SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN ( S. Haven, St. Joseph) - May, 2003
Updated: 11/09/08
After the Good Sam Spring Samboree, we headed for Lake Michigan to spend a few days before joining our church group for our Memorial Day weekend campout. We thought, why go home if you don't have to when Lake Michigan is nearby.
We arrived here on a beautiful Sunday evening. The temperature was cool but the wind was still.
While you are warned about your safety, the
pier is the place to be. It
was very pleasant (almost deserted) as it was the off-season and the end of a weekend. A local
couple we spoke with said they stay away from mid-June until mid- September due
to the crowds.
The views looking into Lake Michigan and into South Haven are great. It provided a very peaceful evening's entertainment.
The South Haven Lighthouse is fully automated.
The last lighthouse keeper served until 1940.
The
view shows how far the pier reaches into Lake Michigan. The pier was
extended to a total of 1,200 feet in length in 1940.
The
next day the wind was roughing up Lake Michigan.
South Haven State Park is located just to the left of the power station seen in the distance.
Even
with the rough water, these boys were heading out for a ride in a small boat
with an outboard engine. They enjoyed the waves for a
while but didn't stay out long.
Others, used the power of the wind as a source of power.
The St. Joseph pier also has an automated beacon. The walk into Lake Michigan was tough on this day because of the high wind. It felt good to use the lighthouse as a windbreak.
The view into town ... Their city waterfront park ...
We
stopped by the municipal marina. This sail boat was getting its TLC for the
season ahead. A fresh paint job and more - we could hear the power tools being used
inside.
We all know the definition ... BOAT, a hole in the water into which you pour money.
The U. S. Coast Guard has a station here also.
Michigan Maritime Museum (South Haven, MI)
The museum was interesting. One of the videos explained the demise of Michigan's commercial fishery and there were many exhibits in the various buildings.
A rope fender
A ship in a light bulb
A dugout in progress
And a three piece boat ... it could be hauled to the lake without using a trailer.
The lifesavers of South Haven ...
Rescue Boats
The
Herbert Van Oort U.S.C.G. Boathouse contains the nation's only complete and restored collection of
the last three types of wooden rescue boats used by the United States Coast
Guard.
The Pulling Surf Boat
This Pulling Surf Boat was found in a farmer's field.
The 26-foot Motor Surfboat
The 36-foot Transport Boat
A wide variety of classes and programs are offered year around in the Padnos Boat Shed. This is also where a lot of the restoration work is accomplished.
If in the South Haven area, a visit to the Michigan Maritime Museum would be a worthwhile way to spend a couple hours. Cost is only $2.50 per person.