Returning Home

July 5-8, 2006

Back in Lapeer we discovered that Zack is either part monkey or part scientist. He seems to have figured out the principles of static friction and how to use it to climb up doorways.
 

It was time to head home. We decided to go back the northern route, over the top of Lake Michigan. This is considerably longer than going around by Chicago, but far more pleasant and scenic. Also, it would allow us the opportunity to see the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, which we have not yet seen. Our route home is shown in red. The distance is about 860 miles, which is almost twice that of going by way of Chicago.
 

This lighthouse, near Little Pt. Sable, south of Ludington, is built on a sand dune, which doesn't seem like the best foundation for such a tall structure. We saw foundations for the light keeper's house adjacent to the lighthouse.
 

The sun setting over Lake Michigan. Somewhere over there is Wisconsin. This was taken near Arcadia.
 

Farther north on Highway 22 we came upon this scenic stop which offered a dramatic view of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
 

The dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The dunes here are about 500 feet above the lake level, much higher than in the Indiana dunes we saw on the way to Michigan. They are also much steeper on the lake side.
 

We can't seem to travel around Lake Michigan without making an excursion to Mackinac Island. Lunch on the patio of a hotel provided a scenic view of the boat traffic on the lake.
 

Mackinac Island is well known for its transportation system. There are no cars, except for a few emergency vehicles. Goods and people are moved by horse and carriage or wagon, and on bicycles. It is a fun place to visit for a day.
 

After Mackinac Island we headed straight for home since (1) we were running out of time, and (2) we had seen the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin sections of the Lake Michigan shore several times.