Day 28: Sault Ste. Marie

 

On leaving Tahquamenon State Park heading for Sault Ste. Marie, we decided to take the  scenic route which was part of the Lake Superior Trail.  We were delighted when we came to Point Iroquois Lighthouse overlooking Whitefish Bay and stopped to explore.  From the walkway along the bay we could see wind turbines across the lake in Canada and a freighter in the distance.  We climbed the spiral stairs to the top of the lighthouse for a great view and visited the 1950’s light keeper’s home before continuing our drive.

When we reached Aune-Osborn Campground in Sault Ste.  Marie, we were surprised and pleased that we could have a water front site for two days but would then have to move to our original site.  Almost as soon as we had parked, a large freighter came by heading toward the locks and Lake Superior.  What a sight to see from the coach! 

We bicycled to a park downtown where there was a farmers market which we'd heard advertised on the  radio.  It was interesting and varied – all kinds of veggies, fresh herbs, breads and pastries, preserves, fish, flowers,  birch baskets, used books, and note cards.  We bought choke cherry preserves, green beans, smoked white fish, and fresh salmon which we ate for dinner. The fish came from a local fisherman. George said the Atlantic salmon prepared by Irene with teriyaki sauce and brown sugar was the best fish he has ever had.

 On the way to the farmer’s market, we passed by a very striking, very large stone structure which we learned is the Edison Sault Electric Company, a hydro-electric plant built in 1902.  It’s the world’s largest horizontal shaft turbine hydro-electric generating plant – and the stone work is beautiful.