The Great Waters Region of Mackinac

WISSA-World Ice and Snow Sailing Association

2011-10-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most exciting events ever to come to St. Ignace and the Straits of Mackinac.

World Ice and Snow Sailing Association

Coming to St. Ignace, Michigan Feburary 2012

STS is coming to the USA in 2012

A cool wind is blowing thru the world of windsurfing, and with it comes a fresh new way of racing. Developed in Latvia, the Short Track Slalom (STS) takes place on plowed ice. It packs more action into a tight space than any other form of wind powered competition.

A system of quick starts, rapid heats, and instant results makes racing dynamic and compelling. The close quarters and high speeds are spellbinding for sailors and spectators alike. Precision jibing, lightning acceleration and dramatic crashes are standard fare for this extraordinary new discipline. Think of it as a cross between sailing and short track speed skating.

The venue (a plowed area 200x200 meters) is a simple matter in cold climates. The small size, easy containment, and high action density make the STS a natural for the new world of spectators and media.

Get ready! World Ice and Snow Sailing Championships coming to St. Ignace Michigan

wissa.org

Bring it on!

A Hike at Rabbits Back Peak

2011-10-15T02:28:00.000-07:00

To most, it's just a hump in the landscape on a Lake Huron Bay just outside of the city of St. Ignace in the village of Evergreen Shores. To many who live here, it's much more....It's a history, a story of a time gone by, an era when this intriguing rock was a well-known landmark, a kind of "castle rock" of its day. It was a nickle climb, so they say. The land is populated by small two tracks, a reminder of a time that it was being developed for a campground but never really got off the ground. It is full of majestic cedars and many varieties of evergreens and rock ledges as well as hidden cement footings that hold stories of a previous life in a bustling harbor town.

Towering over the Mackinac area, it offers a 365 view although the ancient cedars are starting to block some of the wide open view of years past. It is the highest point in Mackinac County, 30 feet higher than the famous "Castle Rock" on I-75.

The Rabbits Back

Woods, Historic of Mackinac

Here is a rock of peculiar shape about three miles from the point where the Indians gathered in 1680. Here, it is said MANABOZHO, the Great Hare, who was a Huron Deity, once gave a Huron the gift of Immortality tied in a bundle, ejoining him never to open it; The Indian's wife, however, moved by curiousity, cut the string, and the precious gift flew out. Ever since then the Indians have been subject to death.

MANABOZHO was a Diety to all of the tribes in the Lakes' Superior and Michigan region, and our local tribesman say that he was usually in the form of a Great Hare, and was very kind to the Indians, but as the Indians began waring and adopting the ways of the early traders, he became so grieved that he turned himself to stone. Ever after those who had heard of his wonderful works, have in sorrow or want, gone to this spot and laid gifts around him, and they claim wonderful healings and other supernatural benefits from this great stone rabbit.

"CHIEF WHITE WOLF"

I remember as a teenager, new to the area, climbing this rock and thinking it was the coolest place I'd ever been. I've climbed many times since then and this climb was with a non-profit group that we work with, The Great Waters Center for Lifelong Learning, most of the group are newer to the area and had only ever wondered what that hump represented. A local Native American historian accompanied us to give the group the history of the "Peak" through his eyes.

As we stood atop the peak, an eagle soared over the cedars, the setting sun shed a late afternoon glow on nearby Mackinac Island and the St. Ignace harbor, the smell of cedars filled the air and fall was upon us. There was no better place to be on that day. All is good in our U.P. Rabbits Back Peak

Brevort Lake Calm

2011-10-13T01:20:00.000-07:00

Where did the season go? Honestly, it’s been busy but I just found this picture that I took in August on Brevort Lake, at the Sunset Breeze vacation cottage and decided to post it so it would remind me of the summer that just turned into fall. I didn’t miss it….I was there….participated in as many activities and events as possible and as busy as it was, this picture reflects the calm that sometimes we get to enjoy. Nothing like waking up on this lake first thing and seeing the beautiful colors stretching across the 7 mile span, listening to the sound of an occasional loon but more often the quack of the neighborhood ducks taking a stroll along the shore. Summer came and it left…..How did I not make time to report it all…..where does the time go?

