Chris Loehmer Kincaid's Blog, page 52
October 20, 2021
Feels Like Going Home - Blog Post #15 Camping in Michigan
It always feels like going home when I reach the shores of Lake Superior. Back in July, we took one day during our camping trip in the UP to drive up to the greatest of the great lakes.
Here are just some random pictures from the day.
At McLain State Park 
In the Keweenaw Bay
The Hancock City Hall
Dino just getting his feet wet
Reading that last line, I have to ask, do people really leave their pets behind at the park?
Roses outside the Jampot
More roses
One of my favorite cities in the UP is Calumet.
It is so full of history and the buildings are amazing vestiges of the past. I’ve blogged about many of them in the past.
Earlier this spring, however, fire destroyed some of those beloved buildings.
From an article on the Village of Calumet Facebook page: The Village of Calumet experienced a devastating fire in the early morning hours of May 22nd, 2021. Three of our historic buildings were lost in the 100 block of Fifth Street. While these structures are considered a total loss, no lives were lost during the event. The Village is so grateful to the many firefighters from around the Copper Country who attended to our community. 
How very sad. For more information:
McLain State Park – https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=423&type=SPRK
The Jampot – https://www.societystjohn.com/jampot
Previous blog posts on Calumet – https://chrisloehmer.blogspot.com/2012/08/calumet.html
The fire in Calumet in May – https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2021/05/22/large-fire-in-downtown-calumet/
October 17, 2021
Disappointment
For the Scriptures tell us that no one who believes in Christ will ever be disappointed. (Romans 10:11, Living Bible)
Last spring, when I found out I could take two weeks off from work in October, I started planning a return trip to Africa. At the time, the pandemic seemed to be waning, and my travel partner and I were fully vaccinated, but I still put off buying those plane tickets.
Then COVID-19 numbers grew again. International travel was still doable, but there were a lot of hoops to jump through. Yes, we were vaccinated, but we would still need to wear a mask on the planes and in the airports and have a negative test just before leaving.
By the first of September, I knew we had to decide and buy those plane tickets or not. My clinic stopped offering COVID testing for travel about that time, as we were getting overwhelmed just testing sick people. More and more tests in my little town were coming back positive. As for my friend, she had a different trip scheduled for that month which was canceled due to COVID.
We talked about it, and I knew what we had to do, what God was perhaps telling us. I texted our friends in Kenya and told them we wouldn’t be coming. What a disappointment for everyone.
So, I planned a few short trips around Wisconsin – a couple days in Door County last week and in Wisconsin Dells this week.
But God is good, no matter where one travels to. The picture above is the sunrise at the Masa Mara on my trip to Africa two years ago. The one below is from yesterday morning, on a highway near where I am staying this week.
Yes, God, You are good, and You can turn our disappointments into joy.
October 15, 2021
Fascinating Florence County Jail – Blog Post #14 Camping in Michigan
And I also have to apologize that I am still boring you with our camping trip to the UP in July. If I would just get that over with, you could hear about all my other adventures.
But today, I wanted to tell you about the third most fascinating thing I saw on this trip. (Number one was last week’s post about the birds and number 2 was Breakwater waterfalls.)
You know how I love historic buildings, especially schools and courthouses. Across the border back in Wisconsin and the town of Florence, the County Courthouse is another one to add to the list.
But what makes it even better is the detached and recently restored Jailhouse.
According to several signs on the property: James E Clancy, architect for the courthouse, also drew up the plans for a small jail. Built in 1889 for a cost of $4,000, it featured two steel cells for men and an iron cell for women. The county stopped using the jail in the 1930s. After years of disuse, an exterior renovation was completed, in 2006. It is one of only two remaining examples of this type of jail in Wisconsin.
It sure gave me the willies walking into these cells. 
Click on these links for more information:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~wifloren/jail.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_County_Courthouse_and_Jail
October 10, 2021
Nothing to Worry About
“So I tell you, don’t worry about the food or drink you need to live, or about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds. You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.” (Matthew 6:25-27, New Century Version)
If you read my blog post on Friday, you know that I’ve had birds on the brain. First the eagles and ravens and now the wrens and sparrows.
