A Journey Through Michigan and Beyond
There’s something magical about hitting the road early on a beautiful morning. As the sun peaked over the horizon at Sterling State Park in Michigan, I felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia—this would be my last day in Michigan before setting off for Toledo, Ohio. Little did I know, this day would be packed with surprises and a chance to explore history right by the water.
🏛️ Discovering History at the Museum
My first stop was the National Museum of the Great Lakes, home to an incredible collection of artifacts and exhibits dedicated to the fascinating maritime history of the Great Lakes.
I spent a couple f hours wandering through displays that told stories of commerce, trade, and of course, the notorious shipwrecks that lie beneath the surface.
Did you know that there are over 8,000 shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, many of which remain undiscovered? The thought of these hidden vessels sparks the imagination, painting vivid pictures of the past for anyone who takes a moment to ponder the mysteries of the dark waters.
⛴️ Boarding the Colonel James Schoonmaker Museum Ship
After soaking in the museum, I moved on to the Colonel James Schoonmaker, a museum boat that offers a glimpse into life on the water. I was lucky to have the ship mostly to myself for a few hours, making it feel like a private adventure.
As I explored the decks, I tried to step into the shoes of the sailors who once navigated these waters. However, despite my efforts, there was no getting the ship to budge! Eventually, reality pulled me back, and I had to return to my Jeep, which seemed to have its own challenges waiting for me.
🔧 A Twist of Fate and Failing Wires
As I returned to my vehicle, I soon found out that it wasn’t just my imagination; my Jeep had its own set of troubles. Thankfully, the gracious mechanic at Community Car Care came to the rescue, fixing up my ride in just a few hours. I was grateful, yet slightly disappointed—I had to skip out on trying the famous Hungarian hot dogs at Tony Paco’s.
But with my Jeep back in working order, I was ready for the next leg of the journey.
🌊 Lakeside Adventures Await
With the sun shining and the open road ahead, I drove toward East Harbor Campground near Port Clinton, Ohio. This campground, nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, promised a peaceful retreat.
As I arrived, I couldn’t help but notice how quiet it was in the loop I was in. It felt idyllic, a perfect spot to unwind, do a little bit of work, and soak in the natural beauty.
Though I would only be here for a few days, I knew I could find plenty of interesting activities nearby to keep my spirit alive on this adventure.
Each stop in this journey reminded me of the wonders that lie just off the beaten path. As I settled in at the campground, the excitement for the next adventure bubbled inside me. Would I discover more hidden gems or uncover historical tales yet to be told? Only time would tell, but one thing was clear—I was ready for whatever came next.