So Much to do at the Soo!

On another cool day, the kids and I decided to hit the road for another adventure.  This time we headed east towards Sault Ste Marie.  We had so much fun exploring the town and watching ships go through the Soo Locks that we decided to grab a hotel room and stay for a 2nd day!  With no bags packed, we ran into the local KMart and purchased some necessities on clearance and made our way to the Soo Locks Lodge.  (Have I mentioned how I love the spontaneity of summer?)  We had a blast swimming in the pool and staying up way too LATE!  The next day we had a few more adventures in the Soo before heading back to the cottage.  On our way back we took a short detour to visit Point Iroquois Lighthouse.  One word...  Amazing!

Watching a ship approach the Soo Locks

At the top of the viewing station watching as the ship lowers and exits the Locks

Enjoying Valley Camp - this is a retired freighter that  has been transformed into an awesome museum!  Here the kids are in front of a life boat from the Edmund Fitzgerald. 

So much information at Valley Camp.  Russell kept repeating, "I'm so glad you brought me here.  This is great.  Thanks Mom."

Checking out another exhibit at Valley Camp

Here the kids are checking out another exhibit at Valley Camp that shows a map of the U.P.  The kids wanted to find all the places we've been to.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse.  I couldn't fit the entire house in the picture.  It's quite large.  In the 1950's, three families lived here as well as a teacher who taught their 8 children.  We were able to tour the museum that is now inside and climb to the top of the tower.

The kids and I climbed the narrow, twisty steps all the way to the top.  If you look close, you will see the freighter passing by in Lake Superior.

This Lake Superior beach is considered a historic site since it is part of Point Iroquois.  The history behind the name comes from the 1800's when Iroquois Indians traveled by canoe and foot from New York in hopes of taking over this land from of the Ojibwa tribe.  The Ojibwas carefully watched and planned their attach as the Iroquois landed at this point.  The Iroquois were slaughtered and never again attempted to take over this area.  It was prime land for fur trading.