Slackin'

OK, I have not been doing a very good job of blogging the details of my trip!  My apologies...  It's been a good trip with it's share of adventures...  In the short term, let me post some pics of the lighthouses I've seen so far:

Thirteen isn't too bad, really.  I know I had a higher daily ratio last trip -- but you'll just have to trust me when I tell you that getting to lighthouses in the U P isn't quite as easy as it is in the L P!

Ok -- off to day 3!

Lighthouse Tour in the Michigan Upper Peninsula

Time for the Andrew Remington 

2013 Upper Peninsula 

Lighthouse Tour!

Pictures and thoughts to come shortly.  

Ok, you know the drill...

Gratefuls:

1. Everything I was grateful for 3 days ago.
2. Everything I was grateful for 2 days ago.
3. Everything I was grateful for 1 day ago.
4. The freedom and prosperity associated with living in the US of A (enabling me to take a trip like this).
5. A good dentist that considers my opinions rather than dismissing them.
6. Friends that share my interests -- and help me with them!
7. Family mysteries.  (Someday your story will be told, Woozie)
8. A really tasty breakfast.
9. My Atari 400, and my parents that bought it for me.
10. Vacations -- and all the perks that come with them.
11. A reliable and wonderful baby sitter.  (Thank you VL!)
12. A great upbringing.
13. Learning to type in high school.
14. Encouragement, support, and love from all of my wonderful friends and family!

Fond Memories

A couple more fond memories popped into my head today:

• Running alongside with Mark and Matthew -- the first time they were able to ride a bike without training wheels! 
• Walking the Detroit half Marathon with my wife and sister, and watching my sister zoom ahead at the very end!




And many, many more. If I had a decent memory, I'd have more to list here. Don't take offense if I missed anyone (ER). If you're reading this right now -- I GUARANTEE there are plenty I could list here that include you!!

Objectives

Ok, seeing how this is my last day, let's do a quick check on my performance to objectives...

1.  Relax and have fun.  CHECK!
2.  Be introspective.  CHECK!
3.  Write down 10+ gratefuls every day.  CHECK!
4.  Post miscellaneous thoughts every day.  CHECK!
5.  Consider my life plan.  HMMMM...

Ok, so I didn't make as much progress on my life plan as I would have liked, but I will say this.  I've been giving some thought to something I read in a book by Gordon Livingston, MD called "Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart".  One of the chapters is called "Life's two most important questions are "Why?" and "Why Not?"  The trick is knowing which one to ask".  Risk embarrassment (write a corny trip blog, for example) to open the possibility of more benefit.  Take more risks to get more out of life:

Something is lost in our obsessive concern with safety and security -- some spirit of adventure.  Life is a gamble in which we don't get to deal the cards, but are nevertheless obligated to play them to the best of our ability.

I think part of my life plan needs to include breaking out of my shell -- and taking some more risk (most notably in my professional life).  We'll see.  I don't want to rush into anything.  (that was a joke)

Trip Fun Facts

• Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the U.S.
• My favorite lighthouse on the trip was the old Presque Isle light house.
• I'm most anxious to see the Sharps Island Lighthouse some day.  RC -- I need to borrow you're boat.
• I crossed the 45th parallel six times this trip.
• The biggest car problem I had was that the cigarette lighters didn't work -- messing up my ability to use a GPS consistently.  Grrrrr!
• I already mentioned the funniest moment -- accidentally ringing that huge bell!
• My biggest regret was not making the trek to Saginaw Rear River Range lighthouse (but at least I didn't take a swim in 32 degree water-- so probably for the best.  :-)

Well, regrettably this is going to be my last lighthouse trip blog entry.  Thanks so much to everyone that has read along, and encouraged me on my trip around the state!  Your comments have all been great!  Thanks so much.  I hope you had as much reading this as I did writing it.

PS-- Tami, Matthew, Mark and Doug -- keep the lights on, I'll see you tomorrow!

Day 4 pictures

Welcome again to everyone following the Michigan lighthouse trip extravaganza!  :-)  Posting now from Traverse City, Michigan.

Ok, let me start with the pictures I took today.  I mistakenly mentioned a total of 6 earlier.  I was wrong -- I actually meant seven.  I caught a glimpse of one I wasn't expecting to get.  This means I've seen a total of 27 during the last four days.  Not too shabby!  Now granted, six of them are what I'd call "at a distance".  Nonetheless, I did get a glimpse of them along with some photographic evidence.  Better pictures will have to wait for either a boat, or a telephoto lens.  (Did I mention my birthday is coming up?)

