8/29 - Day 16 - Sleeping Bears and Blue Tractors

Today was a busy day. We were up early for the carpool ride to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (http://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm). After an interesting stop at the Visitor's Center, we were off to tour the dunes, using several "scenic drive" road segments. We stopped at the "Dune Climb" area for lunch; yes, some of our hardy members did the climb! After lunch, we finished our tour of the peninsula with an impromptu stop at the headquarters of Cherry Republic (http://www.cherryrepublic.com/), a local purveyor of all things "cherry".

Viewers of "Good Morning America" have voted this area one of the top spots in the country.

We had a chance to see several scenic overlooks on the driving tour.

The visitor's center had quite a few exhibits on native wildlife.

 

We were soon at an area known as the "dune climb".

Several of our intrepid caravanners proved themselves to be climbers as well!

And they got a bird's-eye view of lunch taking shape...

 Back on the road again to Traverse City, we made a quick stop at Grand Traverse Distillery (http://www.grandtraversedistillery.com/), where we had an informative tour ("Don't touch the hot still"!) followed by a tasting of their products. Some of our group liked the traditional vodkas (rye and wheat) while others preferred the flavored ones (cherry - surprise, in the "cherry capitol" - and chocolate) or the rye whisky. Purchases made, we were soon headed back home for a short break. After a quick "social hour" (we've had use of the Resort's main clubhouse during our stay, a big benefit), we were soon heading out for dinner at a local "hot spot" known as the Blue Tractor Cook Shop (http://www.bluetractorcookshop.com/) where we had a nice meal with many of us taking advantage of the Monday Night $2.95 Burger. The place was decorated with all sorts of farm implement parts, fitting the theme, and everyone had a good time.

Most spirits here are triple-distilled.

These columns are adjustable to control the distillation.

Only the whisky sees time in barrel.

"OK, I'll have a taste"... 

8/28 - Day 15 - Off to Traverse Bay

Today was our last caravan day, as we traveled the short distance from Petoskey to Traverse City. Since the distance was short (about 65 miles), we were able to depart a little later than usual and still arrive in time for Social Hour. And it was a good one, as it turned out that the park, Traverse Bay RV Resort, was hosting a Strawberry Shortcake treat in their clubhouse. This was a nice added bonus!

Having already had dessert, what else could we do but head off for dinner? That's right, the carpools were formed up for the short drive into Traverse City's downtown shopping district. We poked around in the various unique shops (OK; some of us found sidewalk café chairs and sat) for a while and then congregated for an early dinner at Phil's On Front, one of the better restaurants downtown.

The downtown area in Traverse City, Front Street, is a walker/shopper's paradise, and very dog friendly.

"Shopping?  OK, I'll be waiting right here..."

We were joined by Steve & Andi's friends Bill & Goldie.

No, not our new RV...

The shopping district extends for quite a few blocks.

OK, so of it is "artsey"...

"Who's that taking our picture"?

No, not our new "toad"...

There's a canal right behind Front Street.

More artwork.

Phil's on Front put on a fantastic meal...

8/27 - Day 14 - Young Americans

Today, Andi and Stave gave us the day off. We were able to take advantage of the weekend breakfast put on by the staff at Hearthside Grove, then we were free to do as we pleased for the day. Some couples took tours of the Harbor Springs area and a section called the "Tunnel of Trees", while others caught up on laundry and more stay-at-home things. Either way is was a well-deserved break.

In the evening, we all carpooled off to the Boyne Highlands, summer home of the Young Americans musical revue. What a great show! Since it was this cast's last show of the season, the theater was packed beyond capacity and these were lots of emotions felt. It was a special evening.

Click here for more information on the Young Americans organization: http://www.youngamericans.org/.

We started off before dinner with more snacks in the lobby of the theater.

"Marry me?  Marry me? Anyone?"

When it was time for dinner, we were musically asked to enter the dining room.

It was a rousing performance!