We had to head into Detroit yesterday (Tuesday) for my biometrics (fingerprinting and such which took all of 10 minutes) for my green card paperwork and while we were killing time before heading over to Mexicantown for foods, we took a drive around Belle Isle. While we had lovely blue skies, and even somewhat warm enough to finally ditch that jacket, there's still no signs of spring on the trees or flowers around us.
It's the first time we've managed to get over to the isle since it became a state park in November of 2013 and by the looks of it changes are starting to be made improvement wise, there's certainly been a lot of trees cut down in the overgrown middle and possibly some tidying up around the old zoo. Either way it's still a perfect viewing spot for looking at downtown Detroit and all it's buildings it's certainly buzzing with life at the moment as workmen prepare the road and track for the Indy car races at the end of May.
Belle Isle is home to the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse (just visible in the distance in picture 4) which is one of America's most unique lighthouses in that it's constructed of marble. Sadly the downpour from Monday night meant a wander without proper walking shoes was a bit of a no go but it's on my must visit list for this year.
The Livingstone Lighthouse is pretty cool. It was designed by Albert Kahn and built in the 20's (don't remember the exact year off hand). It is a memorial to William Livingstone who was President of the Lake Carrier's Association for a number of years. Under his guidance or leadership, they enacted many safety procedures and systems that are still in use today. That part of the island is my favorite spot for boatwatching. It's amazing what a couple days of warm weather can do...when I took my pictures from that vantage point on Saturday, there was still quite a bit of ice.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures by the way....
I can imagine! I think the rain helped get rid of the last stubborn bits of ice, although there were some sizeable puddles around that's for sure. Hoping to head back once it warms up a little more and dries out and get exploring! Hopefully they'll get the fountain working again sometime soon, I bet that'll look great with the cherry trees.
DeleteOne more thing....sometime in May, you will have to check out the cherry trees near the Scott Fountain.
ReplyDeleteNot living far from there I don't think I have ever been! You're pictures make me want to make a trip there!
ReplyDeleteWe normally head there a couple of times during the year - the aqurium is well worth a visit and is getting lots of work done at the moment. The state park just to the east of the Ren Cen is great for a visit too and then you get to see the reverse view towards Belle Isle.
DeleteAhhh you always have such beautiful photographs on your blog :) x
ReplyDeleteThanks they always seem to turn out okay even without a fancy camera!
DeleteI've nominated you for the very inspiring blogger award. All the info's here: http://amateuraglow.blogspot.ca/2014/04/very-inspiring-blogger-award.html
ReplyDeleteThanks i'll take a look.
DeleteI'm jealous of your life! x
ReplyDeleteMexicantown....i want to go xx
ReplyDeleteToo bad you didn't get to walk around because of the rain-- but the over the water pictures are lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love how everything looks so wide and big in your pictures, the US is just massive haha.
ReplyDeleteMarble lighthouse that's cool. I'll be waiting patiently for those pictures :)
I hear island and think tiny little rock in river, Belle Isle is like the size (or bigger) than Central Park, tis huge!
DeleteI do follow you on blog lovin'! These are lovely pictures, I'm so jealous, there's no where liie this whrre I live!
ReplyDeleteTeainoctober.blogspot.com
What a view, I know I'd definitely want to visit more than once!
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