Oh, and to my friend KF, who was recently in Harbor Springs but claimed he was unable to see the Little Traverse Lighthouse because it's locked within a gated community.  Take a look below -- I would contend you didn't try hard enough.  :-)

Almost missed this one!

Hey KF -- how you like me now?  :-)

As always, the full set of pictures I took today are available on my shared photo site http://shared.theremingtons.com.

Gratefuls and other musings to be posted shortly.  Please standby...

Another great day...

Another great day on the lighthouse trail.  Tonight I'm in Traverse City.  Lighthouse stats are:

     Viewed today:  6
     Total whole trip:  26

Not too bad!

Plenty more pictures, gratefuls  and musings after I get some lunch/dinner.  In the meantime, here's another "self portrait" at my last stop today -- and for the trip, I'm sorry to say.

Last stop -- Mission Point

More day 3

Let's start with some things I'm grateful for.

1. Everything I was grateful for 2 days ago.
2. Everything I was grateful for 1 day ago.
3. The effect optimism can have on one's life.
4. Good books, like "Why Bad Things Happen To Good People"
5. People that spend their days working to find ways to make other people happy
6. Snugly kids that create fun words like "ushy"
7. Friends that make great CD mixes for me to listen to (thanks KB!)
8. Awesome camping spots, like Algonquin.
9. People that are always up for a good laugh
10. A new BFF of mine (don't worry MA -- we'll get you through your PTI!) 
11. Awesome television commercials -- like "The Slobstopper"
12. Old friends that let you tell the same joke over and over again ("So there I was..."  thanks DRH!)

And while I'm making lists, I wanted to add a few more "fond memories" that came to my mind today...

• The man in charge of one of the Upper Pennisula campgrounds giving SB and I the key -- and asking us to "lock up after you leave"
• Watching the most spectacular animated display of the Northern Lights I have ever (or probably will ever) see.
• The look on KB's face when I mistakenly (and quickly) took an exit while caravanning down the highway.  (This one only turned fond after a day or so of apologies :-)
• The whole JR list we already made.
• The conversation I had with Father John about when certain names would come off of the bulletin prayer list.

One other note.  As I was driving up the coast today, I noticed a whole bunch of small private motels  -- many of which looked like they had seen better days.  One of them was called "Beside Manor".  I suppose this was supposed to be a cute play on words-- but it reminded me of a nursing home -- not exactly appealing.  But my favorite was the one called "Last Resort".  Again, another play on words due to it's location-- but given how it looked -- I'm pretty sure most people would take it to be "only stay here as a Last Resort".  Bottom line -- I think there's a need for some good marketing talent in eastern Michigan!

Ok, thanks to everyone for following along.  If you are interested in seeing more photos... don't forget the whole batch is available at http://shared.theremingtons.com under 2013.

More tomorrow...

Ask not for whom the bell tolls...

One quick story, before I get to my miscellaneous musings.

First detail to share, is that the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse is closed to vehicles.  For all I know, it might be closed to pedestrians too -- but I'm not going to let a minor detail like that stop me.  So I park the car on the side of the road, walk around the gate, and hike it back.  It was probably about three quarters of a mile over slippery ice and snow.

No big surprise, I'm there by myself.  The lighthouse is quiet, serene, and stoic.  It's right on the shore off of Lake Huron and Presque Isle Harbor.  So I walk around.  Admire its beauty.  Take a number of photographs.  And pack up for the long walk back.

But before I go, I notice that there is a large bell mounted right outside the lighthouse tower.  There's a sign on it, that says it was taken from the old Lansing City Hall clock tower, weights 3425 pounds, and is 60% heavier than the Liberty Bell.  Pretty impressive.  Here's a picture:

Now you might also notice, as I did, that there's a large hammer hooked up next to it.  So I can't resist but take a look.  Hmmm... hooked to a lever of some sort.  I wonder what will happen if I pull back on... and in a split second, it slips out of my hand and goes zipping towards the bell.

Not only is it a large bell from Lansing.  Not only does it weigh 3425 pounds.  Not only is it 60% heavier than the Liberty Bell.  But it's also about 1000% LOUDER that I ever would have expected it to be.  A very serious and sturdy G O N G echoed around Presque Isle Harbor -- and probably Lake Huron for that matter.  So much for being an "incognito" post-season lighthouse photographer!  Needless to say, I walked that .75 mile return path at a record pace -- just to be safe!

First, some pictures from the day

Remember I said I saw 13 lighthouses today?  Here's the proof!  :-)

arrived safely

Arrived safely in Mackinaw City.  Had a long, busy, fun day!

I saw and photographed 13 lighthouses today.  You heard me.  THIRTEEN!

Granted three of them were very far away, but nonetheless, not too shabby.  A personal record, for sure.

