Jim Ardis, Midland artist

Copper and clay are the mediums that artist Jim Ardis likes the best. You will see, all about Michigan, lots of his suns and his fish as well as other unique creations. We first noticed one of his pieces of art in St Ignace, when we saw this beautiful fish down by the waterfront. Then we observed his artwork in Midland, where Jim resides, at the Dow Gardens and in the Chippewa Nature Center. When in Frankenmuth, check out the beautiful fountain Jim created in the Gunzenhausen Platz.

Walking Mighty Mac on Labor Day

Nothing beats walking the five miles across Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day. We started at dawn and the entire experience was exhilarating. Tens of thousands of people gathered up north to join Governor Rick Snyder as he led the way.  You even get a nifty certificate to honor the occasion. It is very, very well organized with everyone starting off in St Ignace. Buses are available in Mackinaw City to take you across the bridge to start the walk, or to take you back once you have completed it. What a way to end the summer.

Fort de Buade in St Ignace

There are many cool things to discover in St Ignace just the other side of mighty Mackinac Bridge.  The museum, Fort de Buade, on State Street downtown refers to the fort built in St Ignace by the French in 1681 to protect the fur-trading business. Today it is filled with interesting artifacts that depict the history and relics of that time. The collection above belonged to the last chief in the area: Santiago. He passed away at the age of 100 in the early 1900's. Culled from his log home in the UP it is a fascinating look into the Indian life melded with that of the White man.

Gros Cap Park and St Helena lighthouse

There is an uninhabited island in Lake Michigan about 6 miles west of Mackinac Bridge. This photo was taken from Gros Cap Park in the UP and you can clearly see the St Helena lighthouse.  Built in 1873, it was automated by the US government in the early 1920's.  Without daily use, it deteriorated badly.  The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association took it over in 1986.  They dedicated several summers  in a row to its restoration and have done an outstanding job. They will take people  (via boat!) on tours of the island and lighthouse. In addition, they are always looking for volunteers to help weed, clean, paint, dishwash and even be a tour guide! You have to sign up for a minimum of five days and you will actually stay on the island. The fee to be a helper is $75 for the boat ferrying and $12/day for your food! We are adventuresome enough to do it.  Boat tours leave from Shepler's dock in St Ignace.

Happy Birthday, Père Marquette

Father Jacques Marquette was a Jesuit who came to the area of Michigan in the 1600's through Québec from France. He founded the second oldest city in the US: Sault Ste Marie and then St Ignace, the 3rd oldest city. His influence was far reaching. We have a city and county named after him, a river, a rail trail that goes from Midland to Clare and a community on Lake Michigan. He was the first non-native to explore the Mississippi (with Louis Joliet). In 1677, he died of dysentery at age 37 in Ludington and was buried there, but his followers from St Ignace reburied him in their town near where this statue stands. He was gifted in languages, and learned how to speak with the Huron Indians. He was born on June 1 in Laon, France. Today is his 373rd birthday. St Ignace (which is French for St Ignasius) was his patron saint.

Red, White and Blue Moose of St Ignace

Many local elections are being held today. Don't forget to vote. This moose is a daily reminder of our patriotic duty and he resides in St. Ignace.

Bridgeview Park overlooking Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan's water is so clear. Having a picnic at the Bridgeview Park in St. Ignace, we can never resist putting our feet in the water.

Totem Village in St Ignace

At Totem Village in St. Ignace there is a small chapel among the exhibits that was established by Chief White Wolf also known as Ralph McCarry. When the Chief originally set up the museum and village he included artifacts from Native Americans throughout the United States in the hope of building pride. The Chief has since passed and the proprietor of the last 40 years, Nancy, has worked to maintain the spirit and wishes of Chief White Wolf. The carved quote says, "There is only one True God, Creator of all men. Therefore be not puffed up but kneel and pray with your brother."

Mackinac Bridge

Even on a hazy, gray, misty day the Mackinac Bridge looks spetacular. The bridge opened to the traffic shortly before Doreen's first birthday. 41 years later (1998) the bridge celebrated its 100 millionth crossing from one peninsula to the other. This amazing bridge is over 5 miles long and used 42 miles of wire in the main cables. Over 70,000 people walk the span of this bridge on Labor Day each year. Suzie did it in '92 with her four children when they were between the ages of 5 and 9.

Castle Rock in St. Ignace

Suzie and I spent the day in St. Ignace and one of our adventures was climbing 200 feet above sea level to the top of Castle Rock. The natural limestone structure allowed us to have the same lookout as the ancient Ojibway Indians seeing the forests in one direction and the waters of the Mackinac region in the other. Suzie had an epiphany, "St. Ignace is the French spelling of St. Ignatius of Loyola."