Day 336 South Haven Michigan

Our cruise through the Notre Dame Campus today.








South Haven Municipal Marina Office on the Black River







In dinghy looking up at live concert in South Haven Waterfront Park








In dighy, harbor hopping and overlooking concert.







Studebaker Museum, 1948 1/2 ton pick up





Vintage Studebaker







In Museum, 1924 Studebaker






Studbaker 40 room residence, constructed in 1898








Marc picked Tom up this morning and drove to South Bend, IN to visit the Stuabaker Museum. I’m sure you’ll get to see more car pictures on the blog.

I walked to the Phoenix Café for breakfast and ordered their from scratch corn beef hash that Susan told me about. I heard the waiting time was 40 minutes but since I was alone I sat at one of the 4 stools at the counter and struck up a conversation with another woman sitting there. As I waited for breakfast, I scanned the advertising on the place mat and saw The Hair Loft Salon at 251 Center St and I knew it couldn’t be very far away. I figured my hair couldn’t look any worse and it would grow out if it turned out badly. After breakfast I was lucky enough to get right in with Angie Bussing. She gave me an excellent hair cut and I walked out feeling much lighter and definitely more stylish. Good for the ego!

From there I walked to the Farmers Market and bought Michigan peaches and blueberries. For my friend Carollee, I checked out several stores and found one more top to add to my pile. I also climbed the hill to the outdoor art display but even though I am not looking for art, I was disappointed. They need to check out our “Renaissance” art show in the QC. I was in need of a rest so I sat on the back of Noah Genda and watch boat after boat go by.

Tom here. Wow where do I start with such an energy pack day. The other day, Mark Sandock overheard me state that if I ever had the chance to go through the Studebaker Museum I would like to do that. Mark graciously asked if he could pick me up in his vehicle and we would run down to his home town, South Bend Indiana, we would tour the Notre Dame campus as well as the Studebaker Museum. Now those that know me, know that I am one over the top gear head. I have to tell you this Museum was far more than I ever expected. What an incredible experience. The Museum was constructed new in 2005, and it is fantastic. This truly is an educational lesson in America’s industrial revolution, business polices, family relationships, politics, world economy, world wars and of course just plain timing. The (5) Studebaker Brothers were craftsman skilled in many fields and one of those fields was blacksmithing. They actually started out in the 1860’s constructing horse drawn carriages, fire wagons, and covered wagons. In the 1900’s they went from horses to horsepower. The display of meticulously restored Studebakers of many vintage years is rotated on a regular basis. This is one incredible display of vintage Studebaker’s from horse drawn carriages through their final years of vintage vehicles. If you are a car buff, and ever have the opportunity, do not miss a tour through this absolutely beautiful museum. You will not be disappointed. I was extremely impressed.

An additional high light of the day was a cruise through the well groomed campus of Notre Dame. We all have seen TV images of the famous campus, however seeing it up close and personal is a rewarding experience. I cannot thank Mark enough for his gracious hospitality and exposing me to a tour of huge Midwest history that I would certainly miss if it were not for him. What a wonderful memorable day in South Bend, Indiana.

The remaining portion of the day was another great fun afternoon. One of the programs of the South Haven 47th Annual Blue Berry Festival was a garden tractor pulling contest. Now I have never seen one of these events although I have heard of them. Unbelievable!! These guys take this serious. What incredible machines. Narrowed automotive rear-ends, automotive 4 or 5 speed transmissions, mag wheels, spoke front wheels, huge camber no less, can be supercharged, some are diesels. These guys are creativene; it kind of reminds me of my old drag racing days. One tractor was built using a 1-1/4 tube frame. Now these are Garden Tractors, not large farm tractors. Talk about good wholesome family fun. These guys are teaching their sons and daughters how to be creative, how to compete, how to win and how to lose. That was a fun afternoon that really put a smile on your face. Our visit to South Haven has really rewarded us with a fun time.

Now back to boating, Diann and I took the dinghy “harbor hopping”, visited with a looper on an Ocean Alexander we met back in Little Current, Ontario. Next we ventured over to the main stage area and listened to live country music. We did not bring navigation lights for the dinghy so we headed back to Noah Genda before dark. The water patrol was out in full force. Weather permitting we will head for New Buffalo MI tomorrow A.M., and maybe Chicago by mid week.