Just in the nick of time TaGeez, ShelleyJean and I escaped our daily grind and headed for water. This past weekend was the Michigan Shore to Shore Series created and maintained by the TasmanianDevils.
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| Great Lakes - Lake Huron GC127DA |
15 caches running the width of lower Michigan with 14 traditionals plus 1 puzzle final. Gather info from each container to solve the mystery while gaining smilies. Cache hides are sizable containers at varying interesting stops: nature preserves, a cemetery, a train depot, a lighthouse, rails-to-trails.
We set off early Saturday morning after watching the Royal Wedding on TV for TAZ 01 in Port Sanilac. Unfortunately, we were driving into the rain, and it didn't taper off as predicted so in a word... wet. We got very, very wet. For the most part that's not a problem, but this nature trail in particular was under water. Levels in some places almost to the top of our wellies.
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| Shiawassee Bird Watching GC6X139 |
TaGeez took one for the team and practically swam the last 75 feet, but we needed that clue! Upon exiting we squished past this little bit of history along the way. ALWAYS READ THE PLAQUE!
As we were moving along swimmingly (ha ha ha) we decided a brief break from skeeter-land to grab a few virtuals, a webcam, some food. Heading East to West along M 46 driving in and out of rain was soothing, especially when you travel with peeps as easy going as SJ and TaGeez.
The series can be done in a day, but what is the fun in that? As we found ourselves running right on schedule, we added a few extra stops along the way. It wouldn't do to be on time, would it? Caching time is 1.5x as long to get from point A to B as regular time.
Bethany Lutheran Indian Cemetery - this is such a sweet little spot. On a slight hill and along the curve of a country road, this cemetery is nestled in lush green vegetation and tucked behind an ornate fence.
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| SQ Bethany Lutheran Indian Cemetery GC2R6P9 |
So sad to see so many of these stones. This is the type of cache you research after you've visited.
Our trip didn't lack for historical cemeteries. We found caches in 9 of them but stopped at several more. One even had a "security camera" attached.
Twelve series caches done, and we are 3/4 the way across the state when SJ said she could really go for some 'comfort food' and LO! Jimmy's Roadhouse in Newaygo appeared alongside the road advertising comfort food! Oh, and it was good! Kudos to them, also, for not taking a second glance at our muddy wellies.
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| Jimmy's Roadhouse in Newaygo |
One last series cache and then...
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| Grant Depot Historical Sites GC6XN83 |
... we arrived in Muskegon. We had made no plans for stopping overnight, but this place was as good as any with a little West coast nightlife.
This cute downtown consisted mainly of bars with names like the Unruly Brewing Co, Rebel Pies (Rock 'n Roll Pizza), and the 18th Amendment Spirit Co. All of which had their TV's turned to Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's wedding on repeat.
We slept well at the Holiday Inn, and we awoke to another overcast day. Luckily there were many fabulous caches along our paths to cheer us up! In addition to completing the S-2-S series, we were hoping to knock off a few counties today.
Grave of the Branded Hand - Okay, the local geocachers dropped the ball here. No cache?!?! A memorial to a branded hand and NO CACHE? Fascinating story about a "slave stealer" (abolitionist) in Evergreen Cemetery.
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| Evergreen Cemetery - Muskegon, MI |
After a few Virtuals (and more rain), we turned north for the last Traditional cache in the series. Ah, the White River Lighthouse near Whitehall. Even in the gloomy weather it was picturesque on the hill and tucked behind the dunes.
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| White River Lighthouse GC5X30M |
After TaGeez found the cache we moseyed down to the beach and the pier to take pictures. Brrr. It's cold this morning.
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| Picture postcard perfect! |
It was some of the unplanned stops that gave us the most joy. After leaving the lighthouse and heading to Whitehall for a Virtual for SJ, we passed this really cool bridge. I thought to myself, "There really needs to be a cache here" and there was! Great story, good hide, good location. And TaGeez made a new friend! Older gentleman pulled off the road to see what TaGeez was fishing for. Lucky for us today's catch was box-shaped!
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| Titus the Troll GC74PA5 |
The haunted Mouth Cemetery near White River Township. This stop is right up there with the neglected Lumber town cemetery discovered on our US 23 adventure. It's reputed to be haunted, and, no exaggeration, I had goosebumps while walking through here.
First, we had a problem accessing it as both avenues were questionably legal. And then to climb out of the car to such quietude. It's called Mouth Cemetery because it was founded at the mouth of the bay and several of the graves are resting right at the edge of a cliff.
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| Pushing Up Daisies GCGY0G |
Imagine my shock when I spied this at the back of the cemetery. Creepy, eh?
To lighten the mood we detoured to Lake County for another county find and then onto a 20-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, MI
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| Hmmm... I thought it would be taller. |
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| near White Pine Trail - Paris GC252C7 |
Speaking of oddities, no trip to the area would be complete without a stop at Newaygo State Park. In years past, this park played host to a very popular geocaching camping event. And, after experiencing several of its remaining caches, I can understand why.
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| Newaygo State Park's Kid Cache GC2X59T |
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| How to Build a Better... Relocated GC29F60 |
Nothing says "Roadside America" like a Two story outhouse. If you ever find yourself in Cedar Lake, Michigan....
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| Two-story outhouse in Cedar Lake |
Alas! The end of the road. Sunday evening found us in Alma, Michigan searching for the series final (and an open restaurant for dinner).
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| Shore to Shore Final GC6XN7 |
After making the find, the blue skies were out and the sun was shining down up on us.
It was a lovely end to a relaxing weekend, and now we look forward to receiving our commemorative path tags from TAZ.
Oh, and did I mention we nabbed a few more counties? Note to SJ: Yes, Van Buren county is going to drive me crazy!
Wishing all of you a safe Memorial weekend. For those of you heading to Cincinnati, see you at GeoWoodstock! #gigastock
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