traveling up and down the blind highway

This informal Q and A was created by teachers in the 1980s to encourage creative thinking and ask questions to start discussions.This has gradually expanded to include families and groups world wide. I will end this month with facts that I gleaned from Wikipedia and Alexa about the state of Michigan.
Question, What is the largest of the great lakes?
Answer, Lake Superior is the largest fresh water lake in the world. by volume of water and size. It is 31,700 square miles. It is 360 miles in length and 160 miles in width. Superior contains 2900 cubic miles of water. Lake Ontario may be the smallest of the great lakes in size but it holds the second largest volume of water in it’s basin, 3900 square miles of volume.
Q. Lake Huron has the longest shoreline of the great lakes. 3827 miles with over 30,000 islands.The Manitou Island is the largest fresh water Island with 1068 square miles.
Q. Lake Michigan is the only great lake that is surrounded by the US. It is bordered by Wisconsin on the west and Illinois and Indiana on the south with Michigan on the east. It boasts the largest fresh water sand dunes in the world. Legend holds that the three islands off the shore line resembles a mother bear and her two cubs fleeing from a forest fire.
Q. Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes. It average depth averages 64 feet depth to 210 feet in its north west basin. It usually freezes solid in the winter. In 1996 Erie froze so solid that you could drive from Canada to at Erie Pennsylvania or Buffalo New York.
Q. 41 % of Michigan is rivers, streams and the Great Lakes.There is a large underground reservoir of water.
Q. Q. What is the shape of the lower peninsula is shaped in the form of a left hand mitten. The Thumb land juts out into Lake Huron. Canada is a mile away from the thumb. At night, you can see lights on the Canada side from the thumb.
Q. What is the shape of the upper peninsula is roughly a rectangle with two peninsulas jutting northward into Lake Superior. The Keweenaw Peninsula which extents sixty five miles into Lake Superior. The smaller Abbie on the eastern Lake Superior. It extents 12 /.5 miles.
Q. What interesting species inhabit the Great Lakes?
Sculpin in the deep waters. They are found in the dark deep waters on the lakes. Fresh water jellyfish can be found in Lake Erie, they are roughly the size of a penny to a Quarter.
The fresh drummers or croakers produce a low rhythmic sound similar to a heartbeat. They make this sound during mating.
The lake sturgeon are bottom feeders sucking up food from the lake . They can grow to 7 feet and up to 250 pounds. They can live well over hundred years. They have spiked plates which give them a dinosaur appearance.
Q. How did the Great Lakes form such different species?
tThe glaciers retreated about 14000 years ago the melting formed inland lakes in the basins left from the glaciers movements. the waters have developed adaptions that allow fresh water species to survive in the temperatures and depth pressures.
The Great Lakes are the largest fresh water basin in the New world. We share this treasure with our Canadian neighbors.
***. poem

Shaped like a Christmas cookie,
It rests on waters underground.
Flowing rivers empty into the large lakes.
Shorelines dotted with lighthouses for shipping.
Fossils of ancient species.
Clear waters give a glimpse into the past.
Hope for the future.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyright 9/28/26

The fall equinox will arrive after a weekend of cool, rainy weather. Leaves have not started to turn except in the Upper Peninsula, The maples, birch and aspen are starting to turn shades of red and orange and will continue through October.
In past years, we would travel to the Upper Peninsula to catch the early colors at The Tahquamenon Falls, where the Cedar swamp dyes the Tahquamenon River is amber often referred as root beer because the natural foam forming at the base of each falls, The upper falls is a 48 foot drop while the five lower falls cascade around the island.
We have traveled to view the pictured rocks along the shoreline of Lake Superior. The sandstone cliffs are 50 to 200 feet above the lake. Marbled with with blue green from copper, red orange hues from iron ore and other colors include whites, black yellows and golds, occasional streaks of pink are found in the cliffs.
Another rock formation is Castle Rock. The rock has three distinct layers, gray slate on the bottom, light reddish sandstone in the middle and the top layer is a deep red-brown hue. The rock rises 196 feet above Lake Huron. The natural pillar can be climbed to the summit using 177 outdoor steps to see a view of the lake and surrounding areas including the Straights of Mackinac, the Island and downtown St. Ignace.
If we drove west on route 2 the road follows the northern shore of Lake Michigan to finally arrive at Fayetteville on the garden peninsula. It is a historic site that houses more than 20 of the original buildings of the village. There is a pig iron operation and a marina on Bay De Noc. Boater can access the Historical site by boat or car. We would then travel to the northern part of the state to visit Sault Ste. Marie to watch boats traverse the locks between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, a drop of 21 feet. They are open from late March to January.
This year, I will walk out to my small woods to sit and listen to the shower of leaves . Wherever I am in Michigan, I will take time to savor Michigan’s
fall wonders.
***. poem
Michigan
A border state, surrounded by lakes.
Golden sands, blue waters and sky.
Quiet woods where deer abide.
City scapes along the shores.
Fields of blueberries feed man and beast.
Apples, cherries and grapes add to the feast.
Different groups live and blend.
Our pride in this state never ends.
carolaspot@aol.com
Copyright 9/21/26

