Saturday, October 28, 2006

Big Bay Point Lighthouse

Marie and I have visited Michigan several times over the past 5 years. On one of those trips we decided to stay overnight at the Big Bay Point Lighthouse. It is currently privately owned and operated as a Bed & Breakfast. First a brief history of this lighthouse which sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior. Construction began in May of 1896 and it was completed in October of that year. It is 52' by 52' with 18 rooms with a light tower that is 105' above Lake Superior. In the mid 1940's the light was automated and the last keeper was reassigned. In 1951 and 1952 the U S Army leased the property and Army and National Guard units were assigned for two week training periods to practice anti-aircraft artillery. One of the soldiers stationed at the lighthouse committed the murder that was to become the basis for the book and movie Anatomy of a Murder. The actual murder took place at the Lumberjack Tavern in Big Bay, Michigan. In 1961 the property was sold to a private party who began restoration. The present owners purchased the property in 1991 and began the Bed & Breakfast.

Our reservations were made in May and our directions were to take state road 550 from Marquette for approximately 25 miles nw to Big Bay and then follow signs for the light. The last several miles from Big Bay were over a dirt road. After check in we found out that our dining choices were basically back to Marquette or the Lumberjack Tavern. Our host also informed the guests that state road 550 was overrun with deer after dusk. Marie and I opted for the Tavern which served roast prime rib on Saturday evening.

As I approached the Tavern, I wondered why there were so many vehicles parked along the road. Once inside, the place was packed and the attraction was the Detroit Redwings hockey game. Detroit had not yet been eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Luckily we found a table ordered drinks and ordered dinner, no menu, only one item for dinner. It was a wild crowd but as soon as the game ended, the place emptied and only couples remained for the dinner period. I noticed several other couples from the B & B. Dinner was more than adequate and we were able to get back before dark. Marie and I climbed up into the tower and enjoyed a marvelous view of the lake and surrounding countryside. Later that evening our hosts told stories about the lighthouse. The building was originally a duplex. What was interesting was that both sides had the same number of rooms, but the rooms on the assistant keepers side were slightly smaller in square footage. Another example of "rank has its priviledge". Marie and I were on the assistant side. I have to say that this location was certainly quiet and dark. There were no lights to be seen outside.

The next morning we went for a brief walk before breakfast and were surprised to see ice on the rocks along the shore. Breakfast was a learning experienced. We were served "pasties". They look like a big apple turnover, but are filled with meat and other stuff. These had pork and I did not enjoy them. We left mid-morning to continue our search for the next lighthouse on our list.

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Poor General Motors

First, I have been a loyal GM man for many years. My first new car was a 1965 Pontiac Lemans convertible. Over the years I have owned new or used every GM make except Cadillac. I came close once after driving the SRX. I wanted two wheel drive and was told that I live in New England (as if I did not know that) and should get AWD. No one had a RWD.

Yesterday I received a survey from GM concerning service work completed by a Massachusettes Pontiac dealer on a Chevrolet that I traded 3 weeks before the service took place. Perhaps its because for the first time in over 40 years I purchased a foreign brand, so GM has no notification. I did try to buy a GM van. I really did.

I have been escaping to Florida for several winters. Last year I decided that I would no longer stuff everything into my wife's Bonneville. My first stop was my local Rhode Island Pontiac dealer. This dealer is absolutely the finest car dealer I have ever dealt with. The salesman informed me that Pontiac was out of the van business. No more 06's to be built and no 07's. My next stop was to the Chevy dealer where I purchased my Malibu Maxx, a neat car with a wide range of amenities, but too small for the winter trip South. As we approached the 06 Uplander, I asked if it had the 3.5 or the 3.9 engine. Neither he said with authority it has a 3.4 engine. Not so said I. Thats when he told me he was certified salesman and he knew he was right. I asked him to pop the hood and lo and behold, it was a 3.5 engine. So much for certification. As I only wanted the larger engine and this was their only van on the lot and I had no interest in a gas sucking SUV, I left. I now decided to wait for the 07's. In early September I found a Buick dealer with an 07 Terraza. The 07's only come with the 3.9 engine as GM figured out the smaller engine did not cut it. The salesman listed the options and I made an appointment for the next morning. In the interim, I researched the internet and had a good handle on the dealer cost and the value of my trade. After a test drive, the salesman huddled with his manager and gave me a price about $1500. more that I thought it should be. Before, I could start to negotiate, he said "this price is only good until 5 PM tonight". I said I would think about it. As soon as I got in my car, my wife looked at me and said where they could stick that car. I might have tried to talk a deal, but the Buick cornered like the Queen Mary in heavy seas, and I was being careful. So GM, I tried. I'm not sure who took the car for service.... for sure it was not me.

How I ended up with my Honda Odyssey, will be a story for another day.