Several years ago, I read there was a car ferry that transported folks across Lake Michigan, connecting the states of Wisconsin and Michigan. Since it has been "on my radar" ever since then, to take that ferry trip, I was delighted to get the opportunity to tour the many tourist attractions of the Wisconsin town where the ferry docks, and get an in-person look at the vessel. Once I checked the weather prediction to be assured no bad storms were on the horizon, I called the toll-free number (1-800-841-4243) to pay by credit card, and book passage for me (and my vehicle) on the ferry. In preparation for boarding the ferry, I positioned myself at a comfortable spot along the shore, so I could see the Badger as it approached Manitowoc. Even if I had not had my eyes fixed on the horizon for its approach, the deafening blast of its horns as it approached the wharf, would have alerted me to its presence! My thoughts were, "Hallelujah! My ship has come in!"
It is a tradition to get your photo taken with the badger statue, situated beside the ferry. There was a bicyclist at the statue when I was there, and I offered to take his photo with the statue, in return for him taking my "iconic" photo pose with uplifted arms. The statue is appropriate, as a badger is the team mascot for the University of Wisconsin, and the ferry is named the S.S. Badger.
That sidewalk you see passing through the lawn in front of the ferry, is a reminder to say one of the wonderful amenities of this area, is the paved, hiking/bicycling/walking trail (called Mariners Trail) that connects Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Two Rivers, Wisconsin. It is a beautiful way to explore the entire six-mile Lake Michigan shoreline that exists between the two communities. The Mariners Trail winds through 50 beautiful flower gardens, beach access areas, and picnic areas. You can get a glimpse of the abundant and fun activities/attractions in the Two Rivers/Manitowoc area by visiting their website at www.manitowoc.info
The gray vapor you see coming out of the smokestack of the SS Badger is a good time to mention that it is the last coal-fired passenger vessel operating on the Great Lakes.
Finding the entrance to the ferry boarding area is easy, as one just looks for this giant red/white fishing bobber along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Manitowoc. The ferry boarding area is adjacent to the giant landmark.
As I drove into the gated passenger boarding area, a crew member was there with a list that had my name on it, indicating I had paid the fee over the phone with my credit card, and was cleared for boarding. They gave me this yellow card with my name on it, which they said to leave on the dash, along with my car key, and the driver window rolled down, as I said "Adios" to my vehicle.
The entry level deck of the ferry is for vehicles, so this means passengers must walk up steps, to get to the upper levels that are for people. 
At another checkpoint, this lady found each person's name on the passenger list, and clicked on their name to show they had boarded. This device also had alerts to say if the passenger had indicated they needed mobility assistance. There was another set of stairs, that had a chair lift, that could carry one handicapped person at a time, to the upper deck. 
Passengers who wanted to enjoy the outdoors, but be in partial shade, could opt for sitting along the side decks of the ferry.
Passengers who wanted full sun could stretch out on the comfortable lounge chairs along the upper deck. Notice the beautiful blue sky, and the very flat blue water---those were both answers to prayers I had repeated frequently before my trip, because I get motion sickness, which is greatly aggravated by rough, choppy water!
Speaking of motion sickness, the blue, disposable buckets were located throughout the ship, for persons suddenly overtaken by the nausea/vomiting that some people experience on the water. It is appropriate that a Gideon Bible is sitting next to it, because it can also be of help when a person is in "uncharted waters". At the front of every Gideon Bible, there is a section that refers to which pages to read if you are sick, tired, scared, discouraged, lonely, etc.
Another remedy for motion sickness that some people find helpful are pressure point wrist bands, like the black one shown in this photo. This is the wrist of the cruise director, who had the devices available at her reception area, that passengers could either buy or "rent" for the day. When she saw I was trying to take a photograph of the wrist bands while they were still in their plastic container, she put it on as a demonstration of where they should be worn. I did not use the wrist bands, as I had taken the over the counter medication, Meclazine, for motion sickness. Thankfully, I did not have any issues related to this. 