Ways to Fix Things Part Two ( A great look at a housing market fix)

2011-06-24T07:43:00.001-07:00

Check out this website I found at tbwsdailyshow.com

These guys are on the money and give great insight to the housing problems and how we get back on track.

Dwarf Iris

2011-06-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

Living along the Lake Michigan shoreline is always an adventure because you just never know what you will encounter, rare animals, birds, massive tall ships, foreign freighters, sunrises and sunsets that take your breath away or wildflowers that are unfamiliar..

Recently, my husband during his morning walk has encountered some workers on the Enbridge project, a gas pipeline company who is upgrading a station and a gas pipeline that crosses the Straits of Mackinac between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. They have a base station near historic "Pte. LaBarbe" and Sand Bay just west of the Mackinac Bridge. They seemed to be looking at the ground and covering quite an area. When asked what they were looking for, they responded that they are relocating the protected "Dwarf Iris" which apparently only grows in very few areas of the world, this being one.

I had been familiar with this flower from past projects but never really knew it's history so looked it up and decided to share so that if anyone wanted to search the flower, here would be the information. Its presence has stopped more than one development in this area that I've encountered. So here is some history:

What is a Dwarf Lake Iris?

Scientific Name - Iris lacustris

Appearance- Dwarf lake iris is a miniature iris with showy, deep blue flowers. The flowers are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in width and 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches in height and are born singly on stems less than 2 inches tall. Leaves are up to 6 inches long and 2 inches wide and are flattened, sword-like, and arranged in fan-shaped clusters. Although flowers are usually blue, lilac or white flowers are sometimes found.

Range - Dwarf lake iris only grows around the Great Lakes and occurs near the northern shores of Lakes Huron and Michigan in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.

Habitat - Occurring close to Great Lakes shorelines in cool, moist lake shore air, dwarf lake iris is found on sand or in thin soil over limestone-rich gravel or bedrock. Habitat is along old beach ridges or behind open dunes. Changing water levels can open new habitat for the plants.

So, the plant thrives here and its fun to know it when you see it. I'm not worrying that they'll be disappearing anytime in the near future but always find it amazing that this northern climate has so many interesting discoveries and they are right under our nose. I'm curious as to how many will get transplanted or saved with this new pipeline upgrade and how much that will cost in environmental studies and implementation, who monitors it.....always interesting statistics.

In any case, it is certainly worth a stroll along your favorite northern Michigan shoreline

Spring is here and this is why I know

2011-05-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

WILD BEEFSTEAK MOREL MUSHROOMS

I always know when spring is really here because the buzz is all about the mushrooms....who's seen them, where do you think they are etc. I've never been very good at hunting them all though on occasion we have hit a few jackpots but I defer to my daughter and a couple of friends to really produce the find of this local and very popular Northern Michigan delicacy. People are very protective of their spots, even my own kids wouldn't divulge their spots but just offer to drop a off a few extras to keep us happy. I guess they were afraid I would broadcast the whereabouts and that would be the end of their secret spot.

This little batch above is the first of the year, beefsteaks as they call this particular morel, pan fried with a little olive oil, garlic, onion and a dash of sea salt and pepper. There is NO better dish to come off my stove, (well with the exception of the addition of a little butter which I'm trying to cut back on). Thanks to our friend, "Mountain Joe" who I would trust with my life to know the difference between the real and false morels. Now if you don't hear from me again, I was wrong but my moneys always on "Mountain Joe".

For anyone wanting to know more about wild mushrooms, check out this link Hunting Morel Mushrooms in Upper Michigan Just another great Northern Michigan activity.....

Why the beefsteak name? if you close your eyes, sometimes you could imagine you were eating a succulent, tender, juicy bite of steak. (but it's better).

