Sunrise at Harrisville Harbor, photo by jacalynsnana.
Michigan’s northeastern shore bills itself as the “Sunrise Side”, and this photo of dawn at the harbor of Harrisville, Michigan certainly illustrates why.
The Double Horizon
The Double Horizon, photo by The ClayTaurus.
Of the above photo, Chris Clayson writes We’ll take ripples over mirrors any day. If you view it big you will see that the 2nd boat is well on its way to being becalmed.
This photo is part of a set that seeks to provide on boat’s perspective (Unplugged of Port Sanilac) of racing in the Port Huron to Mackinac, one of Michigan’s two annual long distance sailing races (the other being the Chicago to Mackinac Race).
View the 2006 Port Huron to Mac Race set.
Chicago to Mackinac Yacht Race
Check out the whole set of Chicago to Mac photos by biggunner.
The 98th annual Race to Mackinac starts tomorrow morning (Sat, July 22, 2006) from the Chicago Yacht Club. The race is sponsored by the Chicago club and they have a ton of race-related photos, videos and information.
You can watch the race online via t2p.tv. If you want to watch the boats pass, Torreson Marine lists some of the best locations on Michigan’s western shore to see them (and also has tons of info and photos from past years all the way back to 1995). The fastest boats typically finish at 30-40 hours and Sunday morning is a great time to see them in northern Michigan.
The online history of the race is scant, but Wikipedia’s entry on the Chicago to Mackinac Boat Race says:
It is one of the longest fresh-water races in the world with hundreds of boats entering the race each year. It starts at Chicago and finishes at Mackinac Island, Michigan crossing Lake Michigan and just entering Lake Huron. The race course runs 333 miles (536 km). 294 boats completed the 2005 race with finishes ranging from 33 to 69 elapsed hours. Steve Fossett set the overall race record, 18 hours, 50 minutes, in 1998 with the yacht, the Stars and Stripes. Roy E. Disney set the monohull record, 23 hours, 30 minutes, in Pyewacket in 2002.
The first race was run in 1898, with the sloop Vanenna winning against four boats. Racers who have completed 25 of the annual races are called “Island Goats”.
40 Mile Point Lighthouse
40 Mile Point Lighthouse, photo by midmichphotos
According to the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse Preservation Society, the lighthouse is located on the shores of Lake Huron in Presque Isle County’s Lighthouse Park (about 7 miles north of Rogers City).
In 1889, the Lighthouse Board recommended that $25,000 be appropriated for construction of a new light and fog signal near Hammond Bay on Lake Huron … Major Milton B. Adams, Eleventh District Engineer selected and surveyed a site approximately 40 miles southeast of Old Mackinaw Point and 40 miles northwest of Thunder Bay.
The main lighthouse structure models the Big Bay lighthouse which was being constructed simultaneously near Marquette in the Upper Peninsula. 40 Mile Point is a two-story duplex with a tower incorporated into the center of the side-wall facing Lake Huron. Its footprint measures 35 feet by 57 feet.
Lighthouse photographer Terry Pepper has some great historical information (and photos) about Forty Mile Point Lighthouse in his Seeing the Light.
As a side note, I had to search to find this photo again and the photos Flickr pulled up for a “40 mile point” search are really cool!
Biplane over the Bridge
Untitled, photo by prakope.
This is one of a great set of photos that offers a unique perspective on the Mackinac Bridge. I had a hard time choosing which one to post and I think you’ll probably enjoy the slideshow. If you’re too busy for that, be sure to at least check out this view of the massive concrete supports.
If you’re interested in flying the skies over the Mighty Mac, Mackinac Island and the Straits, check out Carolina Barnstormers.
Round Island Lighthouse & Lilacs
Round Island Lighthouse & Lilacs, photo by Allocentric.
This Friday (June 9, 2006) the annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival kicks off. The festival runs June 9-18 and includes the Taste of Mackinac, free concerts and (of course) lots and lots of lilacs.
Elowsky Grist Mill
Elowsky Grist Mill, photo by Dan Sharp
Dan Sharp of Alpena, age 12 took this photo in Posen for the Michigan Week Youth Photo Contest.
The contest required that the subject of the photo include a building or object at least 50 years old, is part of the annual Michigan Week celebration. Entries came from all regions of the state and both peninsulas, with contestants ranging from ages nine to 19. Click the link or photo above for a list of the 12 regional winners and runners up.
Hartwick Pines
Hartwick Pines, photo by Robin of Loxley.
Robin writes: Grayling Michigan. As far as I know, the only stand of virgin white pine left in the state. I believe some are over 300 years old.
Seems like a great photo for an Earth Day in Michigan – enjoy your weekend and here’s a link to Hartwick Pines State Park.
Tawas Point Lighthouse
Tawas Point Lighthouse, photo by yerffej9.
Jeff writes:
Tawas Point Lighthouse, in operation since 1876, and now part of Tawas Point State Park, is a fascinating attraction for maritime buffs. Tawas Point is also a mecca for birdwatchers, especially in the migration seasons of spring and fall. Tawas Point also offers spectacular views of sunrises over Lake Huron and sunsets over Tawas Bay.
Jeff also has a bunch of lighthouse photos from around the country.
Tawas Point Lighthouse information from the State of Michigan
Cross Beams
Cross Beams, photo by Ogemaniac.
The photographer, Chad Brick, says he's something of a cross between Mr Bean and Spiderman and that this photo is of "A unique angle on the Mackinac Bridge joining the two peninsulas of Michigan".
I'm believing the Spiderman thing…
Be sure to view it large!
I wondered how Chad got this photo – glad I didn't give a prize for it because most Michiganders could have told me what Chad did:
On Labor Day, you are allowed to walk across the bridge from north to south in the early morning. I got down on my hands and knees and stuck my camera through the grating.
If you have never done the bridge walk, it is lots of fun. The governor is usually there.
Michigan in Pictures 