Going U.P.

We made our first foray into Michigan's Upper Peninsular. Our destination was Tahquamenon Falls, the second largest in the U.S., second only to Niagara Falls, spilling over 3300 gallons of water per SECOND. We also got our first glimpse of Lake Superior, another one of the Greats. Beautiful country U.P. here!

Pudgy Fudgies

We went back to Mackinaw Island while my brother Robbie was visiting and indulged again in their famous fudge. Once you have, you become a "fudgie." Yum. Good eats.

Polish Cracker

What happens when a Florida Cracker attends a Polish festival? You have a Polish Cracker! So many festivals, so little time. . . This one was in Boyne Falls and was complete with a Polka tent and of course the required Kielbasa, Polish sausage, and kraut. An added attraction was the pre-1960 classic tractor pull. Ya think this is farm country?

Petoskey Rocks!

Both the town and the stones. We strolled the bay front park and looked at the immaculately restored homes and buildings near downtown and along the bay. You can see what was once a neglected church is now an impressive art center. The Petoskey Stone is Michigan's state stone. It is a type of coral from about 350 million years ago when this area of Michigan was a shallow marine sea. The "eyes" in the stone are actually individual cells where a small animal lived and harvested food. Lake Michigan beachcombers search for the stones, much as us Floridians look for sharks teeth. I've found some and am in the process of sanding and polishing them in hopes of them eventually looking like the sample in the picture!