6/24/2014
We left Menominee this morning on our way to Manitowoc, WI to board the SS Badger, the last steam ferry crossing a Great Lake. The breakfast at the hotel wasn't too good (I guess that is why they give you a 10% discount at the restaurant across the parking lot with a room key), so we decided to go to Green Bay for breakfast, which is only about 55 miles away. When we got to the hotel, it looked like it had snowed. The ground was covered with white stuff that looked like snow. We found out it was from the cottonwood trees and covered the ground.
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| "Snow" in Menominee |
We got on Hwy. 41 which is a great road, probably the best road surface we've been on this trip, to Green Bay. There was a lot of construction goingv on in Green Bay so we continued on, looking for a place to eat. Before we could find a place, we were out of Green Bay so we just continued on. We went through Oconto, where there were several blocks of very nice houses.
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| Interesting house in Oconto |
We continued on to Sturgeon Bay, which was very nice, but the cafe we picked out was closed!! So, we just went on. Shortly after leaving Sturgeon Bay, we found the Morning Glory Cafe, a very nice local place where we had brunch.
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| Brunch in Sturgeon, WI |
We then continued on, passing through Algoma, Kewaunee and finally getting to Manitowoc. As we drove up to the SS Badger, we were surprised to see the 3 MGs we left French Lick with. We had separated about 5 days ago and went different places and all ended up back at the Badger the same day! We were allowed to drive our own cars onto the ferry first, and will be the first to drive off. After parking our cars, we met Bill, the chief engineer who gave us a behind the scenes tour of the business end of the steam powered ferry. It was a really interesting experience. We then boarded the ferry and found ways to spend the next 4 hours until we get to Luddington, MI, including playing bingo and getting a head start on this blog. The lake is very calm today and quite smooth.
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| vehicle entrance to the SS Badger |
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| "Special" cars first into the parking deck |
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| Part of the steam engine |
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| The PMGR crew in the Badger control room |
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| The S. S. Badger - the last steam ferry crossing the Great Lakes |
If you are on the east side of Michigan, please get in touch with us so we can get together for a meal or some liquid refreshment. And we have guest rooms available for Midget adventurers! Steve (purple Spridget)
ReplyDeleteSteve, thanks for the invite! Unfortunately, we are going down the west side on the way home.
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