Change in the Weather

So much for nice fall weather.  These last few days have been spitting rain, with highs in lower 50's.  Not that it stopped this intrepid traveler, thanks to my new raincoat and warm hoodies.

I've decided that the must-go tourist places probably aren't for me, for the most part.  Yesterday, I took the ferry across to Mackinac Island.  I loved the ride across the lake, but I have to admit the tourist trap on the other end left me cold.  I enjoyed my walk about the town, looking at the houses and hotels; there was a charming old Episcopal church where we were invited to 'Enter, Rest and Pray'.  But with the exception of the fudge and the popcorn (which can be found, minus the price of the ferry ticket, on the mainland), there was little original in the shops.  I guess I was expecting intriguing local art - there was a little of it, but not much...

Today I drove across the Mackinaw bridge into the lower part of Michigan.  I would have enjoyed the bridge more if they weren't working on the asphalt.  For parts, they'd stripped it down to the metal mesh that you don't normally get to see.  It felt VERY slippery under the camper van, which meant I had to keep my eyes firmly on the road instead of oogling the sights to either side.  What fun is that?

To calm my nerves after the bridge, I stopped in the charming little town of Charlevoix, which drew me in with its quaint drawbridge and pretty flowers lining the main street into town.  (Something tells me the flowers looked a little happier before last night's lows in the mid-40's, and I wouldn't have found the drawbridge quite so quaint if I'd been waiting for an hour in the line of traffic that just HAS to build up during the busy summer months.)  There, I found some of that fun local art I was looking for on the island.  The creations of one of the local artists, who does wonderful wacky sculptures and paintings, had me laughing out loud!  - see samples, below.

Todd Warner - MOM!

Todd Warner - In the Eye of the Beholder

It is supposed to warm up again starting tomorrow, and be nice this weekend.  I don't mind the cold so much (as long as I don't actually have to do winter this year!); this cold snap is quickly bringing out the fall colors in the trees.  Today's drive was beautiful!