October 6-9 2019, Ontario , U.P. and Lower .Peninsula to Grand Rapids

Thursday and Friday  October 3-4 Tobermory, Ontario (Stromboli’s Rolling Log)

Inasmuch as I didn’t tel much about our time in London (Ont.) I’ll add some notes in this one. That was on Tuesday and Wed morning before we made the leg to Tobermory.

We arrived in London in the afternoon with plenty of time to get set up, but  missed the exit and exited 3 exits too soon. Somehow I had the roads labeled wrong. We went south  ( on Highbury)out of town and as I was turning around to go back to the freeway in a very narrow side road , a man pulled up in a pickup truck and even though I was blocking the road , I went back to ask him if he knew where this RV park was. After much explanation he indicated that if we continued on this road eastlerly we would come to a “T”  and turn left all the way to the freeway , the left before the Freeway, and the park should be there. (He was right, but the word “T” could mean a few things . So we headed east and came to a sign that said “T” and took that to the left (N) but after a few miles the road was blocked due to bridge construction so we
turned back to Highbury where we ended up at the freeway.

In the morning we did find our way to the Mount Pleasant Cemetery and had been told a year ago that the campground owners family had a big edifice at the entrance to the park.They evidently bought much of the land there at one time. (Andrews). We found the plot right away and proceeded to clear away the sod and dirt.By the time we finished they were all exposed at least for a while. We then returned to the trailer and headed north to Tobermory.

Serpent River Campground in Spragge, Ont.

Some of the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario on Hwy 17

There was much color in Ontario especially across from Tobermory.

Traveling to Spragge, Ontario.

The morning of Sat October 5 we had to arrive by 7:50 as there was a line for the ferry to Baymouth across the water of Georgian Bay. We were advised to get there early so w=arrived 15 minutes before the check in time (6:45 AM). We were gated , paid our fee and were the first inline although that didn't mean we were first on the ship, everything goes by size,. That went well as at 8:30 all started loading and we were in the hull of the ship up front.
We didn’t know there was an  elevator so walked the three decks up the stairs (coming down we did) and got a quiet seat in a lounge to work with pictures and watch the scenery go  by. (lighthouses and islands.) No birds.

We had to look for Propane but did not find any until we arrived in Espanola where there was plenty. Canadian Tire had a bell on their distribution center so that worked and we filled the near empty tank. Good thing as we had 4 nights in the 30’s so it was used regularly. Also stopped there to get some hearing aid batteries as I did not bring spares. Could not find a square cap for the sewer hose holder .  But continued on toward Spragge. This country is mixed fir, pine, spruce and maple. Some color but not like what we later found in the UP.
We found the Serpent River Campground and Debbie took care of us and we were in our spot by 4:00. Right across from the office so there was good wi-fi. I talked toScott across the way who is guardian for two autistic boys and that story is in my log of that day. We had hot dogs  my request, and I caught some of the LTU vs Concordia soccer game on streaming but it went freeze when Tavin came in. UGH!  Took a walk but no birds.  Some computer time.

We were looking for Crystal Falls (see note) but found this one  less than a 1/2mile from it.

There was much color (peak?) near the Soo (Sault Ste Marie)

Algoma Steel and St. Mary's Paper cover this site by the bridge to USA

A view of the Locks at the Sault looking into USA from the bridge.

Our Campsite at Newberry MI. (Kritter's Campground)

 Sunday we headed for Newberry  (Oct 6) by way of Sault Ste. Marie and a try to see a waterfall. It was about 6 miles north of town and we found the road and got right to where the road went to it and there were 100’s of cars and trucks as there was a festival for children in the woods next to the road  and that road to the waterfall  was closed. Bummer! we continued on and was told that there was a waterfall up the road , and we did  find it. I pulled into a drive that looked like I could turn around but I found after driving in that I needed about 6-8 tries to get the trailer 180 degrees. I did, and we ate lunch there, got photos of the waterfalls, and headed to Newberry.

First we had to get to the border crossing. I felt that going west on the north end of SSM and then south would be best.That turned out to be the exact way to get there as we picked up the bridge signs(USA) and followed it right to the border crossing. (Missed the entrance and went around the block once!) Crossed the St Mary’s River, saw the Sault locks , and all the rapids, were the only one in line at the inspection No problems and we were through in one minute.

