The Manistee Breakwater

My husband, Michael, has talked a great deal about the Ludington breakwater but the Manistee one is no less magnificent. It doesn’t go out nearly as far as its Ludington counterpart, but you can get just as wet.

As you can tell, the waves are no less fierce in Manistee from Lake Michigan. I walked out on this breakwater a few years ago and proved to myself that the wethead was not dead as I was soaked through and through when one wave hit with full force. I was sprayed heavily and headed back toward shore faster than a speeding bullet.

It’s always a challenge on either breakwater to be able to avoid getting wet on days with high surf. It might be wise, though, to go out on a less wavy day than this because this kind of day guarentees you’re getting wet believe you me!

The Obnoxious Woodpecker

I remember on the old television series, McHale’s Navy, how the crew was once tormented by the sounds of a griffle bird. They tried poisons, shooting it, and just about everything else under the sun but couldn’t get rid of it. At the end of the show, they seemed to finally have gotten rid of the bird and as they told Captain Binghamton that he said, “Yeah, and I know where he went”, to which they heard the sound of that bird right outside his office.

A similar situation presented itself to us on one of our camping trips to our property on Big Bass Lake, only our situation was caused not by a griffle bird but instead a woodpecker. Since most of our hiking activities took place late at night, the kids and I liked to sleep in most mornings. However that woodpecker chose that early hour to begin his pecking in a tree high above us each and every morning of our trip there that summer. We tried scaring him away with stones but he was so high up in that tree that it was to no avail.

By the end of our trip most of the kids were ready to give that woodpecker the Woody Woodpecker cry as they bid him fond farewell. The strange thing was that was the only trip ever that a woodpecker so annoyed us.

Turtle Island

We haven’t mentioned a whole lot about Turtle Island, which is a twin island to Four Winds Island, because I don’t know a whole lot about this island. To my knowledge there is no structure on the island and I’m not even sure if Camp Martin Johnson made any use out of that island or not. They were active on Four Winds Island.

Turtle Island has had its share of tents erected on it from what I’ve been told until that was stopped. I think the Manistee National Forest now owns that island. I would presume there are turtles about since the island is named after them. Anyone out there in Big Bass Lake land know much more about this island?

If so, please leave us a comment about it.

The Channel Between Big and Little Bass Lake

On the Northeast corner of Big Bass Lake is the opening of the channel to Little Bass Lake. Along the way one would pass under a small bridge. Depending on the time of year is how easy or how difficult the way between the lakes might be. I have navigated it myself twice rather easily but my father said he had a difficult time doing it and then it was filled with poison ivy. I think he might have caught it and would not attempt it again. These two pictures display the opening of the channel from Big Bass Lake to the entry portal under a bridge to Little Bass Lake.

For fishermen this must be a real treasure as they have access to both lakes without having to dock their boat at the Big Bass Lake landing and then drive over to Little Bass Lake and unload their boat there.

Some say they’ve even fished the channel but I would think that to be difficult in that there isn’t a whole lot of room should another boat be coming through. For those in the know it might be interesting to learn just how far this channel was in relation to Camp Martin Johnson?

For rowboats it’s an interesting trip between the two lakes and one that is worth the time and effort to take.

Night of the Bear

During the afternoon of the night of the bear, I had been at our beach property building up a rather large wood pile for a fire over the next couple of days in which I planed to do some foil cooking. That evening, however, as I longed in my chair back at our cottage, I heard a voice cry out to me from the night. I glanced outside our picture window into pitch blackness with my eyes focused on our dock area which was not able to be physically seen since it was down a hill. The voice cried out again.

I slipped on a windbreaker and made my way down to the pier only to find my friend Jack Knysz with a buddy of his from Chicago. He asked if I would join them down at our beach which was a good half mile down the shoreline from our pier. I ran up to get a flashlight since our motor boat did not have running lights and, for that matter, neither did Jack’s boat. We made our way to the wooded beach area.

You could visually observe steam on the lake as the late July evening was that cool. Since we were needing some warmth I fired up that large pile of wood in my firepit and all of a sudden the whole area brightened. Jack suddenly shouted, “Bear, Bear!” He pointed to an area near the swamp and his friend from Chicago bolted headfirst into Big Bass Lake in a running dive. Jack literally rolled over in laughter. I suppose Jack had it all planned out from the start to fool his city friend but I don’t think his buddy thought that was too funny as his clothes were soaking wet and he needed to stand close to the fire for a good hour before he could return via Jack’s boat to an area to get out of those clothes.

Of course, there was no real bear but still I will never forget that night. I’m sure Jack’s friend won’t forget that night either and is probably planning his own practical joke to get even.

