A week or so ago, we learned that Nola and Stuart Davis were also in Michigan and moving south as we were moving north.  Fortune had it that they were going to be in Mackinaw City while we are in Oscoda, so we decided to meet in Alpena.

They suggested the Great Lakes Maritime Center for a tour.  Timing could not have been better as we both pulled into the parking lot at the exact same time!

The Heritage Center is a visitor center for the NOAA's Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, featuring exciting exhibits for all ages. Exploring the Shipwreck Century, is located in the center's main hall and includes a full-size replica wooden Great Lakes schooner and shipwreck where visitors can walk the decks, feel a Great Lakes storm, and touch the massive timbers of the boat resting on the lake bottom ... without getting wet!

Located in northwestern Lake Huron, Thunder Bay is adjacent to one of the most treacherous stretches of water within the Great Lakes system. Unpredictable weather, fog banks, sudden gales, and rocky shoals earned the area the name "Shipwreck Alley. " Today, the 4300-square-mile Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects one of America's best-preserved and nationally-significant collections of shipwrecks.  Fire, ice, collisions, and storms have claimed over 200 vessels in and around Thunder Bay. To date, nearly 100 shipwrecks have been discovered within the sanctuary. Although the sheer number of shipwrecks is impressive, it is the range of vessel types located in the sanctuary that makes the collection nationally significant.  From an 1844 side-wheel steamer to a modern 500-foot-long German freighter, the shipwrecks of Thunder Bay represent a microcosm of maritime commerce and travel on the Great Lakes.

After touring the Center, the four of us had lunch at JJ's Steak and Pizza House nearby.  That gave us the opportunity to talk and get caught up on things since we last saw them.  Sadly, the day had to come to an end, as they had a pretty good drive to get back to the their campground.  So we said our goodbyes and headed back to our rigs.  It was great to get to see and visit with Nola and Stuart!

As we drove back to the campground, we stopped and checked out the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse.   We were pleasantly surprised to find that the light keepers house was furnished with many period correct furnishings that they have collected over the years.  One of the docents noted that the organ in the living room had been donated by a man in Ohio that also paid to have it shipped.  Of the lighthouses we have visited (and that is several), this one was the most furnished and best displayed.

As we were walking back to the car, we were going to stop and check out the Bailey Schoolhouse, but as we were walking up to it, a gentleman stopped us and asked that we wait until they finished filming an interview with a lady who had attended school in the building.  The schoolhouse was originally built in nearby Mikado, MI in 1907 and closed in 1941.  Later it was moved to the current location.