I had less than a half tank of gas and I knew it would not get me to the campground some 8 miles north of Newberry  so we started out and hoped there was a station or two. We passed one but I felt that was too soon. There was NO other gas station and  about 2 miles from the one at the junction of M28 and M123 the yellow gasoline  light went on (I had 11 miles left) I knew we were alright. I pull into the station and was very relieved. “Thank you Lord” (Don’t want to hike for gasoline).

We met both Kathy and Larry who were in the middle of doing repairs at  the end of the year and Kathy was splitting logs for the winter.  (People do that in DA UP.) She was the only clerk in a campground that had chips (wood) in her hair from the work she was doing that day. Great lady and a “complete” lady.  Our site was one of 4-6 in the campground and that was fine. I walked some after setting up, and we did have sewer at  the site .  Supper was spaghetti. Getting the internet was tricky but Kathy helped me get on. It only had one Gig so was very slow.  It went from 60 that day  down to 38 F at night.

Seney NWR had 13 birds that we counted . This Mute Swan was one.

A view from Log Slide of Iroquois Lighthouse.

Still good color in DA U.P.

The dune at the Log Slide where they slid the logs to Lake Superior. It is HUGE!

Another photo at Seney NWR and the old Fire tower by Hq.

 On Tuesday we did two things .One, the Seney NWR was open and we hit  that about 9:45 . checked in a did the tour.There were not many birds around, but we did see 13 in the Refuge. The auto tour is a 7 mile ride ,and moves around the ponds and wooded areas nicely and smoothly. One big find was 7 Wood Ducks  that we spotted across one of the ponds.No Bald Eagles although they were there we were told. Some Ring Necked Ducks and American Widgeons were key birds for us.

Then heading north up M77 to Grand Marais  (Lake Superior)we took a look at the Au Sable waterfall but found the 160 steps would have  been too much. So we opted for the Lookout from the old Log Slide spot. 4 miles up the road. That was easier (500 feet)  and more level.The view is breathtaking. One can go down the slide but it takes about one hour to climb back up through the sand dune and there is NO other way. Longer for most.

One more stop for me and that was to get some ice cream in Grand Marais on the way home.  I opted for some coffee on chocolate ice cream (Poorman’s Latte?) and it was satisfying.
At $6.00 dollars it better be! Called daughter Julia (in CA) after dinner, (Ruth’s casserole of rice and corn) and she was doing fine. Her new phone was working good (i phone 11). Sent out some e-mails and did the proofing for church. IT was 39F at 11:00 Pm and dropping. It got to 34 F and the heater went all night (Thankfully)

The trip wouldn't be complete without one photo of "Big Mac".

The sled runners used in logging at the "Log Slide".

The wheels used in hauling logs (horse) which were made in Grand Rapids Mi

This site if the bnegging (end?) of the National Lakeshore  (Pictured Rocks, etc.)

There was still great color in the UP

A bit of history south of Indian River (Tustin)

Tuesday Oct 8, 2019 we headed for Indian River   in the woods.  But , before we left I was short to the sewer so had too hook up and move the trailer about 10 feet to get a good connect. OK, We did take a short run before hooking up to see if there were any dewdrops on the plants as we did last year. No luck, so we were ready to go. Said goodbye to Kathy who was headed for the wood splitter, and headed west on M 28 to M 117 south through Engadine (stopped in and inquired about Ron Leveille) .He built a new home on the Black River. I had just missed his wife, Janet,  who had stopped in at the gas station just a minute before.

We moved east on US 2 until a little road work and then at Naubinway stopped at  Fred’s Bait and Smoked Fish shop , where we bought some smoked whitefish and I bought some Turkey Jerky. Good conversation about commercial and sport fishing with Cheryl the clerk.
Heading east we had a detour at Lake Brevort for road repair and bridge so took the detour on Morse road which led all the way to Moran (123) and headed south to the bridge. The bridge crossing had many repairs and one lane was the rule, but it was a great view and blue skies.  The ticket man said he was  going to enjoy his sons football game tonight in the fine weather, (no rain)We stopped for lunch in the middle of the town (on the median) and took a few photos of the bridge (of course) and headed south.  The remained of the trip  south   on I-75, to Indian River was uneventful except for turning the wrong way in Indian River after getting gas.That was quickly corrected and we arrived at about 2:00 Pm.  It is a very large and old park They are doing a lot of redoing here. Checked in and had a site that had a sewer 30 feet from the trailer  on the other side…so we will dump in the morning at the dump site,.

