The MacArthur Lock (800 ft. long), in the foreground, with the International Bridge, on I-75 in the background, connecting the twin cities of Sault Ste Marie, MI to Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada. The timbers shown, across the canal, remain closed until a vessel needs to pass from, or to, Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.
The locks bypass the rapids of the St. Mary's River, which is 21 feet lower than Lake Superior.
The Lockmaster's Tower (like an airport conrol tower) controls the traffic thru the locks.
The 1,000 ft. Stewart J. Cort freighter, slowly approaching the 1,200' Poe Lock, headed toward Lake Superior. This ship was built, in 1970, by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS. Once the vessel is in the lock, it will be raised 21 feet so it can enter Lake Superior.
The Cort is the only 1,000' vessel with the pilot house in the front.
Riding a bike is good ....no matter where you are, and I'm sure it must beat having to walk the 1,000 feet!
On our way to an afternoon on Mackinac Island.
Round Island Lighthouse, built in 1895 - automated in 1924 - on the small, unhibited island, in the Straits of Mackinac. The lighthouse was abandoned in 1947, and is no longer in service, nor is it open to the public.
The Main Street, on Mackinac Island, with bicycles galore. I think we've only seen more, in Amsterdam!
No vehicles (other than an ambulance, fire truck and police car - which all belong to the city) are allowed. Horses and bicycles are the mode of transportation. Rollerblades and skate boards are also banned.
Horses and carriage belonging to The Grand Hotel - complete with driver in top hat.
The fire wagon has been replaced by a Fire Truck - one of the three vehicles allowed on the island.
The carriage, with sled runners, is still used in winter during heavy snow.
The Hearse Carriage, still in use.
The fire wagon has been replaced by a Fire Truck - one of the three vehicles allowed on the island.
The carriage, with sled runners, is still used in winter during heavy snow.
The Michigan Governor's Summer Residence on a bluff, overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. The home was purchased, by the state in 1944 for $15,000 - the exact amount that it cost to build the house.
The house has eleven bedrooms and 9 1/2 baths.
The 660' long Porch, at The Grand Hotel, is the World's largest.
The Grand Hotel, from the deck of the boat. Built in 1887, when rooms rented for $3 - $5 per night. There are 385 rooms, of which no two are alike.
Our carriage and the Belgian Draft horses, taking a break at The Arch Rock. During the season, there are over 500 horses, on the island. Our driver reported that some of the horses are already being transported (by ferry) back to the mainland. The island begins to close, mid-October, for the winter.
Arch Rock is in front of us, and Lake Huron is behind us.....
A replica, in Marquette Park, of the Birch Bark Chapel used by Jesuit missionary Father Jacques Marquette to preach to the Indians.
Fort Mackinac was built by the British during the American Revolution. As a result of America's victory in the war, the island and the fort became U.S. territory but American troops didn't arrive until 1796, thirteen years after the war ended to take over the Fort.
The first battle, in the United States during the War of 1812 was on Mackinac Island. The British defeated the American Forces, and once again controlled the Fort. When the war was over, negotiators were able to return the island and Fort Mackinac to the United States.
Today, fourteen of the original buildings are still standing, and the Fort is open to the public.
As we left the harbor the little church, on the edge of the island, seemed to bid us farewell.
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