March 1 to Alpena, MI on March 3rd

From Anoka it's a long drive to Alpena, MI. We decided to travel around the north of Lake Michigan and along the upper peninsula of Michigan. Looking at the impressive coldness of the frozen ice that covered Lake Superior we thought it very ironic that it was snowing in Atlanta, GA.
The people of Michigan living on the upper peninsula are called "Yoopers" and the residents of the state who live on the lower peninsula are called "Trolls" because they live below the expansive bridge that crosses the Macinac Channel and the famous island with like name where the movie with it's gorgeous theme "Somewhere In Time" was filmed. No cars are on the island. This time of year, to get to the island one will have to go by snowmobile or walk there as it is surrounded by ice.

We loved Alpena and it's citizens. We were hosted by David Usher who is very musically involved in Alpena. For a city its size, there is a very active music community. In addition to being president of the community concert group, David is also busy singing in a choir and doing some acting.

In Alpena, there is a seasonal, what I considered, "ice clock." A fountain of water running over a frame made of rebar starts freezes at the start of winter. The water is turned off which creates a wonderful frozen sculpture. Spring arrives in Alpena when the ice sculpture has thawed.



We had great student help in Josh and Brian. We appreciate having help with the sound. It is one less thing that I have to worry about.
The concert day started out with a school assembly (I have been very impressed with the students at all of the schools we have visited). In the faternoon, I was able to go in the hot tub at the hotel before the concert. Who should walk into the pool room but our friend from our cruise, Tony Bowen. They surprised us and came to our concert. We were able to enjoy dinner together at the fabulous chinese restaurant across the parking lot from the hotel.
After the concert, the concert board invited us to a small dessert gathering. After all, March 3rd is my birthday!