A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....10-22-03..."Michigan...A Water Wonderland"

Duchess and Billie

[dutchess]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_bear, dansangel, Dutchess, Aquamarine, FreetheHostages

Welcome to Michigan

Ah…Michigan where to begin. Although I have not lived in this beautiful state for over 28 years, both family and heart are firmly entrenched and Michigan remains one of our favorite summer vacation spots. I hope you enjoy this cybertour of Michigan….a Water Wonderland.

Michigan...A Water Wonderland

Dubbed the Water Wonderland, Michigan has more miles of shoreline (3,288 miles/5,292 kilometers) than the shoreline distance from Maine to Florida. There are two square miles of water for every three square miles of land.

Except for Alaska, Michigan has more shoreline than any other state, fronting four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Erie.

What makes Michigan so unique among the states in that it is also divided into two distinct geographic sections, the Upper Peninsula, and the Lower Peninsula. Lake Michigan lies between the two peninsulas. The Upper Peninsula is very sparsely populated, more than 90% of the peninsula being forested. The Lower Peninsula contains the cities, industry, and agriculture.

A Brief History

The Ojibwa, the Ottawa, the Potawatomi, and other Algonquian-speaking Native American groups were living in Michigan when the French explorer Étienne Brulé landed at the narrows of Sault Ste. Marie in 1618, probably the first European to have reached present Michigan. They lived in relative peace with the French, primarily fur traders. Later the British began an occupation, many battles ensued…the history is long and rich. For history buffs…here is a detailed link History

The Upper Peninsula

The Upper Peninsula is also called the U.P. It's residents call themselves Yoopers, (pronounced "You-pers") who refer to those living in the Lower Peninsula as "Trolls" ( as they reside "under the bridge") At various points in Michigan history there have been movements (albeit unsuccessful) by a vocal group of Yoopers to secede in order to avoid paying the hefty state taxes for which they see limited benefits.

Summer in the Upper Peninsula is affectionately dubbed as "two months of bad snowskiing". The U.P. boasts terrific hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, snowmobiling and other outdoor sports opportunities.

The Mackanac Bridge - the link between the UP and Lower Peninsula

Constructed in 1957 the five mile long suspension bridge joining the Upper and Lower Peninsula is a construction wonder. While a beautiful view from all sides, a drive across the bridge is not for the faint at heart when the typical wind is blowing and one actually feels the bridge swaying beneath them. An annual event is the Labor Day walk across the bridge led by the Governor.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore protects Michigan's northwestern shore, a hilly region fringed with massive coastal sand dunes and dotted with clear lakes, birch-lined streams, dense beech-maple forests and high rising bluffs. Climbing to the top of Sleeping Bear Dunes at the Dune Climb is strenuous but rewarding. Visitors can also hike the Dunes Trail, a 3.5-mile round trip, or walk a 2.8-mile loop trail to Sleeping Bear Point. There are a total 13 miles of hiking trails. Many trails lead through forests and meadows. The park's lakes and rivers offer swimming, boating and fishing.

The Legend of the Sleeping Bear Dunes

Long ago, in the land that is today Wisconsin, Mother Bear and her two cubs were driven into Lake Michigan by a raging forest fire. The cubs swam strongly but the distance and the water proved too much for them. They fell further and further behind and ultimately slipped beneath the waves. When Mother Bear reached the Michigan shore, she climbed to the top of a bluff and peered back across the water, searching vainly for her cubs. The Great Spirit saw her and took pity on her plight. He raised North and South Manitou Islands to mark the place where her cubs vanished and laid a slumber upon Mother Bear.

Lighthouses

For those interested in Lighthouses….you can spend days touring some of the finest. From the only Marble lighthouse located at Belle Isle to…. Michigan offers some of the best. Lighthouses

Henry Ford the first Automobile

Ford (1863-1947) was born in Dearborn and forever changed the American way of life with the development of the affordable Model T, also known as the Tin Lizzie. Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and build the Piquette Avenue Plant was built in 1904 It was Ford's first self built plant and was soon outgrown due to the success of the Model T.While decayed the plant is structurally intact. Currently, it houses a laundry service on the ground floor while a small portion of the upper floors are use for warehousing

Greenfield Village and "The Henry Ford"

Spanning more than 300 years of history and over 90 acres, Greenfield Village is the place to Rediscover America. It is the nation's largest indoor/outdoor museum complex. The Henry Ford is the history destination that brings the American Experience to life. With a rich and diverse offering of exhibits, demonstrations, programs and reenactments, The Henry Ford celebrates yesterday's traditions as well as today's innovations. Five distinct attractions at The Henry Ford captivate and inspire visitors of all ages. Spread over more than 90-acres, Greenfield Village comes alive with the unforgettable sights, sounds and settings of America's past. What began as Henry Ford's remarkable vision of a vast outdoor museum filled with historic buildings comes alive in a whole new way. From its parlors and workshops to its storefronts and farms, powerful stories surround you with the sights and sounds of America's past. Memorable events, historic re-creations and live demonstrations of American ingenuity and crafts add to the celebration.

