Why do I chase these things? Why are most people intrigued by lighthouses? They’re usually remote and always isolated. Most structures are unique if only by variation on a theme. Lighthouses are always near the water and usually in distinct settings. They serve an exotic purpose, guiding ships away from danger. The lifestyle of keepers was one of loneliness and monotony, yet in the worst of weather their commitment to duty was most important. The fact that theirs is a disappearing way of life only adds to make the mix a big draw. Somewhere in all this is why I chase lighthouses.
So around Lake Michigan I went hunting. Not fixated on numbers this time, I just enjoyed getting to those that I could and paying particular attention to the noteworthy. Along 3/5th of Lake Michigan’s coastline I visited 24 of the 118 total lights. It was fun.
Lake Michigan Lighthouses
Entering from Wisconsin and exiting into Indiana, I traced the waterline of Lake Michigan as I chased Michigan lights and lighthouses. The last is Indiana’s only lighthouse. Pretty special, eh?
I started the day by crossing from the UP to the LP via the Mackinac Bridge. Its claim to fame is being the world’s third longest suspension bridge, five miles from end-to-end. Furthermore, it towers 550 feet above the water and the roadway is 200 feet high at its peak. Apparently this design was to ensure that floating ice of any size could pass under the bridge. Why does the thought “I’m glad I don’t live on the Upper Peninsula” come to mind?
As I traveled south I caught up with the tail-end of autumn foliage. Sheer luck that I found such loveliness. Honestly, having spent days in the snow already I didn’t expect to find anything such as this but then I’d never heard of the Tunnel of Trees but what a beautiful stumble upon. Nice to be among the lovely leaves as I traveled down the narrow windy road above the shore.
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