tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89671541132275449782024-03-12T20:40:28.087-04:00ramblingriggsRambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-39524285125633421772021-09-26T10:55:00.002-04:002021-09-26T10:55:23.810-04:00 A Family Tradition — Cousins Weekend 2021<p>For at least seven years now, my cousins have been camping at <a href="stafford county park in Port Hope, MI" target="_blank">Stafford County Park</a> in Port Hope, MI. Our first time there was in 2014. We may have skipped a year or two in between, but the tradition continued the weekend of September 17-19, 2021.</p><p>The weather was absolutely perfect for camping in September in Michigan. We had our normal block of campsites right on the shores of Lake Huron (Sites 12-17) which makes a perfect little compound for our family. I love falling asleep and waking up to the sound of waves lapping the shoreline. </p><p>We rode bikes, went for ice cream, visited the <a href="http://www.porthopedepot.org" target="_blank">historical train depot</a>, ate some great food, drank some great beer, and enjoyed each other's company over the course of our 4-day trip. </p><p>I'll let the photos below tell more of the weekend together. </p><p>Until next time, happy camping and stay stafe!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsiT-_u1tH8/YVCEw4R0YVI/AAAAAAAAWvk/HAPYKY0DT1AKVouD-zQWf1NDnkZqGVrSQCPcBGAsYHg/s1280/95327.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsiT-_u1tH8/YVCEw4R0YVI/AAAAAAAAWvk/HAPYKY0DT1AKVouD-zQWf1NDnkZqGVrSQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/95327.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful moon and sky with our camping<br />compound. Thanks for the photo Cousin Mike!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Um1-8HbPtE/YVCEw8mV5AI/AAAAAAAAWvk/UTg5iK5O0gsqme1oW8VREnhGwAySVnAeQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210919_111331292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Um1-8HbPtE/YVCEw8mV5AI/AAAAAAAAWvk/UTg5iK5O0gsqme1oW8VREnhGwAySVnAeQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210919_111331292.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Waylon <br />The next camper generation</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWZZaZegmPU/YVCEwysWFLI/AAAAAAAAWvk/yNPoz5oOG18ajdR9Pt6Bc4jnSimK7QvWgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210918_192753450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWZZaZegmPU/YVCEwysWFLI/AAAAAAAAWvk/yNPoz5oOG18ajdR9Pt6Bc4jnSimK7QvWgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210918_192753450.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moon rising over Lake Huron.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiLJOQAye9U/YVCEw3hzr2I/AAAAAAAAWvk/Cl_9J4U-ruwvCFMlBuDgdpPJtVxTKHWQgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210918_190858102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiLJOQAye9U/YVCEw3hzr2I/AAAAAAAAWvk/Cl_9J4U-ruwvCFMlBuDgdpPJtVxTKHWQgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210918_190858102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Wyatt<br />The next camper generation too.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uCA0gLPdJ1c/YVCEw_2hRXI/AAAAAAAAWvk/q13O84I_emQyRxP3Tq0GnTq_T8eRbOiCQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210918_190553606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uCA0gLPdJ1c/YVCEw_2hRXI/AAAAAAAAWvk/q13O84I_emQyRxP3Tq0GnTq_T8eRbOiCQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210918_190553606.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Row: Brother, Cousins Jason and Doug<br />Front Row: SIL Nancy, Cousins Jody and Becky</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xse1yiLkgww/YVCEwzWHR5I/AAAAAAAAWvk/5D313Q0LSycI4Lpjo_GHPQH3jHvmUZf_wCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210918_142008249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xse1yiLkgww/YVCEwzWHR5I/AAAAAAAAWvk/5D313Q0LSycI4Lpjo_GHPQH3jHvmUZf_wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210918_142008249.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy is a "Happy Camper" and Cousin Mike</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9p3Oq9WJuI/YVCEw-bVXgI/AAAAAAAAWvk/ocdGBPJjTYQFhUUspwKHfH3tYRF7fvcygCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210918_160211376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9p3Oq9WJuI/YVCEw-bVXgI/AAAAAAAAWvk/ocdGBPJjTYQFhUUspwKHfH3tYRF7fvcygCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210918_160211376.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins Angie, Pattie and Waylon</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nNwQG7agWs/YVCEw3yZjAI/AAAAAAAAWvk/uN3tQzrbuSI0N-cXCRWFX-lvHpG8mex5QCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210918_160550398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nNwQG7agWs/YVCEw3yZjAI/AAAAAAAAWvk/uN3tQzrbuSI0N-cXCRWFX-lvHpG8mex5QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210918_160550398.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wouldn't be camping without a friendly <br />game of Kan Jam with Brother and Cousin Mike,</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Cc85miSUYc/YVCEw-25SlI/AAAAAAAAWvk/LTiYJg3AuRc5M80guZMKVFpdUOIBKhoNgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210918_160930683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Cc85miSUYc/YVCEw-25SlI/AAAAAAAAWvk/LTiYJg3AuRc5M80guZMKVFpdUOIBKhoNgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210918_160930683.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins John and Laura</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4roIIMvZI0w/YVCEw-sss_I/AAAAAAAAWvk/04KZqBWxIRktg8KHnarmPZhYAe8VPGFdQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210918_145334434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4roIIMvZI0w/YVCEw-sss_I/AAAAAAAAWvk/04KZqBWxIRktg8KHnarmPZhYAe8VPGFdQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210918_145334434.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin John and Mike</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWJJCWVEJwY/YVCEw4TFF4I/AAAAAAAAWvk/0Dcw_VI4U-g49kbdcoMOqn4rLh56C3eegCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210917_175932510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWJJCWVEJwY/YVCEw4TFF4I/AAAAAAAAWvk/0Dcw_VI4U-g49kbdcoMOqn4rLh56C3eegCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210917_175932510.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Huron from our campsite</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9ORLmNxBwQ/YVCEw1j3btI/AAAAAAAAWvk/8U9st_H5nnI5_icHsI5RwtSo1fZ3ppfhgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210917_175905492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9ORLmNxBwQ/YVCEw1j3btI/AAAAAAAAWvk/8U9st_H5nnI5_icHsI5RwtSo1fZ3ppfhgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210917_175905492.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pod on Site 15 at Stafford County Park<br />in Port Hope, MI</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-44819018024166400912021-08-29T15:14:00.000-04:002021-08-29T15:14:23.885-04:00Sunsets, Brewery and a Famous Boat Ride<p>Another Michigan State Park crossed off our list. We spent a long weekend (Thursday, August 26-Sunday, August 29) at <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=502&type=SPRK" target="_blank">Van Buren State Park</a> (Site 96) in South Haven, MI and it didn't disappoint!</p><p>I got the last site in the park and I made reservations well over a month ago. The sites on the ends of each loop were nice and spacious and they were pretty secluded too, just like we like it. It was a short walk to the Lake Michigan, which provides some of the best sunsets you will ever see. </p><p>On Friday, we headed into South Haven to check out the sites. It was such a quaint town with shops, beaches, piers, breweries and the Michigan Maritime Museum. There was plenty to do and see. </p><p>We started with an early lunch at <a href="https://www.ohmydarling.com/clems.html">Clementine's</a>. I'm pretty sure we found in the best onion rings EVER, along with an outstanding perch dinner. Since we were stuffed to the gills (get it? LOL!), we headed out for a leisurely walk around downtown to check out some shops. Since the past couple of weeks in Michigan have been unbearably hot and humid, we had to make a stop at <a href="harbor breeze light kit" target="_blank">Harbor Light Brewery</a> to cool off and sample some of their brews. We had a nice chat with the owner and enjoyed sampling their IPA's (for Jim) and their Porters (for me). </p><p>On Saturday, we headed for the <a href="https://www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org" target="_blank">Michigan Maritime Museum</a>. It was another hot one and figured this would be a good thing to tour while spending some time in air conditioning. Who knew that more than half of the museum would be outdoors! Oh well, at least there was a decent breeze coming off the Black River and we took a 30-minute boat ride out on Lake Michigan on board the USCG MLB 36460. This boat is famous as it was seen in the 2016 Disney Movie, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2025690/" target="_blank"><i>The Finest Hours</i></a>, starring Chris Pine. </p><p>Thanks to a couple of great friends for all their recommendations of things to do while we were in South Haven. It was a short 2.5 hour drive from home and made for a great weekend away.</p><p>I'm super thankful for air conditioning in my little Pod. I'm really looking forward to doing some fall camping in cooler temperatures, if it ever arrive. </p><p>Until next time, happy camping and stay safe!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xu8tp7X3Jig/YSvYpKrit7I/AAAAAAAAWbk/19Lzu1ehUzoOmSRXesGjBvUvooMPQ9qIACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210826_161229107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xu8tp7X3Jig/YSvYpKrit7I/AAAAAAAAWbk/19Lzu1ehUzoOmSRXesGjBvUvooMPQ9qIACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210826_161229107.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van Buren State Park • Site 96<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tMFwDTMPMo/YSvYpFdSh2I/AAAAAAAAWbk/NQp6p85dLYEzaXpkQdI3KQS6_AbuRB_eQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210828_131237762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tMFwDTMPMo/YSvYpFdSh2I/AAAAAAAAWbk/NQp6p85dLYEzaXpkQdI3KQS6_AbuRB_eQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210828_131237762.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The USCG MLB 36460</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZMPzn9yogs/YSvYpPH_xZI/AAAAAAAAWbk/AE2uJ3aaQTY-OANGbn2P0Cy2b8EXmWrtACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210828_124827137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZMPzn9yogs/YSvYpPH_xZI/AAAAAAAAWbk/AE2uJ3aaQTY-OANGbn2P0Cy2b8EXmWrtACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210828_124827137.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aboard The USCG MLB 36460 with our<br />tour guide, Tara.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkgEnEWS-W4/YSvZaDrgU-I/AAAAAAAAWbs/z1FUQ-9lAacvwUE1UCUJJ00AC9JIN5_wACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210828_125933953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkgEnEWS-W4/YSvZaDrgU-I/AAAAAAAAWbs/z1FUQ-9lAacvwUE1UCUJJ00AC9JIN5_wACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210828_125933953.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim and I<br />aboard The USCG MLB 36460.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZhpLk-F5_8/YSvaS8fD8_I/AAAAAAAAWcA/RkXj5aNELl8RYcnstjZ4WRUuJwt8Cq2_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210826_164051168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZhpLk-F5_8/YSvaS8fD8_I/AAAAAAAAWcA/RkXj5aNELl8RYcnstjZ4WRUuJwt8Cq2_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210826_164051168.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach at Van Buren State Park.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UukUfupCL8/YSvaRrA9ZaI/AAAAAAAAWb8/7S41fGUavPc-5DPNYQhyNJx9Ww6L9ItCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210826_192206932_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UukUfupCL8/YSvaRrA9ZaI/AAAAAAAAWb8/7S41fGUavPc-5DPNYQhyNJx9Ww6L9ItCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210826_192206932_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan sunsets are the best!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdXXA9XvaL8/YSvaPKtIPtI/AAAAAAAAWb4/D3NC8wjpA_UbZjJj7UsczQ0ywNB-JQyLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210826_192629483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdXXA9XvaL8/YSvaPKtIPtI/AAAAAAAAWb4/D3NC8wjpA_UbZjJj7UsczQ0ywNB-JQyLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210826_192629483.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and they never disappoint!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yeVNs5NbW4/YSvbEX1JeKI/AAAAAAAAWcQ/Vmbl-JNbDM4YK44-cGhpktawYOLKWcNSACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210827_115449221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yeVNs5NbW4/YSvbEX1JeKI/AAAAAAAAWcQ/Vmbl-JNbDM4YK44-cGhpktawYOLKWcNSACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210827_115449221.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Haven has some pretty<br />cool artwork!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPG_7YLAZuY/YSvbEb2WC8I/AAAAAAAAWcQ/j78GcKhDVrUbvmO41Zz5IZ-um2hYMPhNACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210828_132931082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPG_7YLAZuY/YSvbEb2WC8I/AAAAAAAAWcQ/j78GcKhDVrUbvmO41Zz5IZ-um2hYMPhNACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210828_132931082.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fish was made out of trash <br />that was picked up along the beaches<br />in South Haven.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-66472797999934318882021-07-13T19:02:00.001-04:002021-07-13T19:02:38.915-04:00All Good Things Come to An End<p>I thought being gone for 17-days would just seem like forever, but here we are at our last stop in Michigan at <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=411&type=SPRK" target="_blank">Bewabic State Park</a>. We were only here for a couple of days before we headed to Wisconsin. Site 44 was huge and surrounded by trees. The park was fairly empty during the week but we could tell it slowly started filling up as we got closer to the 4th of July holiday weekend. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHEnFpTqpW0/YOsxaoyVvWI/AAAAAAAAV2A/xSBdkR88KgcTkmgBYBbCK5Au9LSWN-9fwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210630_154613392.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHEnFpTqpW0/YOsxaoyVvWI/AAAAAAAAV2A/xSBdkR88KgcTkmgBYBbCK5Au9LSWN-9fwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210630_154613392.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Bewabic State Park • Site 44</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OizTsfO4X0w/YOsxarx7s5I/AAAAAAAAV2A/8RQAh_KxsLksOmpUmnzTFCX-eWJ9pQn-QCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210701_183520262.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OizTsfO4X0w/YOsxarx7s5I/AAAAAAAAV2A/8RQAh_KxsLksOmpUmnzTFCX-eWJ9pQn-QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210701_183520262.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great bonfire weather</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7V8_UzliSuE/YOsxaohYXpI/AAAAAAAAV2A/9b8i94Fud5IH41SE0595HbMot5L2mUdNQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210701_175749354.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7V8_UzliSuE/YOsxaohYXpI/AAAAAAAAV2A/9b8i94Fud5IH41SE0595HbMot5L2mUdNQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210701_175749354.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A man and his Pod!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Since we were in a waterfall groove from our last stop, we figured since we were in Crystal Falls, MI, there had to be a waterfall, right? We found </span><a href="http://travelthemitten.com/waterfalls/chicagon-falls-a-scenic-waterfall-by-bewabic-state-park/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Chicagon Falls</a><span style="text-align: left;"> located not far from the State Park. I wasn't ready for what we stumbled across. The road started out as a normal dirt road. As we wound our way back to the waterfall, the road turned into more of a two-track. The last bit of the two-track got very dicey to the point that Jimmy stopped the truck and got it to make sure we would make it. His truck doesn't have 4-wheel drive but it handled pretty well. I should have videoed the experience but I seriously needed to hold on for dear life. I've never been off-roading before but I think this trip changed that. We finally made it to the parking area and it was only a short-walk to the fall. Our return trip up the two-track wasn't much better and even more stressful, but Jimmy and his truck climbed us out of there without any damage. It was worth the off-roading to the falls, but I wouldn't advise it in a car. You definitely need a truck!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_d5OVyXpsU/YOsxPGsJGWI/AAAAAAAAV18/01DnghyHyDMTO-3S0_vJ3blG5eH-UywAwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210701_123817374.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_d5OVyXpsU/YOsxPGsJGWI/AAAAAAAAV18/01DnghyHyDMTO-3S0_vJ3blG5eH-UywAwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210701_123817374.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicagon Falls </td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EegPIjMX1DA/YOsxPHh7mMI/AAAAAAAAV18/9YR7mkCJZ30AfHH4Lk05mAaz5NJFAEE3wCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210701_123631025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EegPIjMX1DA/YOsxPHh7mMI/AAAAAAAAV18/9YR7mkCJZ30AfHH4Lk05mAaz5NJFAEE3wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210701_123631025.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicagon Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gh97V71aIG0/YOsxPNgN5WI/AAAAAAAAV18/UhX4_2YdpugRynabx2WPncxKG6LFxmYiwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210701_123859631.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gh97V71aIG0/YOsxPNgN5WI/AAAAAAAAV18/UhX4_2YdpugRynabx2WPncxKG6LFxmYiwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210701_123859631.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicagon Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nbacGp3Djw/YOsxPEsyjWI/AAAAAAAAV18/tJdnYcEs4WoFK6Tl-KBbG8a22whgAjKSQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210701_124035837.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nbacGp3Djw/YOsxPEsyjWI/AAAAAAAAV18/tJdnYcEs4WoFK6Tl-KBbG8a22whgAjKSQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210701_124035837.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicagon Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0F_udMt0ik/YOsxPFT-zGI/AAAAAAAAV18/zKzsRWobYSsrAcQ9Xy9UmsbhSu0rXc-kQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210701_124243963.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0F_udMt0ik/YOsxPFT-zGI/AAAAAAAAV18/zKzsRWobYSsrAcQ9Xy9UmsbhSu0rXc-kQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210701_124243963.