2023 May 14-20, Trip Mackinac Island, Sault Ste Marie, Saint Ignace, Mackinaw City, & Frankenmuth, Michigan (Club Diamond Travel from Florence ) (7 days)

Day 1: May 14, Sunday

We had a great trip to Michigan with a 50-person group from the Club. Before we even got started, we had problems with the bus, so we stopped at Rent Right in Lawrenceburg to have it fixed. 

Inside the shop was a barber's chair 

Hubby and I stopped at Jack's for sausage, gravy, and biscuits for breakfast.

We stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel at Oak Hill, Near Nashville, TN. I ordered a kid's grilled chicken with Mac and cheese.

We traveled on a bus to Ohio, stopping every 2 to 2 1/2 hours to rest. 

We stopped at KFC in Carrollton, KY, for supper.

I ordered chicken with Mac and cheese.

We spent the night at Comfort Inn in Pique, Ohio, and began our journey the next day.

Lobby at Comfort Inn Pique, Ohio

Day 2: May 15, Monday

We traveled to Mackinaw, Michigan, stopping every couple of hours for a rest break. 

One of our rest stops was at the Ottawa Lake, Michigan Gas Station.

We played bingo and watched the movie Somewhere in Time. We also watched Mrs. Robertson, a public speaker; she was hilarious.

Hubby and I split an Italian Sub for lunch at Jimmy Johns in Flint, Michigan. 

We stopped at the Pancake Chef Restaurant in Mackinaw City, Michigan, for a buffet dinner. After we ate, we walked around the town taking pictures, then on to our hotel in Saint Ignace, Michigan.

I took pictures of markers of Mackinaw City, Iron Horse, Chief Wawatam, The Algoma, Mackinaw's Civil War Dahlgren Cannons, Mackinaw, Mackinac, or Michilimackinac?, the village of Mackinaw City Merchant Directory, Historic Mackinaw City, and Mackinaw's First Business District.

The Gateway to Mackinac Island

Mackinaw, Mackinac, or MichilimackinacMichilimackinac?
The Mackinac Straits region derives its name from a French translation of the Ojibway name for Mackinac Island; Missilimakinak, where missi (also Michi or Mishi) means great or many, and Mackinac means turtle. Although it has been spelled many times, the most common form is Michilimackinac, which means "the great turtle." With imagination, the island profile resembles a great turtle, partially submerged in the lake, with its outstretched neck and head peering off the west. In the early 1700s, the fur trading outpost on the mainland became known as Fort Michilimackinac, and the Island was abbreviated to Mackinac. The Village of Mackinaw City was incorporated in 1883 with an English spelling that suggests the more common pronunciation of Mackinac. Picture 1:Michilimackinac from Round Island by Major Francis Smith Belton, September 1817, from the Mackinac State Historic Parks collection. Picture: Jonathan Carver's 1767 map identifies Fort Michilimackinac.

Day 3: May 16, Tuesday 

We ate breakfast at the Budget Host Inn Saint Ignace, MI., then took the bus to the ferry dock. I shopped at the gift shop, where I bought a toboggan to cover my ears on the windy ferry ride to Mackinac Island.

We had a group picture taken at the port after we embarked on the ferry.

Our group loaded into two carriages and was taken for a ride around the Island. 

We saw the US Post Cemetery, the Little Stone Church, Fort Mackinac, and the Missionary Bark Chapel. 

We rode through the state park and visited several shops. 

We were told that during the peak tourist season, there were around 500 horses used to carry goods and tourists throughout the city. Thousands of bicycles are there for rent. No vehicles are allowed on the Island.

We walked inside the Grand Hotel & blooming were tulips, & buttercups on the hotel grounds.

We walked to the Surry Hill Carriage House and walked through the Mackinac butterfly house.

Hubby and I split a Mushroom Burger and fries at the Chuck Wagon Restaurant. 

We saw the Missionary Bark Chapel, The Little Stone Church, William Backhouse Astor House, Fort Mackinac and the Fort Gardens, Lake View Hotel., Saving Liberty, Marquette Park, The Indian Dormitory, Home of the Ancestors, & American Fur Company Store. As we were leaving, we saw 3 Dalmatians leaving the ferry.

We ate fried fish, baked potato, salad, bread, and white cake with strawberry topping at The Galley in Saint Ignace, MI, for dinner.

We loaded back onto the bus that took us to the hotel. 

Mushroom Burger and Chips at the Chuck Wagon Mackinac Island

The Grand Hotel

State Park Mackinac Island, MI 

View from the ferry of Mackinac Island. 

