We were expecting another day of waiting around for the RV dealer to call about getting us in to repair the slide topper awning. Had just about given up on them getting it done a
nd had decided that tomorrow I would have to go on the roof and cut the fabric out. This would mean ruining the awning and would require buying a new one once we return to Oklahoma, at about $400.00 plus labor to have it installed. Joanne decided that we both did not need to sit around and wait so she took the car and headed for a Shopko store nearby. Not ten minutes after she left the phone rang and, lo and behold, that had a service cancellation and could get us in if we could get the coach over there immediately. I hurriedly picked everything up and stowed it all away as best as I could, unhooked the water, sewer and power lines and pulled the sunshade off the windshield and off the dogs and I went. There is a dirt road from the campground to the back gate of the dealership so that is the way we went in. The guys were waiting for us and immediately got to work. Turns out the repair was minor and all is well. When the wind caught the awning and completely unfurled it a bolt came out of the end that helps to hold the tension on the spring. Without that bolt the sping could not pull the awning back taut. We are grateful for their assistance and a very reasonable charge for their work.
So, now we were free to get out and see this beautiful area. There were several lighthouses we'd like to s
ee along the lake but most were over 100 mile drive. We picked one a little closer and headed to Big Bay, Michigan, just a little north of Marquette. This is the Big Bay Point Lighthouse, about 3.5 miles past the town of Big Bay, with the last half mile or so being down a dirt road. This light has also been deactivated but has been sold off to a private party. It has been converted to a Bed & Breakfast facility so we were unable to go inside. We were lucky that the owners allow people who are not staying at the Bed & Breakfast to enter the grounds for picture taking. Many of the lighthouses that have been sold to private parties close the grounds to tourist. This lighthouse s
its on a high cliff overlooking Lake Superior. It was originally established to protect the Big Bay Harbor. After seeing the lighthouse we headed back to the town of Big Bay. This is a fairly small community. We saw a couple of churches, a real estate office, a tavern and Big Bay Outfitters (pictured on the right). The Outfitters cater to the outdoorsmen in the area. In addition to fishing tackle and live bait they also offer some clothing and articles made by the local artisans. Although we were only 25 miles from Marquette we felt we were definitely out in the woods.
We ended our day by going to a local place for dinner, the Jasper Ridge Brewery & Restaurant. This is just out the gate from the RV park and appears to be a popular place with the locals. Had a good meal along with a mug of their in house root beer. Yes, it is a micro-brewery but since neither of us really care for beer their root beer had to do.
3 comments:
Nice that the repair was easy and not too expensive -- safe travels as you continue on finding lighthouses
I bet it would be great fun to live in that first lighthouse! Until winter came anyhow. Funny how the architecture is so different up north - far more brick in use. Or perhaps it is just older buildings, I'm not sure.
Shelly: Actually the brick is in the older buildings up here. Not much brick is used up north anymore and see very few residential houses with brick, even the old one. The nasty winter weather does pretty bad stuff to brick.
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