The Rolling Hills: Detroit MI and surrounding area. (July 21-23)

We arrived in Michigan on the 21st of July and stayed at Algonac State Park on the St Claire River, where we could watch freighters go by and look across to Ontairio Canada. It was amazing how blue the water and the sky were.

Looking across St. Claire River at Canada

World's largest "living roof".

We were outside of Detroit and felt compelled to visit the Ford Rouge Factory, where we learned about the design and manufacture of the Ford F-150 and got to watch the assembly of an F-150. One very unique thing about the plant is that it has the "world's largest living roof". Now when I first heard "living roof" I didn't have a clue as to what that meant.

At 454,000 square feet, it is one of the largest living roofs in the world, effectively turning the roof into a 10.4-acre garden. It's size isn't the only amazing thing about the Green Roof

Natural Rainwater Management - The Green Roof can absorb up to 4 million gallons of water resulting in significant storm water management savings.
Natural Insulation - The Green Roof saves millions of dollars in energy costs
UV Protection - The Green Roof absorbs sunlight, preventing many roof leaks and cracks.
Longer roof life - The Green Roof will last twice as long as a traditional roof

After visiting the factory, we went to where Motown was born. Angie and I hadn't a clue as to where we were going, we just headed out. We were driving through a section of Detroit that gave us cause for pause, but we arrived at "Hitsville USA" without incident. "Hitsville USA was the nickname given to Motown's first headquarters. It was a fun tour and we got to sing and dance in Studio A. Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed inside.