While wondering around the ferry, I came across this small room, that looked like it might have once been living quarters for crew members, as it had a private toilet and sink, and was the location where the Gideon Bible was found.
I guess the reason I was so impressed by the fact there was a Gideon Bible on board, is because I once took a Carnival cruise into Mexico, and requested a Gideon Bible for my cabin The maid told me they did not have any Bibles on board. Furthermore, when I went to the Sunday morning chapel services, the priest who led the services said he did not have a Bible, and asked if anyone attending had one!! This was before the days of Bible apps on phones, so it made me thankful I was part of a program called First Place 4 Health, ( www.FirstPlace4Health.com) that emphasizes Scripture memorization!
As you would expect, this big ship had a gift shop, full of toys, souvenirs, and nautical-themed gifts of every description imaginable. Also, if you decided later you wanted a souvenir, you can order SS Badger items from their website at www.SSbadger.com
This is a photo of the museum that is a part of the ferry. The television screen has a video running continuously that gives a history of the SS Badger, and details about its unique Skinner Unaflow steam engines. This design enables the steam engine to provide efficiency that approaches that of a diesel engine. (Apparently, this is a big deal, as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers designated the Badger's propulsion system as a mechanical engineering landmark.) When chatting with the couple watching the video while I did, I learned that if you arrive at the ferry by motorcycle, you get to drive it yourself onto the ferry. That is probably reassuring to both the owner of the motorcycle, as well as the crew members who are tasked with getting all the vehicles onto the ferry!
One of the activities passengers can enjoy to pass the time, is bingo, and that is what this group is doing in this photo. Notice also, the silver post sticking up from the center of the floor. Those are charging stations for your electronic devices, and I made use of it, while watching the bingo winners claim their prizes, such as SS Badger mugs, t-shirts, etc. 
These clocks tell the story about some unusual features of the SS Badger. When it leaves Manitowoc, Wisconsin, each day at 1 pm, May through October, it is on Central Time. When it arrives in Ludington, Michigan, four hours later, it is on Eastern Time. It travels a distance of about 60 miles, in about four hours. Its top speed is about 24 miles per hour. It is unusual, as it is a registered historical site in two states: Michigan and Wisconsin. Although I had a vehicle on the ferry, it is possible for someone to spend the entire day on the SS Badger, with no need for a vehicle. They would board the vessel in Michigan in the morning, disembark in Wisconsin around noon, then get back on the boat at 1 pm, to return to their starting point in Michigan. If you had this plan from the Wisconsin side, however, you would need to plan on spending the night in Michigan, before your return trip to Wisconsin the next morning.
Some of the amenities of the ferry were not in use, because of the COVID19 Pandemic. The last three items on these signs were accessible for seating, but there was no movie, gaming, or organized toddler activities scheduled on the day of my passage.
In addition to being on the National Register of Historic Places, the National Park Service also designated the ship a National Historic Landmark. The Badger is the only operating ferry of its kind in the world, and the ship is an icon of car ferry heritage on the Great Lakes. 
This photo taken on the upper deck, gives a good view of the area where the "brains" of the ship guide it on its course.
The ship has its own cafe, and if you know the meaning of the nautical flag alphabet, you can read the name of it, spelled out in flags, below the letters. The date of "1953" written on the life saver ring, references the fact that the SS Badger has been in service on Lake Michigan since 1953. 
The motorcyclists were some of the first to leave the ferry when we arrived in Michigan, so I was able to hear the familiar roar of those Harley V-twin engines, as they continued on the land portion of their journey.
I snapped this photo from my car, to prove that I had, indeed, made it safely across the lake to the state of Michigan!