An Adventure Across the Ice Bridge

2011-02-10T04:43:00.000-08:00

The early day crack on the ice bridge

A horse drawn dray rounding the corner on Market Street

The two restaurants open this winter

It was early in the day when I decided that today would be a good day to cross over to the island to get some work done. The past few days have been mild and the ice had shifted just enough to make this traveler a little leery of the safeness of the trail. We loaded our machines from home and drove down to the Mackinac Grille where we launched and headed over. It was a beautiful clear day with a dusting of clouds but the wind was cold and fierce and much of the snow had blown off leaving a vast expanse of black ice but the trail was good and marked well with xmas trees....... There was one small crack about a mile out, not enough to cause any concern and we scurried over it. How fun to land on this island in the middle of winter, no boat or air schedule just you and your machine. What an experience to witness winter on Mackinac, what a special place. Word was out that the DNR has been ticketing people without trail permits, must be something new.......not remembering it ever being required previously unless you went the trails or into the state park area. I guess they must now consider the ice-bridge, a trail, hmmmmm, bet you'll find an argument there. The picture above is of the two restaurants now open and serving food, great places for lunch or dinner...UNELSS you're the DNR officer that just issued 40 tickets that day on the ice bridge for no trail stickers or lack of helmets (so he said:) Hmmmm, things were rumbling on the island and I guess it came right from Lansing to enforce it.

After spending several hours with my client, we headed back, my client catching a ride to the mainland of St. Ignace as the sun was starting to set in the west. After passing through a spontaneous stop by a local female DNR officer, we carried on. As the spot with the original crack got closer, I noticed the crack had enlarged and now there was water, maybe 3 feet or so. I stopped and looked closer, didn't like what I saw and wasn't ready to cross unless I saw another machine cross. The on-coming machine stopped as well, looked at me and I suppose was thinking the same thing, (like stupid vs. stupid). My husband Jim said we've got to cross it, apparently thinking it was OK and not too deep, he was not going back to find another way around. As he flew across, he dipped and the water flew up...... but made it safely across. My heart sunk out of my body and I turned to my friend and said close your eyes and hold your breath we're going across. I veered a little more to the south and gunned it, hit the crack, dipped, came up and landed on smooth black ice....we made it. The momentum sent us spinning sideways until we hit a patch of snow, sending my client off the back and me off as well, as I watched the machine coming down on me, I threw my foot up as to not get crushed, it obliged and stood back up. Safe! We all looked at each other....are we nuts? are you kidding? Wow, what a rush.....after we laughed hysterically at what we had just gone through, and the machine now was limp with broken shocks, we doctored her back, loaded up and headed home. All were fine, no broken anything and enough excitement to last us all a while. What you've got to do to make a living up here! LOL!

For the record, if you want to purchase a trail permit, you can get them right downtown St. Ignace at Ace Hardware. Also, many people travel this bridge back and forth to work whenever the bridge is good, they know what to look for or they find out the latest conditions. It's not for the faint of heart.....and no one can ever guarantee anything but traditions are made and carried on and life goes on up here in the great white north. Just need to be careful, inquire from the locals and pay your insurance up.

Ok, so this Saturday, I think I'll stick to snowshoeing, I see there's an outing at Tahquamenon Falls with the North Country Trail to Trail group. Sounds like a much tamer activity.

A little more on the ice bridge

2011-02-01T18:55:00.000-08:00

Winter in the Straits of Mackinac

Today is a crystal blue day on the Straits of Mackinac, one of several days in a row now. As we sit and listen to the stories of stranded travelers and forecasts of the big storm in route and people scrambling for supplies, it's hard to imagine when we look out to the calm of this day, not a breeze in the sky. The steam that had recently risen out over this deep blue Lake Michigan inland sea has now left till spring, leaving a large white blanket speckled with silver icebergs and waves frozen in motion and building with freshly covered snow. The local coast guard cutter "Mackinaw" makes an appearance in the Straits on a mission to break up the ice for an occasional passing freighter carrying important goods to some distant port of sail. The sounds of the ice cracking and creaking when the cutter passes through is always exciting and I wonder what it would be like to be in that boat and how exciting it must be for the young new recruits on their first ride. As the daily news of the world unveils itself, all is calm in this little waterfront community of St. Ignace as we watch a moon set over this vast expanse of winter wonderland and know there's not a better place to be on this beautiful winter day.

