We decided to take a trip to the Straits of Mackinaw and visit Mackinaw Island and Fort Michilimacknac. Lots of fun and lots of learning on this trip. Thing #1 begins her study of Michigan history this year, so we thought it would be a good jumping off point for her. And Mackinaw Island is a great place to visit anyhow. We planned to bike around the island before visiting the historical parts.
So we packed up and headed north. Only to be hit with a maelstrom of craziness along the way. I stepped on a nail. The camper blew a tire. Thing #1 and #2 complained of upset tummies. Mr. CrazyLife couldn't find the tent. Etc. Etc. Etc. We finally got all things settled and got to the campground, just in time to set up the tent in the dark and park the trailer in a spot that was smaller than your average trailer spot.
Then we went for a walk by the lake....sunset was happening and it was almost dark. And this is what we saw:
Well. okay, we might have seen that....if it hadn't been so dark. This is actually what we saw the next morning as we prepared to head out to the fort. However it rained. And poured. And rained. And poured. And thundered.
All. Night. Long.
It was a good thing we found the top part of the tent. Also, on the first night Thing #1 woke up and said her tummy hurt. She barely made it out of the tent before you know what happened. Ugh. Sick kids in a tent on a rainy night. Now that's fun.
By morning, Thing #1 felt okay. The sun was shining. With a few clouds in sight. You can see them above. It was pretty spectacular.
We decided to try the fort.
Walking in we saw this....if nothing else, it made for a great picture.
The Mighty Mackinaw Bridge surrounded by dark, thunderous clouds.
We held our breath and tempted fate. We stopped to watch them light the cannon....and pretend to shoot at a ship coming under the bridge. I love re-enactors, they have the best senses of humor.
(notice Thing #4 is proudly showing off the site map)
They actually managed to light and fire the cannon....in the pouring rain....and HAIL!
Yes, hail. We ran for cover under the blockhouse....which, being made of wooden poles really wasn't much of a cover. Mr. CrazyLife covered him, myself and Thing #4 with his coat. They were dry. I was wet down my entire backside. The other things were with Grandma and Grandpa and stayed relatively dry under the umbrellas.
After the initial rain and hail, the day dried out and we enjoyed visiting the fort.
We headed back to the campground early. The next day was Mackinaw Island. However, I have no pictures from there as I left my camera in the car at the ferry dock. Ugh.
After the island, we had one more camping night. Campfire and s'mores it was.
And for some reason, Thing #4 who loves to take and be in pictures never seems to have a face in them other than this:
Before heading home the next morning, we stopped at the Straits Lighthouse for a quick tour and climb of the tower.
When it rains, it pours as the saying goes. We had plenty of rain.....but it also poured lots of fun!
1 comments:
nice post thanks for sharing...happy holidays...blessings soraya
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