Another Summer Gone

Tomorrow another summer will be ending at Lake Michigan and the fall season is on our doorstep. Originally our family was to make a move to Indiana at this time but Mike has been able to secure his job here so the move will not be necessary. For most of the summer, we had that vague feeling of losing what we had all these years. Now that will not prove to be necessary and Mike and I will soon see another summer drawn upon us.

This is the road leading to the Hamlin Dam on M-116 and the do not jump sign is due to the very shallow water here as the Big Sauble River is about to meet Lake Michigan about fifty yards away.

Looking west from this bridge, this is what your eyes would be taking in. Many people like to wade in these waters as they are much warmer to your legs and feet than what awaits you a few yards further west. This is one of my favorite areas to visit. Seagulls often dot this landscape and it just seems so peaceful,

At ground level, coming off that bridge, this is what you would see. It is here where I like to wade and exploe. Usually Mike is off somewhere jogging nearby but I like to wade until the weather just won’t allow it. I am looking forward to this autumn and will have more pictures in the days and weeks to come.

Have You Ever Felt At The End Of Your Rope At Big Bass Lake?

Yes, homeowners at Big Bass Lake do have stresses like property taxes and the weather which can cause them to be at the end of their rope. However, the best way to handle that psychologial condition is to be at the end of your rope literally by water skiing this great lake.

After a few rounds around the lake the pressures will literally melt right away from you. Being at the end of your rope is not the end of the world. In fact, being at the end of your rope on Big Bass Lake can be exciting and refreshing if you take a few dunks along the way.

After this exercise you will be able to handle any of the realities that face you as a homeowner. And you’ll know what to do when those feelings crop up again! Yes, being at the end of your rope on Big Bass Lake can be very invigorating!

The Burial Mounds on Haunted Island

I’ve heard it said that the burial mounds near the old site of the haunted house are sacred Indian burial grounds. More than one person in the Big Bass Lake area has claimed that to be true. I know for a fact that my Aunt Beth once told me a similar thing about the area just behind our barn.

Had I known about all that back in the days I took boys club trips out to the haunted island at midnight, that would not have occurred. But is there FACTUAL evidence that anyone knows of for sure in regard to that area having sacred burial rites? One can’t deny that there are burial mounds on that island just north of the central part. But who’s buried there?

Maybe some local residents, more learned than I in this regard, can enlighten us all?

Deserted Boat on Sauble Lake

I have a good friend that owns a cottage on one of the  Sauble Lakes but as to which one this was taken at, I am not sure.  I think there are four or five of them each connected to the other by a series of channels.  Dave Norris told me that there is ONE interconnecting channel at Big Bass Lake that leads to Little Bass Lake, however each Sauble Lake has a channel between them.

This photographwas taken on one of those Sauble Lakes and it shows for all purposes a deserted boat.  The truth of the mate is that the occupants of this particular boat were skin diving at the time.  Their boat was not drifting as it might seem to be but instead anchored to the bottom.  It made me wonder as to how deep this particular Sauble Lake was?  Could it have been taken at the main Sauble Lake? 

And, do any of the Sauble Lakes have a public landing in which to launch these sorts of boats?  It should be noted that after about a half hour, the occu[pats of this boat returnd to their vessel and wet merrily on their way.

Storm Approaching Ludington

One of the best things about living in the greater Ludington area is observing storm clouds approaching Ludington off of Lake Michigan and this one is a beauty. The clouds appear to literally touch the very waters of Lake Michigan itself. I often wonder what kind of storm we will be in for?

All seasons of weather peak my interest as I am often found to be running on the shores of Lake Michigan just off M-116 which has a seven mile stretch of open shoreline. I have observed the fury of winter storms and even that big storm of 2008 in June that Big Bass Lake and Beyond have devoted a full page to. That was one major storm that this area will not soon forget as roads were literally washed out including a stretch of US 31 between Scottville and Manistee. During that time there was a seventy mile detour to cover the twenty miles it normally would have taken.

I enjoy watching the storms off Lake Michigan crashing into the Ludington breakwater sending flumes of water hundreds of feet into the air, especially so near the lighthouse. Now we’re in the peak time of late spring storms so I just wonder what will come our way next?

Hiking Around League Lake

I remember often hiking around League Lake especially in the morning before breakfast with whatever cottage group I had.  Starting out on the side of the lagoon, I recall the trail being much wider than on any other portion of the lake, much as you see here.  On the far side of the lake, there was a marshy area where the bottom of your shoes were geing to get slightly damp,

Then as you progressed back toward camp, there were two trails to choose from and both were narrow ones.  One followed the lake close in to shore while the other was higher up on the upper slope of the hill.  Just befor arriving back at camp you had to cross a small creek and then you were back atcamp quite near the swimming area.  My particular favorite part of the hike was on the side of the lake where you had two trails to choose from.  In all, the hike was about a mile in length and was good exercise for the boys and gave them a great appetite for breakfast.

