Pure Michigan

Before we left Sault Ste. Marie yesterday, we drove over to the Soo Locks on St. Mary’s river and watched a couple of ships pass through on their way from Lake Superior to Lake Huron.  I guess it’s essentially the same technology that they used at the C&O canal as early as the 1830s.  It was cool to watch.  We also stopped at the Weather Bureau museum at the locks.  Prior to the Weather Bureau being established, commerce ships consistently sank in the Great Lakes and hundreds of sailors died because the captains could not predict upcoming storms.  

So we headed west on US-2 this morning.  Some sights along the way -- The neat cairns of Rte 17 in Canada have given way to graffiti.  Twice, we saw a wild turkey trying to cross the road (Why did the turkey…), one with her babies trailing behind.  Pasties are apparently quite popular to eat here.  There are snow mobile paths adjacent to and crossing US-2.  Must be pretty wild during the winter snows!  A general store/gas station where we stopped had a wide variety of animal pelts for sale, including a black bear.  It may also have served as a taxidermy business given the number of animals mounted on the walls.  And none of the gas stations have pay-at-the-pump – nearly drove away forgetting to pay.  Less technology and more trust in this area of the country.

The best part of today’s trip?  Stopping at a road-side pull off for lunch, getting out of the car and walking back to camper to eat, while enjoying a beautiful view of Lake Michigan.  Blessed indeed!

(Photos: Gorgeous flower bed at Soo Locks; Charlie wading in the St Mary's River; Vernors Ginger Ale)