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 group from the Club of 50 people. Before we even got started, we had problems with the bus, so we stopped at Rent Right in Lawrenceburg to get the bus 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 to take a rest break. 

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

We played bingo and watched the “Somewhere in Time” movie. We also watched Mrs Robertson, a public speaker, she was very funny.

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 different ways over the years, 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 collection of the Mackinac State Historic Parks. 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., and then took the bus down to the ferry dock. Shopped at the gift shop, where I bought a toboggan to cover my ears on the very 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 for dinner at The Galley in Saint Ignace, MI.

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, where we saw markers, birds, & 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 big bad breakfast at Franks in Sault Santa Marie, MI. That consists of three fried eggs atop Hash browns smothered in cheese, ham,&  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

Ate breakfast at the hotel, then boarded the bus and 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 walked around the city taking pictures, then loaded back onto the bus and rode to the Old Mackinac Point Light House.

By this time, those swarming insects(MIDGES) were covering everything in sight.

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 got out 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 on a ride 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. (I think 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. 

We watched Mrs Robertson, the public speaker, watched a movie, and played games on our travel home. 

We made several stops along the way one was at the pilot in Pendleton, KY, and another was at the Welcome Center 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 picture 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 for home.

We were home at about 6:30. 

Platter of Catfish, Chicken, Shrimp, and fries

10 tall Rocker at Cock of the Walk 

Visiting Lighthouse Point Park New Haven, Connecticut

New Haven Harbor Lighthouse

The New Haven Harbor lighthouse is also known as the Five Mile Point Light because it sits on a point of land five miles from the New Haven Green.

The history of the lighthouse began in 1804 when Amos Morris sold one acre to the U.S. Government for $100. On this site, the first lighthouse and keeper’s house were built of wood. In 140 work began to construct the 70-foot lighthouse, with sandstone quarried from East Haven and a solid brick interior. Its spiral granite staircase leads up to the lantern loft where the lighthouse lens was mounted. It was the keeper's duty to make sure the light was burning all night. By day he was to clean the lens, polish all brass, and fill the lamp with fuel. This lighthouse guided many ships into the harbor until 1877 when the Southwest Ledge light was built nearby on a Long Island Sound breakwater.

In 1990, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Beach at Point Lighthouse Park 

The Carousel & Ballroom at Lighthouse Point Park 

New Haven Harbor Lighthouse 

New Haven Harbor Lighthouse 

Beach and Lighthouse

Boat 

Butterfly Garden 

Butterfly Garden

Annual Migration Festival -
In September, the Ranger staff hosts the Annual Migration Festival at Lighthouse Point Park in conjunction with Audubon Connecticut and several New Haven area birding, butterfly, and environmental organizations.

The park is located on the Atlantic Flyway, a major route for butterflies, hawks, and many other bird species in their annual migration south for the winter months. Events include bird-watching walks, hawk displays, butterfly observations, and the annual hawk count, among others.

Beach at New Haven's Lighthouse Park

In 1924 the City of New Haven purchased Lighthouse Point Park from the East Shore Amusement Company. City residents came to the park to enjoy swimming, ferry boat rides to Savin Rock, track meets, football games, field days, and baseball leagues in the old grandstand/ballpark. The park, in the roaring ’20s, attracted legends Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb to Sunday afternoon games.

The hurricane of 1938 ripped through the park, destroying many buildings and trees. In 1950 the City was able to make major improvements at the park including a new bathhouse, a first aid station, and concession stands. A small amusement park was added and the beach was greatly improved.

Sanibel Island Light House, Beach and other sites

Sanibel Lighthouse 

Sanibel Lighthouse 

Sanibel Lighthouse

The first permanent English-speaking settlers on Sanibel Island arrived from New York in 1833 as part of a colony planned by land investors. Although that settlement was short-lived, the initial colonists petitioned the U. S. government for the construction of a lighthouse on the island. No action was taken on that proposal at the time. By the late 1870s, sea-going commerce in the area had increased in volume. The U. S. Lighthouse Bureau took the initiative in requesting funds for a lighthouse for Sanibel Island, and in 1884, construction of the tower began. The station was lighted for the first time in August 1884. The significance of the Sanibel Lighthouse lies in the regular and reliable service it has provided for travelers along Florida's West Coast. Since 1950, the U. S. Coast Guard property at the lighthouse has been a wildlife refuge.

