Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Indian River and Mackinac Island



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.  

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.  






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. 

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! 
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. 
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.

Kate really has hold of the reins










Waves on Lake Huron overpowered our little 'Princess"!
Kate wanted to say she stepped in Lake Hurons' waters. Ended up just a little wet!! Then it was back to the RV to dry off and change clothes.


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