Most people recall the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the aborted plane crash in Somerset County, 60 miles south of Pittsburgh. two thousand nine hundred thirty seven victims on that day. In the years since the attack, more than 5000 victims have died as a result of the dust, pollution and wounds from the initial attack, bringing the total to over 12000 victims.
Americans for the first time, felt vulnerable. From that time, more volunteers signed up for all branches of the military. 25 % of Americans distrusted Islam, they perceived the religion to encourage terrorist, even though Islam tenets promote peace.
What people forget that all air traffic was grounded, with airplanes in flight ordered to proceed to the nearest airport to land. The town of Gander, Newfoundland open homes to stranded passengers. Pharmacies filled needed prescriptions free of charge. Banks of phones were set up to connect passengers to their loved ones. Canada produced an historical minute that has played before movies to highlight Canadians welcoming response to grounded Americans. The city is hosting victims, citizens and dignitaries to the memorial ceremony.
In 2011, We were on a tour in the highlands of Scotland. The whole country took a minute of silence to remember when the twin towers fell.
Fast forward fifteen years to this now. Canada and the US are in a trade war with a fifty % tariff on most imported goods from the two countries. Our president has called for Canada to become the 51st state along with annexing Greenland. Food prices have risen with the Ukraine and Russia’s war with the US backing. The war with Iran and Israel and the U. S. over oil in the straights of Hormuz for controlling oil tankers. Our current government approval rating in the lowest it has ever been at 31%.
We as a people should making informed choices what our government is involved in. The mid-term elections are in less than three months.
We can make a change, one vote at a time.

carolaspot@aol.com

copyright 9-11-2026

The first official Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on September 5th 1882. It included a parade with thousands of marchers, a large picnic was offered after the parade with a roasted steer. This set the tone for future celebrations.
Oregon was the first state to adopt it as a state holiday. Many states followed suit until, in 1894 Grover Cleveland signed it into law and moved the holiday to the first Monday in September. This was halfway between Memorial Day and Thanksgiving.
Labor Day was the last day of summer with the swim club pools closing for the season. The next day, many schools started their year.
As a young married adult, my first and present husbands were in unions and had picnics in city parks. My first husband, Mike, was a leader in the auto workers. He would ride in a float or drive his scooter most of the parade route.
My second husband, john, worked for the postal service in the maintenance craft and usually volunteered to work to get sorting machines cleaned and repaired.
The Mackinac Bridge Walk has been a tradition since 1959. The bridge is closed to drivers from 9 to 11 am so walkers can walk across the span of the bridge , about 5 miles. It starts with the Governor leading the thousands of michiganders to leisurely walk the bridge. I have participated several times with a group of Amigo scooter riders to promote inclusion in the walk. Many stroller and wagons are used to cross. The views from the bridge are breathtaking, especially, when a large ship is below the bridge. School busses are used to return walkers to their cars.
Whether you march in a parade, picnic or relax listening to a football game, take time to appreciate the change of the season.