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicagon Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_R-NFRXv20/YOsxPAi6Z2I/AAAAAAAAV18/m06uXdxk5qM-H9v8Z6hMX15rZbM2LYJpACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210701_124333364_BURST001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_R-NFRXv20/YOsxPAi6Z2I/AAAAAAAAV18/m06uXdxk5qM-H9v8Z6hMX15rZbM2LYJpACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210701_124333364_BURST001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicagon Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span><br /></span><div><span>We had worked up an appetite after our off-roading and settled on </span><a href="https://www.curiouspigmenu.com" target="_blank">The Curious Pig</a><span>. It was another gorgeous day and we were able to eat outside. Jim had the brisket chili to start that was out of this world. I had the the Pigs Grilled Cheese Sandwich which was pulled pork topped with macaroni and cheese, BBQ sauce and pimiento cheese spread on Texas toast that was toasted and grilled. It came with a side of homemade Cole Slaw and Pickles. The sandwich was literally to die for and the cole slaw and pickles were different. It was a different combination of sweet and spicy. It was an outstanding lunch all around set on a beautiful front porch on the perfect day.</span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIZYs_ESB5c/YOsxPMBE6tI/AAAAAAAAV18/Im3MoSqS2d8Ed7cLIgLpFwppSFLpLp6MgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210701_152539930.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIZYs_ESB5c/YOsxPMBE6tI/AAAAAAAAV18/Im3MoSqS2d8Ed7cLIgLpFwppSFLpLp6MgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210701_152539930.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.curiouspigmenu.com" target="_blank">The Curious Pig</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hXnWCP2M8I/YOsxPCY51wI/AAAAAAAAV18/SCdTm4TS1KMlhh7ahDD4i9hcbie9wsfBgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210701_144853726.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hXnWCP2M8I/YOsxPCY51wI/AAAAAAAAV18/SCdTm4TS1KMlhh7ahDD4i9hcbie9wsfBgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210701_144853726.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brisket Chili -- O---M----G!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPrL1qNmKtM/YOsxPIdDckI/AAAAAAAAV18/vzFDnj_td1QfHRMcnUjTKORCv0Tt7IgKgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210701_145651648.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPrL1qNmKtM/YOsxPIdDckI/AAAAAAAAV18/vzFDnj_td1QfHRMcnUjTKORCv0Tt7IgKgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210701_145651648.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pigs Grilled Cheese Sandwich</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This concludes our road trip around the upper peninsula of Michigan. We hit all the destinations that we set out to see and then some. We had some wind and rain to contend with but that's part of camping. Our weather ranged from hoodies and coats to shorts and t-shirts with everything in between. More memories were made and bucket list items were achieved!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We came home through the beautiful state of Wisconsin and around Chicago. We (ok.....Jimmy) had never pulled the camper through Chicago and we (ok...Jimmy) was a tad nervous about it. Google sent us right through downtown Chicago on I-94. We are super glad that we asked around and took the outer loop around the city. It was a little hairy and slow in spots but we made it just fine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for following our trip across the upper peninsula. We really do live in a beautiful state! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay safe and happy camping! </div><p></p></div>Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-29360753549977005302021-07-12T17:19:00.001-04:002021-07-12T17:20:04.716-04:00The Porkies, Lake of the Clouds and Waterfalls...Oh My!<div class="separator">The next stop on our road trip is <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=421" target="_blank">Lake Gogebic State Park</a> in Marensico, MI. We did good at selecting another home base to visiting all of the attractions that were on our list. So many people had highly recommended this state park and I see why. Our campsite rolled right down into Lake Gogebic. Even though the site was super small, and once again we were greeted by giant mosquitos, the lake breeze, waves and view were totally worth it. </div><div class="separator"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6D8MTJYKwc/YOslewNOIKI/AAAAAAAAV1A/MHrpGXjqUT06CgcilMkfk56rmMYZpaekQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210626_142547502.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6D8MTJYKwc/YOslewNOIKI/AAAAAAAAV1A/MHrpGXjqUT06CgcilMkfk56rmMYZpaekQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210626_142547502.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Gogebic State Park • Site 51</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtnZlyLDLFc/YOslew5GqfI/AAAAAAAAV1A/g9TXNk0MKhMUzOuXQvw3Yoz39ESLY6vRgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210627_214939212.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtnZlyLDLFc/YOslew5GqfI/AAAAAAAAV1A/g9TXNk0MKhMUzOuXQvw3Yoz39ESLY6vRgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210627_214939212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Gogebic from our campsite</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbQ-Dy5k3Os/YOsle0aeFOI/AAAAAAAAV1A/oi5TQ0EZ2DQlG-_B5CAkl7LfVsf3cO78gCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210629_220938539.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbQ-Dy5k3Os/YOsle0aeFOI/AAAAAAAAV1A/oi5TQ0EZ2DQlG-_B5CAkl7LfVsf3cO78gCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210629_220938539.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a great view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAyLK3n3lq8/YOslew_vg6I/AAAAAAAAV1A/n3kmvIHwczsWEYjh25CTs48yt-42a4nVQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210629_144527011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAyLK3n3lq8/YOslew_vg6I/AAAAAAAAV1A/n3kmvIHwczsWEYjh25CTs48yt-42a4nVQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210629_144527011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right before the rain at Lake Gogebic</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I was super excited to check off one of my bucket list items by visiting the Porcupine Mountains (commonly referred to as The Porkies) and Lake of the Clouds. We visited on a super cloudy day and my pictures aren't the best, but it was still spectacular. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwaj0IxFm3Y/YOsn0y2jR9I/AAAAAAAAV1Y/RmAOghV9_nEUjm9MMKA4amvaxaJWn56ywCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210627_112047173_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwaj0IxFm3Y/YOsn0y2jR9I/AAAAAAAAV1Y/RmAOghV9_nEUjm9MMKA4amvaxaJWn56ywCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210627_112047173_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truly God's Country!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tv63Bi7isk/YOsn0zW7SYI/AAAAAAAAV1Y/9_noms4KOz4bkJ1NdC7BxpsMOc5tW0GewCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210627_111641340.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tv63Bi7isk/YOsn0zW7SYI/AAAAAAAAV1Y/9_noms4KOz4bkJ1NdC7BxpsMOc5tW0GewCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210627_111641340.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A river runs through it.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPWJzMLQqSw/YOsnDdqvoiI/AAAAAAAAV1M/r09YypUPVxoLqnrhYeBGSksy4ItMIdcLwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210627_111435740.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPWJzMLQqSw/YOsnDdqvoiI/AAAAAAAAV1M/r09YypUPVxoLqnrhYeBGSksy4ItMIdcLwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210627_111435740.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake of the Clouds</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SYrLqnApaE/YOsnDR9BUYI/AAAAAAAAV1M/-iVv9rbdYjspg-q8s9xa1wH1omlBeAXAQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210627_111702208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SYrLqnApaE/YOsnDR9BUYI/AAAAAAAAV1M/-iVv9rbdYjspg-q8s9xa1wH1omlBeAXAQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210627_111702208.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy at Lake of the Clouds</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMig0ADvvrA/YOsnDfmAvFI/AAAAAAAAV1M/b_OzwncVT0QPApmYBVA0YlRi9lV_yBCjwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210627_111926328_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMig0ADvvrA/YOsnDfmAvFI/AAAAAAAAV1M/b_OzwncVT0QPApmYBVA0YlRi9lV_yBCjwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210627_111926328_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were so high up. It was awesome!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Vwcm-y84Ag/YOsnDYWiQOI/AAAAAAAAV1M/7ePBt_oaf-se6HQX2IacyE-JtsSDlfqvQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210627_130048230.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Vwcm-y84Ag/YOsnDYWiQOI/AAAAAAAAV1M/7ePBt_oaf-se6HQX2IacyE-JtsSDlfqvQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210627_130048230.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The uphill climb at <span style="text-align: left;">Porcuppine <br />Mountains to the summit. <br />I definitely got my steps and </span>workout in<br />and another hundred mosquito bits!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>They next day we really didn't have plans and just wanted to wing it. As much as I love to plan, I also like to just go with the flow and be spontaneous. It was forecasted to rain so we really weren't sure what the day would bring. <div><br /></div><div>We decided to head over to <a href="https://www.michigan.org/property/bond-falls-scenic-site" target="_blank">Bond Falls</a> in Paulding, MI. Rain or not, we decided it wouldn't matter. These falls are a must see if you are ever in the area. They had a great boardwalk and sitting area to take in the view (even in the rain). </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNCk8bR6q9A/YOso_NUmpdI/AAAAAAAAV1k/RdpDgCuFAh8foWuQtQwWJruvEbJ2AL5EgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210628_134224637.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNCk8bR6q9A/YOso_NUmpdI/AAAAAAAAV1k/RdpDgCuFAh8foWuQtQwWJruvEbJ2AL5EgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210628_134224637.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boardwalk at Bond Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkLcefyJi2w/YOso_CeyB2I/AAAAAAAAV1k/uN4k09kQCo8S6Xx7ZehVS6_Hxw08jAKtgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210628_133609073.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkLcefyJi2w/YOso_CeyB2I/AAAAAAAAV1k/uN4k09kQCo8S6Xx7ZehVS6_Hxw08jAKtgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210628_133609073.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy always supports Siena on our travels</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adkLau52zUM/YOso_AqZEzI/AAAAAAAAV1k/YYxtfl3ps00h7ZJg4IAA3mVnKm-1gRewQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210628_132844263.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adkLau52zUM/YOso_AqZEzI/AAAAAAAAV1k/YYxtfl3ps00h7ZJg4IAA3mVnKm-1gRewQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210628_132844263.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bond Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkAqIAKHLkY/YOso_Im6bnI/AAAAAAAAV1k/M60DbR54AOAk6KIiVuCvibu3-BI6VWViwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210628_141624626.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkAqIAKHLkY/YOso_Im6bnI/AAAAAAAAV1k/M60DbR54AOAk6KIiVuCvibu3-BI6VWViwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210628_141624626.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bond Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Since we were in a waterfall groove, we continued our day and visited <a href="https://www.michigan.org/property/agate-falls-scenic-site" target="_blank">Agate Falls</a>. This wasn't as spectacular as Bond Falls, but it was easy to get to. It was right off the road on MI-28 but the views of the actual waterfalls were hard to see. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMNXoO9sk5g/YOsp6cITG3I/AAAAAAAAV1w/UKnMUewCm2c9kNOPRhQBE6zqaS3Q6M13QCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210628_153346568.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMNXoO9sk5g/YOsp6cITG3I/AAAAAAAAV1w/UKnMUewCm2c9kNOPRhQBE6zqaS3Q6M13QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210628_153346568.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ontonagon River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3I5wTiRoZ_Y/YOsp6cM7UUI/AAAAAAAAV1w/X-wiGejSafo1ZnkCWd-BT1AcqOtePXrJQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210628_153015983.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3I5wTiRoZ_Y/YOsp6cM7UUI/AAAAAAAAV1w/X-wiGejSafo1ZnkCWd-BT1AcqOtePXrJQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210628_153015983.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agate Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After our waterfall adventure, we finally were able to stop for an early dinner at JW's BBQ and Brew and I'm certainly glad we did. I had some of the best brisket ever! It melted in my mouth. They also had 3 different kinds of homemade BBQ sauces that were all outstanding. Our waitress was adorable and talked to use all about the winters in the upper peninsula. I think it takes a special type of person to endure all that snow and cold, but the summertime is absolutely gorgeous (minus those darn mosquitoes of course!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Our adventure will continue as we travel to Bewabic State Park in Crystal Falls, MI. </div><div>In the meantime, stay safe and happy camping!</div>Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-58919475203965760022021-07-11T12:54:00.000-04:002021-07-11T12:54:11.112-04:00On the Road Again<p>Our journey continues northwest to Hancock, MI and <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=423&type=SPRK" target="_blank">McLain State Park</a>. We had a pretty decent travel day and seemed to dodge the rain and storms with every turn. I'd highly recommend this park for anyone wanting to cover numerous destinations across the western, upper peninsula of Michigan. It was a great basecamp for all the places we wanted to visit.</p><p>The park sits right on the shoreline of Lake Superior and the sunsets were fantastic. Even though our campsite wasn't right on the water (site 65), we could still hear the waves crashing on the shoreline every night. My only complaint were the black flies and mosquitoes. They sure do grow them big in the UP. We had three different kinds of repellent and nothing seemed to work. </p><p>We visited the towns of Hancock, Houghton, Calumet, and Copper Harbor, MI. On the way back from Copper Harbor we took the scenic drive of M-26 (Lakeshore Drive) to take in the many different beaches and small towns of the Keweenaw Peninsula. We ran across a roadside waterfall, <a href="https://www.keweenaw.info/member-detail/jacobs-falls/" target="_blank">Jacob's Falls</a>, and the <a href="https://www.keweenawhistory.org/Eagle-Harbor-Lifesaving-Station/" target="_blank">Eagle Harbor Lifesaving Station</a>. These two attractions were an added bonus to our day up to Copper Harbor. </p><p>I have so many photos from our trip, I'll let them speak for themselves. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlUvwsGQp5I/YOsgD3IrESI/AAAAAAAAV0w/ZKCzPQN4R3Q1Oq32pyT4WKWd8xvdyA6wgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210622_171950378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlUvwsGQp5I/YOsgD3IrESI/AAAAAAAAV0w/ZKCzPQN4R3Q1Oq32pyT4WKWd8xvdyA6wgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210622_171950378.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McLain State Park • Site 65</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afknxKXes_g/YOsgDxY9g7I/AAAAAAAAV0w/tLZXRod1XasRuhKGYHVvHm2vbZIzeFEUQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210622_172101113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afknxKXes_g/YOsgDxY9g7I/AAAAAAAAV0w/tLZXRod1XasRuhKGYHVvHm2vbZIzeFEUQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210622_172101113.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McLain State Park • Site 65<br />Loved the shaded site and trees all the way around!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl4qjOEHb3c/YOsgD9oIRKI/AAAAAAAAV0w/ZTlIO0oSB9EoxmrciZ_9Wk-xbPFti9xKgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210622_172916110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl4qjOEHb3c/YOsgD9oIRKI/AAAAAAAAV0w/ZTlIO0oSB9EoxmrciZ_9Wk-xbPFti9xKgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210622_172916110.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Superior</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xz_yJ_3ak4/YOsgDwY41yI/AAAAAAAAV0w/UO36Gfka67cA7dc6ATSPt_eOXp3GjnbjQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210623_092331129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xz_yJ_3ak4/YOsgDwY41yI/AAAAAAAAV0w/UO36Gfka67cA7dc6ATSPt_eOXp3GjnbjQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210623_092331129.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Started my mornings with coffee and Harry Potter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2P7Qmyg4uc/YOsgD3kj40I/AAAAAAAAV0w/8gmVcFFFH0w-w_IujhKIjsNW8QtLwH-rACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210623_145332958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2P7Qmyg4uc/YOsgD3kj40I/AAAAAAAAV0w/8gmVcFFFH0w-w_IujhKIjsNW8QtLwH-rACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210623_145332958.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://takemytrip.com/2018/05/covered-road-to-freda-michigan-during-fall/" target="_blank">Covered road in Freda, MI</a><br />The forest overtakes the road and creates<br />a tunnel of trees. Simply gorgeous!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbt8n8nqLos/YOsgD-LJpqI/AAAAAAAAV0w/IN5NN-LlJi0ffaXIe3BlTSg-cY7jiWn4gCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210623_130508766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbt8n8nqLos/YOsgD-LJpqI/AAAAAAAAV0w/IN5NN-LlJi0ffaXIe3BlTSg-cY7jiWn4gCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210623_130508766.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houghton, MI<br />A great college town with a beautiful riverwalk<br />and super cute downtown shops<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJYD8yL1dD4/YOsgDxYmcoI/AAAAAAAAV0w/zHrBmDqQF9I3Z326B4cENvRYDswSXQDXQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210623_170251166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJYD8yL1dD4/YOsgDxYmcoI/AAAAAAAAV0w/zHrBmDqQF9I3Z326B4cENvRYDswSXQDXQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210623_170251166.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy walking on the shores of Lake Superior</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdu6u-DuIOQ/YOsgDyAhpAI/AAAAAAAAV0w/KDBUFx6OYXYc6_dmKOtFr_dP7yZJnG08wCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210623_211629535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdu6u-DuIOQ/YOsgDyAhpAI/AAAAAAAAV0w/KDBUFx6OYXYc6_dmKOtFr_dP7yZJnG08wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210623_211629535.