Vacation Time?

There's an interesting speech by Sen. Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) wondering if now is a good time for members of the Senate to take a summer recess, pointing out (quite rightly) that schools, local government and others are waiting for hard numbers for the upcoming budget year. To see it, go to the Michigan Senate Democrats page and click on Mark Schauer on current budget crisis (far right). Here's a better link to Mark Schauer's comments and Senator Gretchen Whitmer's even more pointed comments on the recess. I tried to look for something to balance this ... couldn't find anything.

Canoing the Grand River

Over there Among the Trees, Eric Baerren has a great piece titled Riverside Scars about a recent canoe jaunt down the Grand River. He says that while the renovation of old buildings hide the scars of change from the street, from the river you can get a glimpse of the city through time. Go there and check it out, it's well worth your time.

Looking for Bigfoot in the U.P.

The Escanaba Daily Press reports that researchers from the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) are expected to visit Marquette County July 12-15 to collect evidence of the man-like creature known as Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti, The Abominable Snowman and The Missing Link. (also see LSJ's Bigfoot article). Apparently Marquette County has logged the most Bigfoot sightings with four, and in January of 2007 possible Bigfoot tracks were reported in the Gwinn area. Since we love Bigfoot here at Absolute Michigan, we had to let you know about it.

Sunrise on the Grand

Today's photo is Sunrise by koojoe2220, and he has several more photos of the Grand River in Lansing, including one of Moores Park Dam. That's probably the dam that stopped our intrepid canoeists, and it's mentioned in a very nice article about fishing on the Grand River and its tributaries.

Eaton Rapids, Michigan

In Eaton Rapids they are expecting highs in the mid 80s with rain likely. Thunderstorms are possible too, fitting as this week is Michigan Lightning Awareness week. Eaton Rapids bills itself as "the only Eaton Rapids on earth," and is located at the juncture of the Grand River and Spring Brook. The Official Eaton Rapids website claims that Eaton Rapids is also know as the "island city." Absolute Michigan keyword Eaton Rapids is pretty sure that The English Inn is a great place to stay - and eat!! Man, do we love the food at the English Inn!. Wikipedia's Eaton Rapids entry can tell you all about the demographics and geographics of Eaton Rapids, but only the Eaton Rapids live Webcam can show you the town of Eaton Rapids. Every year they hold the Dam Festival, and it will be joining up with 4th of July celebrations this year.