‘Two sparrows cost only a penny, but not even one of them can die without your Father’s knowing it. God even knows how many hairs are on your head. So don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31, New Century Version)
How reassuring it is that God does take care of all of His creatures, from the least to the greatest. We have no need to worry and no need to fear. Just turn our troubles over to God. Because we will still have troubles.
“I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.” (John 16:33, New Century Version)
And as so often happens, it’s God’s words, not mine, that you need to read and remember.
“Don’t fear, little flock, because your Father wants to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32, New Century Version)
October 8, 2021
Birds in the Sky – Blog Post #13 Camping in Michigan
Sorry that I didn’t post here on Wednesday. It has been a heinous week at work, but I got through it. And guess what? I’m on vacation now for two weeks! Woot! Woot!
So, in celebration, I wanted to share the most spectacular wildlife event I’ve ever seen in the United States. I was going to say ever in the world, but there was that day on safari in Kenya where we watched a lioness take down a wildebeest. As if anything would ever come close to that. But anyway.
There we were the morning of July 15 – appropriately, as that is my sister Pat’s birthday – driving up to Lake Superior. We came upon a bald eagle in a pine tree holding court over either an immature bald or golden eagle eating a deer carcass, while turkey vultures and ravens hovered overhead or watched from nearby trees. And even ordinary old crows were waiting their turn across the road.
The twenty-some pictures I took of all the birds did not come close to doing the scene justice. Both Hubby and I thought it was so remarkable.
Can you see all three of the different species in this tree?
I’m sure I won’t find a scene like during this vacation, but you never know. Have a great weekend, everyone!
October 3, 2021
The Cost of Salvation
Yesterday, I went down to visit my son, and on the way home, I drove through the town of Portage. It’s a historic village with roots dating back to the seventeen hundreds. Every time I drive through it (which isn’t often), I want to stop and spend hours wandering its streets, appreciating all the old buildings.
This weekend, though, I only stopped to admire one building – St Mary’s Church. Built in 1856, the entire structure is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation which began in June. I think that is fantastic, saving a historic church and bringing it back to life while making it more accessible to parishioners and others.
But, the thing to remember is that even though it is a house of worship, it is just a building. As beautiful as that steeple is, it can’t reach all the way to heaven.
The only way to get to heaven is through faith in God and belief that His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior. And that doesn’t cost a thing.
Article on the church’s renovation – https://www.wiscnews.com/portagedailyregister/news/local/scaffolding-envelops-portage-landmark-as-st-mary-renovations-continue/article_63916318-9817-5bda-81c1-2277ccaf3a08.html
October 1, 2021
Bats on a Hill – Blog Post #12 Camping in Michigan
First, I need to share a tidbit more of information I discovered about the building at 220 East Ludington Street in Iron Mountain, Michigan. On Wednesday, I told you that this old church now housed Lydia’s Clothing.
But according to this somewhat worn sign, I found out last night, that Morgan Stanley Investments was also in the building. And better yet, that it was once the Immanuel Baptist Church, built in 1908.
Here’s a detailed description from a real estate listing I found on the place from 2016. A beautiful building to locate your business or church in this completely remodeled 1908 treasure. Was remodeled to house a Morgan Stanley office and local law firm. Complete with original ornate, very valuable stained glass windows protected by thermal panes, vaulted ceilings, beautiful arches, and original woodwork. Newly remodeled offices are partitioned with glass with exposed ceilings. Lower level remodeled as office space and currently rented as a law office. The main level was last rented as a financial center. Notice the newer metal copper tone roof.
You’re probably not as excited about any of that as I am. Sometimes, I think my true calling was research assistant. You also might not be excited about the next place we visited that day.
When I stumbled upon Millie Mine Bat Hill on a Michigan map, I knew I had to go find it.
This is the opening to the mine shaft which had been used many years ago, but now is home to one of the largest hibernating/breeding bat colonies in North America. It’s estimated that up to one million bats winter down that hole. That cage is to keep people out and let the bats come and go as they please.
I wish I would have discovered a public restroom near that hill, but instead, we only found the start of one.
So, on up the hill we hiked. Couldn’t bike though.
