Tag: USA midwest

Reverend John Manteith, abolitionist

On this trip I am going to share examples of courage fighting injustice, both current and from for history. I very much need this inspiration to keep fighting the good fight.

Last night, we stopped in Elyria, Ohio, on the Black River six miles from Lake Erie and 20 miles west off Cleveland.

We learned about Reverend John Monteith (1788-1868), who was an abolitionist in Elyria, Ohio who used his home, Monteith Hall, as a “station” on the Underground Railroad. For seven years, his home served as a hiding place for enslaved people escaping to freedom. A tunnel ran from the back of the house to the Black River, which was used to help people escape to the shores of Lake Erie. From there they could board a ship across the lake to Canada and freedom. The home was built in 1835 as a boarding school for girls , which he also gets props for, and a residence for Montheith’s family. He managed the Underground Railroad network on the southern shore of Lake Erie.

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A New Home in Columbus, Wisconsin

We are in Columbus, WI, about 30 miles Northeast of Madison, helping our son, Sebby and his girlfriend Jayne, settle in to their new house. Columbus is a sleepy little town with population, 5,540. It has above average schools and a cute little downtown. They moved in during a snowstorm and the neighbors were very helpful in snow blowing their driveway. So far it seems like a good move.

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To Madison We Go

Tomorrow we are embarking on another road trip to Madison, Wisconsin to visit our son, Sebby. It’s exciting to think about being on the road again. We plan to stop in Oberlin, Ohio, take a little detour down to Amish Country, then on to Madison. We’ll let you know what we find as we go!

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Welcome to Paradise

In case you did not know, Paradise is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the shores of Lake Superior. It may not be quite as you envisioned it.

Paradise has a tiny school

A library

A grocery store

A coffee shop

and a Chamber if Commerce tourist center

They have their own language and food. The Michigan upper peninsula is known as “da UP”. The people who live here are called “yoopers” and they call folks who live in lower Michigan ” trolls” cause they live under the (Mackinac) bridge.

They are fond of eating pasties filled with beef, carrots and potatoes, a lot like empanadas.

The main pastimes here are hunting, fishing, camping and snowmobiling. Paradise is nothing like Ithaca, except there are beautiful waterfall here too.

Tahquemenon State Park Upper Falls

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Mackinac Island: Horse Poop and Cedar

Mackinack Island map.png

We took the ferry to Mackinac Island. There were six foot waves, which made the boat trip quite exciting.

This island is the only place in the U.S. where vehicles are not allowed. People get around on bikes and horse drawn wagons. The predominant scents of the island are horse poop and Northern White Cedar. Fortunately, we spent most of our time biking where the cedars prevailed, along with magnificent views of Lake Michigan.

Mackinac Straights and Mackinac Bridge, which we went over to Upper Peninsula.

We recommend doing the eight-mile bike tour around the circumference of the island. It is flat, easy cycling with lots of points of interest along the way.

We took a nature walk through a wetland and Northern Boreal forest featuring dense White Cedar, Larch and Black Spruce.

We stayed at the Lakeview Hotel, one of the oldest hotels on the island.

On to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, known as the UP.

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Heading North

We decided to go to airbnb in Charlevoix to escape 40 mph winds and rain at campsite.

Not fun to break camp in the rain.

We had an interesting conversation with Art, a retired physician and our camping neighbor. He told us about growing up Native American (Odawa) and Polish in Northern Michigan. He also told us interesting stories about being an emergency room physician.

Amber was a most gracious host at the Charlevoix House, which is right near the lighthouse, draw bridge and mushroom houses

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Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes map.png

We are finally camping. Today we hiked and biked, which felt great.

Our campsite before coffee.

Heritage bike trail at Sleeping Bear Dune National Park.

There was a spectacular view from the top of the sand dune.

We took my Uncle’s advice and decided not to do the climb down to the water!
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Our Midwest Adventure Begins

Tomorrow we will leave for our 24 day midwest adventure through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio. Along the way we will visit family, camp, bike and report about what we learn along the way. Stay tuned!

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