Wanderers in Wonder

Our twelve mile round trip pedal to 40 Mile Lighthouse began at Purple Martin Inn Point. A colony of Purple Martins returns to the Purple Martin Inn each spring. The Purple Martin is one of the few birds that will happily nest in human made structures.

Lake Huron shoreline from the bike path.

Along the way is the Three Hearts Bakery. A mid-ride stop for coffee and blueberry muffins should be mandatory.

The wreck of the Joseph S. Ray (1905). The ‘Ray’ was hauling iron ore from Minnesota to Cleveland when one of Lake Huron’s notorious storms forced it aground.

40 Mile Lighthouse, so named because the lighthouse lies forty nautical miles north of Thunder Bay and 40 miles south of Cheboygan.

The lighthouse from the rear where the entrance to the keepers quarters is located. Beautifully maintained and operable Model T in the drive.

Cindy ‘Vez’ Vezinau purchased the Purple Martin property on a whim twenty four hours after first seeing the property in 1998. She, along with her limestone quarrying soul mate Larry ‘Martin Man’ Newhouse, have maintained and added nesting places and other rustic touches to the property over the years. The  Purple Martin’ rests on the shore of Lake Huron. Jim retired as a quarryman from the largest limestone quarry in the U.S. located a short distance south from the Purple Martin a few years ago. Vez passed away in 2021. ‘Martin Man’ still operates the inn. ‘Martin Man’s’ love of Purple Martins was passed down to him from his father and grandfather, all lifelong residents of the area.

Not on the bike trail, but closer to camp…

The Old Presque Isle lighthouse.

The new Presque Isle lighthouse.

Michigan has more lighthouses, 120, than any  other state.

Peace…Wanderers in Wonder.