Which could be fun. If you aren’t a klutz like I am.
The views were amazing from the top. Too bad it was so cloudy out though. 
For more information:
On the Millie Mine Bat Cave – https://www.michigan.org/property/millie-mine-bat-cave
How this site was saved – https://www.batcon.org/article/a-new-beginning-for-an-old-mine/
The bike trail - https://www.dtntrails.org/milliehill (If you click on this link, be sure to watch the video)
More on the bike trail – https://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/news/local-news/2020/05/more-bike-trails-coming-to-millie-hill/
September 29, 2021
A Quick Tour of Iron Mountain – Blog Post #11 Camping in Michigan
After I had thoroughly explored that new waterfall Wednesday morning, July 14, Hubby and I drove over to Iron Mountain, Michigan.
I’m not sure if it’s one of those occupational hazards, but working in healthcare, I only feel as if Iron Mountain is known for its Veterans Administration Medical Center. Which is on East H Street; I know because I mail them things and I think that is such a dumb name for a street. (And yes, there are A through I streets.)
Anyway, I digress. The city of Iron Mountain is also home to the Dickinson County Courthouse.
A beautiful old building – as all courthouses should be.
A random old house. I can’t remember just where it was in Iron Mountain.
The Menominee Range Museum, which was closed due to COVID.
But that didn’t stop me from walking around outside, taking pictures.
Believe it or not, Lydia’s Clothing Store was right across the street, in this beautiful church. I don’t know why I didn’t step inside. Stupid COVID still has me gun-shy about going in unfamiliar places. My research on this building came up empty, but I’m still working on it.
By then, it was time to get serious about finding someplace to eat lunch. On my internet search of the city, I had found an interesting place, which I will tell you about next time, but on the road to get there, we came across this little mining memorial.
Next to Chapin Mine Lake.
You’ll need to be sure to come back on Friday to see where the road past that small park led.
For more information:
The Iron Mountain VA - https://www.ironmountain.va.gov/about/index.asp
Dickinson County Courthouse - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dickinson_County_Courthouse_and_Jail
The Menominee Range Museum - https://menomineemuseum.com/mrhmuseum
September 26, 2021
Our Sinful Selfs
On my blog post from September 5, I wrote about copying verses, chapters, and even entire books from the Bible. How doing that would help a person better understand the word of God and remember those Words.
After I wrote that post the first Sunday in September, I started transcribing the book of Romans into my journal. The book of Romans has some great verses; I’ve blogged about many of them here. In fact, some believe that Romans is one of the best books of the Bible. The apostle Paul wrote the book Romans to explain just what salvation through belief in Jesus Christ really means.
I’ve gotten through the first chapter, and it paints a pretty bleak picture of who we are.
21-23 They know God, but they do not give him the honor that belongs to him, nor do they thank him. Instead, their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are filled with darkness. They say they are wise, but they are fools; instead of worshiping the immortal God, they worship images made to look like mortals or birds or animals or reptiles [or money or houses or cars or other possessions].
24-25 And so God has given those people over to do the filthy things their hearts desire, and they do shameful things with each other. They exchange the truth about God for a lie; they worship and serve what God has created instead of the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever!
29-32 They are filled with all kinds of wickedness, evil, greed, and vice; they are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, and malice. They gossip and speak evil of one another; they are hateful to God, insolent, proud, and boastful; they think of more ways to do evil; they disobey their parents; they have no conscience; they do not keep their promises, and they show no kindness or pity for others. They know that God's law says that people who live in this way deserve death. Yet, not only do they continue to do these very things, but they even approve of others who do them.
And though you all read those verses, thinking, “oh, yes, there are so many horrible people in this world,” you also have to admit to yourself that those lines describe you as well. I know I can put my name next to many of those sins, and I am so ashamed.
Yes, we need to try harder, we need to read God’s word, we need to pray, we need to put others first in all things. But the Good News is that God will still forgive us; He knows how imperfect we are, and that’s why He sent His Son to die on that cross.
Lord, God, Heavenly Father, please forgive my many sins. Send Your Holy Spirit into my heart to keep me from constantly disobeying Your commandments. And thank You for saving me through the Grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.