This highway sign as you leave the ferry, is a reminder that you have been on U.S. Highway 10 your entire time on the ferry. It is just that this particular segment of Highway 10 goes across the waters of Lake Michigan!Once getting my bearings, I headed for the lakeshore, so I could get a sunset photo before I went to my hotel. I had put a photo on Facebook when I was on the Wisconsin side, stating that if I made it to Michigan, I would post a similar photo, on the Michigan side. So, as I approached the perfect spot along the lakeshore, I noticed a young woman there, who was just gazing into the horizon, as her companion talked on his phone. Since the girl was not involved in his phone conversation at the time, I asked her if she would take my photo. She said "yes", and that is the photo you see here with my hands uplifted in praise to God for a safe journey . Then I asked her if she would like a sunset photo of her and the guy. He was off his phone call by now, and they posed for a photo together, where she had her left hand extended, showing off a big, beautiful diamond engagement ring. As I handed her phone back to her, I complemented her on the ring, and she told me, her boyfriend had just asked her to marry him, minutes earlier, just before he got the phone call. So I asked if they would like a photo "re-creating" the proposal, in front of the setting sun. They said , "sure"! So that is the very last photo of this blog.
I made up the word "Brandemic" to describe the concept of Branson during a pandemic. Hence, the phrase "Brandemic Expedition" describes my adventure there last month. While in Branson, I had the enjoyable experience of staying in a "castle", in this tourism mecca of southern Missouri. Its individually-laid, stone archway alerts the visitor they are in for a trip back to the time of the Renaissance!
The Stone Castle Hotel and Resort Center was originally built by two brothers from Wisconsin. They saw a story about the booming tourism industry in Branson, Missouri, that was aired on the Sixty Minutes television show, so they set about to be a part of that boom, by building a very unique resort, that was not like the many franchise, "cookie cutter"-type hotels around the USA. 
Although the two Wisconsin brothers no longer own the hotel, their legacy endures in the architecture, and decorations related to "Knights in shining armor, riding on a big white horse"! Since my visit was in October, 2020, the knight that guards the entrance, had the additional help of two seasonal "scare crow" mannequins to assist his endeavors of protecting the guests!
As I entered the hallway leading to my room, I encountered yet another "knight in shining armor", who also had taken on an additional "helper" to keep guests safe. That helper was an automatic dispenser of hand sanitizer, which guests were able to use each time they passed by. As soon as I saw the metal armored suit, I thought about my First Place 4 Health ( www.FirstPlaceforHealth.com ) memory verses from Ephesians 6:10-11 that say, "Be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." At the time of my visit, Branson---and the entire world---was "standing against" the COVID19 pandemic, and I (like most people!) wanted to take every precaution available, to keep the virus from taking up residence inside my body! Therefore, I was glad there was another type of "armor" against transmitting illness---the clear, plexiglass shields between the guests who were registering, and the hotel employees behind the desk. For those who had not already done so, tickets to various entertainment venues were available for purchase at the front desk. Also, if you go to the hotel website at www.BransonStoneCastle.com, you will see that there are several money-saving "show ticket/hotel lodging" packages available. You can also phone them (toll free) at 1-800-677-6906. 
The lobby where I checked in was spacious, with plenty of room for staying six feet apart. There were masks available at the front desk (in case a guest forgot theirs), as well as sanitizer dispensers available on the counter. Likewise, a floor-model dispenser was adjacent to the front desk. A sign on the front door as I entered, reminded me that all entering were asked to put on masks. 
Another nice amenity the hotel provided, was luggage carts, that were conveniently placed in the hallway, that led to my room. 
My room was spotlessly clean, and equipped with a flat-screen tv, alarm clock-radio, phone, free wi-fi, mini-fridge, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, luggage rack, and the very important, in-room COFFEE maker! 
The freshly-sanitized remote control, set on top of a laminated document that listed the dozens of television channels available to watch.
This is a photo of the framed painting that was above my bed. It reminded me of the story my husband liked to tell of the "sword ceremony" he had, when he presented his youngest teenage daughter with her first-ever credit card to carry in her wallet. The story goes that he had her kneel on a cushion, while lit candles flickered in the dimly-lit room, where she was told to keep her eyes closed until told she could open them. When she opened them, her father was holding a real Samari-type sword, with the shiny new credit card balanced atop it. When you think about it, a double-edged sword is an appropriate delivery method for a "double-edged" piece of plastic that can both save and destroy, depending on how it is used!
Although many hotels have suspended their free breakfast offerings during the pandemic, I was pleased to see that the Stone Castle Hotel had made modifications to their breakfast service, so that it could safely continue. The photo shows that they have sneeze guards above the steam tables holding scrambled eggs, sausages, hot oatmeal, biscuits, and gravy. A hotel foodservice employee, equipped with protective mask, disposable gloves, and very cheerful greeting, was there to serve the guest whichever food items they chose. The photo also lets you peek into the professionally-equipped commercial kitchen, that has the necessary ovens and cooktops, and cooking utensils, to safely and correctly prepare the food they were serving. In addition to the cooked cereal, they also have dry cereals available for guests. Since I was in BRANson, I chose BRAN flakes every morning! (I jokingly told some fellow travelers that the popular dry cereal got its name of "bran flakes", because they were first made in BRANson!)
I enjoyed seeing the autumn-themed decorations on the serving area, and on my last morning there, I was also was able to see them in the process of putting up their Christmas decorations. 
I was staying at the hotel as a part of a group tour, to showcase various Branson attractions. Our group traveled around town in a motorcoach, but before we were permitted to board, the group leader took our temperature, as one of many precautions being used, to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. 
The Stone Castle Hotel is very group friendly, as shown by the fact that the motorcoach is able to pull right up to the front doors, and guests load on a flat (versus sloping hillside!) driveway. The Thompson motorcoach we were using, also was equipped with a hydraulic elevator, to enable lifting a guest who was in a wheelchair. It was brand new and freshly sanitized with a disinfectant "fogging" machine, to be sure every surface was clean. There was a bottle of hand sanitizer at the top of the stairs for each guest to use as they entered. The vehicle also was equipped with overhead sound system/microphone, wifi, phone charging stations at each seat, video screens, and a toilet. 
Clay Cooper set himself apart as an authentic musician and entertainer that night, because he was able to hold the group's attention by his vast repertoire of songs, using only his voice and his guitar. His talent was remarkable!
Just down the hill from the hotel towards the west, you can do some photography at the very scenic area around Fall Creek, where this photo was taken. Our group went to supper at the Fall Creek Steak and Catfish House, before one of the shows. Once inside the spacious restaurant, guests will have the tough choice of gazing out the window, enjoying views of Fall Creek, or keeping an eye out for the kitchen staffer bringing out a freshly-baked batch of hot rolls. They are known as the "Home of the Tossed Rolls", so instead of keeping your "eye on the ball" to be successful, a guest needs to keep their "eye on the roll" flying through the air towards them! It is a fun and delicious place for a meal, and you can find out more by phoning 1-417-334-0754 or visit www.bransonsbestrestaurants.com . Since folks in the Ozarks may not be traveling long distances this Thanksgiving to be with relatives far away, it is good to know that the three restaurants operated by Branson's Best Restaurants enterprise WILL be open on Thanksgiving! Guests can dine inside, or get carry out. Reservations are not required. 
Just a few blocks east of Stone Castle Hotel, you will find the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area. It is a 140-acre nature park, right in the heart of Branson. The large wooden log archway, with columns made of native stone, welcome the visitor as they enter the parking lot. There is no fee to enjoy the abundant outdoor activities available here!
Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area has 5.3 miles of trails, with a waterfall, picnic tables, pavilion, restrooms, playground, and views overlooking Lake Taneycomo. When I hiked the trails in late October, the beautiful autumn colors of the leaves, caused me to be constantly stopping to take photographs of the trees, such as the one shown in this picture. For more information, and maps of the hiking trails, visit their official website at www.BransonMO.gov . 
