old column still is the centerpiece of Generations Lounge at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
On our way back from Bardstown, KY we stopped by Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg. They recently opened a new visitor center that I wanted to see, and of course their bourbon is pretty tasty. Wild Turkey is the name of the distillery and their flagship product, but the good stuff is called Russell’s Reserve, named for the three generations of the Russell family who have been making fine bourbon since 1954. In fact, the Wild Turkey distillery traces its roots all the way back to 1855.
Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
We booked late, too late to get a tour of the facility, but not too late to have a tasting. Perhaps the next time we’ll have a little more notice and get to complete the tour. In the mean time we got to enjoy some refreshments and lunch in the Generations Lounge.
Generations Lounge at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KentuckyWild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KentuckyFeeling thirsty. Generations Lounge at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KentuckyGenerations Lounge at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KentuckyWild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KentuckyWild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, KentuckyWild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
A Humorous Way to Convey A Serious Message. Black Sand Basin Yellowstone National Park.
I’ve finally finished sorting and processing my photos from our Yellowstone & Grand Teton trip in May. They can be found at my Adobe Portfolio site, along with photos from many of our past adventures.
Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
One of the most popular spots in Yellowstone National Park is the Midway Geyser Basin. It is so popular that if you arrive after about 10:00 (earlier in the summer!) you could wait for hours just to get a place to park.
Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkGrand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkGrand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkGrand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkGrand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkGrand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
With that in mind, Kathy and I decided to make a non-peak visit to the basin, early (-ish) one morning (my first photo was taken just before 8:00. Unfortunately that meant that instead of dealing with bunches of crowds, we ended up dealing with bunches of steam. As it works, the bigger the difference between the air temperature and the springs, the more chance for steam and fog.
Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkGrand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkGrand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
We knew this going in and decided that seeing it, even in less than ideal conditions, was better than dealing with huge crowds. It was still quite dramatic, and even though I didn’t get the “classic” Grand Prismatic Spring” shot (in reality very few people do get the classic shot, and to get it you kinda have to be there in perfect conditions, preferably in an airplane!), we were happy to have gotten there on a nice day with plenty of sunshine to show off the rainbow of colors.
Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkBoardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkBoardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkBoardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkBoardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkOpal Pool at Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
After our morning visit to Midway Geyser Basin we headed on down the road to Fountain Paint Pots, another popular spot. That lot was starting to fill up when we got there, and by the time we got back to Midway the traffic was already starting to line up for the parking lot. But that’s a story for another day. The lesson though is that timing is everything!
Excelsior Geyser Crater. Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkExcelsior Geyser Crater. Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkLeaning Tree. Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkMidway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Airport Overlook at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport has for years had an Airport Overlook, and like the aviation museum it was closed and then relocated to accommodate expansion of the airport. The old overlook was a gravel parking lot, with a few benches and a port-a-potty or two (sometimes). The view of the airport was good and it was located close to the center runway.
Airport Overlook at Charlotte Douglas International AirportAirport Overlook at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
The newly opened Airport Overlook is a wonderful spot. The views aren’t quite so good currently, but a new runway (to be called 1/19C since you can’t have two 18/36Cs!) is being built that will be about as close to the new overlook as the old one was to the center runway.
Besides a large paved parking lot, there is a huge children’s playground, picnic tables and park benches, an F-4 Phantom on display and (not yet open) real restrooms!
Aircraft arriving at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Kathy & I visited this past Saturday with our son and grandson. It was a humid morning, with a bit of fog hanging around, and I had fun photographing the planes taking off and creating condensation clouds around their wings as they passed through the moist air.
Condensation clouds formed by aircraft departing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport on a humid morning.Condensation clouds formed by aircraft departing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport on a humid morning.Condensation clouds formed by aircraft departing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport on a humid morning.Condensation clouds formed by aircraft departing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport on a humid morning.Condensation clouds formed by aircraft departing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport on a humid morning.
Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
The former Carolinas Historical Aviation Museum, located on the grounds of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, closed several years ago to make way for a runway expansion. It recently reopened as the rebranded ‘Sullenberger Aviation Museum.’
Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International AirportSullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III is the pilot credited with saving the lives of all passengers and crew aboard US Airways Flight 1549 on January 15, 2009, when he ditched the plane, landing on the Hudson River after both engines were disabled by a bird strike. This event has been known as “The Miracle on the Hudson.“
“Miracle on the Hudson” exhibit with the salvaged USAirways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 at Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport“Miracle on the Hudson” exhibit with the salvaged USAirways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 at Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport“Miracle on the Hudson” exhibit with the salvaged USAirways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 at Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport“Miracle on the Hudson” exhibit with the salvaged USAirways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 at Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport“Miracle on the Hudson” exhibit with the salvaged USAirways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 at Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport“Miracle on the Hudson” exhibit with the salvaged USAirways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 at Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport“Miracle on the Hudson” exhibit with the salvaged USAirways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 at Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport“Miracle on the Hudson” exhibit with the salvaged USAirways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 at Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport“Miracle on the Hudson” exhibit with the salvaged USAirways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 at Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport“Miracle on the Hudson” exhibit with the salvaged USAirways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 at Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Flight 1549 had just departed LaGuardia airport in New York City bound for Charlotte when the accident occurred. Since the plane was bound for Charlotte, a number of passengers were from Charlotte, including a number of high level officers of several area companies. Their influence allowed for the creation of the new organization and a campaign to have the salvaged aircraft brought to Charlotte as the centerpiece of the new museum.
Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International AirportSullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International AirportSullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International AirportSullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International AirportSullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International AirportSullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Kathy & I visited the Sullenberger Aviation Museum shortly after it opened in early June along with our son and grandson. It is a very nicely done tribute to Flight 1549 as well as a showcase for the aircraft housed in the previous museum. In addition to the aircraft from Flight 1549, there are a number of military, corporate and civilian aircraft on display, as well as a number of hands-on spaces for kids both small and large. We enjoyed our time there and look forward to returning.
Sullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International AirportSullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International AirportSullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International AirportSullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International AirportSullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International AirportSullenberger Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
