Chasing Pictures

So this morning we get up and leave the wonderful town of Frankenmuth after a final meal at the Bavarian Inn.  It was very good for "hotel food".  We set out for adventures in the great north.  It is not exactly what I expected in some respects and a lot like what I thought in others.  I think I was really surprised by the sandy beaches and the beachfront property atmosphere.  I guess I never expected lakefront beaches to be like the oceans I have visited before.  It is just the same.  Tons of gift shops with every trinket you can ever want, only the trinkets are geared toward the hunter/fisherman more than the surfer.

This really cute critter above was a rare treat.  I cannot say that I have ever had the pleasure of seeing a black squirrel before.  I chased this rodent around for about 10 minutes before I got a good picture.  I chased several critters around today trying for pictures.  I got a chipmunk, squirrel, Canadian geese, and the beautiful peacocks yesterday at the hotel.  Catching a glimpse of these wild animals is not so simple.  They will not stay still when I want them to.  I have an excellent picture of the squirrel's tail just as he is vanishing behind the tree.  

Zilwaulkee bridge was a little disappointing.  The sides of the bridge were so high that I could not see over.  I got a couple of good pictures on approach but I didn't see much as we crossed it. 

Chasing pictures was the theme of the day as it misted rain to heavily poured all day long.  We were only able to get out and really enjoy the evening around 8 pm.  We took our journey north to Indian River via I-75 and visited the Cross in the Woods.  This is a giant crucifix where mass is held twice daily.  It is a really beautiful place, of course, with a lovely gift shop and critters.

Next, we went to  Mackinac City, and the BIG BRIDGE!!!  Troy took me over the bridge for the first trip.  I was fascinated.  I took a ton of pictures, despite the rain.  It was phenomenal.  I loved it so much that by the time we reached the other side I had determined I would make the return trip behind the wheel myself.  Yes, I know it has grates for the center two lanes of the bridge.  I didn't care about that.  I wanted to do it.  After taking a scenic tour along US - 2 for a few miles on the coast of the upper peninsula, we made our way back.  We stopped at a few shops to blow some money on more trinkets, and then it was my turn.  The rain was pretty heavy and I didn't care.  I was sure I could make it across that bridge.  I did too.  Once you start across it you have no choice.  You have to keep going.  You also have no choice about driving on the grates for at least a portion of the trip, because there is construction and the asphalt lanes are closed.  The grates are no fun at all to drive on.  It feels like the car will jump the median at any moment and I was glad to move over.  Then when I was in the outside lane I didn't want to be there either because I felt like I was a mile up in the air.  I got right back in the middle as soon as the grates ended.  It was such an adventure.  My heart raced.  WOW!!!  I loved it.  Just like a roller coaster, or flying!  I will do it again.  We have to cross it twice more before the trip  is over.

For the rest of the day, we are in the coolest little cottage by Lake Huron.  It is right on the beach and it is so rustic.  We have what would typically be a great view if there wasn't so much fog today from the rain.  It is perfect.  We can hear the waves from the lake and all is well.  It really has been a magnificent day!

Tomorrow - Sault Ste. Marie - the locks - watching ships and a boat tour through the locks.