Thrill Seekers or Stupidity?

Not that long ago, a man died when he was swept off the Ludington breakwater in high surf and one would think that might have served as an ample warning to those that try such stupid things. Apparently not as people are still “braving” high surf as if were all some sort of thrill seeking game!   Our site has posted dozens of picutres about how stormy Lake Michigan can get.  There are a couple of pictures we have on site here that show boats even being thrown up on this breakwater so how can people think they can withstand these heavy waves?

Once you’re swept over the breakwater you find yourself in heavy surf and if there’s no one close enough to you, your fate is death.  Especially at this time of year when Lake Michigan begins dropping its temperatures.  Maybe I should have just rephrased my title saying that thrill seekers ARE stupid.  Yet some of these people even bring their children along with them. 

I enjoy watching the surf crash upon the breakwater BUT FROM SHORE!  My life is too valuable for me to risk it like that.  But then some people are wise and then there are those that are “otherwise”.

Camp Martin Johnson and Bluegill Lake

Not a hoot and an easten holler from Big Bass Lake was Bluegill Lake. What many people may not know is that Camp Martin Johnson was also involved in this lakefront. Within their camp they had a Bluegill Lane. In fact, their layout (pictured elsewhere on the BBL and Beyond- Under Category CMJ) included Big Bass Lake, Little Bass Lake, and Bluegill Lake!

I understand that some of their activities on Bluegill Lake included that of fishing. I don’t think many speedboats use that lake as opposed to Big Bass Lake which is filled to the brim with them.

Perhaps some former CMJ staff or kids will enlighten us as to what else they used Bluegill Lake for?

Dan Schultz: We used Blue Gill in several ways during my stay at CMJ. When I was a camper, waterskiing was on Blue Gill. Eventually, this moved to Big Bass Lake. I don’t remember anyone fishing.

The camp director’s house was on Blue Gill for a while as well. This house, named Broadway after camp director Jerry Broadway, eventually became a camper’s cabin. First, the older boys stayed there. In about 1971 or 1972, we moved the older girls from Four Winds Island to Broadway and sent the boys to Four Winds. The girls were getting harrassed and stalked out on the Island so we made the switch.

We also visited the cemetery that abutted Blue Gill at night to tell ghost stories to the kids. This activity did not endear us to the community. However, I guiltily admit that it was fun.

The Acreage of the Manistee National Forest

I live near Scottville, Michigan, near the western boundry of the Manistee National Forest. In all, among private lands and public, the acreage of this forest is 510,187 acres! That amounts to 844 square miles! It’s southermost boundry is near Newaygo, Michigan, and it extends to the very shores of Lake Michigan itself.

It also extends nearly all the way to Traverse City on the north and Michigan Highway 37 cuts right through the heart of the forest from south to north. The word Manistee means “Spirit of the Woods“.

I personally like hiking any part of the forest along US 10 from Scottville to Baldwin. And that goes for all seasons too as there is always something to do and see in this national forest. Try fishing some of the great rivers within the forest or attempt to canoe them. After all there are 844 squares miles to enjoy!

Kite Surfing

In August I saw a kite surfer in southern Michigan not far from Benton Harbor. They are really amazing to watch. I just wonder what happens if they get an itch at any time as to how they might scratch it? Or if the wind dies down when they are far from shore?

In a brisk wind one can really fly over those waves. Then again, I wonder how they manuver over those waves cause the swells move up and down with severity. Also what happens if the kite takes you airborne for a period of time? How does one maintain their stance on their board? Could not an updraft take a person right off that board?

With ever changing weather on Lake Michigan I would hope that those people stay fairly close to shore when they kite surf.

What If Cabins Could Talk?

“Ah, camp season is about to begin at good o’le Camp Martin Johnson and then all those wonderful kids will be keeping company with me. Wait a minute? What about all that gum they coat me with? Oh well, you have to take the good with the bad.

Sometimes you can hear the wail of a homesick lad that keeps me up during all hours of the night. Then there is all that laughter from the kids cracking each other up with jokes and the like. Sometimes I think I’m more fitted to be a dressing room as they get ready for morning swim.

Ah, the aroma of home made cookies that one of the lads received from home just permeates my air. The sad thing about being a cabin in the woods is that these boys and girls are only here for two months out of the year and the rest of the time I get to spend quite alone. Who says being a cabin isn’t all grand?”