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Superior Sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smeZTbgUABw/YOsgD1O-OqI/AAAAAAAAV0w/Wl-ccm3Ikf0HYsKbdiOUQ_cI8P_o5UWpgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210623_211836439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smeZTbgUABw/YOsgD1O-OqI/AAAAAAAAV0w/Wl-ccm3Ikf0HYsKbdiOUQ_cI8P_o5UWpgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210623_211836439.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Superior Sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eErc_QnbGP8/YOsgD3A3VVI/AAAAAAAAV0w/-Gghzo19WaI6yJvpN-RNfz7dmQj39MwHgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210624_114742389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eErc_QnbGP8/YOsgD3A3VVI/AAAAAAAAV0w/-Gghzo19WaI6yJvpN-RNfz7dmQj39MwHgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210624_114742389.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=419&type=SPRK" target="_blank">Historical Fort Wilkins State Park</a><br />in Cooper Harbor, MI</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhkNVEKj85A/YOsgDx_4yxI/AAAAAAAAV0w/pgfvW3NzgykKDlM1Dsowsw_qmiGPL1SRACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210624_134432583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhkNVEKj85A/YOsgDx_4yxI/AAAAAAAAV0w/pgfvW3NzgykKDlM1Dsowsw_qmiGPL1SRACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210624_134432583.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful flowers of Cooper Harbor, MI.<br />I love purple!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODCqrMz7Qpc/YOsgD0RivKI/AAAAAAAAV0w/fJjiCAn_8s4P0L8J5319Ekmq5g3V5mgRACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210624_135122154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODCqrMz7Qpc/YOsgD0RivKI/AAAAAAAAV0w/fJjiCAn_8s4P0L8J5319Ekmq5g3V5mgRACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210624_135122154.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I love orange!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lhdJ7oPcDQ/YOsgD7FzHlI/AAAAAAAAV0w/JMHXkuZHzQEx9lJhvAwzhJVTyJiFHn3kACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210624_151647653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lhdJ7oPcDQ/YOsgD7FzHlI/AAAAAAAAV0w/JMHXkuZHzQEx9lJhvAwzhJVTyJiFHn3kACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210624_151647653.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob's Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DivcU-isI7o/YOsgD3VuLLI/AAAAAAAAV0w/POkS71IrvSk9Dx3opcT04FffNYo6xwBbACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210624_145130619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DivcU-isI7o/YOsgD3VuLLI/AAAAAAAAV0w/POkS71IrvSk9Dx3opcT04FffNYo6xwBbACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210624_145130619.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.keweenawhistory.org/Eagle-Harbor-Lifesaving-Station/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Eagle Harbor Lifesaving Station</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzeeQHxWbLU/YOsgDxx2JAI/AAAAAAAAV0w/O7QvpLMzuC8BFw7rbwIfoO7Xge7B1jdNgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210624_180803085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzeeQHxWbLU/YOsgDxx2JAI/AAAAAAAAV0w/O7QvpLMzuC8BFw7rbwIfoO7Xge7B1jdNgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210624_180803085.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driftwood on Lake Superior</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uOSTFayNKc/YOsgD2p7zmI/AAAAAAAAV0w/pGJq1VYnAN4nYnGk66KyEVu468OaFmMegCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210625_134646441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uOSTFayNKc/YOsgD2p7zmI/AAAAAAAAV0w/pGJq1VYnAN4nYnGk66KyEVu468OaFmMegCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210625_134646441.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rock pier at McLain State Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drlSgY4Xfks/YOsgD9NYPFI/AAAAAAAAV0w/uH1YwLgq3ho17zhzfzBgYUDCvCNGrG5vQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210625_134621826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drlSgY4Xfks/YOsgD9NYPFI/AAAAAAAAV0w/uH1YwLgq3ho17zhzfzBgYUDCvCNGrG5vQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210625_134621826.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water is just so clear and the boulders <br />are HUGE!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrt-coGu6Ng/YOsgD_Akp5I/AAAAAAAAV0w/GEL_Cv_byYoOy1Fb3HKAPizdzcDdbKtugCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210625_215043737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrt-coGu6Ng/YOsgD_Akp5I/AAAAAAAAV0w/GEL_Cv_byYoOy1Fb3HKAPizdzcDdbKtugCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210625_215043737.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sunset on our last night at McLain <br />State Park. My favorite! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4kdR4mVJWk/YOsgD9KzJTI/AAAAAAAAV0w/ZmxEHjNRRNA_ZZlskZ8OP3qwUPm8YNcSwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210625_215559003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4kdR4mVJWk/YOsgD9KzJTI/AAAAAAAAV0w/ZmxEHjNRRNA_ZZlskZ8OP3qwUPm8YNcSwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210625_215559003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great way to end our time at McLain <br />State Park!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5i2EQUc0Lg/YOsgD3AcgoI/AAAAAAAAV0w/6F1ZXohxMh406xJCDUOA4fxw771RcxIfwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210625_215753069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5i2EQUc0Lg/YOsgD3AcgoI/AAAAAAAAV0w/6F1ZXohxMh406xJCDUOA4fxw771RcxIfwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210625_215753069.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simply the BEST!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>Our adventure will continue as we travel to Lake Gogebic State Park in Marensico, MI. In the meantime, stay safe and happy camping!</p><p><br /></p>Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-5926249614040992842021-07-08T21:57:00.001-04:002021-07-08T22:06:35.945-04:00Oh Michigan!<p>We hit the road again on Saturday, June 19 for a 17-day road trip to the upper peninsula of Michigan and then home through Wisconsin. Last year, we had this trip planned, but Covid happened and we had to cancel.</p><p>Thankfully, we were able to get into all the same state parks that we wanted. We figured we probably won't make it back to the western upper peninsula for a while so we were happy that we could go to all the places we wanted. </p><p>We did a quick stop at my brother's property in Clare, MI overnight. We were greeted by his new security guard and found some new decorations at the property. They are always adding new and fun things around. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EubkLA7cto/YOendWHWhVI/AAAAAAAAVzk/Cv4MmW4FfzAHyPHHnV4KuDrKuoGl_E3FwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210619_161027998.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EubkLA7cto/YOendWHWhVI/AAAAAAAAVzk/Cv4MmW4FfzAHyPHHnV4KuDrKuoGl_E3FwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210619_161027998.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new security at my Brother's property.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDPHD_Vd6w4/YOendRLJODI/AAAAAAAAVzk/PmEGyTLltYop0W6_Bk7cT-QRxQBjpo0bgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210619_161148249.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDPHD_Vd6w4/YOendRLJODI/AAAAAAAAVzk/PmEGyTLltYop0W6_Bk7cT-QRxQBjpo0bgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210619_161148249.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like Barbie is having a great time and <br />so does everyone else when they visit!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The next morning we were back on the road and heading for the upper peninsula. Many of you know my fear of bridges, so I was already anticipating the drive across "The Mighty Mac!" It was a gorgeous day with very little wind, so I was very thankful for that. I'm happy to report that this was the second time in my 47 years that I kept my eyes open as we crossed. Jimmy asked me to take some pictures along the way, so that kept my occupied. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ND7Rf4fidqY/YOeoLI89MaI/AAAAAAAAVzs/PVEVFAO9SFQT3Pe2dqzlvqEE0DabSdubQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210620_150849923.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ND7Rf4fidqY/YOeoLI89MaI/AAAAAAAAVzs/PVEVFAO9SFQT3Pe2dqzlvqEE0DabSdubQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210620_150849923.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mighty Mac</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3PxtlFoCqQ/YOeoLK8OHnI/AAAAAAAAVzs/topKRY-GNrIMRf3KFhMdiqGLV96bLHGDQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210620_150631264.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3PxtlFoCqQ/YOeoLK8OHnI/AAAAAAAAVzs/topKRY-GNrIMRf3KFhMdiqGLV96bLHGDQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210620_150631264.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view is pretty spectacular!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idhgtilq1g8/YOeoLGUvAkI/AAAAAAAAVzs/g0ijHcL7lYYJYYYwfwuDxh_Q1JPbTV2UgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210620_150803429.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idhgtilq1g8/YOeoLGUvAkI/AAAAAAAAVzs/g0ijHcL7lYYJYYYwfwuDxh_Q1JPbTV2UgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210620_150803429.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super proud that I kept my eyes open!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Our second stop on our 17-day trip was at <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=420&type=SPRK" target="_blank">Indian Lake State Park</a> in Manistique, MI. Our campsite was right on Indian Lake and it was just beautiful until Monday morning when the temperatures dipped to 39 DEGREES (Oh Michigan!) and we had driving rain with a very sharp 40 mph wind off the lake. I can't even begin to tell you that I'm glad this wind wasn't on Sunday as we were crossing the Mackinaw Bridge. I would have been freaking out for sure! I'm super glad that I packed for almost every season. My coat came in handy!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa58lb2AgQg/YOepfcYAPRI/AAAAAAAAV0A/nDDLrZ9nC8od7dCCaF5WtvS4_q2YE8OfwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210621_200114293.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa58lb2AgQg/YOepfcYAPRI/AAAAAAAAV0A/nDDLrZ9nC8od7dCCaF5WtvS4_q2YE8OfwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210621_200114293.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x5_C_RhYtmc/YOeovcqv16I/AAAAAAAAVz0/2HIW_sk8XYAABrFihAqyzzBOn2UQiYI7ACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210621_201025829.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x5_C_RhYtmc/YOeovcqv16I/AAAAAAAAVz0/2HIW_sk8XYAABrFihAqyzzBOn2UQiYI7ACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210621_201025829.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Lake </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrVcvsO7FJs/YOeovZjAGyI/AAAAAAAAVz0/UWxZbxE7XBAcRMOpgHFJVnFmpsVxJwtkACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210620_175910969.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrVcvsO7FJs/YOeovZjAGyI/AAAAAAAAVz0/UWxZbxE7XBAcRMOpgHFJVnFmpsVxJwtkACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210620_175910969.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Lake State Park • Site 62</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The wind finally calmed down and the sun came out so we quickly ventured out to one of the upper peninsula's biggest attractions, The Big Springs, otherwise know as <a href="http://www.visitmanistique.com/bigspring.shtml" target="_blank">Kitch-iti-kipi</a>. This freshwater spring has a self-operated observation deck that takes visitors across the spring. The water is so clear that you can see the fish and the actual springs themselves bubbling up. It is a must if you are ever in the area!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqxyPSu4tKI/YOepTLYkkSI/AAAAAAAAVz8/8YcAFSGUPggQLdN28-tm7Jr1ak7_4a-DgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210621_190533461.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqxyPSu4tKI/YOepTLYkkSI/AAAAAAAAVz8/8YcAFSGUPggQLdN28-tm7Jr1ak7_4a-DgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210621_190533461.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The self-operated platform at Kitch-iti-kipi.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBx6jGi2now/YOepTJ54rOI/AAAAAAAAVz8/EmZ88aSaXIsY0m-949ASNkS9x6PYKG-vgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210621_190055409.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBx6jGi2now/YOepTJ54rOI/AAAAAAAAVz8/EmZ88aSaXIsY0m-949ASNkS9x6PYKG-vgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210621_190055409.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down into the crystal clear water.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0m7DYF6h0fM/YOepTAtpwrI/AAAAAAAAVz8/wwmPSJ3Rj0wPxzqy3EfSxa2gl3MluQGogCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210621_185653047.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0m7DYF6h0fM/YOepTAtpwrI/AAAAAAAAVz8/wwmPSJ3Rj0wPxzqy3EfSxa2gl3MluQGogCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210621_185653047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our captain!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGe0ikb4Jfs/YOepTIBojTI/AAAAAAAAVz8/jMrPhm3xNG0kK-uOmAEPwkKqCdbhfdcgwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210621_121747079.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGe0ikb4Jfs/YOepTIBojTI/AAAAAAAAVz8/jMrPhm3xNG0kK-uOmAEPwkKqCdbhfdcgwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210621_121747079.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitch-iti-kipi</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Another highlight of this stop was getting our first (and only) pasty. We were really looking forward to this treat and it didn't disappoint. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kijEXVHNvlA/YOeqCbdq8XI/AAAAAAAAV0I/XO1_r0VVFuMdIKLk_PmoJgJQhdntgUTpACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210621_145054020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kijEXVHNvlA/YOeqCbdq8XI/AAAAAAAAV0I/XO1_r0VVFuMdIKLk_PmoJgJQhdntgUTpACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210621_145054020.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our one and only pasty. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our adventure will continue as we travel to McLain State Park in Hancock, MI. In the meantime, stay safe and happy camping!</p>Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-20986618795651509422021-05-26T18:37:00.001-04:002021-05-26T21:07:18.000-04:00Why Stay Home?<p>What do you do when you have a free weekend? Why you camp, of course! </p><p>As I had previously mentioned, it is nearly impossible to make camping reservations at any of the state parks when we just want to sneak away for a weekend on short notice. We are super lucky that my brother has a piece of property at <a href="http://www.whitebirch.org" target="_blank">White Birch Recreation Area</a> in Farwell, MI that is just right for a quick get-away. We headed out pretty spontaneously for the weekend of May 21.</p><p>They have had this property for almost a year and have done some amazing things to it. The surroundings are absolutely beautiful, and at night, it turns into a Christmas fantasy light show. They did an amazing job making this place an awesome, cozy place to be.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RyaYwJalLfs/YKv17bu_zvI/AAAAAAAAVE4/eg8GIxq87goadpMIgUgoCAZ3LQtLqWbkgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210521_143148277.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RyaYwJalLfs/YKv17bu_zvI/AAAAAAAAVE4/eg8GIxq87goadpMIgUgoCAZ3LQtLqWbkgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210521_143148277.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whitebirch.org" target="_blank">White Birch Recreation Area</a> – Farwell, MI</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ltp82XB-S0/YKv17Zner_I/AAAAAAAAVE4/9RRQsPpT1TMIPY5CuumSNVJfitFZqFy0wCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210521_135816621.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ltp82XB-S0/YKv17Zner_I/AAAAAAAAVE4/9RRQsPpT1TMIPY5CuumSNVJfitFZqFy0wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210521_135816621.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up close and personal with <br />a Pileated Woodpeaker.<br />He's stunning!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGQ431bjv3Q/YKv17UqQrrI/AAAAAAAAVE4/En0n6Vc-UbAKQyLpRtIX6kixdpfTj2pPwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210522_210042416.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGQ431bjv3Q/YKv17UqQrrI/AAAAAAAAVE4/En0n6Vc-UbAKQyLpRtIX6kixdpfTj2pPwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210522_210042416.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother's New Sign.<br />It is perfect!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlLvNz-F2ZY/YKv17eP8jzI/AAAAAAAAVE4/BGni9sxd36g8uTK853BnnyJIBlrrL99YwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210522_215053559.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlLvNz-F2ZY/YKv17eP8jzI/AAAAAAAAVE4/BGni9sxd36g8uTK853BnnyJIBlrrL99YwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210522_215053559.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Fantasy Light Show <br />from the driveway. This photos doesn't do it justice!<br />Nancy and Trina, you did a great job with all <br />the lights this year!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>On Saturday, we finally took the plunge and went out to eat. Jim and I haven't been inside a restaurant since Covid-19 started. We absolutely love going to different breweries when we are travelling and haven't done this in over a year. <a href="https://fourleafbrewing.com" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Four Leaf Brewing</a> in Clare, MI was a great little spot. My brother had been raving about having the "best sandwich of his life" at this place, so I had to try it. He was right! It was the best sandwich of my life. It was so good that I ate it before I even thought about taking a picture of it. The Groope Turkey and Ham was layered with provolone cheese, tomatoes, cabbage, garlic mayo and ancho sauce. The bread was the freshest ciabatta that I've ever had. My mouth is watering thinking about this. I paired it with their latest summer beer, Strawberry Shortcake, which was so refreshing and very flavorful. If you're ever in Clare, please do stop by. You won't be disappointed!</div><div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgBWVk-GZN0/YKv17dHuhMI/AAAAAAAAVE4/B1il5toViIgncluZpu33sgagG-yWrLEzwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210522_172145212.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgBWVk-GZN0/YKv17dHuhMI/AAAAAAAAVE4/B1il5toViIgncluZpu33sgagG-yWrLEzwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210522_172145212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Shortcake Beer from <br /><a href="https://fourleafbrewing.com" target="_blank">Four Leaf Brewing</a> in Clare, MI</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>After a great meal, we strolled the streets of Clare (to walk off our dinner) and stumbled across some great murals. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMrIZG1xFwc/YKv17SayrkI/AAAAAAAAVE4/MOnPfxWgz-gSlAr7Mz3E8wBFXrlFVRBeACPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210522_182726924.