Day 63 August 22, 2022

Day 63 Monday August 22, 2022

More Charlevoix

We walked downtown Charlevoix and greeted Tug Bussle on their arrival.  Our next adventure was the local Farmer's Market. Unfortunately, we walked a mile only to find out there wasn't any,  Huge bummer, especially since it meant we needed to walk the mile back to the marina!

Lake Michigan is a big change from Lake Huron.  Huron and Georgian Bay was scenic and beautiful but the rocky landscape left us wondering where our next granite encounter would happen.  Lake Michigan shores are tree lined with sandy beaches. 

Charlevoix is famous for it's "mushroom houses".  These homes were built by Earl Young of local boulders he "cultivated" from Lake Michigan.  He was a mason and built 31 homes and commercial ventures in the area.  In addition to boulders his homes feature "snow capped" rock walls and chimneys  with roofs that look like mushroom caps.  He started masonry at 15 years old and built his last house at the age of 86.  

The fence was built to remind you of waves.

Thatch roofed house.

Half-house is the guest house to the Thatched house.

 

 Doll house built for the children of the main house.

Many homes in Charlevoix pay tribute to Young by including rock features he is known for, even stone mailboxes.

Boulder Park marks the beginning of a neighborhood Young hoped to develop of his homes.