Day 28 – Saturday July 13 -Rapid River Knife Works – St Ignace

So many times on my trip I pass something and have to do a U-Turn. I feel sorry for those people that think they can’t do U-turns. That seems to be the best time to discover things that you might have missed, by driving by way to fast.

In this case it was Rapid River Knife Works. A walk through the doors reviewed more than just knives. This place was full of animal mounts. The owner is an avid hunter and many of the mounts were animals he hunted. Some of the mounts were purchased from an older gentleman that wanted them to have a good home.

Look how big this guy is!

This Mountain Lion was hunted in Idaho by the owner

There were all sizes and shapes of knives. I made fast friends with the owners Mom, Margaret. She told me that her son, Kris, started making knives when he was in college. One thing led to another and now they have six full time knife makers. I looked through the selection and found a pretty pocket knife to call my own. They offer free engraving, so it now proudly displays that it is mine and mine alone.

Stock is made of elk and maple - notice my initials on the right side and an image of the UP of Michigan on the left

We were soon along the northern shore of Lake Michigan. Lots of people were enjoying the nice day. Looking along the road ahead I noticed lots of traffic. We were soon stopped on the side of the road. We didn’t really mind since the scenery along the shore was really pretty. As we inched along we soon found the issue. A truck and trailer were jack knifed on the road. What a shame.

Buck enjoying the view while we wait

When in this part of Michigan there are a few places that I love to visit. One is a rest stop called Gros cap. It is a large granite outcrop towering over the lake. Beautiful views abound.

The next, must stop, is Bridge View Park. As the name implies, it offers a commanding view of the Mackinac Bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac connecting Lake Michigan with Lake Huron.

Image needs reversed, bridge was really over my left shoulder

A drive downtown reminded me that I needed to stop and get fudge.

I always stop in downtown St Ignace to visit the Ojibwa Cultural Center. It is named by member of the Ojibwa tribe in this area and besides doing a great job of explaining the culture of the Native Americans it carries a great selection of books and gifts made by Native Americans.

I noticed a new addition to their garden the Medicine Wheel. I was told that it was just added last September. We talked about the different native plants and I was surprised to hear that they grow tobacco. I always thought it was a crop that could only be grown in Kentucky (warm weather) not this far north. I was told it was very invasive and they have to dig and replant every year to keep it in check. I know that tobacco is important to the native American culture and it is offered ceremonially.