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| Headed South, approaching the middle of the bridge |
Wednesday morning we left St. Ignace for Indian River RV resort. We had stayed at this park before so we knew we would be staying a full week. Crossing “Big Mac” Nancy always has to keep her eyes closed or doing something else as the railing on the bridge looks like nothing more than a toe stop when you are so high up in the air. Tuesday had been very windy and the prediction for high winds was again for Wednesday, so we left early. Our bridge crossing was uneventful … NO wind.
We were way ahead of schedule so we
stopped at the first rest area south of the bridge and played with
Charley for an hour or so.
We arrived at our Indian River campsite still early but they had our spot open so it was all right. That afternoon we headed into Mackinaw City and went to the Mackinaw Kite Co. shop for Tom. We walked Main St. and the open air mall before heading back home.
Thursday, round trip (360 miles) to
Grand Rapids. We really needed new tires on the Cadillac, bad. We
called Costco. They said they had 13 of the tires we needed in stock
and would be open until 8:30 so we left shortly after noon for the
long drive. Why Costco? Well we get tire rotation, balancing,
nitrogen fill and a few other perks and we have one close to home so
we wanted to purchase them there. When we arrived Tom went into the
tire center, only to be told they did not carry the tire we needed
after all. What they had were te wrong load range and could not be
put our car!! After much apologizing they called Belle Tire just down
the road who had the tires we needed and yes they were open until
8:00 . Belle Tire took care of us right away and were cheaper than
the quoted price at Costco to boot! Thank you Belle Tire.
Friday once again on the road. Our
campsite is just a short hop, skip and a jump from Burt Lake State
Park. We visited the park.....boy was it full! Yes we could have
fit in a very few sites with our RV but not too many. Good to know
as some of the other state parks we would not fit into with our rig
at all. Most States' State Parks were designed and built long before
todays “Big Rigs” were thought of and haven't been redone to
accommodate us yet. Plus none seem to have full hook-ups, water, 50
amp electric and sewer anyways.
Saturday, to Petoskey and Harbor
Springs, what a great day. We called an old friend, Katrina hoping
she might be free and could get together for lunch. She was busy
already but we talked on the phone and did a nice catch up. “Kat”
tells us a great place to eat for lunch, Park City Grill in Petoskey
…. had a fabulous lunch. Then we headed north towards Cross
Village through the tunnel of trees. 
This is one great drive on the
high bluff of Lake Michigan where at times you get to see the great
lake, but otherwise you feel like driving through a tunnel but it is
all of trees. At the north end of the tunnel is Cross Village and
the infamous “Leggs Inn”. This is a great place to eat, but we
weren't hungry!
Nancy took photos of the gardens, it is so cool. You
can eat inside the old Inn or outside on the patio overlooking Lake
Michigan.
Sunday and we are off to Clare,
Michigan. We are soooo lucky, grand-daughter, Katie is coming to
camp with us. What fun! Sure hope we are up for the adventures of
an 8 year old. When we arrive back at Indian River, it's walking
Charley, riding the bike and of course we can't forget the playground
and swimmng pool.
Kate, did you bring extra shoes? Nope, just flip
flops? Ruined her capris before we even saw her, hole in a knee. So
after a late dinner and on a Sunday night with plans for tomorrow, we head to Walmart and buy tennis shoes, 2 pairs
of capris and a new top.
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| Kate said, Wow Grandpa!! |
Monday is the day we needed tennis
shoes for. We are off to Mackinac Island. First we stop in Mackinaw
City to show her the Big Mac bridge. She is amazed by it's size.
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| Kate & Grandma in front of "Brigadoon" |
Next it is off to the docks where we
board the ferry out to the Island. After we arrived at the Island
Nancy called her cousin, Janet to find out if they are even on the
Island. Sure enough they are and Janet meets us at the harbor and
says she has to go to book club but, come to the house, “Brigadoon”
about 1:30 and Suzy will take us over to pick Janet up after her
meeting.
Wow, imagine our surprise when we arrive back at Janet's
home to find out we are going in a private carriage ride. Suzy (the
horse trainer) and Jay (Janet's hubby) are busy getting the carriage
ready.
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| Downtown Mackinac Island |
After a ride through downtown Katie gets to sit in the front
seat of the carriage. Before long Suzy is teaching Katie to drive!
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| Approaching the Grand Hotel Portico the first time today. |
Talk about a thrill for Katie, she is speachless!!!!(first time in 2
days). After we pick Janet up from bookclub they took us on an
extended horse and buggy tour of the Island. What a great and
unexpected thrill.
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| Beautiful pair of horses and buggy, Jay's pride and joy!! |
Katie will sure have something exciting to tell
her friends and family about. After our extended tour of the island
it is off to town and then the docks for the ferry ride back to the
mainland.
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| Kate really has hold of the reins |
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| Waves on Lake Huron overpowered our little 'Princess"! |