Time to get some food -- then I'll put together a couple pictures -- and finally get to my musings for the day.

Cheers!

Mid day update

At the request of MFM, I'm providing a very short mid day update.

So far I (made an attempt) to see the Gravelly Shoal lighthouse.  That one was VERY far away.  Show's up as a spec on the pictures.  Oh well.

Next was Tawas Point - very nice one.  For a few brief moments the sun even came out!  This may be the only picture I take this trip that's not gray!

Next up was Sturgeon Point.  Another nice one, for sure.  Back to gray, though.

Finally was Alpena Harbor.  Interesting lighthouse.  Not your usual architecture.

Now I'm off to Presque Isle and Forty Mile Point!

Oh, and here's a link to the trip map:  http://goo.gl/maps/pWhBI

Two comments:

1.  This is a lot of fun!  I wonder if National Geographic is hiring?  :-)
2.  The "quiz" for the day is...  what do these things (besides that I like them) have in common?  As a bonus question, "what do they say about me?"

  -photography
  -lighthouses
  -trains
  -sailing
  -genealogy

PS -- Even though the votes came in entirely for skipping the "ice river" trip to the Bay City lighthouse, I must confess that I do regret skipping it!  Cest la vie...

Back on the road!

Musings for the day...

To start off, 11 things I'm grateful for....

1. Everything I was grateful for yesterday.
2. Warm clothing.
3. Kraig (kraig@lighthousefriends.com).  Whoever this person is, they've put together a beautiful web site showing lighthouses by state.  It has been a HUGE help.
4. The open road.  Nothing better than driving when there's nobody behind you and nobody in front of you.
5. Friendly people that greet you at the counter.
6. Pandora.  And people like JG that inspire me to create cool movie-soundtrack stations.
7. Living somewhere that has four seasons-- and every once in a while -- even gets some snow.
8. Not having any significant money worries.
9. Knowing so many smart, fun, supportive people.
10. Fond memories.

As I was thinking about my "gratefuls" for the day, I focused on that last one.  Fond memories.  Anticipation of fun events is certainly a wonderful thing-- it helps "stretch" the event (e.g. a week long vacation is more like 2 weeks when you include the anticipation factor).  But the nice think about fond memories -- is that they're guaranteed.  You don't have to hope you're going to have fun -- you know you did!  I could spend a long time thinking and remembering fun things... here are a few that popped into my mind, though:

• riding the 4x4 in the "pit of despair"
• taking "the elevator from hell, going down" with PP in the AA garage after the GMATs
• grabbing my 1st train insulators on ML's shoulders
• hearing TR tell the story about running out of her shoes when hearing the wildabeast
• sailing to Putin Bay
• KF leaving his party for a VERY long time, and finally returning with the largest bottle of Crown Royal you've ever seen
• watching the forest ranger "run" for his lunch break when seeing us approach
• pulling up JD from the side of the sailboat after he fell in (technically speaking, that only became a fond memory AFTER he started laughing)
• seeing the crowd on Manitou island haul our cooler off the boat
• watching TR laugh after that one glass of wine at the bar in Plymouth (a defining moment for our relationship, btw)
• discussions on the Rasti's
• basketball vigilante justice
• the unquenchable camp fire while camping in the thumb with SB (went by there today, as a matter of fact)

... and many, many more.  Having a memory like mine, I sometimes fear they're "slipping away".  Which relates slightly to two more of my musings.

Musing 1
I believe that there are two kinds of photography (for me at least).  One is simply to make the most beautiful and interesting photographs I can.  This falls in to the "professional" category I suppose.  But the other is to document my life.  If I went to the trouble to post process all the pictures I take (or "develop" as we call it in the photography world :-) I'd be too tired to bother with photography (by the way - I've taken approximately 28,910 pictures since 1999).  Occasionally I have to remind myself that it's OK to take an average picture.  Given my memory, I'll be glad I did.

Musing 2
My memory.  My memory is lousy-- but it has always been pretty bad.  At my last annual checkup, my primary care physician asked me an interesting question.  While inquiring about my health after my bevy of medical procedures many years ago, he asked me "Are you any different?"  I had to laugh a little when he said it.  He obviously meant "is your mental and physical functioning any different now?"  Thankfully, the answer to that question is "no".  At least, that's what my wife tells me.  :-)  But there's a different question there as well:  have I become a different person? And thankfully, the answer to that question is "yes".  I would imagine that would be the case for anyone.  In fact, I think that change, that inspiration to appreciate every day, was a big motivating factor for this trip.   Sometimes I forget about the importance to appreciate every day.  I can't let that become a habit.