Had time to use the internet at the office but it too was very slow, (Sure will vote for Broadband for rural America!). Saw some Yellow Rumped Warblers  after supper ,and  supper was the last frozen dinner this time of Beef Stroganoff. A bit warmer tonight at 50 degrees at 7:00 Pm . A very beautiful day weather wise for sure.

On October 9 (Wed), Grand Rapids  Made a straight trip down I 75, US 127, M 55 and US 19101 with a few stops for stretch9ng and then one at Cedar springs for an A and W root beer (float for Jim) . Arrived home at 2:30 Pm. Thank you Lord for a safe journey. Took time to unpack the trailer and put all goods in the house. Laundry tomorrow . In the early evening (5:00 moved up because of the EEE scare -mosquito disease.) went to watch grandson Tavin play soccer for LTU vs Aquinas College here in town. LYU wins 2-0. Tavin got 10 minute pf playing time near the end and played very good.

Wed. Oct 3, 2019 London Ontario to Tobermory

Traveled from London Ontario to Tobermory Ontario.


Well, it didn't get 27 F but we are up in Tobermony Ontario and it is in the 40'sthisAM a still wind that makes t all that much cooler. This is a very peaceful campground and I do believe we may be the only campers here. A fe permanents but no temps.

Today we will explore the cliffs of the Canadian Escarpment which is what this area is all about. It  is the  extension of the rock formation that makes up Niagara Falls.  Many cliffs, deep clear water ,sunken ships and god whitefish to eat.nToday we will explore this immediate area for visuals and possibly a few raptors , maybe an eagle or two?

Yesterday was hectic, a bit disappointing , and also satisfying in that we did get to the cemetery to clear three grave sites of Ruth ancestors, which were almost covered with soil and grass.  Then tried to get an older Canadian phone working that we had used last year.  We bought it in Walmart but after 2 hours of trying (and waiting )the tech gurus (he called in  a 20  year veteran for help)  still could not get it to register the phone.  They were mystified and thought maybe the phone was locked.So I have a sim card and a phone but no service. HA! ($30.00)

The trip up the peninsula was delightful going through many small towns on the way past the rock formations began to appear on the sides of the road. (I'll sen some pics later) We arrived late (5:45) due to all the delays but the office was open until8 o'clock so we were OK. A delightful young gal named Grace (16), helped up and got us to our site. (She even knew the birds in the park)

So that's the update and it looks like no rain today (it has rained all week) but breezy and cool. We will get out and do the local areas and tomorrow explore the few lighthouses in the area (four). Not like Michigan with  its 122 lighthouses.!!!!~

The Brown family plot with all stones cleaned.

Georgian Bay was whipping up the waves.

Thanks to Lynn for identifying these fall crocus.

Many Tamarack in the north. (U.P. and Ontario)

Au Sauble Falls near Sauble Beach Ontario (East side of L.Huron)

 4:00PM Thursday

We did take two rides to Cabot Head Light house bit did not get there. The road to it follows the shoreline of Georgian Bay and is about 10 miles of one track gravel. The heavy seas (see) are washing the road away and already three spots were very close to the road bed. We did stop along the way to observe the heavy waves  There were smashing the rocks along the shore and reducing the shoreline a great deal There will be repairs in sone places. We met a couple of ladies and their friends and they indicated a waterfalls was up ahead. SO we followed and at the site was just a rockslide evidently from an old mining site and lake providing the water where they sluiced down the logs , but many years ago, No waterfall now ,  only a stream of water.

Then we traveled to a place called Singing Sands, the water was so high that the sand was all covered, but we enjoyed the day, sprinkles, and the waves especially. There was no concert.

The beach at Singing sands had geese!

Singing Sands had heavy water cover.

Our campsite at Tobermory and we were essentially alone.

Tonight we will eat at a fish and chips place in Tobermory. Sounds like good eating (Whitefish?).s

Sorry bout the underlines. A few photos from the day.

The Tobermory land lighthouse.

The waves were kicking up today on Georgian Bay , Ontario

I had never seen a "double" sign with both snakes and turtle warning

We did about 5 of 8 miles to Cabot Head Light.  It got worse each mike.

Seasonal Greetings

Merry Christmas

Happy Hannakuh

Joyous Kwanza

Sacred Eid

A just a great time of the year to all.