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMrIZG1xFwc/YKv17SayrkI/AAAAAAAAVE4/MOnPfxWgz-gSlAr7Mz3E8wBFXrlFVRBeACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210522_182726924.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Clare, MI</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VGBPJXi6vQ/YKv17TIIvjI/AAAAAAAAVE4/piIc0DLcP-ci1Ke_8K6uDTHIjN7mmx2RgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210522_182740314.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VGBPJXi6vQ/YKv17TIIvjI/AAAAAAAAVE4/piIc0DLcP-ci1Ke_8K6uDTHIjN7mmx2RgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210522_182740314.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Mural in Downtown Clare, MI</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HA6k8m4yUsY/YKv17cQoi4I/AAAAAAAAVE4/4ZR4vQz1_wwpGzyhroYA1LizDVcyGKzrwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20210522_182752985.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HA6k8m4yUsY/YKv17cQoi4I/AAAAAAAAVE4/4ZR4vQz1_wwpGzyhroYA1LizDVcyGKzrwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210522_182752985.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So pretty...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We had an awesome weekend up north and are looking forward to return trips to come. </div><div><br /></div><div>As always, be safe and happy camping!<p></p></div></div>Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-63764593187199487592021-05-24T14:39:00.004-04:002021-05-24T17:05:45.024-04:00Hocking Hills Never Disappoints!<p style="text-align: left;">The 2021 camping season is well underway. I cannot remember the last time we got out so early in the season. We didn't do much camping last season due to Covid-19, so I feel that we have a lot of making up to do. </p><p>Speaking of Covid-19, it is unbelievable how busy and completely booked the campgrounds are already. It is going to be super hard to be spontaneous this year. I started looking back in March at the different state parks within a 4-5 hour drive of Michigan and it was crazy to see a majority of the parks already booked for April and May. </p><p>We settled on our shake-down trip for this year to be to Hocking Hills, Ohio. We've been there at least 4 times that I can remember. Hocking Hills State Park was completely booked by the time I went to make reservations. Good thing we like trying different parks! </p><p>We set off on April 28 for <a href="https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lake-hope-state-park" target="_blank">Lake Hope State Park</a> in McArthur, Ohio. We stayed on site 76. The best thing about Lake Hope State Park was we had some incredible neighbors. Most camping folks are super friendly people, but this couple was amazing! I don't remember ever inviting our neighbors to join us for a campfire. We enjoyed our night with them and the endless hours of conversations. We hope that our paths across again. Great to met you Kathy and Dick!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSLcNgDRnM4/YKvkAClus6I/AAAAAAAAVEc/TnkTtJ16Zrgs86u7Pe6VHwJPU6J0a0oewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210430_120900229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSLcNgDRnM4/YKvkAClus6I/AAAAAAAAVEc/TnkTtJ16Zrgs86u7Pe6VHwJPU6J0a0oewCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h236/IMG_20210430_120900229.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Hope State Park - Site 76<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npw07Gzh-FA/YKvh7LmabxI/AAAAAAAAVDI/A7ErWWvLBi8F5f433VnbKVtT2BPC_eNlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210430_183700809.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npw07Gzh-FA/YKvh7LmabxI/AAAAAAAAVDI/A7ErWWvLBi8F5f433VnbKVtT2BPC_eNlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20210430_183700809.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First campfire of the season!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: left;">I've never really been a history buff, but I think as I age, I'm enjoying learning more about the past. We stumbled across the <a href="https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hope-furnace-ruins" target="_blank">Hope Furnace</a> which is a historic blast furnace that was constructed between 1853-1854. The Hope Furnace processed iron ore which was extracted from the sandstone bedrock. This mammoth rock structure still stands today right outside of Lake Hope State Park. It was amazing to me that these furnaces were tended to 24 hours a day and that hundreds of men worked countless hours to assist in the production of the iron. </p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9485teGxvQ/YKvhb9AQ8-I/AAAAAAAAVCk/eHGJPNHwppc9cx54kRsFFZl8HKF_VoJSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210428_184432552.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9485teGxvQ/YKvhb9AQ8-I/AAAAAAAAVCk/eHGJPNHwppc9cx54kRsFFZl8HKF_VoJSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h246/IMG_20210428_184432552.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Hope Furnace</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn-p2lw059U/YKvmSXRjUYI/AAAAAAAAVEo/JHuKkB2uRWcuVwcYcsWmNATwhAmMJauogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210428_184917917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn-p2lw059U/YKvmSXRjUYI/AAAAAAAAVEo/JHuKkB2uRWcuVwcYcsWmNATwhAmMJauogCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20210428_184917917.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope Furnace</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>On Saturday, May 1, we moved to <a href="https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/tar-hollow-state-park-campground" target="_blank">Tar Hallow State Park</a> (site 67) in Laurelville, Ohio. Both of these parks were about 30 minutes from Hocking Hills. I was a little hesitant about Tar Hallow State Park, but it turned out just fine. We didn't have any cell phone service, so I was forced to unplug. The park had the cutest putt-putt course (see photos below) and a beautiful lake. Too bad that it rained a lot, but I did enjoy a number of hours lost in my Harry Potter book. I am super glad that we picked both of these places as the Hocking Hills area, along with all of the attractions, were super busy. Being able to get away from that each night was so refreshing. </div><div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDTU0x6gyEA/YKvh_dpiHXI/AAAAAAAAVDQ/E-e0-JeGwPkjm5cyWN5J_1_HeffawIFEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210502_163459433.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDTU0x6gyEA/YKvh_dpiHXI/AAAAAAAAVDQ/E-e0-JeGwPkjm5cyWN5J_1_HeffawIFEACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210502_163459433.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Tar Hallow State Park - Site 67<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X50vEJ3gocQ/YKviIZMVz8I/AAAAAAAAVDU/vKBkn-toC5Mr0Y6n2SDMIbv2Q-B498s7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210503_121514189.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X50vEJ3gocQ/YKviIZMVz8I/AAAAAAAAVDU/vKBkn-toC5Mr0Y6n2SDMIbv2Q-B498s7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210503_121514189.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cutest putt-putt course ever!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRCeXuwZDEk/YKviNb7BqEI/AAAAAAAAVDc/utodW5rG0Vwvvc6l6tWvqzyJUgJvGKiEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210503_121535925.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRCeXuwZDEk/YKviNb7BqEI/AAAAAAAAVDc/utodW5rG0Vwvvc6l6tWvqzyJUgJvGKiEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210503_121535925.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are pretty sure this was hand-made<br />putt-putt course.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zeyRGzdqDc/YKviKzgscdI/AAAAAAAAVDY/Nswkt9scSyYlEEzp6z7GG5hGN6xoEj0WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210503_121848404.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zeyRGzdqDc/YKviKzgscdI/AAAAAAAAVDY/Nswkt9scSyYlEEzp6z7GG5hGN6xoEj0WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210503_121848404.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lake at Tar Hallow State Park.<br />Would have been perfect for kayaking!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br />Even though we have visited all of the area attractions before, we seemed to discover or see something new from a different vantage point. All of the hiking trails were designated one-way now, so that may have had something to do with it. Here's some photos from the various Hocking Hills Parks:</p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2brns-F6n0/YKvhpVqFl9I/AAAAAAAAVCw/Ky4Meugsu5EUtNuMChN-v8uS82htV_lLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210430_133036938.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2brns-F6n0/YKvhpVqFl9I/AAAAAAAAVCw/Ky4Meugsu5EUtNuMChN-v8uS82htV_lLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210430_133036938.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cedar Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIFmsMZAJUU/YKvhqnjN7nI/AAAAAAAAVC0/otsQBtZxhiYEHZvlKEwmH2hHuxsqBqPqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210430_142738291.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIFmsMZAJUU/YKvhqnjN7nI/AAAAAAAAVC0/otsQBtZxhiYEHZvlKEwmH2hHuxsqBqPqACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210430_142738291.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ash Cave</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAyKZqQw1sw/YKvid5o_icI/AAAAAAAAVD0/j3wAAALFdoAfozwI6ipw6qreyYXNcqFKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210503_132410819.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAyKZqQw1sw/YKvid5o_icI/AAAAAAAAVD0/j3wAAALFdoAfozwI6ipw6qreyYXNcqFKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210503_132410819.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Man's Cave</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raTyPQIXZBg/YKviZE96c2I/AAAAAAAAVDo/6JhyhXx-bOc3QDnY-nLZrJGuQbr7-5RngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210503_132752129.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raTyPQIXZBg/YKviZE96c2I/AAAAAAAAVDo/6JhyhXx-bOc3QDnY-nLZrJGuQbr7-5RngCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210503_132752129.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Man's Cave</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77t5XFy9PQk/YKviop8hWdI/AAAAAAAAVEE/JglhWAJ-zXgANm0EMCy1205huGEpLPX2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210503_134519047.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77t5XFy9PQk/YKviop8hWdI/AAAAAAAAVEE/JglhWAJ-zXgANm0EMCy1205huGEpLPX2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210503_134519047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Man's Cave</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VF9NS6Yj2ug/YKvipDMDUDI/AAAAAAAAVEI/gCuQzIPC3_IjDG_5kx8GMBlXRAGUcD4UwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210503_135110898.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VF9NS6Yj2ug/YKvipDMDUDI/AAAAAAAAVEI/gCuQzIPC3_IjDG_5kx8GMBlXRAGUcD4UwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210503_135110898.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Man's Cave</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyqGzNDPeZo/YKviokbIUQI/AAAAAAAAVEA/Z33SofGcfHkmOZ1cwUSNzwVyqwf6yAu2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210503_145600265.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyqGzNDPeZo/YKviokbIUQI/AAAAAAAAVEA/Z33SofGcfHkmOZ1cwUSNzwVyqwf6yAu2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210503_145600265.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conkle's Hollow</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Despite lots of rains, we still had a great trip and it was the most normal thing we have done in a while. Here's to more camping and returning to normalcy (or whatever that is)!</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, be safe and happy camping! </div>Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-78108584261037053592020-11-09T20:01:00.000-05:002020-11-09T20:01:10.997-05:00Always Remember to Look Up!<div class="separator">When we have a 70-plus degree weekend in Michigan in November, we should be camping. Since we are not out enjoying the last bit of this gorgeous fall weather, I thought I'd write about our second and last trip of the season.</div><p>With the pandemic, campgrounds are super busy and it is hard to get any reservations especially spanning over two consecutive weekends. We built our trip around staying at my brother's property again at <a href="https://www.whitebirch.org" target="_blank">White Birch Lake Association</a> in Farwell, MI. It was a no-brainer to book during the week at<a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=468&type=SPRK" target="_blank"> Ludington State Park</a> in Ludington, MI. My brother's property is about 90 miles from Ludington so we could stay the first weekend at <a href="https://www.whitebirch.org" target="_blank">White Birch</a>, shoot over to Ludington for the week, and then landed back at <a href="https://www.whitebirch.org" target="_blank">White Birch </a>to round out our 10-day trip. </p><p>During the first weekend at <a href="https://www.whitebirch.org" target="_blank">White Birch Lake</a>, the girls had a craft day. Now, if you know me, you know that I don't craft much and it has been a super long time since I have done anything crafty. It didn't hurt that we made two of my favorite things...pumpkins and snowmen. It was so much fun and I happy to report that our craft-teacher, Chris, said that I was a good student!</p><p>We moved over to <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=468&type=SPRK" target="_blank">Ludington State Park</a> on Sunday. This park is outstanding! This is our third time camping there. There is so much to do from hiking to bicycling to kayaking. Since we aren't going out to eat, shopping, or visiting breweries, we knew the park had enough to offer to keep us busy. </p><p>On Sunday night, it was super windy and cold. We decided to order a pizza from the <a href="http://chuckwagonpizza.net" target="_blank">Chuckwagon Pizza</a>, which is not far from the park. Holy Moly!! Check out the pizza below. This was by far some of the best pizza I've ever had. Not to mention that I LOVE MUSHROOMS and look at how many were on this pizza. My mouth is watering again just thinking about it. </p><p>We experienced all kinds of Michigan weather. We definitely needed a fire in the evenings to keep us warm and the heat on in the camper. The days were almost perfect for hiking and bicycling. We logged just over 25 miles of hiking for the week. </p><p>One of my missions for this week was to try and photograph a bright red tree. Fall is my favorite time of year and I love to see the colors changing around me (especially the bright red ones). I probably took around 40-50 different photos and couldn't get it right. My photos don't really do it justice, but I'm happy with a couple that I finally took back at <a href="https://www.whitebirch.org" target="_blank">White Birch</a> on our second weekend while sitting around the campfire. I'm usually mesmerized by the fire and watching it dance, but this time I decided to look up and I noticed this beautiful red tree. Just a reminder, don't forget to always lookup. You might be missing the beauty above you from the brilliant, blue sky to the beautiful fall colors. </p><p>It's hard to believe we only made it out for two trips in 2020. This whole year has been one for the record books. I'm thankful that my brother and sister-in-law are very gracious to let us use their property. We have been super cautious with Covid and this way we were still able to camp and enjoy time well-spent with my family. We still enjoyed our time in Ludington too. As with everything this year, it has just been different and very strange. </p><p>As for now, the Pod is all packed away in the barn for a long winter's nap. Let's hope 2021 brings more normalcy (whatever that is) and more opportunities to camp and travel. </p><p>Be Safe and Happy Camping!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcuWl8g-trM/X6mVPWQx3UI/AAAAAAAATZc/0i8UKAwxiRAg5jrvT9ovXkzFpowGcbs6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201003_113229490.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcuWl8g-trM/X6mVPWQx3UI/AAAAAAAATZc/0i8UKAwxiRAg5jrvT9ovXkzFpowGcbs6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201003_113229490.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craft Day!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwgmUedUfLA/X6mVU4NIrXI/AAAAAAAATZg/L59aRgwCe505OINg54mMMvb0xmEYFSlMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201003_153653848.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwgmUedUfLA/X6mVU4NIrXI/AAAAAAAATZg/L59aRgwCe505OINg54mMMvb0xmEYFSlMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201003_153653848.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they awesome? I can't wait to put mine<br />on my front porch soon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvKMY7NTJ0w/X6mVdpMzRRI/AAAAAAAATZk/2-g7ytqO9fom8s5NZMDXVXh0uIgPeF5pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201004_092209784.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvKMY7NTJ0w/X6mVdpMzRRI/AAAAAAAATZk/2-g7ytqO9fom8s5NZMDXVXh0uIgPeF5pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201004_092209784.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.whitebirch.org" target="_blank">White Birch Lake</a> with <br />my Brother and Sister-In-Law.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUSDYXTAa9k/X6mVhej6fdI/AAAAAAAATZs/ymU4pz7nbeg_tZgEMk4cOvQI8vKLziDZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201004_170200352.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUSDYXTAa9k/X6mVhej6fdI/AAAAAAAATZs/ymU4pz7nbeg_tZgEMk4cOvQI8vKLziDZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201004_170200352.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy checking out Lake Michigan.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe3iBmaqkv8/X6mVkBaZ6MI/AAAAAAAATZw/18DIq4hGpqQdEHBIU7LLdEVfJdSt0QTQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201004_182316598.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe3iBmaqkv8/X6mVkBaZ6MI/AAAAAAAATZw/18DIq4hGpqQdEHBIU7LLdEVfJdSt0QTQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201004_182316598.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chuckwagonpizza.net">Chuckwagon Pizza</a> in Ludington, MI.<br />Holy Mushrooms — Yummy!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBlRtf50A0o/X6mVv2SyrcI/AAAAAAAATZ8/NXDyi-oYpDwvdAg9d8B-mo_qfTBDojeBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201005_120449194.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBlRtf50A0o/X6mVv2SyrcI/AAAAAAAATZ8/NXDyi-oYpDwvdAg9d8B-mo_qfTBDojeBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201005_120449194.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamlin Lake from the Lost Lake Trail<br /> at <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=468&type=SPRK" target="_blank">Ludington State Park</a>.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjB5WwgBFvU/X6mV1ZYm25I/AAAAAAAATaI/dM94ObvfeWMBugxed91r5tq77_4cbbyQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201005_173839173.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjB5WwgBFvU/X6mV1ZYm25I/AAAAAAAATaI/dM94ObvfeWMBugxed91r5tq77_4cbbyQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201005_173839173.