***. poem
Take Stock
Cooler mornings, sunny afternoons.
Parades celebrate over one hundred thirty years of workers in the US labor force. Large barbecues along with the last swimming day.
School starting the next day, some lament.
Whether you walk, march or play in a park,
Labor Day is fun for all.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyrighted 8/7/26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdER71cjmKA

Route 66 was the first transcontinental highway connecting Chicago to the Pacific coast at Santa Monica. It cut the trip by over two hundred miles. Hotels, restaurants and other local attractions sprung up along it’s corridor. Many of these stops have served customers from the start. For the centennial, 85% of the original road is usable.
The route was first opened in the spring of 1926 to promote travel and tourism between Chicago and Oklahoma and onto the west coast ending at the ocean. The trip took about a week to ten days depending on road conditions and the driver’s skill. Today people travel at a more leisurely pace to visit iconic attractions and have photos opportunities taken in front of these sites. Today the terminus is in Santa Monica at the intersection of Olympic and Lincoln, a mile from the Pacific Coastal Highway.Though decommissioned in 1985, many travelers still drive the historical route.
It was used by migration during the dust bowl in the 1930’s to travel to
California. Nat King Cole recorded the hit ,”Get Your Kicks on Route 66.”It was recorded in 1948 to further the popularize the road trip. Each year about forty million people travel some portion of the highway. This year’s celebration will draw even more crowds.
In our travels, we have driven much of the route. One worries when in the western section there were signs that warned that the next gas station was the one hundred stretch across the Mojave desert. Today it takes about two hours to travel that stretch. The original mountain crossing was in Santa fe until it was rerouted in 1936 to crosses the Black Mountains in Arizona, traveling west through Flagstaff at 7000 feet before dropping to the Colorado River basin.The higher elevations can cause lightheadedness for people from lower elevations. I became lightheaded and had difficulty sleeping at this elevation. Currently section of the Pacific Costal Highway is one way due to reconstruction. Traffic signs post a 25 mph speed limit. The Palisades fire in 2025, burned much of the vegetation. Heavy rains in the winter caused mud slides and flooding, damaging portions of the highway.
Some of the attractions along the route include Lou Mitchels a diner with 1920 decor. The Corn dog drive in in Springfield is renowned for serving the first corndog.
The 30 foot statue of a fiber glass astronaut. The Blue Whale in Tulsa has a photo opportunity with a 20 feet by 80 foot replica of a whale.
Caverns, the St. Louis Arch and several ghosts towns with roaming wild burros dot the route. The iconic end of the trail sign is on the pier at Santa Monica.
Travelers , the world over are driving the route bringing old memories to the fore front and making new ones. “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.”

carolaspot@aol.com
copyright 8-31-2026

This summer, I have tried to make my outdoor space welcoming to God’s creatures. First I planted red and yellow blossoms in my hanging baskets to encourage different birds. My neighbor has fed the hummingbirds that she loved. We hung a feeder for hummingbirds between two baskets. We were rewarded not with adult hummingbirds but a baby bird early in spring. The migrating hummingbirds have found the blossom of the hanging nasturtium. The hues of pink and orange This contrasts with the greenback and white belly of a fast flying bird. I can hear the loud throbbing of the wings as they visit the bright feeder. Butter flies have also found the feeder.
Last year, I encouraged my husband, John not to trim the small lilac bush to have more flowers. We were rewarded with a robin nesting in the bush. The lilac is outside my office window. I was able to hear the excited chirps of the babies as each parent took turns to feed the growing family.
There is a sparrow’s nest high in the basket holding black-eyed Susans. The nest was on one side of the basket. I carefully water the flowers on the far side, away from the nest. I smile to think that this is a nest with indoor plumbing. Each time I open the front door, the adult sparrow flew to a close bush to keep an eye on my movements. I have been rewarded with peeps from the basket as I pass by.
Bees are busy visiting some exotic offerings. My Christmas cactus is blooming. The bright pink saucer hibiscus by the mailboxes greet our carrier each day. My peace lily is blooming with two white spades that encloses the tiny flowers or spadix. This flower has bloomed every year of our marriage. It has been a good omen for the future.
So whether you have one pot or a group of hanging baskets. Enjoy helping God’s critters to survive.

