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

Day 1: May 14,

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,

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,

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,

The next day we rode the bus to Sault Ste Marie where we saw 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,

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 from 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,

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 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, 

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 

2017 Aug 18, Traveling South on Natchez Trace

Had an eye appointment then lunch at Burger King (Whopper Junior, onion rings, and drink).

I took  20/Savannah Highway to Natchez Trace traveling toward Colbert County.

I stopped to take pictures of Rock Springs, Rock Springs Trail, and Tiny Jewels of the Air Markers.

Tiny Jewels of the Air

Few birds are as distinctive and charismatic as hummingbirds. From their iridescent plumage to their incredible aerial antics, hummingbirds are an irresistible attraction at Rock Springs. Each fall, hundreds of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds pass this way to feast on the nectar of the abundant jewelweed and other wildflowers.

Hummingbirds and certain flowers have evolved an interdependent relationship over millions of years. Flowers provide hummingbirds nectar, the fuel they need to keep flying. In return, hummingbirds transport pollen between flowers, helping the flowers reproduce.

The flowers of choice are long and tubular and usually red, a color bees have trouble seeing. This shape fits the hummingbird’s long bill and allows pollen to be deposited on the bird’s forehead. Individual flowers usually grow separate from one another, allowing ample space for whirring wings as the hummingbird dashes from flower to flower. Pollen from flowers powders the head of these tiny jewels as they sip nectar. Subsequently, this pollen is then spread to other flowers on which the hummingbird feeds.

Faster Than a Speeding Hummingbird?

A hummingbird’s small size and rapid movement can make it difficult to watch for long. Fortunately, hummingbirds will often perch on an overhead branch and draw attention to themselves

by making high squeaky chipping noises. To spot a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird, look for its iridescent throat--called a gorget. The color of the gorget depends on the lighting and in most instances looks dark. It is only when the feathers catch the light at a certain angle that their intricate beauty can be seen. In good light, the male Ruby-throated Hummingbird is unmistakable with his bright ruby-red throat.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Migration

Each year, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate from eastern North America to winter in Central America. Although some of the birds work their way south through Florida to the Caribbean or through Texas to Mexico, Alabama’s hummingbirds fly across the Gulf of Mexico. These incredible creatures undertake a 600-mile voyage across open water to find warm weather and plentiful nectar further south.

Rare Surprises From the West

Each fall, bird watchers from across Alabama visit these patches of jewelweed to witness the spectacle of hundreds of hummingbirds on their southward migration. As an added bonus, these large concentrations of hummingbirds sometimes attract western hummingbird species that have strayed from their usual migration route, particularly in the winter. Species to look for in the fall include Rufous, Black-chinned, Calliope, and Anna’s, among the Ruby-throated.

Rock Spring

Rock Spring Nature Trail offers you an opportunity to explore a small natural spring as it bubbles forth from the ground. Small fish dart about a deep pool created as the stream wandered through rich bottomland soil and limestone rock. Vegetation and trees change as you move through an abandoned field past the stream onto a rocky hillside.

After completing the 20-minute walk you may decide to pull off your shoes and dangle your feet in the swift cool waters.

I traveled to the Tennessee River and the Natchez Trace Bridge Mile Marker 328.7 where I took pictures of the marker:

Driven Up the Waters

Natchez Trace Parkway (near Natchez Trace Bridge Lauderdale side) 328.7

National Park Service U. S. Department of the Interior

Driven Up the Waters

The Trail of Tears led groups of Cherokee up the Tennessee River here. The Cherokee is one of the southeastern tribes who was relocated to Oklahoma due to the US Indian removal policy in the 1830s. 

During removal, most Cherokee went by land, but thousands of others traveled aboard barges and steamboats. Diseases, bred in cramped unsanitary conditions, raised the misery of those already reeling from the loss of their homes, homeland, and most possessions.

After learning of shipboard hardships, Cherokee leaders organized future removals themselves, primarily over land.

I rode across the bridge, men were working along the bridge. There were red lights to stop traffic, for it was only one lane working.

I took pictures of markers on the Colbert County side. There are new markers celebrating Alabama's 200 years of statehood.

Safe Crossings 

In the early 1800s, ferries like the one George Colbert ran near here on the Tennessee River linked segments of the Natchez Trace. Ferries carried people across the river for a fee. Post riders, Kaintucks, military troops, casual travelers, slave traders, and enslaved people took the ferries.