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site 289 at Beechwood Campground <br />at <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=468&type=SPRK" target="_blank">Ludington State Park</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7H2S0Zwjmg0/X6mV6tjD4-I/AAAAAAAATaM/Llyx6tMzyocRH1f98n9bqJkT52D21qRtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201006_130647251.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7H2S0Zwjmg0/X6mV6tjD4-I/AAAAAAAATaM/Llyx6tMzyocRH1f98n9bqJkT52D21qRtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201006_130647251.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our hike to the lighthouse...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6mKYuufRzY/X6mWJ-LhArI/AAAAAAAATac/u-rVd8h5sQAWQH0S2b750jC8hwJieAlDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201006_133914254.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6mKYuufRzY/X6mWJ-LhArI/AAAAAAAATac/u-rVd8h5sQAWQH0S2b750jC8hwJieAlDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201006_133914254.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are getting closer...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iI2sg6TyD38/X6mWeqto4bI/AAAAAAAATas/hbXP1ztoDwMil5RmgLVu2u4PIrozH0vLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201006_134221200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iI2sg6TyD38/X6mWeqto4bI/AAAAAAAATas/hbXP1ztoDwMil5RmgLVu2u4PIrozH0vLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201006_134221200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YijOPSX6v0/X6mWswKSGZI/AAAAAAAATa0/jPeztgWB7Tsp1ogBID0bbLqXV0IRaQwswCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201008_150011609.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YijOPSX6v0/X6mWswKSGZI/AAAAAAAATa0/jPeztgWB7Tsp1ogBID0bbLqXV0IRaQwswCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201008_150011609.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Trying to get the perfect fall color photo<br />at <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=468&type=SPRK" target="_blank">Ludington State Park</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LmgMSLv_1o/X6mXOSvxlhI/AAAAAAAATbQ/O7LxCfuXGXElII_Scoq3CL1REenAR8bFQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201010_101008910.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LmgMSLv_1o/X6mXOSvxlhI/AAAAAAAATbQ/O7LxCfuXGXElII_Scoq3CL1REenAR8bFQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20201010_101008910.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our return trip to <a href="https://www.whitebirch.org" target="_blank">White Birch Lake</a>.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfgk0f18678/X6mWbPz1Y_I/AAAAAAAATao/Er3t_J7CFN49Tqfo3pmZ4dS3p_ylNwAcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201010_124334492.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfgk0f18678/X6mWbPz1Y_I/AAAAAAAATao/Er3t_J7CFN49Tqfo3pmZ4dS3p_ylNwAcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201010_124334492.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful vibrant blue sky against such <br />amazing colors at <a href="https://www.whitebirch.org" target="_blank">White Birch Lake</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9WkaeLmddU/X6mW2KRBaeI/AAAAAAAATbE/RYgEm0N7V9cGPlLwfjOgI9KqKwejrB3ggCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201010_101249371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9WkaeLmddU/X6mW2KRBaeI/AAAAAAAATbE/RYgEm0N7V9cGPlLwfjOgI9KqKwejrB3ggCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20201010_101249371.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always remember to look up!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsMB95KSDqY/X6mWDIOiz8I/AAAAAAAATaU/4yVElrICuZAkYIqbJzn9JiABTXW80H0oACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201011_154749634.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsMB95KSDqY/X6mWDIOiz8I/AAAAAAAATaU/4yVElrICuZAkYIqbJzn9JiABTXW80H0oACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201011_154749634.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got home and gave the Pod a good bath.<br />It's all packed away inside the barn <br />for a long winter's nap.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-73105005775315053272020-09-29T21:55:00.001-04:002020-09-29T22:00:50.285-04:00COVID Camping<p>I cannot believe it has almost been a year since I blogged about any camping adventure — Thanks COVID! We had several trips planned for 2020 but like almost everything else, they were canceled. </p><p>So here we are at the end of September and we finally made it out. Technically, we made it out camping in August but in my true fashion, I'm a little late in my blogging duties. </p><p>COVID has my hubby and I being extra cautious and even though Michigan has opened up on several levels, we are still super cautious. Several sources have cited that camping is a very minimal risk activity with being outside and in our case, being self-contained in our RPod. Meaning, we do not need to use any public facilities. It seems like several others caught on and campgrounds are nearly impossible to get into without planning ahead...WAY ahead. </p><p>So, thanks to my brother and his wife, Nancy, we were able to enjoy a fine weekend of camping on August 28-30, 2020 at a little slice of heaven at the <a href="https://www.whitebirch.org" target="_blank">White Birch Lakes Recreation Association</a> in Farwell, MI. It was an easy 3-hour drive up US-127 and they had the perfect camping spot all ready to welcome us and our little RPod. </p><p>Nancy had coffee ready every morning and Brother cooked for us. He was also an excellent tour guide for the weekend. We visited Clare, MI (which is the biggest, closest town) and the White Birch area itself. We took a very long golf cart ride around the White Birch area. It offers three different lakes, a clubhouse with a pool, playground, and putt-putt. We were super impressed with the area and will definitely be back (sooner than later)!</p><p>The hubby and I usually average about 10-12 camping trips a season and they are usually planned-out well in advance. It has been difficult for all of us during this pandemic. We were so thankful to get out of the house, enjoy nature and the beautiful surroundings that the area provided. We had wild turkeys pay us a visit one morning, the squirrels were fun to watch, and I lost track of the number of deer we saw over the course of the weekend. It was a great reminder that no matter what we are dealing with there is always something to be grateful for! This weekend was about family, spending time in nature, and stepping away from technology while proving to ourselves that we can be extremely safe in this crazy COVID world. </p><p>Be safe and happy camping!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--9dZKmPDeoI/X3Phjl9b3mI/AAAAAAAAS8M/1l8XAOUuK5wsLImu45p50UDX9bNglkCwQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--9dZKmPDeoI/X3Phjl9b3mI/AAAAAAAAS8M/1l8XAOUuK5wsLImu45p50UDX9bNglkCwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/image.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every road looks the same. <br />Tree-lined dirt roads for miles!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXTp2DaXMQM/X3Pmddn-klI/AAAAAAAAS8g/edNzuQy2vzcUnNFflxNTjuOEmv13SzdTQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20200829_085017897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IveGjq-P0QE/X3PmpqnpeqI/AAAAAAAAS8k/duUrkPP_Gng2WTeHLuNkD0Pk0eks50GGgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IveGjq-P0QE/X3PmpqnpeqI/AAAAAAAAS8k/duUrkPP_Gng2WTeHLuNkD0Pk0eks50GGgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it! Cell phone service isn't the best and<br />Brother and I were disconnected half-way in.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoNHsaTGH9I/X3Phcy3JeuI/AAAAAAAAS8E/1YK-agB3yTsg6PRNIEXay52mB9V_B_PUQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20200829_084523523.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoNHsaTGH9I/X3Phcy3JeuI/AAAAAAAAS8E/1YK-agB3yTsg6PRNIEXay52mB9V_B_PUQCPcBGAsYHg/w320-h240/IMG_20200829_084523523.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All set-up. Let the weekend begin!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx97_OiJ0S8/X3Phc7ycWAI/AAAAAAAAS8E/k-y8LVTMGAQO7oV0LTV42WzeAUEfLlIvQCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20200829_084435742.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx97_OiJ0S8/X3Phc7ycWAI/AAAAAAAAS8E/k-y8LVTMGAQO7oV0LTV42WzeAUEfLlIvQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20200829_084435742.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's like this spot was made for us. So cozy!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDLhPOoN6GE/X3Phc982krI/AAAAAAAAS8E/E-Tnqap8yLkmA_VotRWKjo2rAnDrKvFLwCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20200829_133137673.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYNv2yApdbQ/X3Phc_H86nI/AAAAAAAAS8E/1m1nwYq9eFM0fb-q05TeDp4qB0ICpRKwgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20200829_085356612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYNv2yApdbQ/X3Phc_H86nI/AAAAAAAAS8E/1m1nwYq9eFM0fb-q05TeDp4qB0ICpRKwgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20200829_085356612.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once a farmer, always a farmer!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KXzB0I8EZk/X3PhcyB6ygI/AAAAAAAAS8E/j6MtzJpokQc1Y7wFc36iAgU24Pzg6z94gCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20200829_084610574.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KXzB0I8EZk/X3PhcyB6ygI/AAAAAAAAS8E/j6MtzJpokQc1Y7wFc36iAgU24Pzg6z94gCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20200829_084610574.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always a very fine camp host — Thanks Brother!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfqVUplbH4E/X3Phc3TCTtI/AAAAAAAAS8E/OLsjG9oABuAGYDwj1iVFc5a4POnceFCsgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20200829_084616604.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfqVUplbH4E/X3Phc3TCTtI/AAAAAAAAS8E/OLsjG9oABuAGYDwj1iVFc5a4POnceFCsgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20200829_084616604.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy and his morning coffee — Thanks Sister!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sl8JujuVDAo/X3PhhprG8qI/AAAAAAAAS8I/g-KtRQIMaRkn76Acl6jHybJt5Tk09tiEwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sl8JujuVDAo/X3PhhprG8qI/AAAAAAAAS8I/g-KtRQIMaRkn76Acl6jHybJt5Tk09tiEwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the three lakes at White Birch. The water<br />level is super high!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rkowC3RAKk/X3Phc4979oI/AAAAAAAAS8E/3pwiHZOHIV0ls0pGIxyBbI8gVTdRLEcNgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20200829_140119316.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rkowC3RAKk/X3Phc4979oI/AAAAAAAAS8E/3pwiHZOHIV0ls0pGIxyBbI8gVTdRLEcNgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20200829_140119316.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another one of the lakes. It was a beautiful day. <br />We will have to bring our kayaks next time.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkviYBUlgTM/X3Phc9IglQI/AAAAAAAAS8E/4xmr6FatCmIXRN4_2Pk9PzPd8QvNRw2YgCPcBGAsYHg/s4160/IMG_20200829_085006026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-16727171705445026382019-10-23T18:53:00.000-04:002019-10-23T21:16:49.962-04:00Fun with Family and Friends in Frankenmuth<br />
One of the very first camping trips we planned in 2019 happens to be the very last camping trip of the season. Each year, we plan to camp with our friends, Don and Deb. For the last couple of years, we have been trying to join them at <a href="http://www.pineridgerv.com/" target="_blank">Pine Ridge RV Park</a> in Frankenmuth, MI. Something always gets in the way and it almost did again.<br />
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My cousin was getting married the same weekend we had planned to camp in Frankenmuth and I thought I was going to have to cancel our trip. It turned out that the wedding was only 20 minutes away from the campground. So, we decided to combine family and friends and all enjoy the weekend together. We had a mini-cousins camping reunion and even brought my mom along.<br />
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The weekend started out a little chilly for the first weekend in October but ended up pretty sunny and warm. The campground was super nice and we had full-hook up facilities which is a treat for us. We took my Mom to <a href="https://www.bronners.com/" target="_blank">Bronner's</a> on Saturday morning for a little Christmas fix before the wedding. I may have added a few more ornaments to my collection and started my Christmas shopping while I was there.<br />
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Brad and Renee's wedding was simply beautiful! It was at the <a href="https://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/durand-mi-drd/" target="_blank">Durand Train Station</a> in Durand, MI. The happy couple ended the night by literally getting on a train to spend a couple of days in Port Huron. It was so fun to usher them off.<br />
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On Sunday, Don, Deb, Jim and I headed off to <a href="https://northwoodsoutlet.com/" target="_blank">Northwoods</a> in Pinconning. Northwoods is a wholesale outlet store that has everything you could possibly need for hunting, fishing, camping, Halloween and Christmas. I may have acquired another snowman for my collection too.<br />
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This was a great weekend with a lot of my favorite people and a nice way to wrap up the 2019 camping season. It is hard to believe that another camping season is in the books. The husband is winterizing the Pod for its long winter's nap as I finish up this post.<br />
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I guess I have all winter to plan the 2020 camping season. I wonder what journeys await us?<br />
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I appreciate everyone reading my blog and leaving comments. I started this as a way for me to catalog our travels to all the places that we have camped. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.<br />
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We'll be counting down the days until next spring when our adventures continue . . .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Site 183 - Pine Ridge Campground in<br />
Frankenmuth, MI</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don and Jimmy - They really do like each other!<br />
Got Jimmy smiling again :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and Deb waiting for Jimmy to finish breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great cake topper!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sending off the Bride and Groom.<br />
Not the best picture but I tried.</td></tr>
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Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-79077767740369102032019-10-20T15:30:00.000-04:002019-10-20T15:30:05.167-04:00G.O.T.L.Our week's vacation continues with our next stop at <a href="http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/geneva" target="_blank">Geneva State Park</a> in Geneva, Ohio. It was a quick 2-hour drive from New York. When we take a week off we usually like to sneak in a couple of different parks to get some different experiences.<br />
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Geneva State Park is situated right across the street from Lake Erie. They offered a great, paved bike path that connected the campground to G.O.T.L. <b><u>G</u></b>eneva <b><u>O</u></b>n <b><u>T</u></b>he <b><u>L</u></b>ake (get it?) reminded me of Put-In-Bay. It was a resort town with a strip of stores, bars and carnival-like atmosphere. There wasn't much going on in September, but I have doubt this placing is hopping in the summer time.<br />
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Not much was open, but never fear, we did find a brewery at the end of the strip. <a href="http://www.gotlbrewing.com/home.html" target="_blank">GOTL Brewing Company</a> had a great outside bar that overlooked Lake Erie. We had the place to ourselves on a random Thursday afternoon for happy hour.<br />
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We weren't as busy here as we were in up-state New York. That's ok, as it was nice to sit around the campfire and enjoy the peace and quiet. I didn't take many photos either. Even though we were back in cell phone service land, I was trying to be mindful of disconnecting from my electronics. This was a great way to end our week's vacation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geneva State Park - Site 81</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spent a lot of time around the campfire</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from GOTL Brewing Company.<br />
Another spectacular day for the middle of September.</td></tr>
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<br />Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-25052557623349199692019-10-20T12:13:00.002-04:002019-10-20T12:13:39.391-04:00New York State of MindWe finally were able to get away for an entire week, yes 10 whole days, with just my hubby and the Pod! I'm not sure we are going to know what to do. This year has been crazy with work and family, so we've only been able to do long weekends. Better late than never, I guess!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allegany State Park - Site 129.</td></tr>
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For the week of September 15, we decided to head east to up state New York. Surprisingly, it was only a 6-hour drive to some beautiful countryside. We landed at <a href="https://parks.ny.gov/parks/1/details.aspx" target="_blank">Allegany State Park</a> near Salamanca, New York. What a beautiful area!<br />
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We arrived on a Saturday, September 14 to the Quaker Area Cain Hallow Campground to find our absolutely, secluded, campsite carved into a side of the mountain. The campground was pretty full for this time of year, but emptied out on Sunday night. We practically had the place to ourselves on through the rest of the time we were there. The colors were just starting to change and the weather was outstanding! We had one night of rain and the rest of time was sunny with temps in the 60's and 70's.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a Bear-Proof box sitting on our campsite.</td></tr>
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When we arrived at the park office, the ranger informed me that there were black bears in the area and I had to sign a bear wavier. WHAT??!!!! BEARS???!!!! He went onto to explain about proper food storage, etc. Sure enough, when we arrived on our site there was a metal storage container that you were suppose to put your food away each day/night if you were camping in a tent. Yikes!<br />
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Needlesstosay, we didn't see any bears. We figured as much since we drove all the way to Maine a couple of years ago and didn't see any moose, so why would we see bears in New York?<br />