Carolaspot@aol.com

copyright 8-24-26

This week, raspberries were on sale in the store we shopped at. Pints of the fruit with a sign, “Buy one, get one free.” I bought two cartons, to make a pie.
As a child, we always had a raspberry section in the garden. I recall it covered a area of 3 by 20 feet. Close to the white picket fence, It was a great place to hide. I would crawl under the largest planting to the middle of the patch. There was the bonus of large ruby clusters ready to drop into my waiting hand then mouth.
Often, my Mom would call my name. I waited until she returned inside to continue my browsing. I am sure my brothers snitched berries when they were asked to pick some for a pie. There was always enough for they pie and jam to put aside for cooler weather.
My Mom made freezer jam from strawberries, and raspberries. She would take two cups of fruit mixed with one cup of sugar and a packet of pectin to solidify the fruit. The jelly can be kept up to three weeks in the fridge or up to a year in the freezer.
Memories of the ripening fruit and the race to get a handful… or two without being notice was a learned skill.
I cooked my seven inch pie with an oil crust. It was a perfect memory of my Mon’s creation. Not over sweet. Mom’s pie had just enough sugar without being too sweet.
I don’t know if I will make another this season. One pie memory is good, two many pies takes away the specialness of the dessert.
I hope you are able to indulged in your favorite summer treat.

***. Poem
Raspberries
Ripe for a short time.
Arrives in middle August.
Some lost to the birds.
Pluck the ripe berries from the bottom.
Brothers were too big to sneak and pick.
Even with our constant eating.
Rarely , were they all gone.
Ripe fruit.
I recall the many pies and jars of freezer jelly.
Easy to bake a memory.
Soon, I am sampling a memory.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyright 8/17, 2026

A Petoskey stone is found only in the Great Lakes area. The heaviest concentration of stones are found along the east coast of Lake Michigan shores.
The stones were formed in the coral colonies of shallow sea waters that covered Michigan over thirty fifty million years ago, the Silurian period. Large grew in the tropical waters. During the last ice age, the fossil coral and other aquatic fossils were ripped from the bedrock by glaciers then the fossils were scattered around the Great Lakes as the ice retreated. The glacier smooth the rough edges from the stones. The coral has a six sided pattern forming a honeycomb pattern.
First nation people used these fossil stones as tools, ornaments and in spiritual ceremonies . These people formed alliances the counsel of three fires were formed with the Ojibwa were the faith keepers. They maintained the customs and traditions of the alliance. TheOttawas were the trade keeper. They maintained the trade within the alliance and traded with other first people nations and later with europeans. The third part of the three fire alliance was Potawatomi were the fire keepers. they maintained the ceremonial fires. They were the keepers of the sacred spirit along the shores of Lake Michigan.They held the stones as their ancient connection to this land and it’s spirit.
In the 1700s, Petoskey stones were marketed as keepsakes. they were first polished and use as ornaments and jewelry.Today, one can still hunt for the stones along the lake shores. This ancient stone is the state stone.It was officially recognized in 1965.
The stones are used in spiritual healing to improve grounding, connecting to the ancient world and nature. Whatever your beliefs, these stones are a unique souvenir of Michigan’s past.

***. Poem
Petoskey
People have traded them.
Each found scattered by. glaciers.
Today they are still collected along the shores.
Ojibwa considered the stones sacred.
Some polished the stones to a high gloss.
Kept as momentes of the great Lakes.
Each stone round and smoothed by seas and glaciers.
Years in the forming.
carolaspot
@aol.com copyrighted 8/10/ 2026

Don’t let people convince you there is no global warming. Upper Michiganders would argue with that statement.
In the beginning of March, the upper portion of the state experienced a winter storm that dropped 48 inches of snow in a day. That was in addition to the four feet already on the ground. Plow after plow was stuck in the heavy wet snow. On the lake shore drive, 119, the storm destroyed several bridges and parts of the road. We had to take several detours to travel to the top of the mitten where the Mackinac bridge connects the lower to the upper peninsula. The wet heavy Sierra cement covering of snow that thwarted snow blowers and plows. Many of the ski resorts were running into May.
During the late spring and early summer the area received several heavy rainfalls. A late June there was six inches of rain in one day. The sandy ridge, already saturated from the winter melt, caused large sand and rock slides into the same lake shore drive with four feet of sand and debris. The detours will continue well into next year.
We travelled to Mackinac City to take the ferry to Mackinac Island. The lovely shore line with it’s 20 miles of trees had flooded with the loss of many large trees. The detours increased our travel time by 15 minutes.
Mackinac Island is Michigan’s first state park, established in1895. The village passed an ordinance that forbid the use of horseless carriages on the island. This ban has continued making the island place set back in time. The movie, “”Somewhere In Time,” with Christopher Reed, Jane Seymour played Opposite Reed. There is a weekend in October that has special events, movie clips and an visit of Jane Seymour.
The Grand Hotel is a marvel . It was built in 93 days in1887 opening it’s doors on July first of that year. It boasts 388 guest rooms including 95 deluxe suites with balconies. The hotel has extensive gardens that wrap around the grounds. Over 150 varieties of flowers grow in the gardens. Including a secret garden with winding paths with a large flowering bulbs that change yearly. It is open free to the public 24 hours a day.
One can sit in a rocker to view the straights and Lake Huron. The porch stretches 660 feet, making it the longest hotel porch in the world.
The day I visited, I rode on three carriages, two ferries and a tram. Visitors can rent bicycles as well. The main street has many other historic smaller hotels. Diesel fumes are replaced with cooking fudge and horse feces. Staff constantly scoop up feces and the streets are washed daily after hours. Up to 600 horses work on the island in the peak summer months. There are about 50 horses that live and work year round to deliver and transport people and commodities.
Other sites include two forts, a mission church, and recreations of a fur company store, a 1900 home and several cemeteries. A Military, Catholic and Protistan center with many old grave stones.
After six hours of walking, I was ready for a welcome boat ride back to the mainland.
Poem.
Somewhere in Time

