4-8 August 2020
We have been hanging out with Jim and Betty at their beautiful homestead in the “Troll” section of Michigan. Yep, Upper Michiganders are called “Yoopers” and those living just south of the Mackinac Bridge are called “Trolls”! Our friends, Jim and Betty own a Cedar Creek and are members of our travel club, (CCRVOC) and live near Lake Charlevoix.
We left the Straits of Mackinac after spending 18 days in “Yooperland” ( which I’ll post later) and we arrived to a beautiful county setting just 60 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge. We made a left turn off a country two “laner”, and as we drove down a winding 1/2 mile driveway, we knew we were in the right place when we saw the American Flag and the CCRVOC flag flying proudly! As we approached their house, we were told that site # 548 was reserved and ready with full-hookups. I couldn’t get lost, there was a site number posted on the wall!
Jim helped me wash and wax the Cedar Creek (which needed it badly) and showed me some of wash and wax products that he uses. I’m going to buy, good stuff.
We had a great afternoon visiting and finished the night around the campfire, eating a delicious foil pack stew and visiting with their daughter and grandchildren. Felt like home, as Jim and Betty were relaxed sitting in the best golf car in the world!
We started our days with Jim spoiling us by cooking English muffin breakfast sandwiches that are second to none. We had a great time with our terrific hosts, as they graciously toured us around seeing some local Michigan sights.
We went to the majestic Castle Farms, which has a very interesting history dating back to 1918. Built by Albert Loeb, the acting President of Sears, Roebuck, and Co. as a model dairy farm, Loeb Farms was modeled after the stone barns and castles found in Normandy, France. Its’ history includes an outdoor music concert venue that hosted the many of the top bands of the 70s and 80s like Tina Turner, Aerosmith and The Doobie Brothers. For $12 a ticket !
In 2001, remodeling began under a new owner to its’ current beautiful wedding and event venue. Oh did I mention, we went to the wine cellar and had a glass and snack then watched an elaborate system of miniature trains and tracks weave in out of the shrubs and flowers.
We toured the historic architecture of Charlevoix, including the famed Earl Young Mushroom Houses. Very kool indeed.
We went to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and (partially) climbed the “Dune Climb”. Several very steep sand dunes before you get to Lake Michigan and it’s about a 3.5 miles trip. Betty went much farther than we did and saw the Lake, I did not see the lake, but I know what it looks like… Man, my calf’s were burning during the climb. It was fun in a “why am I doing this” way!
We stopped at Inspiration point, a beautiful scenic overlook of the Glen Lakes, and Lake Michigan. There we dropped the tailgate of Jim’s Ford (no comment), and the ladies laid out a scrumptious picnic of meat, cheeses, fruit, and a bottle wine (and beer) Awesome! We finished up by going into town and getting an ice cream.
A short 10 minutes from site #548 at the top of the winding driveway is a boat launch to Lake Charlevoix. We toured the lake via Jim and Betty’s pontoon boat, motored through the channel under a draw bridge as we went out into Lake Michigan, where we anchored and had another great picnic lunch as we watch the boats criss cross the lake as far we could see. The clarity of of the water is amazing and deceptive. What looks to be 4-5 feet deep would be 20 feet deep, just as clear as it can be, too kool… We motored back and docked at the towns marina, walked the streets and of course, found an ice cream joint (see a pattern there?)
We had such a great time visiting the area and hanging out sharing experiences and the love for our great country. Thank you Betty and Jim for inviting us to your paradise and being awesome!