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There was plenty to do in the park. There are 3 parks roads that meander through the 65,000 acres of forest. Some highlights include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Thunder Rock — an impressive rock formation of huge boulders.</li>
</ul>
<br /><br /><ul><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gJnn5A6tT0/Xaxw9bn895I/AAAAAAAAQsM/-rRXeFHNVzAccU7uYNW29m--B8Q6zQUQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190915_133745136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gJnn5A6tT0/Xaxw9bn895I/AAAAAAAAQsM/-rRXeFHNVzAccU7uYNW29m--B8Q6zQUQACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20190915_133745136.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thunder Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></ul>
<ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rxdW5UxacQ/Xaxw1FT1LmI/AAAAAAAAQsE/-CyNf9d4BOs8D1VQLp57Hn9X_LLTsWwxACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190915_133654308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rxdW5UxacQ/Xaxw1FT1LmI/AAAAAAAAQsE/-CyNf9d4BOs8D1VQLp57Hn9X_LLTsWwxACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20190915_133654308.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thunder Rock<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68cgSEXD9Sw/XaxwwBrgtFI/AAAAAAAAQr8/BMsXyY6Q8_QUnyvndgnplnwzhn1-VGZNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190915_133520559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68cgSEXD9Sw/XaxwwBrgtFI/AAAAAAAAQr8/BMsXyY6Q8_QUnyvndgnplnwzhn1-VGZNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20190915_133520559.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thunder Rock<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</ul>
<div>
<br /><ul>
<li>Bridal Falls — which should be renamed Bridal Trickle. There was hardly any water coming over the rocks. It was a nice little walk down to the stream.</li>
</ul>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDWDJjVlsz4/XaxxZi1b7HI/AAAAAAAAQto/SEoHo01jLisYNLKQ-kUQcHcpLGl5WgB0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190916_145804029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDWDJjVlsz4/XaxxZi1b7HI/AAAAAAAAQto/SEoHo01jLisYNLKQ-kUQcHcpLGl5WgB0ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20190916_145804029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workin' on our selfie skills. Not too bad if I do say so myself.<br />Look, Jimmy is even smiling :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcDSuE-iB88/XaxxpPFPVnI/AAAAAAAAQuI/trgEsXBXutIVT1bFdJXsmQO3yUrmCmAzQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190916_145919411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcDSuE-iB88/XaxxpPFPVnI/AAAAAAAAQuI/trgEsXBXutIVT1bFdJXsmQO3yUrmCmAzQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190916_145919411.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal Falls - Do you see the trickle of water?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><ul>
<li>Stone Tower - a unique stone structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Can you see the carved arrow etched in the stone? That points due north.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
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<div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_YL9f8mkTA/Xaxw_W1gASI/AAAAAAAAQso/H5RyYzxauqU64p4Wt5GNg5fFXqOkAlP3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190915_162802989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_YL9f8mkTA/Xaxw_W1gASI/AAAAAAAAQso/H5RyYzxauqU64p4Wt5GNg5fFXqOkAlP3ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20190915_162802989.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICEpHpQn9i0/Xaxw_duuLmI/AAAAAAAAQsk/Rmk6suqDmgwoYgcCBt-Zz79TZwradyvnwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190915_162616016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICEpHpQn9i0/Xaxw_duuLmI/AAAAAAAAQsk/Rmk6suqDmgwoYgcCBt-Zz79TZwradyvnwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20190915_162616016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see the arrow etched into the stone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><ul>
<li>Butterfly Meadow — a great little area with a good mix of wildflowers.</li>
</ul>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd9q0D08i8c/XaxxPUVqieI/AAAAAAAAQtE/eTpcw_vlP34yORmgf6WKY7fWB5k7OQbOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190915_164651641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd9q0D08i8c/XaxxPUVqieI/AAAAAAAAQtE/eTpcw_vlP34yORmgf6WKY7fWB5k7OQbOQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190915_164651641.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly Meadow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0eCgsVLCAY/XaxxH6wxfMI/AAAAAAAAQsc/MiYR-yz8wIwsHZJbOntCdfI7pxy9I1cOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190915_164430704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0eCgsVLCAY/XaxxH6wxfMI/AAAAAAAAQsc/MiYR-yz8wIwsHZJbOntCdfI7pxy9I1cOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20190915_164430704.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly Meadow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6sIxLvCK_U/Xax1nA7eBNI/AAAAAAAAQuY/0EmF6Nd1FA0MR9aizeMbzFh8v3x84SpngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190915_165830359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6sIxLvCK_U/Xax1nA7eBNI/AAAAAAAAQuY/0EmF6Nd1FA0MR9aizeMbzFh8v3x84SpngCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20190915_165830359.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly Meadow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We finally left the park and visited a few little towns around Salamanca.</div>
<div>
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<div>
<b><u>Ellicottville, New York</u></b></div>
<div>
This quaint, little ski town was straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. We had an amazing lunch at <a href="https://ellicottvillebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Ellicottville Brewing Company</a> and I fell in love with their pumpkin latte beer. I had to bring some home that I'm savoring. It's all my favorite things, pumpkin, coffee and big, bold flavor. Yumm-O!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5YuAcoC48g/XaxxYto_SOI/AAAAAAAAQtQ/f44AjkE12rA_UC4Cz7H5QJLQkSMz_K5cACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190916_131824239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5YuAcoC48g/XaxxYto_SOI/AAAAAAAAQtQ/f44AjkE12rA_UC4Cz7H5QJLQkSMz_K5cACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20190916_131824239.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower pots as big as we are!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
It was another gorgeous day and we sat on the patio next to flower pots as big as we are. I enjoyed their pulled pork sandwich with some of the best french fries I've ever had. Jim had the cajun halibut sandwich.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00K-kHgOByo/XaxxV6iqZ7I/AAAAAAAAQsw/OFR01_MqOx08PNJZwqYYVxKI47ENKdzvACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190916_132418719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00K-kHgOByo/XaxxV6iqZ7I/AAAAAAAAQsw/OFR01_MqOx08PNJZwqYYVxKI47ENKdzvACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20190916_132418719.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy's IPA Flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Bradford, Pennsylvania</u></b><br />
We stopped in Bradford PA for a quick breakfast and discovered that this is the home to the Zippo Lighter. Who knew? Of course, we had to stop and check out the <a href="https://www.zippo.com/pages/zippo-case-museums" target="_blank">Zippo/Case Museum</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aigOpmnqfQ/Xaxxo5Ih6nI/AAAAAAAAQts/68AzpUqjeuEoRGOqzZnvFPHXXF2YTIBJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190917_111935383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aigOpmnqfQ/Xaxxo5Ih6nI/AAAAAAAAQts/68AzpUqjeuEoRGOqzZnvFPHXXF2YTIBJwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20190917_111935383.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zippo/Case Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTioD6HXGvw/XaxxlvNLE1I/AAAAAAAAQtI/2zoBd750LKwSlxa9SqBWy-E0IF6POhjNACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190917_114437687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTioD6HXGvw/XaxxlvNLE1I/AAAAAAAAQtI/2zoBd750LKwSlxa9SqBWy-E0IF6POhjNACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20190917_114437687.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This American flag is made of all Zippo lighters!</td></tr>
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<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania</u></b></div>
<div>
This was probably one of the top highlights of our trip. The reason for visiting Mount Jewett, PA was to visit the <a href="https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/KinzuaBridgeStatePark/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kinzua Bridge State Park</a>. It was well worth the hour drive. This state park is based around the reinvented Kinzua Viaduct. This was once the longest and tallest railroad structure at 2,053 feet long and 301 foot high. A tornado destroyed this structure and some of the support towers can still be seen broken in pieces laying in the gorge. I can only image what this place looks like in the peak of the fall colors. The views were amazing!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxmHtGffj-w/XaxyDEEqwFI/AAAAAAAAQuQ/GosVTv2CJIgA-ZNYGrIT6de_D5JqywkcwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190917_135030618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxmHtGffj-w/XaxyDEEqwFI/AAAAAAAAQuQ/GosVTv2CJIgA-ZNYGrIT6de_D5JqywkcwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190917_135030618.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinzua Bridge State Park</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3i8qB40AcQ/XaxxuNZJbJI/AAAAAAAAQtc/lIQYfGrHfKgYWJwV78M2wgAsjqNSoB9ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190917_132251363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3i8qB40AcQ/XaxxuNZJbJI/AAAAAAAAQtc/lIQYfGrHfKgYWJwV78M2wgAsjqNSoB9ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20190917_132251363.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinzua Bridge State Park - The railroad track is still there!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZD3PwxwqTw/Xaxx1EF2qNI/AAAAAAAAQuI/iIFDOgDM6rgnV1xYYAM4r9WZ20mzRvDuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190917_132214729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZD3PwxwqTw/Xaxx1EF2qNI/AAAAAAAAQuI/iIFDOgDM6rgnV1xYYAM4r9WZ20mzRvDuQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190917_132214729.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinzua Bridge State Park<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTwnvofk5B8/XaxyCXxekmI/AAAAAAAAQuM/gGUnpJbgrAgoGUrGORC2wXUjwCILxsBmQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190917_132917558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTwnvofk5B8/XaxyCXxekmI/AAAAAAAAQuM/gGUnpJbgrAgoGUrGORC2wXUjwCILxsBmQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190917_132917558.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are standing at the end of walkway. Notice the see through panels<br />in the floor? No thanks!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRUDiq5bqAA/Xax3elIHrYI/AAAAAAAAQuk/83F_WhGDy_EjcfTXvF_i-kWl9WGHyqEvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190917_132906725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRUDiq5bqAA/Xax3elIHrYI/AAAAAAAAQuk/83F_WhGDy_EjcfTXvF_i-kWl9WGHyqEvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20190917_132906725.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The tornado damage to the rest of structure. <br />It looked like little toothpicks broken into pieces.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6SY5FIorTM/XaxxvYR_U2I/AAAAAAAAQt0/chs75QhIeUkQ1KmycrP-muv6dbj3_Ct9ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190917_134625723_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6SY5FIorTM/XaxxvYR_U2I/AAAAAAAAQt0/chs75QhIeUkQ1KmycrP-muv6dbj3_Ct9ACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190917_134625723_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are getting pretty good at these selfies!<br />Jimmy is caught smiling AGAIN :)</td></tr>
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Here's some random photos from our trip that I felt were worth sharing . . . .</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRlNKjnWWRU/XaxwSiEC04I/AAAAAAAAQrk/OkGgnUUWdZ0_QrVrLm0x7d4zMFVi_GFDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190914_184135031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRlNKjnWWRU/XaxwSiEC04I/AAAAAAAAQrk/OkGgnUUWdZ0_QrVrLm0x7d4zMFVi_GFDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20190914_184135031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campfire on the first night. Doesn't it look like<br />the peace sign? I took it as a good sign for a great vacation!<br />And it definitely was one for the books :)<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Red House Lake at Allegany State Park. <br />Such a beautiful day to soak up some sun. </span></td></tr>
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One final note....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> Do you know what this is?<br /></td></tr>
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When we arrived to the campground we had zero cell phone service. I wanted to make a quick call to my Mom to let her know that we arrived safe and sound. We saw this at the entrance to the campground, so we scurried around for all the quarters we could find. I had no idea how much it would cost to make a call from New York to Michigan. To my surprise, this was a courtesy phone since there wasn't any service in the park. It was such a nice touch! </div>
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We had a busy 5 days in New York. We probably could have stayed 1 more day, but it was time to pack up and head to our next destination. Where we were land next to finish out our week of travels? Check back soon for an update!</div>
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Thank you Allegany State Park for an awesome vacation!</div>
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Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-78180923392217816322019-09-02T20:00:00.000-04:002019-09-02T20:00:05.086-04:00A Perfect 10Once again, I've severely neglected by blogging duties. Here it is Labor Day Weekend 2019, and I'm working on a post about our last camping trip that was back in June. Good thing I don't get paid to do this or I'd be fired!<br />
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So, let's rewind and go back to the end of June (June 20-June 23 to be exact) when Jimmy and I took a long weekend to Harrisville, MI and stayed at <a href="http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=451" target="_blank">Harrisville State Park</a> right on the shores of Lake Huron. The park was outstanding and so was our campsite, which was site 144. We were one road in from the lake and we could hear the waves lapping on the shore all night long. The nights were cool enough that we needed to fire up our space heater and the days were warm enough for bike riding and walking along the beach. We would definitely recommend this park especially if you are lucky enough to get a campsite right on the beach. Another big plus about this campground is that they have a paved bike path that goes right into the town of Harrisville. They are definitely a bike-friendly community.<br />
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On Saturday, we connected with an old friend that I used to work with at the hospital that lives in the area. We met him and his wife for lunch and then they took us on a sight-seeing tour. It was so great to visit with them and catch up. All in all, this weekend was a perfect 10!<br />
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This summer has flown by faster than I care to think about. So many different things have kept us home during July and August. I'm hoping that September and October bring some great fall weather and we can get out there a couple more times. We have two more trips on the calendar and hopefully we can sneak in some spur-of-the-moment weekend trips too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site 144 at Harrisville State Park.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0HS7ZI1Dbs/XW2pCWizoaI/AAAAAAAAQH0/lOSm7WIbJTcn-5PlHiQ_T4tuT2m3XpbmQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190621_105811804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0HS7ZI1Dbs/XW2pCWizoaI/AAAAAAAAQH0/lOSm7WIbJTcn-5PlHiQ_T4tuT2m3XpbmQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190621_105811804.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site 144 at Harrisville State Park. It was perfect!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful beach and sunset with Jimmy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love a good walk on the beach at sunset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1wXnCfnQBg/XW2pPH27MII/AAAAAAAAQH4/JcVcGEjWtOcDdRcuPbQ8xD5_1XCTrgWxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190621_123535299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1wXnCfnQBg/XW2pPH27MII/AAAAAAAAQH4/JcVcGEjWtOcDdRcuPbQ8xD5_1XCTrgWxgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190621_123535299.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He never lets me take pictures of him <br />and he does know how to smile!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopped for lunch at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alconabrew/" target="_blank">Alcona Brew Haus</a>.<br />They had only been open since May. <br />We had the place to ourselves.<br />The food and beer were really good.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited the <a href="http://www.alconahistoricalsociety.com/" target="_blank">Sturgeon Point Lighthouse</a>.<br />It was such a beautiful day. Check out the color of the sky!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dear friends, Gary and Karen.<br />We had such a great afternoon together!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPApNcpOhtM/XW2pkEe5OdI/AAAAAAAAQIQ/PafRcg_JXzMheE1jLKKdZpKV99Us-4T4ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190622_160924925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPApNcpOhtM/XW2pkEe5OdI/AAAAAAAAQIQ/PafRcg_JXzMheE1jLKKdZpKV99Us-4T4ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190622_160924925.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited the <a href="https://www.michigan.org/property/lumberman-s-monument-visitor-center" target="_blank">Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center</a><br />with Gary and Karen.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just had to take a picture of the firewood vending machine!<br />What will they think of next???!!</td></tr>
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Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-39905839607472102482019-06-03T21:52:00.000-04:002019-06-03T21:52:50.375-04:00When in Angola.....<br />
This past weekend our travels took us to <a href="http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2973.htm" target="_blank">Pokagon State Park</a> in Angola, IN. This was suppose to be our annual "Friends Camping Weekend," but our friend's truck had other plans (Sorry Don and Deb!)<br />