Ok, enough musings for the time being.  Hope everyone is having a great week.

Some photos from the day:

Time for a quick vote.

To those fine people following my journey, I'd like to get your feedback on one quick item.  I had a great deal of success finding all of the lighthouses today -- save one.  The Saginaw River Rear Range.  It's here in Bay City (where I'm staying this evening).

The problem is, the lighthouse exists on Dow Chemical property -- and there are no roads (that I'm allowed to drive on) that gets to it.  Unfortunately, there's no "other bank" to view it from either.  In these kinds of cases, the only option is by boat.

BUT.

It's winter, so the river that the lighthouse is on is actually frozen.  I noticed there are some ice fishers out there, so it must be thick enough for walking.  I walked about 50 feet or so on it late this afternoon (very close to the shore), but it was getting dark -- and at the time didn't have the Google Maps satellite view handy to get a better glimpse of how close I was.  On top of that, it was VERY SLIPPERY.  

But now that I'm back at the hotel with some wonderful wifi internet access, I've taken another look at the satellite view.  Here's the picture:  

I estimate it's about 1500 feet each way.   And here's what the lighthouse actually looks like:



So the question to the group is -- should I try again tomorrow first thing?  Or should I skip this one, and scurry on to the others.  Tomorrow is going to be a busy day -- with plenty more to see.

Thanks!!!

Off and running!

Having a wonderful day today.  It's only 1 o'clock, and I have already seen 5 lighthouses, including:

• Fort Gratiot Lighthouse
• Port Sanilac Lighthouse
• Harbor Beach Lighthouse
• Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse
• Port Austin Reef Lighthouse (at a distance)

Some of these are not "easy" to find, so I feel very fortunate that I've been able to locate them all without much difficulty.  An added challenge is that the cigarette lighters in my car don't work -- so I'm not able to charge my GPS.  Dohh!  (Dear Hertz-- please go back to renting Ford vehicles!)

It's COLD and ICY out.  Here's a glimpse of what a cold and icy photographer looks like.

Artist Self Portrait

More to come...

The trip begins...

The trip begins...

My trip began this evening.  Rather than wait until tomorrow to start out, I was able to leave the house around 4:30 pm -- and head over to Port Huron -- so I could get an early start tomorrow morning.  

My trip here went so smoothly, that I opted to try and get a couple nighttime shots of the lighthouses close by.  

I started with the "Lightship Huron".  This one is in downtown Port Huron.  I followed GPS coordinates to get to it, but when I got there -- I thought it was gone.  I quickly discovered my error, though.  This "ship" is not actually in the water.  It's close to the water -- but is on land now -- turned into a permanent museum.  (Kudos to Baltimore for keeping their Lightship Chesapeake in the water! :-)  Here's a quick view of the Lightship Huron:

Next up, I opted to drive down to Marine City, to see the Peche Island Lighthouse.  This one I've seen before with my friend Sheldon -- but it was a long time ago and I didn't take any photos, so thought it would be worth a quick visit.  It's very quiet in Marine City tonight.  Here's a picture of the lighthouse, and a picture down the city street.

Tomorrow my plan is to start with the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse (this one is also in Port Huron, but based on the pictures I've seen, would be easier to access and photograph in the daylight) -- and then head north.

As promised, I thought about some things I'm grateful for on my way over.  Here's my list for today:

1.  My kids.  They are good kids.  Aside from only some periodic frustrations, they're really good kids.

2.  My buddy Florey -- for manY reasons, but most recently for hooking me up with a super good deal on my rental car.

3.  Good movies, and the good music that often comes with them.

4.  By the grace of God, that the door that fell on Mark didn't cause any major problems!

5.  Teachers-- especially the ones that like what they're doing.  The teachers in the Dexter school system have been awesome!

6.  My good health.  Without it, I couldn't take fun trips like this.

7.  My wonderful sisters.  They're smart, loving, and just wonderful people.

8.  My wonderful mother, who's type A personality is just like mine!  Makes me realize that "worriers love company".  I should trademark that.

9.  My wife -- who gives me leave, and guards the fort while I'm gone!

10.  My friends.  You know who you are.  You've always been there.  What would I do without you? 

A few more photos I took this evening are available on http://shared.theremingtons.com under the 2013 folder, if interested.

My Michigan Lighthouse Trip -- 2013

I have a plan.  I decided to start off the year with a personal adventure of sorts -- a solo trip around the state of Michigan -- visiting and photographing many of the beautiful and interesting lighthouses on Michigan's coast.

