[tscrilla]

Originally Posted by emu742

This is so very true. I lived out west most my life, now live here in MI. When I first saw pics of the beaches I was floored! I had NO idea. And I've been to WI many times. I find MI to be incredibly beautiful (not to mention the dunes too and forests). The sand is so pristine it is better than the beaches in San Diego that I've been to.

I don't think many people born and raised here realize how MI compares to other states in its beauty, AND I don't think other states have a clue what MI is! Some day I imagine this will be a big travel destination - not that I want to be overrun with tourists anytime soon.

You're right, the sand is the most impressive attribute. It's as good as sand gets, IMHO. We're going to go on a dune ride on our next visit. Never done that before but I bet it's fun.

Living in Ohio, people think that "the state up north" is a bad place because of football (OSU rivalry vs University of MI). In my conversations with Ohioans I've asked if they've been to MI and the reply is, "I'll never step foot in that state."

It drives me bonkers that so many have such a shallow mindset but whatever. If they want to miss out on a PERFECT beach experience and all the other great things MI has to offer, then that's their problem. All of us others can just enjoy and revel in it.

[michmoldman]

Originally Posted by tscrilla

In my conversations with Ohioans I've asked if they've been to MI and the reply is, "I'll never step foot in that state."

It drives me bonkers that so many have such a shallow mindset but whatever. If they want to miss out on a PERFECT beach experience and all the other great things MI has to offer, then that's their problem. All of us others can just enjoy and revel in it.

Thats fine with us here in Michigan....the beaches are crowded enough. If you have never been up the west coast, you are in for one hell of a treat!

[magellan]

Originally Posted by tscrilla

You're right, the sand is the most impressive attribute. It's as good as sand gets, IMHO. We're going to go on a dune ride on our next visit. Never done that before but I bet it's fun.

Living in Ohio, people think that "the state up north" is a bad place because of football (OSU rivalry vs University of MI). In my conversations with Ohioans I've asked if they've been to MI and the reply is, "I'll never step foot in that state."

It drives me bonkers that so many have such a shallow mindset but whatever. If they want to miss out on a PERFECT beach experience and all the other great things MI has to offer, then that's their problem. All of us others can just enjoy and revel in it.

Who did you ask who said that? Did you follow up with a "why?" We were up near Traverse City this weekend and around Torch Lake and you couldn't throw a stone w/o hitting a car with Ohio (or Illinois) license plates. Apparently there are quite a few smart Ohioans.

*Just a figment of speech, we would never throw rocks at cars.

[magellan]

Torch Lake, Grass River, Clam River, Antrim County and surrounding areas.

East Arm of Traverse Bay from Cairns Hwy, 45th Parallel area:



45th Parallel Monument and Trail, 1/2 way between the equator and the North Pole:



Clam River, Dockside (bar) and Torch Lake in the distance:



Alden Michigan in the early morn:



Stats on the "monster" Torch Lake. That's right, 297 feet deep!!!



Torch Lake at Torch River, in the early morning:



Northern Michigan farmland, Antrim County (Traverse Bay in the distance):



Torch Lake near Eastport:





Torch Lake sunset this past Saturday:



Clam River looking out at Torch Lake, near Dockside (the white cottage to the right of the tree was built for Eminem):



Grass River (between Lake Bellaire and Clam Lake):



Grass River:

[michmoldman]

Great pics! Man I love Michigan!!

[MidwesternMan015]

Michigan is the best state of all time!

[idw2s]

Originally Posted by michmoldman

Do it! You wont be sorry!!!

LOL, I was counting on my son's daredevil friend to want to tackle Big Mac, but alas, they are all about the airsoft.

In all fairness, big boy's two friends are here for 7 days (5 days of play, travel days just don't really count, do they?). Not as much airsoft time as they might have hoped for.

I would dearly love to go stay at the Grand Hotel sometime....

I'm sure I'll get the courage to go over. The family keeps begging, I'm the only fraidy-cat ole' stick in the mud too chicken to go over. My husband keeps saying if we didn't have bad luck we'd have no luck at all, so I guess you could say I'm doing a public service. What if my bad luck struck at the wrong time? Think of all the innocent victims that would be punished right along with me. Mebbe I should just stay far away from that bridge, as a kindness to the good people trying to cross it....

You're not buying that argument? Yeah, my men aren't either....

hmmm, gonna have to work on that a bit...

Those pictures to present a compelling case for visiting Macinac and for how spectacular the view must be from atop Big Mac.... Wow. Looks like you had a Grand time.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by idw2s

LOL, I was counting on my son's daredevil friend to want to tackle Big Mac, but alas, they are all about the airsoft.

In all fairness, big boy's two friends are here for 7 days (5 days of play, travel days just don't really count, do they?). Not as much airsoft time as they might have hoped for.

I would dearly love to go stay at the Grand Hotel sometime....

I'm sure I'll get the courage to go over. The family keeps begging, I'm the only fraidy-cat ole' stick in the mud too chicken to go over. My husband keeps saying if we didn't have bad luck we'd have no luck at all, so I guess you could say I'm doing a public service. What if my bad luck struck at the wrong time? Think of all the innocent victims that would be punished right along with me. Mebbe I should just stay far away from that bridge, as a kindness to the good people trying to cross it....

You're not buying that argument? Yeah, my men aren't either....

hmmm, gonna have to work on that a bit...

Those pictures to present a compelling case for visiting Macinac and for how spectacular the view must be from atop Big Mac.... Wow. Looks like you had a Grand time.

What is it about going across the Mackinaw Bridge that you're afraid of? It is so incredibly breathtaking the first time you go over it. I think I was 4 or 5 and still remember it.

[Bydand]

If you don't want to drive over The Bridge, just call (906-643-7600) and take advantage of their free drivers assistance program. They will have somebody drive your vehicle over to the other side. Then do what my wife does when I drive over... she sits there with her eyes clamped shut and doesn't open them until we are clear of the bridge. The kids on the other hand want to roll down the windows and have me drive over the grate section so they can see down through the roadbed to the water below.

From the bridge website
What if I am not comfortable about driving across the bridge?
Answer:
The Mackinac Bridge Authority has a "Drivers Assistance Program" that provides drivers for those uncomfortable with driving across the Mackinac Bridge. If you are traveling northbound, there is a phone at the south end of the bridge. Instructions for using the phone are posted in the phone box. If you are southbound, just ask a fare collector for assistance. There is no additional fee for this service.
~~~~~~~~~
Where is the phone located?
Answer:
The phone is located on the shoulder of I-75 just north of the Jamet Street exit to Mackinaw City (near Audies Restaurant). You do not need to exit the freeway. Just past the exit, you can pull over to the right and park on the shoulder. The phone box is located on the right-of-way fencing. The box is green and easily spotted. If this is still unclear, please call us at 906-643-7600.

[Tappan Zee]

Michmoldman, nice pics! I'd love to go here one of these days. How cold does it get here in the summer, I noticed people wearing jackets and hoodies, at the same time wearing shorts.