The Pere Marquette Railroad

Pere Marquette is the name of a state forest, river, and even a shrine in Michigan but did you know it was also the name of a railroad both past and present in Michigan?  Here is the story-

It was incorporated on January 1, 1900 as the Pere Marquette Railroad from the merger of several Michigan railroads, the most prominent being:

The company was reincorporated on March 12, 1917 as the Pere Marquette Railway.

 1907 wreck

On July 20, 1907 an excursion train of 800 passengers from Ioniia  to Detroit collided near Salem with a freight train, killing 31 and injuring 101. The accident apparently happened because of a hand-written schedule on unlined paper whose columns did not line up, and were misread by the freight crew. The Interstate Commerce Commission investigation also cited various safety violations including use of pine instead of oak for car walls and an omission of steel plates required for mail cars. This remains Michigan’s worst rail disaster.

Routes and current disposition of them

Ludington Division — Saginaw to Ludington, Michigan (Partially now part of the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail, the line between Baldwin and Ludington is in use with Marquette Rail with the rest of the line removed in 1991; the ferryclosed in 1990)

• Petoskey Division — Grand Rapids, Michigan to Bay View, Michigan (Line in use by Marquette Rall between Grand Rapids and Manistee and with the Great Lakes Central Railroad between Grawn and Williamsburg, with the rest abandoned in 1982)

Car ferries

 Pere Marquette 18

On September 10, 1910, Pere Marquette 18 was bound for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from Ludington, Michigan, with a load of 29 railroad freight cars and sixty two persons aboard. Near midnight, the vessel began to take on massive amounts of water. The captain dumped nine railroad cars into Lake Michigan, but there was no use—the ship was going down. The Pere Marquette 17, traveling nearby, picked up the distress call and sped to assist the foundering vessel. Soon after they arrived, and before the Pere Marquette 17 could come alongside, the Pere Marquette 18 plunged to the bottom of Lake Michigan with the loss of 28 lives; there were 33 survivors.

^{Yes, the Pere Marquette also has a rich railroad history in Michigan.}

Miles of Dunes

One thing I enjoy about the Ludington area is that on one side of M-116 there is Lake Michigan with miles of swimming beach and on the other side there are miles of sand dunes to explore. My friend Ben and I enjoy hiking the dunes at least once a week in the summer time. Hikes in the fall are even better as the sand doesn’t tend to be as hot. I always take a compass with me because it would be quite easy to get lost in this area.

There are literally hundeds of dunes along M-116 on the east side and there are dips and turns that are fun to explore. These days there are also some bears that one might run into so be careful out there.

Ben likes to get photographs off the big dunes and then paste them all over his den. I like to put them on here instead for all to enjoy. At Ben’s place he and his dog Porky are the only ones to enjoy his dune experiences. Ben actually owns a dune buggy and he uses it on the dunes farther north.

Some day soon I plan to go to Silver Lake, Michigan, with him and use that o’le buggy of his and see what that’s like. I will have my insurance updated by then too just in case. In Michigan one never runs out of dune country to explore.

Best Window Washer Ever

You’ve gotta give Lake Michigan a lot of credit as it really knows how to get windows really clean. Can you imagine if all the houses in the area could get this kind of effort in cleaning their windows? I’ve often wondered how many people visit this lighthouse and get a bath at the same time?

More to the point, how many are washed off that breakwater and right into Lake Michigan? The lighthouse is a good quarter of a mile out into the lake from shore. I’ve seen ferry boats emerge out of thick fog that is so thick you can’t even see the shore. Those boats almost appear like sea monsters breaking through that fog.

I don’t go out to the lighthouse in high seas as I am smarter than that. Even so, even on calmer days, Lake Michigan does have the tendency to still whip up an occassional wave that can soak you on that breakwater. Try it sometime.

Big Bass Lake Over The Years- 2010′s- 7

This will be the last in a series of posts about Big Bass Lake Over The Years that began with a 1950′s edition to the present.

The trend on Big Bass Lake now is to build literal mansions over that of cottages as was the custom in the 1950′s through the 1980′s. It seems each new endeavor desires to surpass anything else that is on the lake. However, the white house with the crow’s nest has been on the market for some time now. Property values aside, the mere cost of this mansion must be difficult for most people.

I would also think wells around the lake would be in short supply for fresh drinking water. Lake water is often used for showering but even when our family lived on our former land, it was often difficult finding a fresh water well that we could use. And, with mansions now popping up all over the lake, the water demand is even moreso than before.

I wonder how many of these homes are occupied year round for the winters are quite harsh to area homes and upkeep is a constant. I have to wonder what the next decade will bring to Big Bass Lake?