Jim

Special Thanks Day November 1, 2018

MY SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE CONTINUING TO FOLLOW THE BLOG. ESPECIALLY IN FRANCE, GERMANY AND THE UKRAINE.  I HOPE YOU ARE ALL GETTING SOME GOOD READING AND ENJOYING THE PHOTOS. ARE ANY OF YOU USING THE BLOG IN SCHOOL CLASSES?

THANKS

JIM
My e mail is    2crazy4birds@gmail.com    should you want towrite a note.

Day after arriving home--- WINNER of bird species contest!

The contest is over. I want to post a disclaimer that I did not release any information to any individual  about numbers of birds before the deadline.  The official number posed by Ruth on October 14th after we arrived at home was  377

I have posted both here on the Face book page and on the Blog page for all to see. Thank you for following along and I hope you had a look at our beautiful continent  vicariously, and were tolerant of my writing and stories. It was fun.—Jim


***333 George Landino (9-25-18)  Tie 7th by 43
***344 Pat Richardson - (8-11-18) 6th closest by 33
***352 Diane CooperTied  3rd closest by 25

The number was 377

**392  Therese Strohmer  The WINNER  by 15
Congratulations to Therese.

***394 Laura Wooley Second closest by 17
 **402  Anne Christensen Mervyn Tied 3rd closest by 25
***407  Cheryl Sinigos  5th closest by 30
***420 Rita Jerore  tie 7th by 43

Sat and Sun October 13-14 . Cemetery search in London and the ride home !!!!

"The days dwindle down to a precious few..." That should be the theme for this last entry in the blog for this trip. An especial thanks to those who have followed along  regularly and also to those who could get to it from time to time. The folks in the USA usually numbered slightly over 100 each day, Canada at times was the same but not always. A special thanks to Renate and the folks in the Netherlands who were faithful through out, always posting about 12 readers each day. Spain, Korea, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Russia, Brazil and an "unknown region" (whatever that is) also were regular readers. Many thanks to all of you  That kept me going .

So, on Saturday we were able to visit the cemetery of the burial place of Ruth's great grandfather  and grand mother. The manager of the campground has his grandparents buried there with a HUGE tombstone at the entrance to the park (park founders?) so we chatted about that and about he lady that is the administrator whom he knew as a close friend. When we got to the cemetery wouldn't you know that we arrived 25 minutes after the office closed on Saturday. (Hang in there as there is a happy ending!)

The Section "B" where we first looked

We knew the plot number and section  but there were only section letters. This one was a "B". We walked the entire plot , saw a "Brown" marker but nothing else.  Then went back to the office to see if we could see inside for any clues like a plot map. There was one and while I was scoping it put with my binoculars through the window, a lady came along side the truck and asked if she could help. It was the ADMINISTRATOR, Judy. She was off duty but volunteered to help us. She took us inside ,found the plot, the grave and the neighboring ones (good guide) and said if we needed help more, she would be here.

We returned to the area we were on before and soon found that the marker had fallen from its stand and was lying under about 3 inches of turf, partially hidden. I went to the truck to get a few small tools, and we began to uncover the stone. Gradually the name came into view and finally we uncovered it enough to see it all.

The gravestone of CAROLINE  BROWN Ruth's great grandmother, after removing much cover.

 Ruth was joyous that we (with help) had found the plot. Judy actually came by to see if we had found it, and gave us a little history of how the plots were designed. The family often was buried without markers or in the same area around the larger headstone like this one.

The "Brown" marker on the large gravestone. Caroline's is to the left .

Also next to it was a son who was also buried there.

CHARLES HENRY BROWN was buried here in the  same plot. He was married to Myrtle Adair

That pretty much wrapped it up" at the cemetery for us .Mission Accomplished!

We returned to the trailer and got ready to prepare fort the last day on the road back home to Michigan.

SUNDAY  October 14, 2018. The trip home to USA

The trip home was highlighted by two major points.
1. At the border the officer was very helpful as we did not know that our "GLOBAL" passes that we had gotten before our trip to the Netherlands are also good for passage across the borders to allow us to go through the NEXUS lines. We did not know that. That would have saved about 30-45 minuted that day on the Bluewater bridge while waiting for customs. (and a few other border crossings on this trip.