The first native people considered the island sacred.
The Great Turtle as it’s limestone back rises from the water.
The early French explorers likely saw the island in 1634 in exploring the Great Lakes shorelines.
In 1780, The British took over Fort Mackinac.
The island changed hands for the final time in 1815. and passed to the Americans.
The two peninsulas became one state in a trade with Ohio for The Toledo strip.
Today, one can travel back in time to visit or stay overnight.
Watch your step in the streets.
carolaspot@aol.com
Copyrighted 8/6/26

My brothers, sisters-in-law, and I have gathered in my brother Brian’s cottage during the first week in August for many years. Though we have lost some family members, we still eat brought goodies, reminisce, and laugh. Brian brings out all his toys for the lake: pedal paddle boat, canoe, and the rubber Zodiac. As I age, I am content to walk the beach and splash in the lake, close to shore. In the evenings, we sit in Adirondack chairs and enjoy the heat of the fire, as we watch the sunset and the sky darken to reveal the first stars. I recall that is one of the few places where I could see the evening stars appear. Now they are just a memory.
The cottage is in Goodhart, MI. which is known for its historical roots as a native village located on what is referred to as the tunnel of trees on M119, a lake shore drive. Last winter’s storms undermined some of the road north of Goodhart and heading to Cross Village, another historical site. The village was named after the Jesuits erected a large white cross about 1830 as a place for the native people to gather and worship. Before this, the people gathered on the sand bluff where there was a large crooked tree. After the cross was placed, the village’s English name became Cross Village. A replica of the original cross stands on a bluff overlooking the lake and can be seen by passing boats.
My sister-in-law will hunt for agates and fossils along the water’s edge. This year, I may try to see the stones using my meta glasses. Otherwise, I will enjoy the lapping of Lake Michigan’s waters on my feet.
So to prepare, I will gather a sturdy all-terrain white and a lighter cane for town traveling. Several chargers for equipment used to describe items and make notes of our adventures. Weather this close to the Straits of Mackinac, I will take clothes for cool evenings and hot days. Rain gear for the occasional showers is a good idea as well. I have two pairs of sturdy shoes to help me keep my balance on most terrains. My brothers take turns walking with me and watching for trouble. For example, I walked with my brother Brian last year to the local farmer’s market and down to the harbor to see the large boats and ships docked there.
I commented, “ There don’t seem to be many people around.”
My brother replied,
“You didn’t see all the people we avoided bumping into.”
I will bring some special treats for my guide brothers.
*** Poem
Evening Gathering
It’s almost time.
I grab my heavy cane and walk arm and arm with my brother Bob.
We make our way down the narrow walkway to the lower deck and descend to the soft sand.
I touch the sand grains.
They are still warm from the day’s sun.
I dig with my finger to discover cool sand, twigs, and rocks deposited by past storms.
I turn to focus on several conversations.
They merge with the waves to form an hypnotic chant.
Day cools into night.
Smiling, I recall past visions in this routine.
My imagination fills the gaps.
carolaspot@aol.com
Copyrighted 7/27/26