Mackinaw City-Day 2

Mackinaw City 

Day 2

September 15, 2019

Forget the old adage about a cat on a hot tin roof...instead, imagine a nervous Packer fan trying to make his way from Oconto, WI to Mackinaw City, MI before the Packer/Vikings game at 1pm! Geesh. What a morning. Delays, detours and road construction did not stop us. Even a long line at the Mackinac Bridge did not hold us down! We pulled into the first parking space we found and practically ran into the Dixie Saloon in Mackinaw City at 12:38pm! Mr. Quilter Cook made his way through the tourists to the bartender and immediately inquired on what tv they would be viewing the game. He was breathless. The bartender was not that excited. Her only reply was "Oh, you are going to be THAT guy today." Thus began an interesting afternoon.

After a quick lunch and an early touchdown by the Packers it was time for my exit. We were right on the corner where all the good shops are located so off I went. I left Mr. Quilter Cook safely in the hands of other Packer fans who had wandered in and also alongside a father/son Viking pair. 

So, I shopped and later ended up stopping in at the Great Lakes Lighthouse Association gift shop. Well, who do you think I ran into but another Keeper Couple? What are the chances? They were from Appleton, WI and were just finishing up a whole summer of light keeping experiences, most recently at Rock Island Lighthouse. They also did some work over on Plum Island but it was limited. They gave me advice and assured me that my supplies would be sufficient, although the gig they just finished was MUCH more rustic at Rock Island. They had to take a ferry to the island and then had to pack their supplies on the back of 3-wheelers which someone else drove to the lighthouse while they hiked in on the rustic 2 mile trail through the woods. That's the only way in or out. PLUS, they slept on the floor of the lighthouse in sleeping bags and ate protein bars and basic hiking food for two weeks. Yeah, that's NOT EVER HAPPENING for us. They endured leaky roofs, no roofs, cracked windows, broken steps and wildlife. WILDLIFE. They asked if we had ever dealt with BEARS? 

Oh, Lord. Now besides dead light keeper ghosts wandering around at night I have to worry about BEARS? Ok, the thought hit me once or twice earlier on. I distinctly remember that I ignored it and continued tossing tuna into the supply box. 

So, I shared this info with Mr. Quilter Cook after the Packers had won their game 21-16 so he was in a good mood. "Well, we've watched Duel Survivor and Naked and Afraid enough times. We'll figure it out." He's not worried. 

I once gave an Oscar Meyer wiener whistle to a friend in VA who had bears roaming his yard. I wonder if he still has it? I might need it for these light keeping gigs to fend off the bears now. If you are reading this, we may need to discuss this idea. DOES IT WORK? Inquiring minds want to know.  Mr. Quilter Cook could care less, so make that a singular mind who is interested. 

Today I learned a couple of things: 1) Cell service is not reliable in the UP. So, if you need to call me, forget it. I'll never get your message. I'm on vacation. Msg me if you need me or just wait till we return. 2) Never drink 24 ounces of hot coffee when you leave Oconto, WI going north on 41 to Escanaba, MI. ROOKIE MISTAKE! However, for those wondering...I made it. Just in time and a quick stop at the first gas station we came to once we hit town saved my dignity. 

So, tonight I finished my first vacation read - The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. AWESOME!!! 5 stars! My fellow Handmaid's Tale fans will LOVE IT! 

Now I am forced to memorize the history of the Mission Point Lighthouse for my tours I have to give. I'll be studying in the car on the way to Traverse City, MI in the morning. 

Naturally, Mr. Goody Two Shoes has his spiel all memorized and ready to go. He loves to remind me. about it too. Every chance he gets. 

*A.G. -from IU Health Volunteer Services...if you are reading this, it's a whole lot like learning the power point presentation all over again for new hospital volunteers! LOL 

Tonight we are resting in our hotel room in Mackinaw City, MI -LAKESIDE. We have our own deck onto the beach and have the window cracked just enough to hear the gentle lapping of the water . We also are enjoying a FABULOUS view of both Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac Island  all light up like Christmas trees off in the distance. 

I may not sleep. I want to lay in the dark and just listen to that wonderful water all night long...

So, until tomorrow....

Lights Out. Sleep Tight. 

The Quilter Cook 

* In less than 48 hours we will be at the LIGHTHOUSE!!!