Why?  Well, it just seemed like a fun thing to do.  I enjoy photography, and -- for whatever reason -- think lighthouses are very interesting.  So it makes sense to take advantage of the long and beautiful Michigan coastline, seeing as many lighthouses (and other interesting sites) as I can.  But the trip also has the advantage of giving me some important time to myself.  Time to think about all of the blessings in my life.  Time to think about all of the places I've been.  And time to think about all the places I'd like to go. 

Now don't get me wrong -- this is not a pilgrimage, crusade, mission or anything nearly so noble.  I don't expect to emerge with all the answers.  I don't foresee returning a "changed man".  I just hope to do some appreciation, self reflection, and have a good time.  And I hope that, many years from now, I'll look back on this little trip with sincere fondess.

One important point -- I could not have undertaken this adventure without the support of my wonderful wife Tami.  She was gracious enough to watch the boys by herself, giving me the time to do this.  Thanks Tam, you're the best!

So what's the goal?  Those people that know me -- know I'm very "type A".  I love organization.  I love lists.  So I needed to put together a few objectives before departing.  So here they are:

  
Objectives

Relax.  Have fun.  And have an adventure.
Mind you, this is not a big pilgrimage.  It’s not hiking the Camino de Santiago trail, climbing Mt Everest or crossing the country on a motorcycle.  It’s a small, short trip – but certainly comes with its own sense of excitement. 

Be introspective. 

Plan on spending some time with myself—something I can’t do too much, having young kids.

See and photograph at least 3 lighthouses per day.

Originally I was thinking that I’d see ALL of the Michigan Lower Peninsula lighthouses during this trip, but after thinking a little bit harder, that’s just not possible in this time frame.  I don’t want to be in a rush.    I want to enjoy myself, and “take it all in”.

Think of and write down at least 10 unique things I’m grateful for every day.

I’ve been told (and believe) that one of the important steps to being happy is reminding yourself of things you’re grateful for.   I take too much for granted.  This will be a good opportunity to remind myself of those things.

Post some of my miscellaneous thoughts every evening.

Put up a picture or two, and some of my “musings” from the day somewhere on the internet (Facebook or the like) – so anyone that wants to travel vicariously with me can do so!   I’m not much of a writer, but think it might be fun to just get down a couple sentences.

Remind myself who I am, and where I want to go. 

I recently started looking in to a “Life Plan”.  This is a way to make sure you’re working towards the things in life that are important to you.  I need to give this some more thought.  It’s certainly worth the time.

One final note.  The lighthouse shown at the top of this post is the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse on Belle Isle in Detroit.  I have been working in a building that's less that 15 minutes away from Belle Isle and this lighthouse for close to 10 years.  It was only recently that I took a few minutes at lunch time to go see it.  As I drove around the island -- a beautiful place with a great deal of promise -- I thought to myself "why did I wait so long to come see this?"  I don't know.  What I do know is that you have to do what you can with the time you have, and that's why little adventures like this can be so important.  At least, that's the plan.  

More to come...

Where have I been?

Well, it's been a REALLY long time since I put anything up here.

It's funny how these things can come and go -- that is to say, my interest or attention to these things.

Anyway -- thought I'd put up a quick post, so the blogger.com people don't delete me from lack of activity -- even though I would deserve it!  :-)

Here's a picture.  Why?  For the he77 of it.

Some thoughts on the auto industry

Good article in the Detroit Free Press (by Mitch Albom) regarding the U.S. auto industry's financial trouble:

"If I had the floor at the auto rescue talks"

Where are you now?

Not too long ago, I was having one of those "I wonder what ever happenned to ..." days. It sure would be nice to catch up with them via email. So I did a couple quick internet searches -- but alas, came up with nothing. So finally I thought to myself... maybe if I post a couple names, they will find me! After all, everyone googles their own name once in a while, don't they? Well... it's worth a shot. :-) So if you are any of these people (or know the email address of any of these people) -- do me a favor and shoot me a quick email. I'd love to catch up!

From University of Pennsylvania:

• Jim Starks (aka Jimmy Starks or James Starks) -- FOUND!!!
• Mando Herrera (aka Amando Herrera)-- FOUND!!!
• Allison Lertora (aka Allison Schuler)-- FOUND!!!

From Perry Hall Senior High:

• Darren Pratt
• Tara Dorr (aka Tara M. Flynn)
• Lisa M. Livick (maiden -- possibly Lisa Ryan now?)-- FOUND!!!
• Mike Sauer  -- FOUND!!!

Oh -- and for some incriminating pictures, go HERE. :-)

Send me an email! Thanks!
Andrew (aka Andy :)
remingtons@gmail.com

Other sites to view!

Made some updates to theremingtons.com ... including posting some pictures I scanned recently.