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We had our favorite spot, site 452, on top of the hill and wouldn't you know we had the whole loop to ourselves. It was so nice and quiet despite about 5 inches of rain, severe thunderstorms and the biggest swarms of mosquitos we've ever experienced. </div>
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We have stayed at Pokagon numerous times and know the area quite well. In fact, when we go to Angola we have a set list of things that we need to cover. </div>
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<li><a href="http://www.sechlerspickles.com/pages/contacts.html" target="_blank">The Pickle Factory Outlet Store</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.claysfamilyrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Clay's</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.moes.com/find-a-moes/indiana/angola/101361" target="_blank">Moe's Southwest Grill</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.gayshopsnschnapps.com/" target="_blank">Gays Hops-N-Schnapps Discount Liquor Store</a></li>
<li>and now I'm going to add the<a href="https://locations.pizzahut.com/in/angola/1411-n-wayne-st" target="_blank"> Pizza Hut Lunch Buffet</a>! (thanks for the tip Doug!)</li>
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We also discovered some amazing campsites in the 100 loop. After all these years, I thought this was the loop for group camping, but come to find out, they have 27 electrical sites in this loop too. We are planning to go back in September for the Seaplane Splash-In event and will definitely have to try one of these sites next time. A couple of them have beautiful views that overlook Lake James.</div>
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We hope that Don's truck is feeling better and is back on the road again soon. At least we have another trip booked with them this season to look forward to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pokagon State • Site 452</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wonder what is in my Tervis?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfj5ZvwIf1k/XPRGFy1LFQI/AAAAAAAAPSM/xfRjp5wY8ewkh0IkVc_iChniqL8a8IACwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190530_212932495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfj5ZvwIf1k/XPRGFy1LFQI/AAAAAAAAPSM/xfRjp5wY8ewkh0IkVc_iChniqL8a8IACwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190530_212932495.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always trying to take a picture of the Pod at night <br />
with our lights. This doesn't do it justice, but<br />
one of the better ones I've taken.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0HjlFL_nUOo/XPRGSaZiIFI/AAAAAAAAPSY/lRsHlw9Fgjonpp7_0G3Wb1sKWaiI7HM_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190601_140446565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0HjlFL_nUOo/XPRGSaZiIFI/AAAAAAAAPSY/lRsHlw9Fgjonpp7_0G3Wb1sKWaiI7HM_gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190601_140446565.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had the entire loop to ourselves. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwKhpkyHKfc/XPRGN-TtIqI/AAAAAAAAPSU/gDcVdX_dplAnQ94fbu8adNr44THAMW0kACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190602_123709564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwKhpkyHKfc/XPRGN-TtIqI/AAAAAAAAPSU/gDcVdX_dplAnQ94fbu8adNr44THAMW0kACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190602_123709564.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's our bounty from the Pickle Factory Outlet.<br />
We considered renaming the Pod the Pickle Pod.</td></tr>
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Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-14019256478049791142019-06-02T20:05:00.000-04:002019-06-03T21:55:51.312-04:00Spontaneity at its finest!If you know me, you know that I'm a list-maker and a planner. I usually have at least two lists going at all times (at home and at work). I'm organized and love to plan! On the other hand, I love to be spontaneous too and just roll with things. This definitely summed up our last camping trip to <a href="http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=454&type=SPRK" target="_blank">Hayes State Park</a> for the weekend of May 17-19.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4huQz-JSz5Q/XPQ8VcVOXYI/AAAAAAAAPR0/nMkvWVAZPZ041G_YUnifezKnAvOd66AkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190517_154627580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4huQz-JSz5Q/XPQ8VcVOXYI/AAAAAAAAPR0/nMkvWVAZPZ041G_YUnifezKnAvOd66AkgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190517_154627580.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayes State Park • Site 160</td></tr>
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A couple of weeks ago we returned from our first camping trip in Ohio and we literally rolled home, unhooked the Pod and jumped in the car to head to my Mom's to celebrate Mother's Day. We didn't unpack anything but the things we needed to start the work week. </div>
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Once we got to Mom's, my brother said they were going to Hayes State Park with another couple (Always great to be with you Trina and Noah. It had been WAY too long) and we should join them the next weekend. We decided the Pod was packed and we might as well go. I literally made reservations on Wednesday night and we left on Friday morning. I didn't make any lists or do any planning. Brother told me what to bring and had the food all figured out. I made a quick stop at the grocery store and we headed out. We experienced all kinds of Michigan weather from cold to hot to humid to sunny to rainy all in a short weekend. One of these days, I hope Michigan can figure it out. I also hope I won't have to pack a hoodie in July!</div>
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We did have dinner at <a href="http://www.jerryspub.com/" target="_blank">Jerry's Pub</a> at Wampler's Lake (finally!). We had stopped there a couple of times and couldn't get in because they were so busy. My brother made reservations this time and we were seated right away. If you are ever in the area, I'd highly recommend stopping. Ideally, you'd want to sit on the deck with the view of the lake, but it was cold and rainy when we were there. I had the lake perch dinner and it was some of the best perch I'd ever had. We started the meal with a BBQ Pork pizza to share. It was outstanding!!! I hope they make it part of their regular menu. I'd definitely order that again. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cvvS63e-vM/XPQ8c4TAqAI/AAAAAAAAPR4/3rmQbvNngLUwJwBKNpTSrFL1rYGtg-WcQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190517_171434788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cvvS63e-vM/XPQ8c4TAqAI/AAAAAAAAPR4/3rmQbvNngLUwJwBKNpTSrFL1rYGtg-WcQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190517_171434788.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Louie was cold!<br />
Glad he brought his sweater.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always look forward to my Brother cooking up a good <br />
breakfast on Saturday morning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louie may be a little spoiled.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love a good campfire!</td></tr>
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Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-82983982490603837512019-05-19T20:00:00.001-04:002019-05-20T06:01:53.905-04:00Starting the 2019 Camping Season with New Pod Friends<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--VLbrp1aGXg/XOHs_D9XMEI/AAAAAAAAPNU/s_7wcMbtmNs8kGVgQy1Eok28haHxr6NVACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190510_181809817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--VLbrp1aGXg/XOHs_D9XMEI/AAAAAAAAPNU/s_7wcMbtmNs8kGVgQy1Eok28haHxr6NVACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190510_181809817.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site 64 at Pymatuning State Park in Andover, Ohio</td></tr>
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I find it ironic that we ended the 2018 camping season by attending the 10th Anniversary RPod Rally in Kentucky and we started the 2019 camping season by attending the Ohio May Mini RPod Rally at <a href="http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/pymatuning" target="_blank">Pymatuning State Park</a> in Andover, Ohio on May 9-12.<br />
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This is the third RPod rally that we attended in the seven years that we have owned our Pod. Each rally is different and we sure have met a lot of fun people along the way.<br />
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The weather in Michigan certainly has reflected spring time and the rain has been relentless. This seems to be the case in Ohio, as well. We packed winter and spring clothes and used the heater one night and had to turn on the air conditioning the next night. <br />
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It rained a lot while we were at the rally but that didn't stop the fun. We enjoyed two podlucks together, we tie-dyed our first t-shirts and met some awesome people that I have no doubt we will see again. It is always fun to talk to fellow podders and see what kind of modifications they have done and what ideas we can steal. Just for the record, we haven't done anything to the inside of our Pod. I guess we like it just the way it is.<br />
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We certainly appreciate the time and effort that our rally hosts put into our weekend. Despite the weather, it was a great time and a good balance of organized activities and time on our own to explore the area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-106OpSM7Uts/XOHrezh59LI/AAAAAAAAPMo/4acbI95nnsEMxfReXJrTsBaQApgkvBGoQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190511_154228220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-106OpSM7Uts/XOHrezh59LI/AAAAAAAAPMo/4acbI95nnsEMxfReXJrTsBaQApgkvBGoQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190511_154228220.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pymatuning State Park in Andover, Ohio.<br />
We have one nice, sunny day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7JoYzt11Hb8/XOHrdKzAdHI/AAAAAAAAPMk/Of8OHwuGYpoEsdjRNEgGmuBfayg80yLDgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190517_135339264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7JoYzt11Hb8/XOHrdKzAdHI/AAAAAAAAPMk/Of8OHwuGYpoEsdjRNEgGmuBfayg80yLDgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190517_135339264.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We tie-dyed t-shirts. This is Jim's.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEDM447IaxE/XOHrgqjjYtI/AAAAAAAAPMs/68P4em6jkcsLDVO1Yo-KoOo05fmKjG_yQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190517_135346121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEDM447IaxE/XOHrgqjjYtI/AAAAAAAAPMs/68P4em6jkcsLDVO1Yo-KoOo05fmKjG_yQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190517_135346121.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have never done this before. This is mine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pNpvGgaRWM/XOHrmRbd-SI/AAAAAAAAPM4/e42XZej3qTYwaxIGjTmW4X5pflHnUZ4NgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190511_180409294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pNpvGgaRWM/XOHrmRbd-SI/AAAAAAAAPM4/e42XZej3qTYwaxIGjTmW4X5pflHnUZ4NgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190511_180409294.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a great time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z6vKMnnqFI/XOHrqmfG7DI/AAAAAAAAPM8/Jf-hPuRtin0g0HS1ThdREndMM_dFzEa3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190511_180739821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z6vKMnnqFI/XOHrqmfG7DI/AAAAAAAAPM8/Jf-hPuRtin0g0HS1ThdREndMM_dFzEa3wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190511_180739821.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the podlucks together.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PE6BN5p3ttU/XOHrmaYJHzI/AAAAAAAAPM0/fzSQ83k02-gCPnahzoJfUMnXZwxIFWCJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190511_140608184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PE6BN5p3ttU/XOHrmaYJHzI/AAAAAAAAPM0/fzSQ83k02-gCPnahzoJfUMnXZwxIFWCJwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190511_140608184.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited the <a href="http://www.greenvilletrainmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Greenville Railroad Park and Museum</a>. </td></tr>
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<br />Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-50859460194943184772018-10-20T14:46:00.001-04:002018-10-20T14:46:46.158-04:00Pod PeopleBack in January, we made reservations at <a href="https://parks.ky.gov/parks/recreationparks/green-river/" target="_blank">Green River Lake State Park</a> in Campbellsville, Kentucky to attend the Kentucky Mini-Mini which was hosting R-Pod tenth anniversary rally. Reservations usually go VERY quickly when it comes to these sorts of events, so we were super excited to make them early and get a spot.<br />
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We headed south for an overnight quick stop in Indianapolis to catch up with my childhood friends. I didn't take any pictures but this was the first time we did some driveway camping with the Pod. Our time together with the Shock Family is never long enough, but I'll take an evening together to break some bread and catch up. We definitely need to plan some more time together again soon.<br />
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The next morning we headed down to Kentucky. It was almost 85 degrees when we arrived and had been raining. Once we got settled at this beautiful campground right on Green River Lake, we took at walk to see how many podders were in the park. There were Pods as far as the eye could see. According to Travis, our fearless leader of the RPod Travel Club, he reported that there were 114 Pods in attendance with a total of 121 RV's in the park. Forest River, the manufacturer of the RPod spoiled us with a catered, bbq dinner one night and they also brought the new RPod's for us to see. They also hosted a wonderful Q&A session which proved that this company truly cares about its customers.<br />
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One thing that can be said about traveling with this group is that there are a lot of awesome cooks! We had a "Soup and Chili" night and I've never seen such a variety of soups and chili. We also had a "Pancake and PJ" night. I didn't see any pancakes but there sure were a lot of creative breakfast dishes to sample.<br />
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We met some awesome Podders from all over the United States from California to Maine and reunited with some fellow Podders that we had met at previous gatherings.<br />
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This was a nice way to conclude our 2018 camping season. Once again, it went WAY to fast and I don't feel like we did enough camping. We got home and Jimmy had to promptly winterize the Pod and clean it out for the long Michigan winter.<br />
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I guess that means that it is time to hibernate...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site 151 at Green River Lake State Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to capture the sunset. This doesn't do it justice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soup and Chili Night</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crockpots of soup and chili for days.....Oh so good!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Green River Lake Dam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest River giving away some awesome prizes.<br />We didn't win anything but got some pretty <br />cool swag for attending.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RPod Travel Club Banner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqleEPj07AI/W8t2NNugkeI/AAAAAAAAN48/FbBJRTMgWbYIVC1CWycnvuXjJPMYW_aLQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181012_150805965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqleEPj07AI/W8t2NNugkeI/AAAAAAAAN48/FbBJRTMgWbYIVC1CWycnvuXjJPMYW_aLQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20181012_150805965.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to capture all the Pods at the campground</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green River Lake State Park</td></tr>
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Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-71160645622770784142018-09-30T18:39:00.000-04:002018-09-30T18:39:20.772-04:00Sunshine and SeaplanesLast weekend we ventured to <a href="https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2973.htm" target="_blank">Pokagon State Park </a>in Angola, Indiana for a weekend of camping and seaplanes. Yes, I said seaplanes! I ran a crossed an event on Facebook for the 2018 Seaplane Splash-In and I knew that Jimmy would enjoy going to something like this. Little did I know, that I would enjoy it too!<br />
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We took off on Friday and made a long weekend of it since we haven't camped as much as we usually do. The campground was packed for the weekend and I'm sure the event and the nice, fall weather had something to do with it. We stayed through Monday which is always nice. The campground emptied out on Sunday and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. There was only one other tent-camper in our loop.<br />
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We took walks, slept-in, enjoyed some outlet shopping, and spent all day Sunday watching the seaplanes take-off and land in Lake James. I would have never guessed that thousands of people would show up for this event. I have a feeling that this will become an annual event on our calendar.<br />
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Google was kind enough to put together a video of my photos from the weekend and I think this just about says it all. Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-36746094399710539712018-09-29T09:08:00.000-04:002018-09-29T09:11:12.657-04:00Holy Heat Wave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Labor Day Weekend signifies the end of the summer and that means hoodies, pumpkins and cool weather are not far away, but that wasn't the case for this year. Every holiday weekend of the summer of 2018 delivered heat and humidity (my two not-so-favorite things) and Labor Day weekend didn't disappoint. </div>
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We headed out Thursday evening to start our long weekend of camping even earlier. We were meeting some friends at <a href="http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=454&type=SPRK" target="_blank">Hayes State Park</a> in Brooklyn, MI. To their surprise, they didn't know we were coming a day early. I loved the look on their faces when we rolled up to our site. I wish I would have taken a picture. </div>
