Station/Boat Location~
USCGC BUCKTHORN (100'), USCGC KATMAI BAY (140'), Sector Sault Sainte Marie, MSO Sault Sainte Marie
Date there~
July 2003 - Present
Weather~
There are very distinct seasons here but winter is the most notable. Winter last longer than any other season. If you don't like snow, this may not be the place for you. Last year we got 156 inches (yes, that is 156 inches) of snow. The first snow fall is around the 1st to mid October. The snow sticks around until April (they are very good at taking care of the roads, the kids only missed 2 days of school last year). The temperature can get VERY COLD in the winter. The spring brings the "big thaw", usually around April with highs in the 40's-50's. Spring is beautiful here. Summer is short but very enjoyable. We rarely see temperatures higher then in the low 80's (no need for air conditioner here). The nights can still get pretty cool (we actually had a chance of snow flurries on the 4th of July this past year). The fall is very pretty. The fall color is so pretty up here, with lots of yellows, reds and oranges. Then the snow comes back again.
Military facilities~
There is only the CG base here.
Medical~
We are all on Tricare Prime Remote. Active Duty members see Dr. Niemi (906) 632-1100. Most family members see doctors at a group Bridgeview Family Medicine (906) 253-9374. There are specialist (ENT, Cardiologist, Urologist etc.) that are considered “visiting physician.” Other specialists are down state about a 75 mile drive.
Housing~
There is housing here. It is a very nice neighborhood with about 50 houses (2,3 and 4 bdrm). They are fairly new, built in 1999. We live in a 4 bedroom that is 2100 sqft with a two car garage. There is a park, tennis courts and basketball court in the neighborhood. Call to arrange housing as soon as you know you are coming here.
Shopping~
Shopping leave something to be desired. There is a Wal-Mart (not a supercenter), JC Penney's and local stores. There is a mall in Canada (about 5 miles away). There are only a few grocery stores. We make up for the lack of shopping by taking monthly trips to Traverse City (about a 3 hour drive).
Child Care/Schools~
Schools are pretty good here. The public elementary schools are kind of crowded. The middle and high schools are fairly new. Our kids go to a public school that is affiliated with the Tribe of Chippewa Indians. It is called JKL Bahweting (906) 635-5055. They have grades K-8. They have numerous resources ($$$) so the children get an excellent education. You don't have to be part of an Indian tribe to attend but if you want your children to go there call early. As far as child care, there are few centers, but lots of home daycares. There are head start programs run by both the city and the tribe.
Adult Schools~
Lake Superior State University is here in Sault Sainte Marie. They have 2 and 4 year degrees
Fun Activities~
If you like the outdoors, this is the place for you. There is lots of fishing, skiing, sledding, hunting, snowmobiling, and boating. There are the Soo Locks, the Tower of History, and Tahquamenon Falls. There are several other activities in Canada.
Additional Info~
Sault (pronounced SOO) Sainte Marie is the secret of the CG. It is a GREAT place to raise kids. My husband loves his job here. The housing is one of the nicest military housing we have ever had. It is a small town but one that feels like home quickly. The people are very friendly. Everyone looks out for everyone. But if you don't like the cold or snow, this may not be the place for you.
Homeport MI
USCGC BUCKTHORN (100'), USCGC KATMAI BAY (140'), Sector Sault Sainte Marie, MSO Sault Sainte Marie
Date there~
July 2003 - Present
Weather~
There are very distinct seasons here but winter is the most notable. Winter last longer than any other season. If you don't like snow, this may not be the place for you. Last year we got 156 inches (yes, that is 156 inches) of snow. The first snow fall is around the 1st to mid October. The snow sticks around until April (they are very good at taking care of the roads, the kids only missed 2 days of school last year). The temperature can get VERY COLD in the winter. The spring brings the "big thaw", usually around April with highs in the 40's-50's. Spring is beautiful here. Summer is short but very enjoyable. We rarely see temperatures higher then in the low 80's (no need for air conditioner here). The nights can still get pretty cool (we actually had a chance of snow flurries on the 4th of July this past year). The fall is very pretty. The fall color is so pretty up here, with lots of yellows, reds and oranges. Then the snow comes back again.
Military facilities~
There is only the CG base here.
Medical~
We are all on Tricare Prime Remote. Active Duty members see Dr. Niemi (906) 632-1100. Most family members see doctors at a group Bridgeview Family Medicine (906) 253-9374. There are specialist (ENT, Cardiologist, Urologist etc.) that are considered “visiting physician.” Other specialists are down state about a 75 mile drive.
Housing~
There is housing here. It is a very nice neighborhood with about 50 houses (2,3 and 4 bdrm). They are fairly new, built in 1999. We live in a 4 bedroom that is 2100 sqft with a two car garage. There is a park, tennis courts and basketball court in the neighborhood. Call to arrange housing as soon as you know you are coming here.
Shopping~
Shopping leave something to be desired. There is a Wal-Mart (not a supercenter), JC Penney's and local stores. There is a mall in Canada (about 5 miles away). There are only a few grocery stores. We make up for the lack of shopping by taking monthly trips to Traverse City (about a 3 hour drive).
Child Care/Schools~
Schools are pretty good here. The public elementary schools are kind of crowded. The middle and high schools are fairly new. Our kids go to a public school that is affiliated with the Tribe of Chippewa Indians. It is called JKL Bahweting (906) 635-5055. They have grades K-8. They have numerous resources ($$$) so the children get an excellent education. You don't have to be part of an Indian tribe to attend but if you want your children to go there call early. As far as child care, there are few centers, but lots of home daycares. There are head start programs run by both the city and the tribe.
Adult Schools~
Lake Superior State University is here in Sault Sainte Marie. They have 2 and 4 year degrees
Fun Activities~
If you like the outdoors, this is the place for you. There is lots of fishing, skiing, sledding, hunting, snowmobiling, and boating. There are the Soo Locks, the Tower of History, and Tahquamenon Falls. There are several other activities in Canada.
Additional Info~
Sault (pronounced SOO) Sainte Marie is the secret of the CG. It is a GREAT place to raise kids. My husband loves his job here. The housing is one of the nicest military housing we have ever had. It is a small town but one that feels like home quickly. The people are very friendly. Everyone looks out for everyone. But if you don't like the cold or snow, this may not be the place for you.
Homeport MI