2. The roads in Michigan are "HORRIBLE". There are stretches of I-69 from Port Huron to Flint that shook the trailer for 40 miles, and anther stretch between Flint and Lansing that did the same. Then on I-96 some of the road is good but again there are stretches that had the  trailer and car shuddering. Time to get our legislature going on this much needed project. Or maybe a citizen referendum?

We drove over 20,000 miles on this trip and, yes there were some roads that were not good, but for main highways to be on the shape they are here in Michigan, was the worst example of bad roads in the USA over all. (We drove  in 20 states).

We arrived safely at 4:00 in the afternoon and are grateful for all the help, prayers, thoughts and wishes of folks at home and on the road.  People are good and treat one another with grace and care.  Thanks to all.

Tomorrow I will announce the winner of the "GUESS THE NUMBER OF BIRDS" contest both here and on Face Book.

Day 192, Fri. Oct. 12, 2018.- Banding birds at Long Point Bird Observatory-Ginseng, asparagus & pumpkins.

Bird feeders at the LPBO at Long Pint Ont.

The night cooled off considerably from the 70’s (F) yesterday to the 40’s this AM. We made sure we took out winter coats and hats and were off to the Observatory and bird banding station. (We used the hats at least.

The parking lot. Important when there is an aoverflow of people.

First stop was the parking lot where we did see; NORTHERN CARDINAL, YELLOW RUMPED WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, many GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLETS, BROWN CREEPER, and  RED BREASTED NUTHATCH. Then we crossed the street to enter the Observatory. It is a utilitarian place with a working “hut”, a gift shop and washroom and a large  residence building (Two story) for the volunteers. The working hut was busy as they had just emptied the mist nets that held the birds netted for banding. They were coming in very fast.  They scan the nets every one half hour. There were only three nets in operation as there were not that many birds as in the Spring, but enough to keep a crew of 9 busy for the morning from sunup to 6 hours later. (They rotated jobs)

Ruth and I watch them identify, weight, measure wing and body  length and fat  and a few other features that would be important to record. It is a fascinating process.

IT is a coordinated effort to measure all the components of the bird.

All sources of date are used to be as accurate as possible.

Length of wing for example.

Weight of bird

How to hold the bird correctly.

Data and the metal bands for each bird size.

The computer tells all information from name to fat content.

One of the birding paths in the Observatory

One of three mist nest that were active that day.

They are about 60 feet long and 10'high.

Ginseng after sorting .It isthen sent to the nearby plant for refining.

Asparagus is big in S Ontario as well

HArvesting the ginseng involves many personnel

About 1/2 of the pumpkin field we saw.

Lots of manpower here ,too.

All the measurements  was all done by a experienced (trained) expert as well as a data recorder who assisted. This allows data put into a computer where  the data is collected. If a bird has previously been caught and identified (here) then it is noted and let go again. If they have already netted the bird today , then it is let go without data collection. It is a fascinating process.

We also took time to talk with our good friend (he lives near here) Hugh Mackenzie, who is the Volunteer Coordinator of the Long Point Bird Observatory and has done this for many years.  Between he and Diane the gift shop hostess , they made the rest of the morning most enjoyable.  There were few other people coming  through on this cool morning.  Diane served coffee, and sold the gift items. We were able to buy a “hoodie” for Ruth and  t-shirt for Jim as well as a few of the new 2019 calendars (all birds of course). One of the birds in the calendar is the MILLIONTH bird banded last year. 

IT was a great morning. The birds we observed there were: RED EYED VIREO, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, PURPLE FINCH, CATBIRD, WHITE BREASTED NUTHATCH, PHILADELPHIA VIREO, BLACK CAPPED CHICKADEE, WILSON’S WARBLER, RUBY CROWNED KINGBIRD, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, MYRTLE WARBLER, TREE SPARROW, MUTE SWAN (4 with 4 young) , KESTREL, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, SWAINSON’S HAWK and a ROBIN.

After our usual lunch we headed back east on route 24 where we had seen them getting ready to harvest the root crop, —GINSENG.  Jim also wanted to get some photos of fields of pumpkins, asparagus, tobacco, and beans .The beans were ready to harvest, as well.

We did that and here are some photos of that time. (See above)

After supper we went back too the Observatory for some attempted banding of OWLS. We waited for about 30 minutes but no one showed up, so we went back to Trillium Sort and our trailer.

Tomorrow we head for London Ont. to do some cemetery research of Ruth’s family…”The Brown’s”  (Henry and Caroline) who lived in London,Ont. in the 19th Century after coming from England.