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Minus the heat (thank God for air conditioning in our Pod), we had a great time. Saturday, the girls got some swim time in and cooled off at <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79146_81198_81199_85286-303559--,00.html" target="_blank">Wamplers Lake</a>. Sunday it was just too damn hot to do anything, so we decided to take off and seek some air conditioning at the different wineries/breweries in the area. I didn't know there were so many different places, so close to home. We hit <a href="https://www.blackfirewinery.com/" target="_blank">Black Fire Winery</a> in Tecumseh, <a href="https://www.cherrycreekwine.com/" target="_blank">Cherry Creek</a> in Brooklyn and <a href="http://chateauaeronautiquewinery.com/" target="_blank">Chateau Aeronautique Winery</a> in Onsted. Such a fun day discovering new wines and beers and getting a bit of a break from the heat. </div>
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Jimmy did a little experimenting with cinnamon rolls over the weekend and baked them in the pie iron for breakfast. Actually, it was second breakfast or maybe it was dessert after the breakfast, but whatever the case, it was a really good experiment that worked well. I believe this is going to be an addition to our camping food menu. So easy and good!</div>
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We didn't want the weekend to end, so on Monday we stopped by my Aunt and Uncles cottage in Hillsdale and ended up spending most of the day hanging out there. I can honestly say that we squeezed every little bit of the holiday weekend out of it that we could!</div>
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We are looking forward to fall in Michigan as it usually has some great weather ahead. We have a couple of more trips on the books and looking forward to our adventures.</div>
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Until next time, here's some pictures from the weekend.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site 164 at Hayes State Park. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping with our friends, Don and Deb.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday at Wampler's Lake before the storm rolled in. <br />
At least we got some relief from the heat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy experimented with baking <br />
cinnamon rolls in the pie iron.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They sure were good with a hit of smoky flavor!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Labor Day Monday at my Aunt and Uncle's Cottage<br />
in Hillsdale. We were in the area and decided to stop for a visit<br />
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Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-89675123894510824482018-08-18T13:36:00.000-04:002018-08-18T13:41:33.314-04:00Better Late Than NeverI've really been falling down on my blogging duties this year. Good thing we have only been out twice so far! Back in July, we had an opportunity to sneak away for a quick and spontaneous weekend. We knew we couldn't go too far away as we only had a couple of days. We wanted to check out someplace new, so we headed to <a href="http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=485&type=SPRK" target="_blank">Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area</a> in Pontiac, MI. The first thing that I think of when someone mentions "Pontiac" is the old Pontiac Silverdome where the Detroit Lions used to play. We were already wondering how this campground was going to be right in the middle of the city. That's part of the adventure, right?<br />
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So, the sites were awesome and mostly secluded with plenty of shade. It was a super hot and humid weekend and wouldn't you know it rained mostly all day on Saturday! It hadn't rained in weeks, so go figure! We decided that it wouldn't be an official camping weekend without a trip to the local WalMart and then it was time for lunch. We stumbled across <a href="http://www.billystipninn.com/" target="_blank">Billy's Tip N' Inn</a>. Boy, this was a good find! We had some of the best pulled pork and Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches that we've ever tasted. If you ever find yourself in Pontiac and you're hungry, I'd highly suggest checking this place out. You won't be disappointment!<br />
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Saturday night, the rain finally stopped and we were able to have a fire and relax (kind of). We had free entertainment across the street well into the wee-hours of Sunday morning. I think we only got a couple hours of sleep between us. There was a huge Class-A Motorhome on the site across the street from us that partied all night long. We lost count of how many times the park ranger was at their site asking them to be quiet and turn their music down. I've never witnessed so much disrespect in all of my camping years! We were surprised that they didn't get kicked out of the park.<br />
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Since we ended up cancelling most of our trips this summer, we hope to hit the road more this fall. Labor Day weekend is approaching and we are looking forward to a well-deserved, long weekend with friends!<br />
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I didn't take a lot of photos, but here's a couple to document the weekend.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site 34 at Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area.<br />
The sites were awesome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awww..time to relax!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of my favorite things!<br />
My hubby and my Pod...</td></tr>
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<br />Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-23607242085534763812018-06-23T12:08:00.000-04:002018-06-23T12:08:18.862-04:00Did You Miss Me?It seems that we get a later and later camping start each year. Once again, the Michigan winter seemed super long and the spring weather was very unpredictable. Then, life happens and different commitments and circumstances beyond our control made us cancel two scheduled trips already for this year.<br />
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It seems that the best camping trips are the spur of the moment ones that aren't necessarily planned out way in advance.<br />
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Last weekend we finally broke the Pod free from her LONG, winter nap and travelled 12.4 miles down the road to <a href="http://totempolepark.com/" target="_blank">Totem Pole Campground</a> in the big city of Petersburg, MI with my brother, sister-in-law, their dog, Louie and my mom. (Yes, I said my mom)! At the age of 83, she said that she had never been camping before and we figured there was no better time than the present for her to give it a whirl.<br />
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Friday night, my sister-in-law, Nancy made a delicious foil-packet dinner of sausage, potatoes, onions and peppers. It was delicious! She also introduced us to a new shot of Crown Royal Whiskey, Peach Schnapps and Ginger Ale. I'm not a fan of peach flavored things, but I will say this hit the spot on a warm summer night!<br />
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My brother jumped (I don't mean this literally...see the picture below) and cooked us a traditional Saturday morning breakfast with all the fixings. Then for dinner, the husband took over and made a variety of campfire pies (pizza, ham and cheese followed by blueberry pie for dessert). We were trying to give mom a good "taste" of camping. Mission Accomplished!<br />
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Here's some highlights from our weekend:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pod on Site 7 at Totem Pole Campground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, Brother and Husband relaxing before dinner.<br />
(and my brother's dog, Louie, is underneath the blanket <br />
on Mom's lap. That's one spoil pooch right there)!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for the husband to start the campfire pie dinner<br />
on Saturday night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sdr3CoQ3IWI/Wy5t_PDZPRI/AAAAAAAAM9g/BDFOrQLFxOYToqAbS0cm8UAdcuA8ww5bACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180616_184640182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sdr3CoQ3IWI/Wy5t_PDZPRI/AAAAAAAAM9g/BDFOrQLFxOYToqAbS0cm8UAdcuA8ww5bACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180616_184640182.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, Brother and our four-legged friend, Louie, relaxing<br />
under a beautiful shade tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday morning chef in action!</td></tr>
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Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-43784304543889439052017-12-10T12:55:00.000-05:002017-12-10T12:55:55.175-05:00A Long Winter's Nap . . .The 2017 camping season has officially come to a close. The Pod is all winterized and packed away in the barn for a long winter's nap. I'm already dreaming of next year and the places that we will go. Will we finally make it to the Grand Canyon? I know I definitely want to visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan again and we are already discussing camping in Frankenmuth with our friends.<br />
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Considering we got a late start this year, we still managed to make our annual trips with family and friends and a 14-day haul to Maine and back. My mouth just watered thinking about all the lobster that I ate. Yumm-O!<br />
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We spent a total of 36 nights in the Pod between 8 different trips. Someone told me once, that the average camper spends 21 nights a year in their camper. I'm glad that Jimmy and I aren't average...LOL! All in all, it was another spectacular camping year with the Pod! Our Pod has been,<br />
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by far, one of the best purchases we have ever made.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pod packed away in the barn for the winter.</td></tr>
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<br />Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-43860570313306543432017-12-03T16:46:00.001-05:002017-12-03T16:46:16.028-05:00Camping with FriendsAfter a great five days in Indiana, our trip continues at <a href="http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/harrisonlake" target="_blank">Harrison Lake State Park</a> in Fayette, Ohio. We arrived a day early and was able to get our favorite spot, site 113. We were meeting our friends on Friday for our last weekend of camping for the season.<br />
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Harrison Lake State Park is one of my favorite, close-to-home campgrounds. It seems far enough way, but yet we can be home in 40 minutes. The park offers a great lake, walking trails and nice, roomy sites. We usually try and get here a couple of times a year, but this year it was only once, but a nice way to conclude our camping season.<br />
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We met our friends, Don and Deb and Brooke and her girls. There's always a given when we camp with friends. There's plenty of good food, outstanding beer and/or whiskey and great company. We -pre-planned our menu and enjoyed chili on Friday night, a great breakfast on Saturday morning (Thanks Brooke!) and an outstanding hobo dinner on Saturday night (Thanks Grodi's). I have to give a special shout-out to Donnie for dragging his TV outside so I could watch my Spartans play football on Saturday afternoon. Brooke and I didn't want to give it up on Saturday night. We were the last two left around the bonfire. The weather was too perfect for late October and we squeezed out every last minute that we could around the nice, toasty fire.<br />
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I'm already dreaming about next camping season and the places that we will go.<br />
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Here's some photos from our weekend with friends!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelby, Kara, Brooke, Deb and Jimmy<br />(Sorry Donnie, I didn't have any photos of you!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such great weather for a fire<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pod on Site 113</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We sure lucked out with a beautiful fall weekend</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall at Harrison Lake State Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite time of year!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kara and Shelby </td></tr>
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Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967154113227544978.post-13870169358805775262017-11-12T10:28:00.002-05:002017-11-12T10:28:41.324-05:00The Beauty of This Earth!<h3>
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This quote was part of a sign at <a href="http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2964.htm" target="_blank">Turkey Run State Park</a> in Marshall, Indiana and boy did it speak to me. If you have been following my blog, you know that Jimmy and I have travelled to some amazing places with our Pod. In my opinion, there's no better way to see the countryside. </div>
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We left home on a rainy Sunday morning and headed to Indiana. I was hoping this wasn't a sign of the week to come. We had a five hour drive ahead of us and it was windy and driving, hard rain the entire way. The park was sold out for the week and I couldn't figure out why. It is the middle of October! Come to find out, Indiana schools have a fall break and get a week off school and it was also the <a href="http://www.coveredbridges.com/events/parke-county-covered-bridge-festival" target="_blank">Parke County Covered Bridge Festival</a>. Parke County is home to 31 covered bridges and this festival takes place in nine communities throughout the County. They expect more than 2 million people each year! (YIKES!) We were super lucky to get a campsite.</div>
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We set up camp on site 62 and called Turkey Run our home for the next four days. I've spend a lot of time in Indiana as my childhood, best friend moved there in the 8th grade. We have kept in touch after all these years and even though we don't talk every day (or even every month) we have the uncanny ability to pick up right where we left off. They visited on Monday night for dinner and then on Wednesday they took the day off and we checked out the Covered Bridge Festival together. It was so awesome to catch up with these two and enjoy our time together!</div>
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When we weren't visiting with our friends, we explored everything that Turkey Run had to offer. The weather was just beautiful for hiking the park. I never realized the beauty that Indiana had to offer. I'm just going to let the picture tell the rest of the story...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey Run State Park - Site 62</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYC93Wm0PGY/Wghixm6PkNI/AAAAAAAAJ4k/dZjLwzrcBsI-wafmoCZ6oYY9-EhobA17wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171016_125005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYC93Wm0PGY/Wghixm6PkNI/AAAAAAAAJ4k/dZjLwzrcBsI-wafmoCZ6oYY9-EhobA17wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171016_125005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Suspension Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VvL5NVM5HQ/Wghim6TbkiI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/dN-Pq7LMKlkgl1J-WbBqhfbJsdWIdtWngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171016_142149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VvL5NVM5HQ/Wghim6TbkiI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/dN-Pq7LMKlkgl1J-WbBqhfbJsdWIdtWngCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171016_142149.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow! Jimmy never lets me take his picture!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a very rare selfie of the two of us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow..its Jimmy again!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just walking through Rocky Hallow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Hallow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeJPAoCBqHc/WghjS6mMvzI/AAAAAAAAJ5A/GqqVyTjplHEyTQGZiUQR2EaS8NR8lirAQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171017_113406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeJPAoCBqHc/WghjS6mMvzI/AAAAAAAAJ5A/GqqVyTjplHEyTQGZiUQR2EaS8NR8lirAQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171017_113406.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrows Covered Bridge in Turkey Run State Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnbl83tXgeM/WghjZHdUppI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/F7DQcDhSHzsSixW27txv1tKmpd0z9cwvwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171017_121102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnbl83tXgeM/WghjZHdUppI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/F7DQcDhSHzsSixW27txv1tKmpd0z9cwvwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171017_121102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't believe I have 4 pictures of Jimmy on the same trip!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI1tkQuSQfE/WghjZcTW0gI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/tAmbZPOI-B0gT7WqdlKt88koOcWKIcoJgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171017_115720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI1tkQuSQfE/WghjZcTW0gI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/tAmbZPOI-B0gT7WqdlKt88koOcWKIcoJgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171017_115720.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a tight fit...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K7B4i0t3UY/Wghjw_l7OkI/AAAAAAAAJ5Y/mZBzs7HXgP4eUN5-jmu996-asgVhEm-hgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171017_121802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K7B4i0t3UY/Wghjw_l7OkI/AAAAAAAAJ5Y/mZBzs7HXgP4eUN5-jmu996-asgVhEm-hgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171017_121802.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absolutely beautiful day overlooking Sunset Point.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOC1RoQcK5I/WghjintePII/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/XTZJ8olA2wk3kHTcs-rO7KeEwJzgRJxmQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171018_185850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOC1RoQcK5I/WghjintePII/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/XTZJ8olA2wk3kHTcs-rO7KeEwJzgRJxmQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171018_185850.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My childhood friends! <br />So glad we got to spend this time together.<br /></td></tr>
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Our adventures continue as we pack up and start heading back north. To be continued....<br />
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Rambling Riggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025333681811651858noreply@blogger.com0