Travel Michigan

Michigan is known for its skiing, hiking, fishing and boating and fall color tours. Golf Magazine also selected it as the twelfth best golf destination in the world, being the home to more than 1,000 golf courses and many world-class golf resort facilities. In fact, the Ryder's Cup is being held at the legendary Oakland Hills Golf Course in 2004.

Ah yes...Detroit City and Motown.......

Yes Michigan and Detroit City gave us Motown which revolutionized the music industry. Berry Gordy, Jr. (born 1929), founded the Motown Record Corporation in 1959. Motown, which became the largest independently owned record company in the world, launched numerous black musicians into successful careers. Gordy, from Detroit, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Motown brought us some wonderful and revered recording artists including Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin… Who doesn't remember "My Girl", "Stop in the Name of Love", "Baby Love", "Reach Out, I'll Be There"….

Michigan Freepers

Michigan also boasts many talented and dedicated freepers….350 to be exact. We hope you enjoyed this mini tour and hope you consider visiting this great state! It truly is a water wonderland.

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 10-20-03 Military Monday 10-21-03..The Best Defense: GodluvsAmerica

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact danangel or .45man at danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[dutchess]

Hey meekie. Thought of you when I was doing the thread...lots of water skiing in Michigan!

[dutchess]

Hi Pippin. No, don't recall the song Saginaw, Michigan although it sounds pretty cool.

[Billie]

Afternoon, Maggie! Loved the Legend of the Sleeping Bears too. :)

[dutchess]

Heard a lot of Dutch people settled around Lake Michigan.

Actually I believe that's true. There is a lovely city, Holland around that area. They have a huge tulip festival every summer. Maybe you have some Michigan relatives????

[dutchess]

Missed your coffee's this morning but I sure could use an after work cup. Thanks for brightening up our mornings at the Finest.

[Aeronaut]

Hiya Billie. I feel great. I was just on a "mini-vacation" to the North Shore of Lake Superior for a few days.

[dutchess]

Hi Temple. Giz says hi to Ink!

[Billie]

Welcome to the Finest. Welcome to the Finest. Welcome to the Finest. :)

You have a very interesting screenname - some day we may have to start a post on interesting and unusual screen names here. :)

Michigan is truly a land of beauty and it sounds like you're anxious to get back there. :)

[Diver Dave]

Afternoon FR's Finest... hostesses.

Great intro to Michigan, dutchess.
Can't decide if all that water is making me thirsty or creating the desire to go swimming.

That waterfall though, is not good for those of us with bladder problems. :)
Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go...

[Billie]

Nice to know your travels since have led you here to The Finest, Johnny Mac, where there is lots of Finest Family Love..:))

You, in fact, generate a great deal of it with your presence here, through your words and pictures. You are our knight in shining armor, and genuinely appreciated....

I second that emotion. :)

[dutchess]

Hey Billie. Are we here at the same time???

Lori...so glad you got to stop by today. After doing this I have new found respect for all you do with the cyber tours!

[Billie]

:) It's beautiful outside this time of year. I love the fall season.

[Billie]

LOL! Look what I started! Mr. Frog is pretty cute, though. :)

[Billie]

LOL! Look what I started! Mr. Frog is pretty cute, though. :)

[dutchess]

Hi free. Neat calendar.

And it sounds like the U.P. people have something in common with the Upstate New York people

Yup...it sure does doesn't it!

[Billie]

Oh, look at that lighthouse so high above everything! Did you take the picture?

[Billie]

Hey Dave! Being a water kind of guy, have you ever had the desire to go over a waterfall in a barrel or something? :) Maybe not Niagra Falls - a 'shorter' one. LOL!

[Billie]

We ARE here at the same time! I need to leave shortly, but wanted to take a little time today to say hello to all who've stopped in. :)

[dutchess]

Hi Cal. Thanks for the links!

[Calpernia]

Hi Russ,

I saw Billie's post, 97 (trying to coach Dave into going over the falls. Sheesh! She must be looking to do an action thread.) and thought of your graphics you posted last night.

More here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1004820/posts?page=178#178

Well, I'm off to take my daughter to cheerleading. Be back later.