Day 4 May 17, Wednesday

The next day, we rode the bus to Sault Ste Marie, where we saw the Governor Osborn Memorial and several historical markers about Water Street. We saw a giant foot statue. We walked through the US Army Great Lakes Dredge & Locks Site and saw markers, birds, and SOO Locks. We walked through the Visitor Center and talked about the building of the Soo Locks. We saw the International bridge that connects the US to Canada. 

We ate a lousy breakfast at Franks in Sault Santa Marie, MI. It consisted of three fried eggs atop Hash browns smothered in cheese, ham, and sausage, with two slices of toast.

We boarded the bus and rode to the SOO Locks Boat Tour, where we took a boat ride through the SOO Locks on St Mary's River on Lake Huron and Lake Superior. We saw the international bridge that connected the US to Canada.  

We stopped at the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. We didn't stay long. 

Boarded the bus and rode to the Driftwood restaurant in Saint Ignace, Michigan. There, we ate fried shrimp, a baked potato with green beans, and custard for dessert. 

We boarded the bus and rode back to the hotel.

Soo Docks & Boat Tours 

Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan

Day 5: May 18, Thursday

I ate breakfast at the hotel, then boarded the bus and went across the Mackinaw Bridge to Mackinaw to visit Colonial Michilimackinac Fort. We walked through the historic fort, a visit to the past life of a soldier. 

Stopping to take pictures of markers of Michigan's First Jewish Settlers, Fort Michilimackinac, flags of Michilimackinac, Welcome to Colonial Michilimackinac, Crossroads of the Fur Trade, The Community outside the Walls: Suburbs of Michilimackinac, Bateau, Using the land,  Encampment at Pequodenonge, The Anishnaabek, Anishnaabek Home, Michilimackinac State Park & Fort Michilimackinac.   

We rode through the Historic Village of Mackinaw City. Hubby and I split a hamburger and fries at the Keyhole Bar and Grill in Mackinaw City. 

We took pictures around the city, loaded onto the bus, and rode to the Old Mackinac Point Light House.

By this time, those swarming insects(MIDGES) covered everything.

The swarms are midge flies, which look like mosquitos but don't bite. The bugs are incredibly annoying. Look anywhere, and they are there. Open your mouth, and a few will get in. 

Most people stayed on the bus, but I left and went inside the Light House and Museum.

I took pictures of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Winter at Mackinac, Historic Mackinaw City, & Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse made to be seen, Colonial Michilimackinac revolutionary Times, Radio Beacon 1937/38, and Welcome to Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. 

Loaded back onto the bus and rode to the Great Lakes Grill in Cheboygan, Michigan. Hubby and I ate a Salad, chicken with rice, shrimp pasta, and butter bread.

Lunch at the Keyhole Bar & Grill Mackinaw City, MI 

Colonial Michilimackinac Fort

Old Mackinac Point Light House

Day 6: May 19, Friday

Breakfast at the Golden Anchor Budge Inn, Saint Ignace, MI.  

Everyone loaded onto the bus, and we began our journey home. 

We Stopped at River Walk Mall, a Bavarian Town in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

We ordered a hamburger and fries for lunch at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant. We stayed there for a couple of hours. We saw a covered bridge (Holy Brucke Wooden Bridge).

Schmetterling Mural

Holz Bucke Wooden Bridge 1979

We saw the Schmetterling Murals of Germany on the walls behind the Covered Bridge Shop. Shopped at the Frankenmuth River Place, where we saw an Enchanted Garden and several unique shops. We saw the Bavarian Belle taking people up and down the river. We did not have time to take the boat ride, but we would love to return someday. There was a park there called Christmas Place. We did not stop. (This would be a great place to visit at Christmas.) We stayed the night at Comfort Inn in Pique, Ohio.

Hamburger and fries at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Day 7: May 20, Saturday

Breakfast at the Comfort Inn.

We began our final journey home. 

On our way home, we watched Mrs. Robertson, the public speaker, watch a movie, and play games. 

We made several stops along the way, one at the pilot in Pendleton, KY, and another at the Welcome Center in Portland, TN. 

We stopped at Cock of the Walk Restaurant in Nashville, TN, where we enjoyed a platter of Fried Catfish, chicken & shrimp served with a pan of cornbread, pickled onions, and a large bowl of Cole slaw. 

Several people climbed upon the 10-foot-tall rocker for pictures. I climbed up on the rocker for a photo and leaned back, causing the rocker to move, which caused me to fall into the rocker. I rolled over and over, causing everyone to laugh. 

We arrived at the Club, loaded our luggage into the car, and headed home.

We were home at about 6:30. 