The Chickasaw had the title to the land in this region, and Chickasaw leaders like George Colbert understood the value of safe river crossings. In 1801, in one of their first treaties with the US, the Chickasaw allowed the US to develop the Natchez Trace into a road. The Chickasaw retained the right to operate a ferry across the Tennessee River.

US General Andrew Jackson and his veterans of the Battle of New Orleans marched homeward after the War of 1812. George Colbert's ferry carried them across the Tennessee River here. Although the river was not as wide and deep then, ferries made crossing safer and easier. 

Another Safe Crossing was located at Bird Site #12

Trace Travelers

Natchez Trace Parkway (near Natchez Trace Bridge Colbert side)

National Park Service U. S. Department of the Interior

Trace Travelers (Restroom area Colbert Side)

Frontier America once walked along the Natchez Trace.

The Chickasaw and Choctaw used the Trace for transportation and trade. After 1801, with tribal permission, post riders who rode the Trace connected isolated settlements in Mississippi and beyond.

Boatmen or farmers, known as Kaintucks, floated their products down the Ohio and  Mississippi rivers to market in Natchez, Mississippi. Then they sold their flatboats as lumber and walked home along the Trace. On foot, the 500-mile trip took about 35 days. By 1810 occasional travel had turned into the human flood; up to 10,000 Kaintucks passed along the well-trodden path each year.

Chickasaws moving south pass Kaintucks on the northbound leg of their journey home.

During the War of 1812, the Trace became a road for American armies marching to and from battle. 

Steamboats-powerful enough to sail up the Mississippi Riverstemmed the tide of Trace use.

Wet, Wild, and Wonderful Bird Site 12

Alabama’s Winter Waterfowl

The Tennessee River Valley is the winter home for thousands of waterfowl. These birds migrate from across the northern US and Canada down through the center of the continent to the Tennessee River.

Careful management practices have created more wetland areas. Regular planting of food crops such as millets, oats, and wheat has increased food sources for these winter visitors helping to bring their numbers to record highs. While everyone can enjoy the benefit of more waterfowl, much of this work has been done through the support of waterfowl hunters paying license fees, stamps, and excise taxes on equipment.

Ducks and geese are a very diverse group of birds. Over thirty species are found in Alabama and the Tennessee River Valley. Look for the difference in their size, plumage, feeding, and flight characteristics to see how many species you can identify. Often rafting with other ducks, the dark gray American Coot is not a duck at all but is a member of the rail family.

Geese

Geese tend to stand out from the pack because of their large size and long neck. The most familiar goose in the Tennessee Valley is the Canada goose with its dark head and white cheek. Many Canadian geese, released as juveniles in the state, now live year-round in the area.

Mergansers

Mergansers are also known as “Sawbills” because of the tooth-like serrations of their long thin bills. These birds are made to chase and catch fish underwater. Hooded Mergansers and Red-breasted Mergansers are often seen in large groups and can be joined by small numbers of Common Mergansers.

Dabbling Ducks

Dabbling Ducks are our best-known ducks. Dabbling Ducks have rounded, often flat bills used for filtering seeds, aquatic plants, and other organic materials from fine mid just below the water’s surface. Dabbling Ducks to look of r include Northern Shovelers, which have a pronounced shovel-shaped bill and can be seen actively filtering water through their bill as they swim. Other dabblers are Mallard, Pintail, Green-winged Teal, and American Widgeon. 

Diving Ducks

Diving Ducks prefer to stay in deeper water where they dive for food, Although they use a different technique, diving ducks also hunt for seeds, aquatic plants, and some aquatic insects. Diving ducks can usually be seen in mixed-species flocks including Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Ducks, Canvasback, and Redheads. While divers run across the surface to take flight, dabblers leap from the water’s surface.

Colbert Stand

George Colbert operated a ferry across the Tennessee River from 1800 to 1819. His stand or inn offered travelers a warm meal and shelter during their journey on the Old Trace. Colbert looked after his own well-being and once charged Andrew Jackson $75,000 to ferry his Tennessee army across the river.

This site of his stand is a short 50 yards up this path. An additional 20-minute stroll will take you along the Old Trace to the bluff overlook station and back.

Chickasaw Hospitality 

National Park Service U. S. Department of the Interior

Natchez Trace Parkway

George Colbert's stand sat atop the ridge before you.