The Mackinac Ice Bridge

2011-01-30T07:32:00.000-08:00

This is the moment so many wait for each year....The ice bridge between Mackinac Island and St. Ignace has formed. The conditions have been perfect for the beginning of winter and last week the first brave group of island natives braved the crossing. Jason St. Onge, Bobby Horn and Bret Horn made the first crossing of the year on snowmachines, January 23. That certainly paved the way for the continuous crossings since then. Its great to see all the activity between the neighboring communities. Whether its for pure recreation or a family getting groceries and staples from the St. Ignace mainland, or a meal at one of local eateries, you feel the excitement and you know, a perfect winter may be upon us.

January Winter photos 2011

New Years Resolutions

2011-01-14T05:29:00.000-08:00

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011....Out with the old....and NO!, nothing new coming in. I will admit to one of my New Years resolution..."The De-Clutter Project" Just invite someone to stay at your home while you're gone....amazing what plan of action will kick in. Who knows what closets or drawers could be opened, perfect time to tackle your hidden storage spaces. It's the top of my list for resolutions and I made a contract with myself to forge ahead and finish.

That kicked in like a bomb went off......Good lord, I don't want anyone to think I might collect more than needed. My goal was to tackle a drawer or closet each morning before daylight until the house is done, which should be easy for me, I'm an early riser and usually get more done before my recently retired husband crawls from the bed to the recliner to catch CNNs Robin Meade, his second love. The bonus would be getting him to take on the garage, contents and organizational structure. Less than one week, it's almost in order, at least the house is.

Now I haven't tackled our clothing or extra closets yet, that's a separate category but those are next. Can't buy anything unless I give something away...great rule, must be an "Oprah Rule". Now I have to just not eat for 3 days so I can try to fit in to all the clothes that haven't fit for 10 year but I couldn't part with them. That's the biggest challenge and one that will take the longest.

As far as his closets, it's hands off so far. I'm a little curious how someone can have 10 green camouflaged jackets, pants and double on the hats, Come on, do you think the little varmints know when you wear the same outfit twice? NO, these guys are victims of year-end hunting catalogs and the need to keep up with that ever changing "Cabellas" look.....I need to just start getting to the mailbox first. He claims there is a purpose for each outfit...come on!

this could take longer than planned...I may have to re-think my strategy. Once I'm done though, I'll be ready to tackle all my fun winter projects and goals which include more playing in the great outdoors and less computer use. My new snowshoes (xmas 2009) will weave through the rising Lake Michigan ice caves that dot the Straits of Mackinac and my front yard, my cross country skis will get a new wax job and find their way to the Sand Dunes Trail system, pull out my ice skates and get to the rink or pond, I'll fine-tune my Pickleball game and maybe even read a mindless book, all knowing my house is in order and my closets are ready should anyone want to just "take a peek".

Hot Hot Hot!

2011-01-13T16:16:00.001-08:00

It's official, 2010 was the hottest year on record.....even more reason to move Up North! especially the Straits of Mackinac where cool summer breezes and playgrounds of deep blue inland seas prevail...What's not to love about that.

Cords for this, chargers for that, Yikes!

2010-12-11T11:01:00.001-08:00

It's Saturday afternoon, snows falling softly and it's beginning to look a lot like XMAS. Ok, I lost my camera, at an October convention bought a new one, now found my old one, in my sports bag, (surprise surprise). Different flash cards, different readers, now I've got 2 different chargers, cords for this, cords for that, now I misplaced my ipod but I'm sure my smart phone will tell me where it's at, (if that's not dead by now), my laptop is turning funny colors, sure it's time to replace. I'm out of electrical outlets to plug these devices into and God forbid I head out on a trip without most of them. I have no idea why I'm even on facebook except I just listened to a speaker who said take care of your social media work today, so, here I am and I'm pretty sure I've just burned my XMAS cookies. Better take a nap:) Happy Saturday.

Social Media

2010-11-17T06:54:00.001-08:00

Heres an interesting stat I just wanted to share, there are 1 billion
laptops and there are 4 billion cellphones. hmmmm, think about that
and the power of these new cell phones. I just came back from my
first convention in 12 years that I didn't lug along my laptop, what
freedom that was. My phone did almost everything I needed except hold
a longer charge. Granted, the virtual keyboard on my droid and I are
not having a love affair but we're still courting. Amazed day by day!