September 24, 2021
Another New Waterfalls – Blog Post #10 Camping in Michigan
Wednesday, July 14, the forecast was for hot and humid conditions with a good chance of rain by the afternoon. Hubby and I set out for our day’s adventures by 8:30, hoping to get in some waterfalls before the weather got too bad.
My “Waterfalling in Wisconsin” told me about a promising waterfall near Florence, Wisconsin, thirty miles south of where we were camping. The thing was that Google maps showed me a more interesting route than the book did, and heaven forbid, I follow directions anyway. Where is the fun in that?
We drove to the WE Energies Powerhouse, and I followed the canoe portage signs down some stairs to the bottom of the dam. The sign I read said the trail came out at the top of the falls, which it clearly did not.
I went back up to the powerhouse and followed the canoe portage signs in the other direction, up a service road that ran along the river. I couldn’t see the river, only heard it. Signs along the way kept pointing to Breakwater Falls, so I had to be heading in the right direction.
Oh, and by the way, Hubby had gone to the outhouse when we got there and wasn’t out yet when Dino and I came back up the stairs. I hesitated, worried he would wonder what happened to us, but then thought, oh, well, he’ll figure it out, he knows me well enough.
After ten minutes walking along this service road, the dog and I came to a parking area with a Breakwater Falls sign pointing into the woods. Even though the book had said this should be Pine River Falls.
We headed into what was a damp rabbit trail, until we came to a tree over the path which was too big for Dino to jump or crawl over, and when I tried to pick him up, his body language clearly said, nope. So, I rather irresponsibly tied him to a branch in the downed tree, scaled it, and kept going. I mean, the river was right there, the falls couldn’t be that far away.
It wasn’t, except that when I got to that falls, which was maybe six feet in height, there was clearly a second falls twenty feet or so further downstream.
I came to my senses, realizing that I couldn’t leave Dino alone any longer and Hubby might be frantically searching for us. And if he found the dog tied up alone, he would really be concerned.
I backtracked, released the dog, and headed back up the service road. As we got almost to the powerhouse, here was Hubby ambling along, confident he was on the right path and not at all worried about me.
But of course, I wasn’t going to give up on this – whether it was Breakwater Falls or Pine River Falls, or both.
When we got back to the truck, I consulted all of my sources, none of which was the internet, thank you, trees. Hubby was pretty skeptical of my directions, but he went where I pointed. When WiFi returned for a few fleeting moments, I realized that my maps and the gazetteer were correct and we would end up near that service road where the Breakwater Falls sign was.
Or not.
We came to a different parking lot which had a boat landing and area for two or three campsites, and even a men’s and a women’s outhouse. But I left all that luxury behind for the boys to enjoy, while I plunged into the trail heading towards the dam.
It was quite the hike along another rabbit trail to the dam. Even when I was about halfway back to that service road parking lot, where the canoe out-take/in-put was. Where a sign read “½ mile portage”. I wouldn’t want to carry my canoe along that trail.
I made it to the top of the dam and ambled down to the “Breakwater Falls” sign and once again plunged into the woods.
The waterfall was beautiful, and as anticipated, another falls was just beyond, this one maybe a little bit taller. And totally unexpectedly, downstream from the second falls, I could see the top of a third fall. I was like – what?
So I kept going, tromping through the trees and mud (thankful for my new hikers) and even gingerly across wet, mossy rocks
The third falls was probably the height of the first one, but still just as pretty. I studied the water flowing downstream, burbling over rocks, no more falls called to me and I thought I had to be close to the powerhouse.
By the time I finally came out of the woods, to where the boys were waiting in the air-conditioned truck, I had already stripped off my t-shirt; I was a sweaty mess and my legs were trembling from the hike. I felt like I’d been gone for hours, but it was only maybe 40 minutes!
I need to get in better shape.
Not sure what happened in that picture, but it’s kind of how I felt until I had sucked down enough water. And a handful of trail mix.
For more information:
https://www.travelwisconsin.com/natural-attractions-and-parks/breakwater-falls-276866
http://www.waterfallswisconsin.com/flocty.htm
