We visit the Champion Mill Ruins at the Freda, Michigan ghost town. The ruins are situated on the shores of Lake Superior with lots of dispersed camping available with a couple of miles. The mill started operation in 1901 and was the last producing mill in Copper Country in [...]
Educational
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As we hiked around the Keweenaw peninsula in upper Michigan we came across copper mining ruins. How did they mine copper? When did this industry cease production? How rustic were the mining towns? It was fascinating discovering the secrets of copper mining! 40,000 years ago two mile thick ice sheets […]
We explore a timber crib dam that is over 120 years old and a unique steel dam. Only three steel dams were ever constructed in the United States. One of those dams failed soon after it was built. This dam is one of many engineering marvels left over from industrial [...]
The Chuck Box has a history that is closing in on 200 years. Charles Goodnight invented the concept that supposedly "revolutionized" the cattle industry. The concept gave birth to the "Chuck Wagon" which became a sort of "rolling HQ" for long cattle drives that lasted weeks. In this video, we [...]
Spectators, I learned, are discouraged from looking straight into the face of a masked rider. This can bring bad luck. Here’s an example of the direct “look” frozen in this photograph. Don’t stare too long! The three horses stepped out of formation, so I clicked a pic. So far I […]
The mystery of the Nuraghe continues today. Sardinia has more than 7,000 Nuraghe (Nu ra gee) ruins. The indigenous Nuragic people lived here from 1800-1500 B.C.E (Before Common Era or Before Christ’s Era) Their skills have amazed scientists. (and me) In 1958 archaeologists discovered ruins. In 1970 scientists started to […]
Ivo (EE vo) picked us up promptly at 8:00 am. His energy filled the hotel lobby. He would be our local connection and escort throughout the island of Sardinia for the next three days. Bread making with a local family was on our agenda today. Ivo drove us through the […]
From the stucco patio of our hotel room in Cagliari, Sardinia we could hear drumming. It was a Thursday, February 20th so we weren’t sure what the event may be. Chuck and I asked the hotel manager where the parade was located. “Well, can’t you hear it?” He gestured to […]
Walking up the stone stairway into the castle-looking prison a young family wearing pajama pants followed. Their four year old girl was leashed and their one year old was in mom’s arms. As we waited in line for our tickets to tour the Ohio State Reformatory I noticed the adults […]
The "Zodiac Thor" is a unique vessel. We utilize this Zodiac Futura Mark III to travel to many remote places. It is a bit of a "Jeep" of the open water. It is full of capability and versatility. It is stable in all sea states and provides a great [...]