2021 – The Restless Viking

Interests

Santa Visits Big Boiler Brewing

Ho! Ho! Ho! Who came to visit Big Boiler Brewing in Lowell, Michigan? It was Santa / DaViking! My husband, Chuck, otherwise known as “DaViking,” stopped by our local pub last week on Tuesday’s Kids’ Night to bring cheer. His bag was loaded with clear plastic candy canes filled with […]

Dispatches Vlog

This locomotive is called 1225. It inspired a child to write a book that became a famous movie, "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg. There are many locomotives that claim to be the "Polar Express", but this one was the inspiration, the model for the movie and most of [...]

History and Culture

Stewartstown Railroad

Have you ever ridden in a train engine? Chuck (DaViking) and I were able to experience two authentic engine excursions. One was in the October evening followed by another ride after the sun set. Costumed characters and guests boarded the Stewartstown Railroad’s open car and caboose for a four mile […]

Dispatches Vlog

In the winter, the tourist mecca of Mackinac Island, settles down to a quiet community of about 500. As Christmas approaches, things change a little as the small community celebrates the season. Here's the story of the Christmas Tree lighting on Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Christmas Tree Lighting

The first Friday in December hosts the Christmas tree lighting on Mackinac Island which begins the holiday season for the 500 year-round residents. I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to partake in the celebration and peek "behind the curtain" of Mackinac Island in the winter! Chuck (DaViking) tolerates my [...]

Dispatches Vlog

The Stewartstown Railroad is unique. It still operates under its original charter from 1884. It runs from Stewartstown, Pennsylvania to New Freedom, Pennsylvania on 7.4 miles of track. The railroad has had its troubles, but it has never been bought, merged, sold, or bankrupt. That's quite a story in today's [...]

History and Culture Local Travel

The North Pole Express – Owosso, Michigan

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When Chuck (DaViking) mentioned that he’d secured tickets on ‘The North Pole Express’ steam train, I was giddy! This was the steam locomotive that had been used in “The Polar Express” children’s book and movie! As a nanny and throughout my early elementary teaching career, I have always gotten goosebumps […]

Local Travel

Fishtown: Leland, Michigan

Water spilling over the dam brought a serenity to the crisp fall day. The only vibrations along the boardwalk were made by our own shoes. DaViking (Chuck) and I were off on another caper to ‘look behind the curtain of life’ by going to Fishtown during the off season. In […]

Dispatches Educational History and Culture Vlog

Michigan is the only state with two points where the survey of the state was started. Why? Most history references only give part of the story. A visit to Meridian Baseline State Park will show you the references. But, there is a story to tell. It was a wet year in 1815, [...]

History and Culture

Railbikes!

Did you know that you can rent a four person railbike? I had no idea that there were such activities! When Chuck and I arrived in Stewartstown, Pennsylvania for a train ride, we found railbikes lined up. Jim, a railroad volunteer, stood ready as David drove the ‘train’ of bikes […]