![]() Today, a fence and KEEP OFF sign discourage this type of risky behavior. Considering Ford’s reputation for klutziness, this is an alarming bit of information. A photo capturing the moment resides inside his presidential library. ![]() Ford (1913-2006) threw caution to the wind and scrabbled out onto the arch. In 1929, 16-year-old Eagle Scout, Gerald R. Arch Rock, Photo by Foley Brothers (c1885)įun Ford Facts: Long ago, thrill seekers could venture out onto Arch Rock, and business-minded photographers were on hand to capture the moment. View atop Arch Rock, Photo by cjverb (2017)ĭespite centuries of wind, waves, ice, and more recently, tourists, Arch Rock has withstood the test of time. I will cherish the memory of this adventure for a long, long time. Standing before this massive and ancient stone, high above the crystal clear waters of Lake Huron was nothing less than exhilarating. Arch Rock, Mackinac Island, Photo by cjverb (2017) Would it be worth the aches and pains I’d surely feel tomorrow? The hordes and horses eventually clip-clopped back to town and I took my turn at the guard rail. I hung back, wanting to savor my first glimpse. Hurrying to the observation point, they took turns snapping selfies with the Arch. Unfortunately, several loads of cheery and fresh-legged tourists had arrived and were vaulting out of their horse-drawn carriages. When I finally dragged myself over step #207, I was eager to see the elusive Arch. ![]() Mackinac Island, Stairway to the Arch, Photo by cjverb (2017) The steep climb through the lush woods was an excellent opportunity to savor the scenery and burn off some the island’s famous fudge. On this trip, I opted to take the 207-step wooden staircase to the summit. I’m embarrassed to admit I pedaled past Arch Rock on a previous trip to the island and missed it entirely. Guardian of Forever, Star Trek Original Series Paramount (1967)Īrch enthusiasts can access the rock by horse-drawn carriage, bike or on foot. A craggy arch, resembling Star Trek’s Guardian of Forever, was left behind. Formed by receding glaciers over 4,000 years ago it was once a solid wall of limestone breccia but, the constant beating of Lake Huron’s waves gradually washed away its core. Mackinac Island, Photo by cjverb (2017)Īrch Rock is the island’s crown jewel, stretching 146 feet (almost 15 stories) above the eastern shoreline. This tiny, car-free isle-just 3.8 square miles-is a wooded wonderland, boasting spectacular rock formations and breathtaking views. Wave action of the ancient Great Lakes washed away the surrounding softer rock exposing these picturesque formations.Today on Museum Bites we’re continuing our ramble through Mackinac Island with a hike to Arch Rock. These magnificent arches, stacks and sea caves are composed of limestone which was broken and recemented millions of years ago. Mackinac Island’s many limestone formations are an important part of the history and legends of the Straits of Mackinac. The dead trees then decay and return important elements to the soil, which are used by the next generation of plants. Competition for water and nutrients in this thin soil causes many trees to grow very slowly and die before reaching full size. In some places the limestone bedrock is only inches below the surface. The soil layer supporting the island’s forest is often very thin. Sugar maple, beech, red oak, hemlock and white pine dominate a forest containing a wide variety of plants and animals. In the shade of these evergreens grows some of the most beautiful wildflowers of the north woods.Ī mixed hardwood forest grows in the better drained soils of the island’s interior. Two major forest types cover much of Mackinac Island.Ī fragrant coniferous forest, containing cedar, spruce, balsam fir, and paper birch, grows around the edge of the island and wherever the soils are cool and moist. History of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |