Hevymetal
Regular Member
I was gonna post this in the OC experiences thread but after typing it out I realized it turned out to be the a little long winded so I decided to just make a new thread about it.
Was a long and eventful week. My wife and I took a comping trip up north for th 4th and I OC'd a majority of the trip, I'll break it down and point out a few highlights and potential pitfalls for future reference.
1. Left Clinton township and headed up I-75 hit a few gas stations and a couple or rest stops on the way up to the camping site in Mackinaw city no issues.
2 We stayed at Mackinaw Mills Campgrounds. I Oced at the camp site and around the grounds but I CC whenever I had to use the store to get ice and such (way too many little kids bumping into you) I locked up my Sig in the car when using the showers. Had one camper say "You must be from Detroit, right?" I said "Close enough." he said "You needent say anything more." smiled and went on about his business. Had another ask me if I really thought it was necessary to carry a gun around all these kids, my response was "Yes as a matter of fact I do, bad things happen to good people anywhere you go. Are you going to guarantee the safety of myself and my wife." with that he said "F*** You A**hole", shook his head gave me the finger and walked away. I said "Have a good day sir, enjoy your stay." never saw him again the whole trip. Go figure, gotta be one in every crowd.
3. Mackinaw City, Oced in all the shops, through the city and at the park alongside the bridge no issues but alot of stares. At the Harley dealer an employee asked if I was carrying a Beretta, I told him no it's a Sig he said "Cool, never shot one of those before." he asked how I liked it and I said I loved it otherwise I wouldn't be carrying it, my life could potentially depend on it.
4. Went to Mackinaw Island next day, here is where things got interesting. Had to go via ferry, we used Star Line Ferry. Arrived at the docks purchased the tickets and informed the cashier I was transporting my gun to the island in case she didn't notice it on my hip. She said "You can't do that. No guns on the island or the ferry." I asked her to get the supervisor because I had been told on the phone I could. The supervisor came over corrected the cashier and said "No problem, you just gotta check it with the Captain while on board."
The Captain of the ferry came over and said "Nice gun. you OC alot?" I replied "As often as possible". He told me the story of presenting his CPL for ID at the airport one time and the mayhem that ensued as a result, we both laughed. I cleared the gun dockside pocketed the mag and gave him the empty gun which he slipped into his backpack. Meanwhile the looks from onlooking tourists was priceless. We boarded the ferry and crossed over to the island and upon arrival we waited for the Capt who came over and handed my gun back to me. I loaded it dockside slipped it into my holster and we proceeded on for a day of sightseeing.
4. Mackinaw Island, We took a carriage tour around the island. while purchasing tickets the cashier informed me it was illegal to carry on the carriage without a CPL (Never heard of this before, is she correct? A carriage is NOT a motorized vehicle.) and without one I would have to ride horseback. When I informed her I had my CPL she seemed rather disappointed I did and sold us the tickets.
While waiting in line for the carriage to arrive a girl in front of us about 14 noticed my gun and started freaking out telling her dad "He's got a gun" to which he replied "He must be a cop." "But dad he's got a gun and it's showing, he's not in uniform." he glanced back briefly and told her to mind her business and shut up cause the guy with the gun can hear you. She then started yelling at her mother and brother "He's got a gun, he's got a gun." Which was loud and caused others who were unaware of our presence to take note. My wife started getting rather annoyed with her comments and actions and said to me loudly enough for her and her family to hear "People should mind their business and keep their mouth shut about things they know nothing about." Her father hearing my wife apparently agreed and told her again to be quiet. She did but continued to look back every 30 seconds for the duration of the time in line.
It was a hot day so I ran over to the store to get the wife and I a pop. A mackinaw police officer who looked about 20 was standing outside the store, I entered, got us a pop and upon exiting the store he said "Hello, how are you?", I thought, here we go and replied "Good and you?" he said "Fine, have a great day on the island." I replied "Thank you." and proceeded back to the line for the carriage. That was it, no comments about my gun which I know he saw.
Took the carriage ride and nothing happened, I sat strong side to the outside so everyone we passed on the streets got a good view of my gun. Alot of stares but no comments.
We stopped by the Grand Hotel to get some info about room rates for the next trip. I entered the hotel and everyone saw my gun but nothing was said. The registration clerk handed me the info and thanked me for stopping in.
While walking into one of the shops A family from India (an assumption on my part) was in front of us and their son noticed my gun and said "Dad, check it out he's gotta gun." to which he replied "Everyone here in their country carries guns, it's like the wild west." I chose not to respond and entered the store. It seems as though many of the foreigners had never seen a gun before. At another shop an Japanese teenager said "Nice gun, you a cop?" I said "No, just an average law abiding citizen." He informed me he had never actually seen a real gun before because back home they are banned. I explained here in the US it is a guaranteed right under the Constitution. He said back home they carry knives and swords. Was thinking of the "bringing a knife to a gunfight joke" but said nothing. He left and we went back to shopping.
Had dinner at Godfellas bar and grill OCed no comments, no problems.
Passed two other Mackinaw police during the walk around and nothing was said. Thank You to those who ventured before me desensitizing and educating them. Eight full time cops on the island and I saw three during the trip with no problems.
Then it was time to go back to the mainland we headed back to the docks for the ferry. Upon arriving I found a couple of employees hiding in the luggage claim area playing cards and informed I need to talk to the Capt before boarding to check in my gun. This led to a 10 minute conversations on guns and carrying and how the on kid was almost 21 and as soon as he was he was getting his CPL I told him he can OC at 18 if he has a pistol registered to him. He told me he has 5 (wow nice 20 and already owns 5 pistols) I steered him here and to MOC.
The ferry arrived dockside and lo and behold the same Capt. who ferried us to the island was taking us back. He saw me and the wife and smiled as I cleared my gun dockside and pocketed the mag. He slipped the gun onto his pocket and we boarded the ship.
We arrived at the mainland and even before leaving the ferry he handed me my gun. I asked him if he should give it to me onboard to which he replied. "I'm the Capt. and can do whatever I want on my boat and I'm surely not worried about you. Lawful citizens carrying guns is a good thing and the fact you went through the steps to inform me you were carrying show me your lawful. There is probably 5 people a day who just walk onboard with their guns concealed and say nothing, violating several laws." I loaded it then I thanked him and me and the wife headed back to the campsite.
I would recommend with all confidence anyone using the ferry system to goto the Island use Star Line they were very friendly, courteous and had no problems with transporting my gun.
5. The next day we headed up to Sault St Marie to see the locks. FYI to those that do not know the locks are FEDERAL property and you CANNOT carry onto their property. There are signs posted and every enterance NO FIREARMS. They are serious about this. The wife and I parked streetside downtown I locked up my gun in full view of the Federal security guard then we toured the locks. After the tour I was getting my gun out and loading it standing in the back of the car on the street and noticed a reporter from the local TV station that was interviewing someone behind me. So if you live in the soo and seen someone loading a gun on TV in the background of some interview that was me
6. We decided to goto Point Iroquois Lighthouse overlooking Lake Superior. I called the info center to make sure it was a state park and was informed it was FEDERAL, doh, damn good thing I called. Didn't realize there were so many federal parks in the UP since this was my first trip there. So had to go through the same unload, encase blah again. Toured the lighthouse and all went well. The ranger informed me a year ago they had an OCer up there and they told him to go put it in his car, he apparently thought it was a state park too. Nice they didn't send him off to Gitmo. The old guy was really cool and knew ALOT about the history of the area.
7. Next stop Tahquamenon Falls State Park OCed at the upper and lower falls passed a couple of rangers no comments not even a stare. Stopped by the office to inquire about camping and carrying and was told no problems got some info and headed out. Stopped by several stores and a couple of gas stations in the UP no issues whatsoever, guess they are used to the locals and hunters carrying. Headed back to the campsite.
8. Off to Traverse City on the way back home. Didn't realize the Cherry festival was going on (Bonus). We stopped at a gas station to fill up outside Traverse City while standing in line I l heard a little kid behind me "Look mommy he's got a gun", "Yes he does she replied." Then I hear "Hey mister can I touch your gun?" I was quite surprised because I never heard that one before, and though that could have several meanings most of which were not good. I said "No you can't, I'm sorry, It's not a toy, you have to go through a safety course and learn about how to properly handle one." His mother said "Thank you for explaining that to him." I paid for my gas and we were on our way.
Next stop the Harley dealer in Traverse City. While shopping a saleslady came up to me and said "Sir, your gun is showing." My response was "Why yes it is, is that a problem?" She said "I just don't want you to get into trouble." I asked if they wanted me to leave. She said "Of course not, I just don't want you to get into trouble for displaying it." She said her CPL instructor told the class you can't display a gun at all. I informed her that OC is legal in Michigan with or without a CPL and her instructor was completely wrong. Pointed her here and MOC for laws and carry info. Finished shopping and left.
We arrived at the festival grounds (A city Park) the wife and I strolled around looking at all the various things cherry. We sampled all the cherry goods, pie, salsa, jam, fresh cherries, even had a small sample of cherry wine. As we were headed out we passed a group of 6 Traverse City cops standing around in a circle they looked at me as we passed by but didn't say a word.
Then back home.
All in all it was an excellent trip and we had alot of fun. I hope the info I've provided here will be of some use to those that may be planning a trip to Mackinaw or the UP. Be careful of the FEDERAL Parks and when in doubt call and ask.
Hevymetal
Was a long and eventful week. My wife and I took a comping trip up north for th 4th and I OC'd a majority of the trip, I'll break it down and point out a few highlights and potential pitfalls for future reference.
1. Left Clinton township and headed up I-75 hit a few gas stations and a couple or rest stops on the way up to the camping site in Mackinaw city no issues.
2 We stayed at Mackinaw Mills Campgrounds. I Oced at the camp site and around the grounds but I CC whenever I had to use the store to get ice and such (way too many little kids bumping into you) I locked up my Sig in the car when using the showers. Had one camper say "You must be from Detroit, right?" I said "Close enough." he said "You needent say anything more." smiled and went on about his business. Had another ask me if I really thought it was necessary to carry a gun around all these kids, my response was "Yes as a matter of fact I do, bad things happen to good people anywhere you go. Are you going to guarantee the safety of myself and my wife." with that he said "F*** You A**hole", shook his head gave me the finger and walked away. I said "Have a good day sir, enjoy your stay." never saw him again the whole trip. Go figure, gotta be one in every crowd.
3. Mackinaw City, Oced in all the shops, through the city and at the park alongside the bridge no issues but alot of stares. At the Harley dealer an employee asked if I was carrying a Beretta, I told him no it's a Sig he said "Cool, never shot one of those before." he asked how I liked it and I said I loved it otherwise I wouldn't be carrying it, my life could potentially depend on it.
4. Went to Mackinaw Island next day, here is where things got interesting. Had to go via ferry, we used Star Line Ferry. Arrived at the docks purchased the tickets and informed the cashier I was transporting my gun to the island in case she didn't notice it on my hip. She said "You can't do that. No guns on the island or the ferry." I asked her to get the supervisor because I had been told on the phone I could. The supervisor came over corrected the cashier and said "No problem, you just gotta check it with the Captain while on board."
The Captain of the ferry came over and said "Nice gun. you OC alot?" I replied "As often as possible". He told me the story of presenting his CPL for ID at the airport one time and the mayhem that ensued as a result, we both laughed. I cleared the gun dockside pocketed the mag and gave him the empty gun which he slipped into his backpack. Meanwhile the looks from onlooking tourists was priceless. We boarded the ferry and crossed over to the island and upon arrival we waited for the Capt who came over and handed my gun back to me. I loaded it dockside slipped it into my holster and we proceeded on for a day of sightseeing.
4. Mackinaw Island, We took a carriage tour around the island. while purchasing tickets the cashier informed me it was illegal to carry on the carriage without a CPL (Never heard of this before, is she correct? A carriage is NOT a motorized vehicle.) and without one I would have to ride horseback. When I informed her I had my CPL she seemed rather disappointed I did and sold us the tickets.
While waiting in line for the carriage to arrive a girl in front of us about 14 noticed my gun and started freaking out telling her dad "He's got a gun" to which he replied "He must be a cop." "But dad he's got a gun and it's showing, he's not in uniform." he glanced back briefly and told her to mind her business and shut up cause the guy with the gun can hear you. She then started yelling at her mother and brother "He's got a gun, he's got a gun." Which was loud and caused others who were unaware of our presence to take note. My wife started getting rather annoyed with her comments and actions and said to me loudly enough for her and her family to hear "People should mind their business and keep their mouth shut about things they know nothing about." Her father hearing my wife apparently agreed and told her again to be quiet. She did but continued to look back every 30 seconds for the duration of the time in line.
It was a hot day so I ran over to the store to get the wife and I a pop. A mackinaw police officer who looked about 20 was standing outside the store, I entered, got us a pop and upon exiting the store he said "Hello, how are you?", I thought, here we go and replied "Good and you?" he said "Fine, have a great day on the island." I replied "Thank you." and proceeded back to the line for the carriage. That was it, no comments about my gun which I know he saw.
Took the carriage ride and nothing happened, I sat strong side to the outside so everyone we passed on the streets got a good view of my gun. Alot of stares but no comments.
We stopped by the Grand Hotel to get some info about room rates for the next trip. I entered the hotel and everyone saw my gun but nothing was said. The registration clerk handed me the info and thanked me for stopping in.
While walking into one of the shops A family from India (an assumption on my part) was in front of us and their son noticed my gun and said "Dad, check it out he's gotta gun." to which he replied "Everyone here in their country carries guns, it's like the wild west." I chose not to respond and entered the store. It seems as though many of the foreigners had never seen a gun before. At another shop an Japanese teenager said "Nice gun, you a cop?" I said "No, just an average law abiding citizen." He informed me he had never actually seen a real gun before because back home they are banned. I explained here in the US it is a guaranteed right under the Constitution. He said back home they carry knives and swords. Was thinking of the "bringing a knife to a gunfight joke" but said nothing. He left and we went back to shopping.
Had dinner at Godfellas bar and grill OCed no comments, no problems.
Passed two other Mackinaw police during the walk around and nothing was said. Thank You to those who ventured before me desensitizing and educating them. Eight full time cops on the island and I saw three during the trip with no problems.
Then it was time to go back to the mainland we headed back to the docks for the ferry. Upon arriving I found a couple of employees hiding in the luggage claim area playing cards and informed I need to talk to the Capt before boarding to check in my gun. This led to a 10 minute conversations on guns and carrying and how the on kid was almost 21 and as soon as he was he was getting his CPL I told him he can OC at 18 if he has a pistol registered to him. He told me he has 5 (wow nice 20 and already owns 5 pistols) I steered him here and to MOC.
The ferry arrived dockside and lo and behold the same Capt. who ferried us to the island was taking us back. He saw me and the wife and smiled as I cleared my gun dockside and pocketed the mag. He slipped the gun onto his pocket and we boarded the ship.
We arrived at the mainland and even before leaving the ferry he handed me my gun. I asked him if he should give it to me onboard to which he replied. "I'm the Capt. and can do whatever I want on my boat and I'm surely not worried about you. Lawful citizens carrying guns is a good thing and the fact you went through the steps to inform me you were carrying show me your lawful. There is probably 5 people a day who just walk onboard with their guns concealed and say nothing, violating several laws." I loaded it then I thanked him and me and the wife headed back to the campsite.
I would recommend with all confidence anyone using the ferry system to goto the Island use Star Line they were very friendly, courteous and had no problems with transporting my gun.
5. The next day we headed up to Sault St Marie to see the locks. FYI to those that do not know the locks are FEDERAL property and you CANNOT carry onto their property. There are signs posted and every enterance NO FIREARMS. They are serious about this. The wife and I parked streetside downtown I locked up my gun in full view of the Federal security guard then we toured the locks. After the tour I was getting my gun out and loading it standing in the back of the car on the street and noticed a reporter from the local TV station that was interviewing someone behind me. So if you live in the soo and seen someone loading a gun on TV in the background of some interview that was me
6. We decided to goto Point Iroquois Lighthouse overlooking Lake Superior. I called the info center to make sure it was a state park and was informed it was FEDERAL, doh, damn good thing I called. Didn't realize there were so many federal parks in the UP since this was my first trip there. So had to go through the same unload, encase blah again. Toured the lighthouse and all went well. The ranger informed me a year ago they had an OCer up there and they told him to go put it in his car, he apparently thought it was a state park too. Nice they didn't send him off to Gitmo. The old guy was really cool and knew ALOT about the history of the area.
7. Next stop Tahquamenon Falls State Park OCed at the upper and lower falls passed a couple of rangers no comments not even a stare. Stopped by the office to inquire about camping and carrying and was told no problems got some info and headed out. Stopped by several stores and a couple of gas stations in the UP no issues whatsoever, guess they are used to the locals and hunters carrying. Headed back to the campsite.
8. Off to Traverse City on the way back home. Didn't realize the Cherry festival was going on (Bonus). We stopped at a gas station to fill up outside Traverse City while standing in line I l heard a little kid behind me "Look mommy he's got a gun", "Yes he does she replied." Then I hear "Hey mister can I touch your gun?" I was quite surprised because I never heard that one before, and though that could have several meanings most of which were not good. I said "No you can't, I'm sorry, It's not a toy, you have to go through a safety course and learn about how to properly handle one." His mother said "Thank you for explaining that to him." I paid for my gas and we were on our way.
Next stop the Harley dealer in Traverse City. While shopping a saleslady came up to me and said "Sir, your gun is showing." My response was "Why yes it is, is that a problem?" She said "I just don't want you to get into trouble." I asked if they wanted me to leave. She said "Of course not, I just don't want you to get into trouble for displaying it." She said her CPL instructor told the class you can't display a gun at all. I informed her that OC is legal in Michigan with or without a CPL and her instructor was completely wrong. Pointed her here and MOC for laws and carry info. Finished shopping and left.
We arrived at the festival grounds (A city Park) the wife and I strolled around looking at all the various things cherry. We sampled all the cherry goods, pie, salsa, jam, fresh cherries, even had a small sample of cherry wine. As we were headed out we passed a group of 6 Traverse City cops standing around in a circle they looked at me as we passed by but didn't say a word.
Then back home.
All in all it was an excellent trip and we had alot of fun. I hope the info I've provided here will be of some use to those that may be planning a trip to Mackinaw or the UP. Be careful of the FEDERAL Parks and when in doubt call and ask.
Hevymetal
