This locomotive is called 1225. It inspired a child to write a book that became a famous movie, "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg. There are many locomotives that claim to be the "Polar Express", but this one was the inspiration, the model for the movie and most of [...]

In the winter, the tourist mecca of Mackinac Island, settles down to a quiet community of about 500. As Christmas approaches, things change a little as the small community celebrates the season. Here's the story of the Christmas Tree lighting on Mackinac Island.

The Stewartstown Railroad is unique. It still operates under its original charter from 1884. It runs from Stewartstown, Pennsylvania to New Freedom, Pennsylvania on 7.4 miles of track. The railroad has had its troubles, but it has never been bought, merged, sold, or bankrupt. That's quite a story in today's [...]

Poppins and I travel to Kelleys Island and explore the history, the food, the campgrounds and more. Kelleys Island is the largest US island in Lake Erie and once hosted the largest limestone quarry operation in the world. Islanders have turned grapes to wine and vineyards dot the island. With [...]

I head out on a micro adventure. The median of an interchange of two major freeways, on a river, under the approach of an international airport. I kayak to the median of two merging (and busy) interstates in a suburb. Then, we set up camp, make a meal and spend [...]

The Skeleton Coast or "Graveyard of the Great Lakes" is a stretch of shore in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan stretching from Whitefish Point to Grand Marais. It includes Vermilion, Crisp Point Light Station, Mouth of the Two Hearted River Life Saving Station and Deer Park Life Saving Station. Over [...]

Neebish Island is a little known island in Michigan in the St. Mary's River. Less than 100 people live there year around. It is a short ferry ride. Only one store and campground on the island. It has some interesting aspects, some caused by freighters traveling very close to the [...]

Poppins and I explore Michigan's latest state park - Lime Island State Park. It has a long history as a trading place, lacrosse field, farmstead, resort and coal refueling dock. There are lime kilns, remnants of industry, quaint cabins and plenty of trails to hike. Located in the Saint Mary's [...]

Poppins and I travel to the Straits of Mackinac in Northern Michigan to visit a lonely island called St. Helena. The island was home to the St. Helena Fishing Station and St. Helena Lighthouse. The St. Helena Lighthouse has been completely restored over the past few decades by a dedicated [...]