Mission #5: The Search for Buried Treasure

Did you know there was an American king in the 1850's? James Jesse Strang proclaimed himself "king" of his Mormon church when they inhabited Beaver Island, Michigan over 150 years ago. But Strang's rule didn't end with his church. He forced all of the original island inhabitants to submit to his sovereignty or leave. His dictatorship led to his assassination in 1856, leaving behind several rumors of buried treasure, since none of his amassed wealth was ever found.

We decided to head to Beaver Island to search for the buried treasure ourselves. What ensues is a spoof of PBS's popular television show: History Detectives.




http://www.hummhead.com

For more information on Beaver Island:
http://www.beaverbeacon.com

Today at Chili's

So we were at Chili's today. Chillin', as it were, when the waiter came by and gave us crayons and a coloring sheet. Man it's been a long time since I've used crayons. They're so waxy and really horrible for trying to make definite lines. Anyway, the coloring sheet was a pepper you were supposed to color. For a $1 donation to St Jude's, Chili's will hang it on the wall. Here's my entry:



I think I surprised myself.
-Joel

Beaver Island Adventure Part #2

More Beaver Island photos to check out: Beaver Island Adventure Pt. 2

Check out the Mormon Print House where America's only king published his newspaper:



Beaver Island's old jail cells:



...and the home of Protar, the local legend and saint:

Beaver Island Adventure Part #1

Check out the first set of our Beaver Island photos! It is gorgeous there.

Fiesta Test Drive: Power-Shifting and Cornering

Agent Mandy's brother was a bit skeptical about the magic of the Fiesta. He just couldn't take his little sister's word for it. So we gave him the keys and let him tear it up. His reaction is pretty priceless.

You'll also enjoy tasty nuggets from Mandy like, "Was it anything what you thought?" Yup. You can see why her brother thought none too highly of her opinion. But now? He just might be changing his tune.

Thanks, Ford Fiesta!