The renovation of the Big Trout Lake "Birch Lodge" (1911)

2010-11-13T06:55:00.001-08:00

Interested in historic preservation, check out my friends Bill and Deb
and their project, http://birchlodge.blogspot.com, the renovation of
a former sanitarium-summer resort where this Northern Michigan air
was once considered "restorative", now being renovated into a B&B
(plus small motel). Looks like a little Grand Hotel. On 19 wooded
acres and beautiful sandy beach 30 min. NW of the Mackinac Bridge.
Wishing them the best success. This will be a great place for
reunions, small conventions, vacations and R&R.

Back home again

2010-11-12T08:16:00.001-08:00

Just arrived home from a New Orleans convention! Got to see the Brad
Pitt "green housing development, out of place architecturally but
efficient and affordable. Had the privilege of meeting and listening
to Bill Walton, the NBA hall of famer who spoke on his fight back
after 39 surgeries and almost giving up. Pretty inspiring. Our
thoughts are with our neighbors Linda DeKeyser and Jeff Fogelsonger
who lost their home in possibly an electrical fire yesterday, no one
hurt and pets are safe:) Great small town support!

Mackinac to New Orleans

2010-11-09T16:29:00.001-08:00

Ok, whenever I get away, I always remember how much I LOVE and miss home. Why is that? It's not that I don't love to travel because I do but I always seem to be comparing other places with home. This recent trip brought me to a national convention in New Orleans. Wow, what a great city. It's about my 4th or 5th time here, the last being right after Katrina. It's amazing how much it's been rebuilt, the synergy that exists here. I'm always envious of the ton of great restaurants and nightclubs that pump out that good southern food, jazz and good times. They exist on every street corner. When eating a praline, I compared it to the good fudge we have in the Straits of Mackinac area, when studying the old architecture, I could only think of the history that exist around our Straits of Mackinac region, it's so similar but so few people really know it. An old city, full of cemeteries and graves that carry many of the same dates as ours. Ate alligator the other night, reminded me of the partridge or rabbit we cook. Drove through plantations and bayous and looked for alligators in the swamps, ate catfish and Muffelettas and had a great time. In the back of my mind, I knew that the best was yet to come, my drive north back over the Mackinac Bridge, watching the sun set to the west over Lake Michigan and the twinkle of the hotels and homes east on Lake Huron and Mackinac Island bluff. Doesn't matter where I go or what I do, Mackinac and it's region is the best place to live in the whole world.

Fall Update

2010-10-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, how did I miss summer. I know, it was just too busy. I can't remember a recent summer when there were so many people around and of course we get overwhelmed with activities in the community, so I need to play catch up here and I will. Until then, fall color in St. Ignace will be almost peak this weekend so do not wait to come north and see for yourself. Went to see the "Tannehill Weavers" last night at Central Michigan University, a celtic band from Scotland and part of the PBS music series...they were awesome........heading north back into God's country today, will get color report for I-75 north to bridge......to be continued.....

Spring is here!

2010-05-26T04:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm sitting here, watching a freighter pass through the Straits of Mackinac. It's spring and summer is near, I can tell because when the windows are open at night and you wake to what sounds like wild kingdom, you know it's upon us. The gulls start to gather on the small islands on Lake Michigan and when the wind is calm and the night is still, the birds control the evening music. As daylight approaches, many birds start their daily routine in, out and around the house, playing through the woods and over the lake. The geese and swans keep by themselves but the rest seem to mingle and play including an occasional eagle that stops for a rest, controlling by his majestic presence.

Yesterday, as the news broadcast record breaking temperatures in Michigan, we were sheltered with a nice Lake Huron and Michigan breeze, just enough to warrant a light sweater early and later in the afternoon. Imagine, people are talking about high 80's and 90's everywhere including 5 miles away but this east point on the Upper Peninsula near Mackinac Island is like heaven. Today, more record breaking temperatures they say......bring it on, we have our own thermostat.

It's Winter in the Upper Peninsula

2010-02-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

Well, sort of. I'm not sure where all the snow went this winter but we need more so please send north.