As one of many inns that dotted the Trace between 

Nashville and Natchez, it provided travelers with food and lodging.

With a Scottish father and Chickasaw mother, George 

Colbert used his bilingual abilities and knowledge of both

cultures to build a network of enterprises. As a Chickasaw,

he gained the right, by treaty, to operate a ferry across the 

Tennessee River, 

One traveler, Jose Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara, described 

the stand that Colbert built near his ferry as "a country

place." Unlike other frontier buildings, it had an

"abundance of glass in windows and doors."

I find all the Indians on the road, particularly

the Colbert family is very accommodating to

us, we shall be tolerably well supplied in passing

through the [Chickasaw] nation..."

Colonel John Coffee

War of 1812

As the end of the day nears, post 

riders and travelers on the Old Trace

gather at Colbert's stand.

Chickasaw Planter

Natchez Trace Parkway (near Natchez Trace Bridge Colbert side)

National Park Service U. S. Department of the Interior

A Chickasaw Planter

During the early 1800s, a slave-owning planter class including George Colbert’s family emerged among the Chickasaw.

George’s success stemmed from a variety of endeavors. He fought with the Americans against the Shawnee and Creeks, traveled to Washington, DC, as a tribal emissary, and steadfastly protected  Chickasaw rights during treaty councils.

In addition to a ferry and an inn that Colbert operated nearby, he grew cotton and raised cattle. His large plantation depended on the labor of 150 enslaved African Americans.’

After removal to “Indian Territory” in present-day Oklahoma, Colbert established another large farm. Already past his 80th birthday, he died in 1839.

“Major Colbert, who ranks high in the government of his nation…has labored at the plow and hoe during the last season, and his example has stimulated others.”

Benjamin Hawkins, 1801

US Agent for Indian Affairs

Though run down by the time this photo was taken, Colbert’s Stand was once an important landmark on the Natchez Trace. Until forced removal, Colbert and his family lived in a more substantial house near present-day Tupelo.

Bridging Cultures

Natchez Trace Parkway (near Natchez Trace Bridge Colbert side)

National Park Service U. S. Department of the Interior

Bridging Cultures

Here, near the bubbling waters of Buzzard Roost Spring, Levi Colbert (Itawamba Minko, “Bench Chief”) built one of the many inns-called stands along the Natchez Trace.

But it was Colbert’s negotiating and language skills that sustained him as a tribal leader. Bilingual, with a Scottish father and Chickasaw mother, he took advantage of opportunities in both cultures.

Across several decades, Colbert sat among the Chickasaw during treaty talks. Using his knowledge of both white and Chickasaw society, he protected both the Chickasaw homeland and his own interests.

A dogged negotiator, at the time of his death in 1834, Colbert was trying to amend an 1832 treaty to gain better terms for the Chickasaw people.

A 2012 inductee into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame, Levi Colbert earned a reputation as a skilled negotiator.

Something to Chew On 

Natchez Trace Parkway (near Natchez Trace Bridge Colbert side)

National Park Service U. S. Department of the Interior

Something to Chew on 

Inns, or stands, provided occasional shelter for travelers along the Natchez Trace. These stands offered flood to eat and food for thought: local news, information, and ideas. The ever-changing mix of diverse populations - whites, American Indians, and African Americans - interacted at stands regularly.

Already a Chickasaw leader and successful businessman, Levi Colbert enhanced his influence with a stand that he owned and operated here at Buzzard Roost Spring. Trace travelers no doubt talked about Levi’s stand. It was nicer than most and offered respite from the miles of footsteps that defined a Trace journey.

I came back thru Cherokee, and stopped at Spring Park Tuscumbia, stopping to take a picture of 

U. S. Army M60A3 Main Battle Tank

Obtained from Ft. Rucker, AL by American Legion Post No. 31

April 28, 1999

*Weapons: 105 mm rifled cannon. 7.62 mm and .50 caliber machine guns.

*Engine: 750 hp. 12-cylinder air-cooled diesel.

*Crew-4 men: Weight-107.900 lb.: Speed-30 mph: Range-300 miles

*Entered service in 1960 and used by 22 countries

Ended the day by meeting the Tidwell family at 6PM at Legends for a birthday dinner, where I enjoyed 6 boneless wings and a hot roll.