Platter of Catfish, Chicken, Shrimp, and fries

10 tall Rocker at Cock of the Walk 

2023 May 6, The Moulton and Cullman Strawberry Festivals

 

Artist paintings at Cullman Strawberry Festival 

Farmers Market in Cullman 

a gallon of Sweet Strawberries

Saturday, we rode to Cullman for the Strawberry Festival and arrived at the Warehouse District, where the Farmers Market is located, around 9 A.M. There were already many people, and more were pouring in. We walked to the Farmers Market, where we bought a gallon of Strawberries. 

We had been at the Farmers Market a few weeks before, and they had sold out of Strawberries.

We bought a gallon of strawberries first, and Hubby took the strawberries to the car. 

After that, we looked at what the vendors had to offer. We listened to several bands. Vendors selling clothing, food, household items, handmade items, etc. (Burger Boys, Funnel Cakes, Icee, burgers, Lemonade, Kettle Corn, etc.

There was a miniature train ride and several children's rides (berry-go-round, Ferries wheel, etc.).

We bought a cup of chocolate-covered strawberries in one of the shops in the Warehouse district. (Sweets by T Chocolate Shop).

Miss Piggy was walking around advertising Barbecue. 

A petting zoo with a sign that said Feed me

Tractor Show 

Car Show 

We then rode to the Strawberry Festival in Moulton. They had a tractor show, a car show, rides for the kids, and a Petting Zoo. 

There were several food vendors. They even brought in a Chick-fil-A. There were different vendors with items to win from a spinning wheel. We bought a bird feeder from a school group that they had made. The day started out cool, but by the time we left Moulton, it was up to 80. 

Grilled Chicken Fingers with baked sweet potato, toast, and dipping sauce at OH!Bryan's 

We rode to Hartselle for lunch at Oh! Bryan's is one of our favorite places to eat when we are in the area. It was getting late, but we stopped at Wheeler Dam, where we saw many Great Blue Herons, a few snake birds, and several Great White Pelicans (most of them on the islands far away). We had a great day but were worn out from all our adventures. 

Great Blue Heron with his catch a fish 

2023 April 29, Decatur Historic Homes and Garden Walking Tours

April 29: Garden Tour, led by the Historic Decatur Association 

The public is invited to tour some of the residents' private gardens. The tour begins at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 801 Jackson St, SE.

 We had a large crowd for the Garden Walking tour in Decatur. 

Large Crowd from different towns

Everyone met at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 801 Jackson St SE. Decatur.  

Westminster Presbyterian Church 801 Jackson St SE. Decatur.

We learned the history and architectural structure of several different homes.

We finished our walk at Delano Park, where beautiful roses bloomed.

After the guided tour, everyone was disbursed.

Pink roses at Delano Park 

 

This young girl set up a Lemonade Stand.
 It was a hot day, and we purchased a glass. 

From 11–3 P.M., we tour 9 personal gardens. 3 Gardens were on Sherman St., 2 on Gordon Dr, 1 on Jackson St., and 1 on Cherry Street. 1 on Line St. and 1 on Oak St. There was someone at each location to greet us and tell us about their garden.

On the first garden tour, we saw these beautiful red lilies.

Fish Pond 

Beautiful Yellow Flower

This garden was like having a forest in your backyard.
There was a Bird Feeder, a greenhouse, walkways, and more.

There was a story about how this statue came to this garden, but I don't remember. 

After the Garden tour, we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Mellow Mushroom in Decatur. We ordered a small Maui Wowie on Stone Ground Crust Pizza. It was delicious.

A small Maui Wowie on Stone Ground Crust Pizza.

2023 April 25-28, AMTRAK Trip to New Orleans, LA. from Tuscaloosa, Al (4 days)

Day 1:Travel  Tuesday, April 25, 

We dropped off our bags at the Amtrak station, parked the car in the public parking, and walked several blocks back to the Amtrak Station. 

At 2:00 P.M., we loaded onto the train and began our trip.

 We took the Amtrak in Tuscaloosa and traveled through several cities, stopping in Laurel, Hattiesburg, and Meridian, Mississippi, to pick up or drop off passengers.

I did not buy any food on the trip to New Orleans. I had brought a Sprite Zero and a couple of Granola bars. 

We arrived around 10:00 P.M. and took the local Taxi to The Marque Hotel 144 ELK PL., New Orleans. Room 1910. Reservation #380VR.

Our room had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, 2 balconies, and a window in my bedroom to see the City of New Orleans, located on the fourteen floors. 

It was late, so I took a shower and went to bed. 

Day 2: Wednesday, April 26, 

We walked down Canal Street, stopping at IHOP for breakfast. Our new waiter and I ordered a cold, plain Belgian waffle. 

We decided to buy a day pass to ride the Trollies. 

