Canoe Artisans Sharing Their Skills

Canoe being built by Paul Wilson

Break time for the crew

Jane working on Kayak with Rob Smith

Rob explaining how to assemble kayak

Showing how to make a canoe rib

After touring the Les Chaneaux (pronounced Lay-shen-o which is French for "channel") Maritime Museum in Cedarville Ken and I decided to step across to peek into the sanctuary of the artisans of canoes. They are  made totally by hand in an age old technique that few take the time to learn but which the artisans would be willing to pass on.  Seeing us, they welcomed us in eagerly to tell us all about their trade, and show us the way in which they built the canoes, and in one case a kayak. They were so friendly, and offered the history of the area. One of them, Rob Smith, had seen us in the waters that very morning, and commented on how he liked our boat.  We thought that was pretty cool that he had seen us!

At any rate, we took pictures with Paul Smith who was building the kayak and let me work on it, and pictures of Rob Smith who can be seen in one picture with me (he has a furry white beard).  He is building the beautiful canoe. It will be raffled off for the benefit of the museum next year.  It's amazing that he uses his art so selflessly for the benefit of something he so dearly loves.

These are special men, and we came away blessed by the time we were able to spend with them.  What they do is remarkable! These photos depict that remarkable talent and the ease in which they give up their time to someone interested in what they do so selflessly.

Paul was appreciative of our visit

Wonderful Waters to Row Your Boat!

Ken and I went out very early in the morning yesterday on our boat to experience what was then calm waters with no wind.  It has been very windy making choppy waters rendering us unable to go out. Being two as one we experienced a special solitude in the midst of the beauty of the waters as we paddled across the bay and back-- then around the edge of the peninsula.  Unfortunately after about a good 45 minutes of enjoyment and fun the wind got up and the waters were getting choppy.  We headed back to the dock not wanting to get caught in them.  We rowed back to the dock ending our adventure.  But what a row it was!!!  We took some pictures while out on the boat which we share with you.  Thanks everyone for your emails giving comments about the blog.  We're so glad you enjoy it and enjoy keeping up with our travels.

Over the Rainbow & Sunset Dock

We experienced a beautiful rainbow after the coming of a big thunderstorm this evening.  It was absolutely glorious.  One of those wonderful, small gifts from God.  Ken also made some photographs of sunset at the dock!  You will love them! We are definitely living "Over the Rainbow" in this lifestyle. Enjoy the pics!  Oh!  Happy Birthday Eunice and Bev!!!!

View From Our RV

Oh! How lovely.  God has really blessed us by letting us experience so much of the beauty of his creation across the country, or the part of our country he has allowed us to visit.  We are going to be staying in Cederville for quite a while.  Mackinaw Island is nearby.  In fact, Ken and I are going to do the 5 mile Labor day walk across the Mackinaw bridge this year.  Tomorrow I start training with two of my neighbors.  We are all really looking forward to it.  It is cold outside today, and in the morning will be 49 degrees!  Hopefully it won't be too hot Labor Day or raining.

Ken and I took a long walk from the RV park down through the main part of town.  We came across a boat building place, and found the library, which I was interested in, of course.  Ken got an ice cream cone, (he can eat ice cream, I don't tolerate it well--sick, sick) while I got a bottle of cold water,mmmmm!!!!

Pictures in this entry were made by Ken today of what we see from our lot (we can just sit and watch all of it).  I can't describe the awe and majesty of the different fowl of the lake and air.  We share with you Ken's  expertise, and eye for beauty!  Ah!  My sour cream pound cake is beeping--smells good!!

Swan Lake.   Grace with a music of its own!

View from the RV lot.  Beautiful!

Just one piece of bread.........or, maybe a cracker?

Her Majesty The Queen!

That cracker was good.  I'll do a pirouette for another one!

Boat Dock nearby

Jumping into the wind

An easy afternoon

Hey, I get first dibs.

Ken and Jane at Copper Harbor!

Here's the pics promised!  We had a great time meandering through the town, and Ken stopped to get a tasty ice cream cone!  We visited gift shops.  There are always gift shops trying to get your money.  We opted for the beauty of the area and some good memories and photographs!
At Jacob's Falls

No, I'm not Ceaser Augustus.

Thank you God for the beauty you have given us, Thank you Lord!!

Ya Betcha!

The following are some pictures depicting how

beautiful Copper Harbor is.  Note the pretty

Lighthouse, and the lovely blue, blue lake Superior.

We thoroughly enjoyed Copper Harbor, and hope 

that you do also!  Enjoy the pics! 

YOOPER, You Betcha! & Copper Harbor

I've fallen, and I can't get up!

And I thought  it was a perfect fit!

Two handsome, fun loving gents!

Today we stopped by "Yooperland", which is slang for Upper Peninsula Dwellers (LOL!). They had all of these hilarious statues, carvings, old snow blowers and funny comic characters around the grounds with all sorts of tourist gift items (anything you could think of) inside. We made several pictures which are shown here. They were all taken in fun. Some are somewhat gosh; however, others are taken just in Ken and I acting like two kids, and enjoying it!! Good medicine huh?  

Up, up and away!!!

Whew!!!