We live in Kalamazoo down at the bottom of the map. Our trip was up to the top of the map. We stayed in Mackinaw City but the furthest we traveled up to was the point that you can see between Sault Ste Marie and Munising, pretty close to Canada - Whitefish Point. We haven't been up there before but it was a fun place to visit.
Whitefish Point Lighthouse was first lit in 1849. It shares the honours of the first lighthouse being lit on Lake Superior with Copper Beach Lighthouse. This light still works though there is no lighthouse keeper. It is automated.
Whitefish Point is known as the Graveyard of Ships as more vessels have been lost here than in any other part of the lake.
The light has shined for 150 without fail...except on the night that the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. On November 10th 1975 the light suddenly went out. The Edmund Fitzgerald, whose navigational system had been crippled by a raging storm, went down. Twenty nine men were lost.
There is a fitting memorial on the beach.
Every year on November 10th a memorial service is held. The ship's bell is rung thirty times - once for each member of the crew and once more for all the mariners who have been lost at sea.
Most of Whitefish Point is a wildlife sanctuary and includes a bird observatory.
Lots of debris washed up on the beach.
Since the first known commercial wreck of the Invincible in 1816 to the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975 approximately 325 lives have been lost in 300 wrecks and accidents in the Graveyard of the Great Lakes.
I've heard of Kalamazoo, what an amazing name I think that is why it has stuck in my head. Its nice to have a mini holiday break. I've not been to your part of the world, the closest I've been is San Francisco. 'Graveyard of ships' gives me the chills, but its places like that that I like to visit than beaches where sunbathers are found. Did you see my Dungeness blog post, may interest you http://allotment2kitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/borough-of-lydd-dungerness-romney-marsh.html Happy Five on Friday
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos as always. The fifth photo makes me feel a bit sad butI imagine how the memorial service beautifully held. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteHow sad, but lovely to have a memorial for all of those lost. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThose are dangerous waters - 300 wrecks - incredible! The lighthouse is looking nice, it's great that it is still working.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the map it seems a long way to your holiday destination. You must have crossed the water to get there. I noticed Ann Arbor on the map and remember friends lived there once, but now live in the UK. The lighthouse is a beautiful and much needed. What tragedies happened on that coastline, but it's good that there's a memorial and service for those lost at sea.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lot of history at the lighthouse.
ReplyDeleteWe have friends in Ann Arbor so I've seen photos of part of the 'mitten' but it's good to see these lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting place with too many ghosts! Love the lighthouse and the wide-open views. I've never been to that area of the country, but have always wanted to visit!
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived in NY we were close to two lighthouses on the Hudson River. Before then I had associated lighthouses with ocean shores and then I learned that they are around the Great Lakes, too! Thanks for your interesting post, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great place to visit with lots of history...
ReplyDeleteNow you'll have the Wreck of the Edmund FitzGerald stuck in my head. That's a long trip, one forgets how big Michigan is.
ReplyDeleteGraveyard of ships that's awful. Lighthouses are so important all around the world. A very poignant five x
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit this area. Great pictures and information.
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed about how many wonderful places there are to visit in this country and I've barely made a dent! So much to see and do. Thanks for letting me armchair travel with you! Also, I adore lighthouses .. I think there is something romantic about them!
ReplyDeleteI loved your post, sad but true to the nature of the lakes and its dangers. Great photos too. I have read a few novels set in this area by Jody Hedlund (historical romance) but I did get a feel for the area through her descriptions of the lakes.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting. The memorial is such a good idea. I can't help thinking of the song when I hear of Kalamazoo, great name.
ReplyDeleteA fascinating post. Aren't blogs a wonderful way to find out about places around the world. B x
ReplyDeleteThe memorial for the lost sailors is a good way of remembering the individuals, and also to remember the power of Nature. On the west coast of our island many ships have been lost as well.
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