We saw the Mortuary Haunted Mansion and walked around in several Cemeteries. (St Patrick Cemetery)

We saw people loading onto the Ferry Boat and the Riverboat.

We shopped at Riverwalk Mall and ate lunch at Pei Wei Asian Restaurant. I ordered two egg rolls, shrimp, chicken, and noodles. 

I could not eat it all, so I took the rest.

We walked through the park at Riverfront, where we saw the Holocaust Memorial. 

We saw Woldenberg Riverfront Park, a dedicated memorial to Malcolm Wolodenberg, who prospered in New Orleans and left a Legacy of caring and confidence for the City. 

Alongside was his statue with a young boy.

On Canal Street, we saw many murals depicting the City. 

We saw the Shops and Canal Place with Mardi Gras statues in front.

Dr. John's statue in front of "The Shops and Canal Place." 

We took the Trolley up St. Charles Street, where we saw historic homes, stores, The Auduban, the Zoo, and the Loyola College.

We saw a lot of homeless people and trash everywhere, at the overpasses and sidewalks. 

We stopped at a chicken restaurant to use the restroom, and sitting outside was a homeless young man asking me to buy him some chicken. I said, "We'll see." I went inside to use the restroom. I remembered I had a plate full of leftover food with me, so I gave the homeless man the food when we went outside. It also had a fork inside. 

He was thankful for the food. I was glad that I had helped one of the homeless. I had heard a man on the trolley say the government had sent money to help the homeless, but the money was not used.

We rode two different trollies; most trolley workers were jolly and friendly.    

We headed back to the hotel. 

We had spent the day hopping off and hopping on the trolley, and we walked several miles.

Day 3: Thursday, April 27, 

We walked down Canal Street and bought a day pass to ride the trolley, which took us to the French Quarters.

We walked to Cafe Biegnite, where we both ordered Beignets. (A square of fried dough eaten hot and sprinkled with powdered Sugar). They come with 3 Beignets, and mine was drizzled with Chocolate.

Beignets with Chocolate 

While we were eating, a thunderstorm came up, and people flooded inside. They had a large roll-up door open, and they closed it when the rain started to blow inside. It was blowing hard, and several of the employees got wet.

After the rain subsided but still sprinkled, we left and walked toward the Riverfront Mall. 

We heard several Laughing Gulls and rode the ferry across the Mississippi.

We walked to the Riverwalk Mall and shopped. I bought a shirt and shorts at Gap. 

I returned a top I had bought the day before. It was too small, so I swapped it for a larger size. 

The cashier/manager said all their clothes were coming in more minor. 

We returned to Canal Street and took the trolley up St Charles Street.

We met a family from Vermont, a journalist from Denmark, and a couple of women looking for the Military Museum. We also met a couple looking for the French Quarters, and I told them they would have to take the red trolley # 49 to get there.

There were a lot of people taking the trolleys today. 

We got off the trolley and walked along St. Charles Street, looking at old homes.

Historic Home on St Charles St

We ate lunch at New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood LLC.

New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Restaurant 

I ordered Shrimp Tacos with Onion Rings. My friend ordered a shrimp Poor-Boy with fries.

We also ate a complimentary Vanilla Ice Cream in a cone.

 We rode the trolley back to Canal Street and stopped at CVS for a few Sprite Zeros and a bag of candy.

There were no Diet Cokes or Sprite Zeros in the cooler, so I asked the manager if they had any.

We walked to the back of the store, and the manager loaded several Sprite Zero and Diet Coke into the cooler. 

I paid for my merchandise and walked back to the hotel.

We packed our bags for tomorrow, and we will be leaving.

Day 4: Friday, April 28,  Travel Home

I finished packing and ate my last Beignet. I called the taxi and said he would be there around 8 A.M.

We walked downstairs, my friend got a cup of hot coffee, and we waited for our taxi.

Selfie Station at The Marque Hotel 

We arrived at the train terminal and waited to load the train at 9:00 A.M.

It would be a complete train, so we were told if we were traveling with someone to sit with them.

When they announced the dining car was open, we walked down. 

I ordered a bagel and drank my Sprite Zero. My friend ate her leftover Poor-boy.

We arrive at the train depot around 5 P.M.

Walked inside the depot to use the restroom and put everything inside our luggage.

We began our walk to the parking deck.

It was a lot harder walking uphill, pulling our luggage. We finally arrived at the parking deck.

Loaded our luggage inside and began our trip home. 

We stopped at Jack for supper, and after we finished, I bumped my right hand, and it tore the skin. 

It would not stop bleeding, so one of the workers placed a couple of bandages on my hand.

We stopped again at CVS to use the restrooms and get more bandages.

We arrived at my friend's home, and my husband picked me up.