September 23 - Anniversary and Biking

The drive north toward Mackinaw City was sparsely populated and very little traffic. We were lucky to get a  campsite at Wilderness State Park right along Lake Michigan. The park is well maintained and about 11 miles from Mackinaw City where we need to catch the ferry to Mackinac Island. 

We drove into Mackinaw City to check out the ferry and to stop at a brewery. There is only one ferry running now because tourist season is over and the ferry stops around October 30. 

A stop at Rusted Spoke Brewery before going back to the campsite. 

Our campground has lots of hike opportunities so we took the bikes on a 12-mile ride along Lake Michigan. 

Yes Lenny and Banjo were with us. 

Sunset over the lake was beautiful. 

It gets chilly here at night plus there isn’t much ambient light so this spot is one of the dark sky areas to see the stars shining brightly.   

We are on the west end of the eastern time zone so it’s dark in the mornings till about 7:15. Good sleeping. 

September 21-22 — Fan Tail Farm

Fan Tail Farm in Bezonia, MI, was our next stop. They give wagon rides and sleigh rides. Another peaceful stop about 30 minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. 

First day here we took a scenic drive around and through the park. Stopped at Lake Michigan so Lenny could play in the sand. 

Stopped at the dunes. High hill of sand. No

Our second day here we got the bikes out and rode about 28 miles on the Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail. This was our first ride with Lennyband Banjo in their baskets. Lenny kept his head out watching where we were going the whole time. Banjo slept. We were glad they liked to ride because we really enjoy our new e-bikes. 

It rained a little on us as we were getting back to the truck. But it was still a good ride. 

Tomorrow we are going to Wilderness State Park to stay for a few days so we can explore Mackinac Island. 

September 20 - National Park and Ceresco, MI

We left the Ohio and drove west and a little north to stop at River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe MI. River Raisin interprets the January 1813 battles of the War of 1812 and their aftermath. This was the greatest defeat for the US. 

Unfortunately when we arrived they were doing work around the buildings so we couldn’t walk around. I was able to get my stamp though. Even though it was a quick stop, the website left me wanting to stop back to learn more … maybe on the way back. 

On to our next stay at a Boondockers Welcome site - River Getaway. 

we crossed the bridge over the Kalamazoo River. 

When we stopped for gas close to our destination, we noticed the truck battery had died. Still not sure why but we jumped the truck with Ida’s battery. Made it to River Getaway. It so happened that the owner, Dave was a retired mechanic. He hooked the truck’s battery to his charger. 

River Getaway is exactly that…a get place to getaway to rest and relax along the Kalamazoo River. 

A very peaceful spot to read, too Lenny and Banjo could wander around. Everyone was happy. 

September 19 - Medina, OH

First day on the road was a little rocky. We couldn’t find the Boondockers Welcome place we thought we were going to stay. BUT serendipitously we found a wonderful spot. We turned into this farm where we thought was the correct place. The owner came out and told us we weren’t where we were supposed to be but she would be happy to host us for the night. Theresa runs a horse farm in Medina, Ohio , plus she sells flowers to a florist. What a great find. 

After setting up, we drove to the Cuyahoga National Park. This park is a short distance away from urban areas but you feel loke world away. There are lots of biking and hiking trails along the Cuyahoga River and the Ohio Erie Canal with lots of native plants. 

When we found our way back to where we parked the RV, our host invited us to sit around her spacious campfire and watch the moonrise. Beautiful evening. 

Theresa’s dahlias are blooming and smiling. 

Next stop on our Michigan exploration is near Battle Creek. 

July 31 - Good Weather day for us

Early morning we went for a short hike on Tom’s Run Trail. Beautiful hike with all the moss and trees. Walked across the swinging bridge (and yes, it did swing). 

On the river again. This time we went to the upper parking lot to float down. 

A pretty river to float. 

Lenny is always ready. 

Solar lights work good. 

July 30 - Wash Out day at Cook Forest

Today was a very gray and rainy day. 

Took a drive around the area, stopped at the Laurel Winery at MacBeth’s store. That was about it. 

July 29 - Cooks Forest Camping

Today began our 4-days at Cooks Forest Campground. It was quite hot so Jillian, Andrea, Bill, Lenny and I headed for the Clarion River to kayak. Although the river is low, this part of the river had enough water that we could kayak without getting hung up on rocks. Enjoyable float. 

Lenny watches out for high rocks. 

Photo by Andrea

A lot of Bill’s family is also camping. These are the 3 hoodlums … er brothers. Thanks for the pic, Jillian. 

The birds were sunning themselves.