September 19, 2009

Saturday was a day of firsts. We had to stop at Wal-Mart to pick up a few items on our way out of Sault Ste Marie before we headed west. This was a super store and had the biggest grocery section that I have ever seen in a Wal-Mart. After we went through the checkout line we found out just how big it was. In the front of the store, where you usually see the banks and other small stores, they had their own liquor and wine store. You heard it right. Now you can have your car serviced, your eyes checked, get your hair done, buy your groceries, do your banking and get a bottle of the hard stuff before you head home. Truly a Super Store and a first for us!

We did make one additional stop before we left Sault Ste Marie to see one of the oldest water towers that is still in use in the US (photo one). It was built in the late 1890’s and now serves as a standby for emergencies. The last time it was used was in 2004 when the tank built to replace it had to be shut down for repairs.

Our trip west took us along the south shore of Lake Superior and through the very small town of Bay Mills, MI. This is where the next “first” took place. I have always wanted to go to a casino and the Bay Mills Resort and Casino that is owned by the Ojibwa Nation just happened to be along our route. If you have never been in a casino, you need to take the time if the opportunity presents itself to go in and have a look. It is a real show!

For example, take the elderly woman who plays two slot machines at once; or the man that comes in using a wheelchair and then slides into one of the anchored seats so he can get to two machines; or the lady that uses a walker to get in and has on what appears to be her “lucky hat”! What a circus. Cheryl and I refuse to disclose our “winnings” but if anyone out there is relying on us to fund a party to celebrate, you need to immediately send a donation in order to have a real party!!

Our next stop was the Point Iroquois Lighthouse (photo two). We stopped here last year, but the views are so beautiful that it is difficult to pass by without stopping again. Point Iroquois has wide sand and stone beaches. We took the time to collect about 20 pounds of stones for our flower pots. One of the nice things about this lighthouse is the tower is very easy to climb and the view is breathtaking.

Next we headed for Whitefish Point and our home for the next two nights. We are staying in the old Coast Guard Crew Quarters building (photo three). The building has been totally renovated with five bedrooms, a kitchen, large office/computer center, and a living/TV room. Each bedroom has a private bath, large TV, with DirecTV, and theme furniture.

We did have a “cheeseburger in Paradise” (name of the small town nearby) and some of their blueberry pie with ice cream for dinner (there goes the food thing again).

A walk on the beach, rock hunting and a photo of the sunset (photo four) capped off the night. We went back outside around 10PM to see the stars and listen to the owls. Everything is very flat at Whitefish Point and it is very dark. The sky was crystal clear. All of this combined to produce one of, if not the best, night of star gazing I can ever remember. Cheryl (me too) hates to hear Jeff Gordon use the word awesome but “AWESOME” says it all.

And we do have a sign for today (photo five). We saw this at a Parmer’s Farm Market in Sault Ste Marie. You have to think about this one for a minute or two. Is the Bear Bait the beer and wine, or is the beer and wine for the guy buying the Bear Bait? Now if it is for the guy buying the Bear Bait does he become the Bear Bait after he drinks the beer and wine? Confusing isn’t it?

Tomorrow we will catch up on our blog, so stay tuned. We have a good story to tell you about our trip to Crisp Point.
T&C