This is the big pond hockey weekend. Can you say BIG! Over 120 teams compete on the ice in downtown St. Ignace on Lake Huron's Moran Bay. Labatt Blue U.P. Pond Hockey Tournament.
Teams from all over the country will skate it out over a 3 day period. Shuttles will get people back and forth to their favorite eateries. It's a great event.

The whole town pulls together for this winter event which starts the "St. Ignace Winterfest" series of events.
There is a lot of ice bowling going on too.

Check with the Chamber of Commerce for all events.

Husband Jim is grooming the trails for snowmobiling and isn't seeing a ton of traffice and some of the off beaten path trails are great. The old railroad grade needs more snow but some nice trails can be found out in the backwoods.

Break out your snowshoes or cross-country skis. We've got the North Country Trail System and the BEST cross-country ski trails out by the Sand Dunes and Brevort Lake Rd.

Come on up!

Pictured Rocks Road Trip

2009-10-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Pictures
It was National Parks Day so of course I couldn't resist the urge to north and play "Tour Guide". It was a girls weekend, rekindling friendships of high school days past.
Several had never been to the Pictured Rocks Region so we went and weren't disappointed. Spent the night at the Brevort Lake cottage and headed up to Munising first thing in the morning. A very helpful "Pam" at the Visitor Center gave us the map that would get us the best sites for the time we had. They were showing a documentary on the new Ken Burns series "The National Parks, Americas Best Idea". After many oohs and ah's we headed the back roads to a little town on Lake Superior called Grand Marais where we enjoyed some great on site brews and snacks before heading back home. We hit the village of Epoufette to watch the sun set at the Bay View Restaurant and have some local Whitefish. Another great day in the U.P.

A Road Trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

2009-10-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Fall in the Straits of Mackinac Region

2009-09-16T05:02:00.000-07:00

Well, what a great intro to fall. The fall has brought some beautiful weather with it and some great swimming days if your suits are still out. A great time to get out and hike some area trails and beaches and discover all these places we have to discover up here.The Festivals and Fireworks campaign wrapped up Labor Day weekend with a bang, filling a beautiful calm bay with a season finale of lights and a town full of people preparing for the Labor Day Bridge Walk. People headed up for weekend festivals in groves and you wouldn't have guessed the economy was depressed in this region, people strolling the streets and bays at night waiting for the weekly burst of Saturday night fireworks or local entertainment. Lots of people, LOTS OF INQUIREES about the area and housing industry but a little bit of a summer slump in the sales department.
Rates just dropped a little again and it's just one more reason to take advantage of them before they nudge back up in 2010. The $8,000 home buyer tax credit is still available with the industry trying to get it expanded beyond that November date but nothing is guaranteed on that note. These are great reasons to buy now. The home credit applies to first time home buyers OR buyers who haven't owned in the previous 3 years and the time restriction is it must close by November 30th, 2009. We're looking for some good activity this fall when people are more serious about buying. There are a few foreclosures out there but nothing like other areas of southern Michigan. The housing stock is larger than it’s been in years, many home prices have dropped. The new hospital is being built and slated to open May, 2010. This certainly will be another reason that the area will begin a new growth period. The Mackinac Region is a great place to live, work and play, now is the time. If you have any questions regarding the market, where it's been, where we think it's going, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Real Estate*********MackinacProperties.com

2009-03-01T18:26:00.001-08:00

Ok, we've got a new administration, low, low interest rates and now a $8,000 home buyer tax credit, these are just a few great reasons that now is the time to buy. The home credit applies to first time home buyers OR buyers who haven't owned in the previous 3 years and time restrictions apply. We're looking for some good activity. Foreclosures are certainly out there, not in the numbers that other areas have seen but there are some great buys. The housing stock is larger than it’s been in years, many home prices have dropped. The new hospital is being built and slated to open May, 2010. This certainly will be another reason that the area will begin a new growth period. The Mackinac Region is a great place to live, work and play, now is the time. If you have any questions regarding the market, where it's been, where we think it's going, please don't hesitate to contact me. 906-643-9242 cheryl@mackinacproperties.com

St. Ignace, Michigan

2009-03-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

3rd Annual U.P. Pond Hockey Tournament

2009-03-01T09:04:00.001-08:00