Beautiful sunset

Umbrellas on the beach 

Natures Landlord

NATURE'S LANDLORD 

Gopher tortoise Gopherus Polyphemus

Adult

Identification 

length 8-15 inches (20-38cm)

weight: up to 30lbs (14 kg) average 8-10lbs (4-5kg)

color: adults are grayish-brown, and juveniles are a yellowish-brown

Legs and feet: front legs and feet are flat and shovel-like which helps them dig their burrows, back legs, and feet are elephantine.

No webbing is present between toes.

Habitat 

Three key requirements

1. Dry upland habitat with sandy, well-drained soils for ideal burrowing and nesting.

2. Open the tree canopy so that plenty of sunlight reaches the ground.

3. Low-growing food plants for their herbaceous (plant-only)  diet including gopher apple and purple love grass.

Reproduction

Mating Season: April through July

Females reach between 10 and 20 years old.

Females lay a clutch of 4-7 ping-pong ball-sized eggs which are buried in the ground.

Gestation:80-100 days

Sex is determined by the temperature of the soil. Eggs. F 85 (30C) develops into females, and <F 85 develops into males.

Hatchlings are 1-2 inches (3-5cm) and grow 3/4 inches a year.

Keystone Species

Gopher tortoise burrow provides a home and refuge to over 350 vertebrate and invertebrate species.

Many share the burrow with the tortoise or use abandoned burrows.

Burrow 

Used to regulate body temperature and as shelter from predators and wildfires. 

Up to 50ft (15 m) long and 15ft (5 m) deep, depending on the water table. The width is about the length of the tortoise.

The Aron (or Mound) in front of the burrow is often used as the nesting site.

Multiple burrows may be used by individual tortoises.

Burrows provide shelter from the heat, cold, fire, and a safe place to raise young.

Why did the gopher tortoise cross the road?

To get to the other side! probable to graze

What can you do to help?

Watch the road for crossing tortoises

do not take or move them

Plant native plants in their habitat.

If you find them near water, leave them on land.

Cool facts

They live for more than 89 years.

They right themselves if flipped over.

They socialize in groups called pods.

They eat bones from dead animals, presumably to get calcium

they dig up to 9ft a day in sandy soils

They have a good sense of smell.

Conservation & Status

Gopher tortoises are a protected species

Their populations are declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation, disease, vehicle strikes, and predation by invasive species.

Gopher Tortoise Crossing
Tortoises are fairly abundant on Sanibel Island due to decades of conservation.

The gopher tortoise is strictly a land animal. It is related to the Galapagos tortoise, which can grow to 880 pounds and is also terrestrial. The easiest way to distinguish the gopher tortoise from another turtle is by its high, dark, rounded shell and its front feet, which are spade-like with heavy protective scales.

The gopher tortoise is known to stop traffic on occasion as it forages. If you discover a turtle or tortoise crossing a road and are unsure what kind it is, take it to the edge of the road and let it continue on but do not release it into any body of water. There is an empty shell at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel from a gopher tortoise that was placed into the Gulf of Mexico by a well-meaning but seriously misguided tourist who found it browsing on beach-dune vegetation and thought it was a lost sea turtle. The combination of saltwater and wave action quickly drowned the poor gopher tortoise.

Welcome to the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village
was founded in 1984. The story is told from the Calusa and Spanish eras to the early pioneer families who settled on the island in the 1800s. It tells of warriors, adventurers, fishermen, farmers, and proprietors.
Shore Haven 1924, Morning Glories Cottage 1926, Bailey's General Store 1927, Bailey's Model T Garage, Post Office 1926, Parking House, Miss Charlotta's Tea Room 1926, Burnap Cottage 1898, Restrooms, The School House 1896, Rutland House 1915
Open Tuesdays thru Saturday

Bailey-Matthew National Shell Museum

The National Shell Museum is the leading authority on Sanibel and Captive Shells.  They offer information on how, and where to look for shells, and how to clean and transport them.
Exotic shells from around the globe, World Record Size Shells, Sailor's Valentines, Fascinating Fossils, Live Mollusk Tanks, Predators and Prey, Hands-on Learning Lab.

Bailey-Matthew National Shell Museum

SCCF

Over 65,000 people each year are reached through our educational offerings. These include tours, talks, landscaping for wildlife, classed special events, lectures, cruises, house calls, kayak adventures, orientation for new land residents, and outreach to schools. Please join one of our programs. 

SCCF
The Sanibel Captive Conservation Foundation is dedicated to the conservation of coastal habitats and aquatic resources on Sanibel and Captiva and in the surrounding watershed. SCCF manages over 1300 acres of land on the islands.