They Keep a Light On ....

As we begin our day-long drive to Big Bay Point Lighthouse B&B (located northwest of Marquette, Michigan, USA), a sliver of the late-rising moon shares the eastern sky with the dawning day.   We merge onto I-75 where the traffic lanes begin to show signs of wintry conditions.  The winter weather has the Mackinac Bridge traffic reducing speed but at least they haven’t closed the bridge and we cross into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  Under good travel conditions, we still have about four more hours of driving.  I hope the weather cooperates and we get to the Lighthouse before dark…

We arrive at Big Bay Point Lighthouse B&B just before darkness descends upon us.  The light was built in 1896 at a cost of $25,000 and it was automated in 1944.  It has been serving as a Bed & Breakfast since 1986.  We are greeted by Jeff (the owner) who gives us a quick tour of the public spaces of the lighthouse and shows us to our second floor guest room (Helper Fleury).  The guest room is average size with a view of the woods.  The queen-size bed is comfortable with sufficient blankets to keep us warm during this cold night.  The lighthouse was originally a duplex - a mirror image on each side.  So there are two stairways that face each but the dividing wall has been removed so guests can see both sets of stairs through “windows”. 

Big Bay Point Lighthouse B&B

Lighthouse Mirror-Image Stairs

In the living room music is softly playing.  The Christmas tree is decorated with lighthouse ornaments (how appropriate).  There are two furry bear footstools in front of oversized chairs.  The owners have put reindeer antlers (headbands) on both of them - how em'bear'assing. 

Dining Room/Living Room Area

 

Bear-Reindeer Footstool

We go to the library and watch a DVD about Lake Michigan lighthouses - and ghost stories.  Big Bay Point Light is included.  One of the ghost stories involves William Prior (the station's first keeper).  He vanished in 1901 and his body was found almost a year and a half later hanging from a tree about a mile from the lighthouse.  He may have committed suicide, or have been murdered.  His ghostly image has been reported to be seen in mirrors.  A short time later, Brad sees Jeff (the owner) and asks him about the ghost stories.  Jeff flatly denies any of it saying it was the former owner's idea for publicity. 

The next morning, we climb the stairs of the 64’ high tower and go outside to walk around on the widow’s walk.  The wind off Lake Superior brings a chill and tingle to my face and hands.   It’s time to go back inside the lighthouse.

Tower View of Lake Superior

After we enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast, we leave the lighthouse and travel east on M-28 toward Munising where we stop to photograph Scott Falls (a frozen 10' column of ice), Munising Falls, and Wagner Falls. 



Scott Falls

Munising Falls

Wagner Falls Scenic Area









It is sunset by the time we leave Munising.  Our headlights penetrate the darkness only to reveal the loose snow swirling across the road.  Whenever a car goes by us, that car kicks up clouds of snow creating a temporary white-out.  Once we turn east on US-2, the road is clear and we make better time driving to St. Ignace.  The signs indicate high wind warnings for the Mackinac Bridge but at least it is open.  We cross the Bridge in the dark and stay in Mackinaw City for the night.

New Year’s Day is bitterly cold but we want to photograph the Old Mackinaw Point Light with the Mackinac Bridge in the background.  It doesn’t take long for our exposed fingers to feel the freezing temps and forces us back into the car to get warm.  Next, we drive to McGulpin Point Light (just west of Mackinaw City) for a few winter photographs of it. 

Old Mackinaw Point Light & Mackinac Bridge

McGulpin Point Light

 

It is too cold for hiking so some scenic driving seems the logical thing to do today.  M-119 (aka Tunnel of Trees) is a 20-mile stretch of road between Cross Village and Harbor Springs.  From the warmth and comfort of our car, we take our time to enjoy the winter wonderland surrounding us.

Deer crossing M-119

Deer & Squirrel in forest along M-119

 



Our scenic drive ends at Harbor Springs.  In the summer, Harbor Springs is a tourist town but in the winter, it has a Norman Rockwell-type of appearance with beautiful Victorian homes decorated for Christmas, a historic Depot, churches with steeples and a lighted Christmas tree in the center of town. 

Harbor Springs, Michigan, USA

 

To get guest information for the Big Bay Point Lighthouse B&B, please visit the following link:

http://www.bigbaylighthouse.com/

The following link offers some information about Michigan waterfalls:

http://www.michigan.org/blog/outdoors/waterfall-season-in-pure-michigan/