Yes. There’s a village called Christmas, Michigan in the upper peninsula. Earnest interest brought us there to investigate the holiday celebrations reaching far into the northern parts of our state. The last port of the Christmas Tree Schooner was our first stop. It’s a powerfully sad story! We learned a […]
Yearly Archives: 2019
21 posts
Did you know that Santa doesn’t exist in Iceland? Iceland’s thirteen “yule lads” (brothers) take turns coming down to villages from their cave home high in the hills starting on December 12th through December 24th, the Icelandic day to celebrate Christmas. Then, the lads return one at a time back […]
It didn’t make sense. I turned to Kate, our group leader, with a furrowed brow and pursed lips. “What’s going on?” I don’t know why I thought she would have the answers, when the pilots couldn’t even give us a concrete answer. But I was nineteen and she had been […]
Did you know that speakeasies were most often marked with a green door? I was curious to locate a historical speakeasy. I researched the Chicago Tribune and found a list of secret watering holes. The Green Door Tavern harbored one such establishment . . . hidden downstairs. We ate dinner […]
The wind-o-gedden is upon the Great Lakes again. Early this morning, users of the Mackinac Bridge Authority text updates received the “Mackinac Bridge CLOSED to HIGH-PROFILE vehicles due to weather conditions” text. Those that use the Authority’s text service know this text and also know it is a bit […]
Astronauts are gutsy adventurers! Wanting to experience a taste of space exploration, my friend Randi and I attended adult Space Camp. It was a life dream of Randi’s. The two of us joined a team of 15 adults, “The Pioneers.”. There was another 13 member adult team who we were […]
The wispy mist slowly curled up from the coffee-colored water. The crispness of the air was refreshing but hinted at sharp discomfort. We were layered up and warm, but this was just beginning. The milky swirls slowly parted as a hulking steel corrugated scoop came into view. The bottom suddenly [...]
Michigan has some unique destinations. Lately, the state has been ranked in a number of "top 10 lists" for places like Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear and Isle Royale. They are worth visiting. But don’t limit yourself to the same tired and busy places. Seriously, this state has so much more [...]
After nearly 20 years of negotiations, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has purchased the 2,103 acre Storey Lake property from absentee owners in Switzerland. According to the MDNR, the property is already open for non-motorized use and dispersed camping (following state land rules). With the 8-acre Storey lake, a [...]
Henrik G. Olsen who served at White Shoal from 1910-1922. Enjoy this glimpse of White Shoal history circa 1914. White Shoal Lighthouse 2016 Have you ever been covered in cobwebs and mayflies while climbing a 20-foot ladder above Lake Michigan? Well, I have. After a 15-mile excursion in our Zodiac [...]