Tuesday - we had the car loaded with our stuff and ready to leave Catrina and Muskegon by 8:15. It was crazy windy and to continue thru tomorrow. We drove to Pentwater and had coffees and shared a cinnamon roll at Green Isaac's Coffee and Tea (no idea where these names come from?) I walked around the downtown - this little town only has a population of 890 regular residents, but swells big time in the summer. I was impressed with the nice variety of shops. And then, off to Ludington.
We drove around the marina and also where the Badger is docked (makes daily runs from Ludington to Manitowoc for cars/people.) With the strong winds, 2 of the trips were canceled as Lake Michigan was expecting up to 14' waves.....oh my!
The Badger
We didn't stop here but sure admired the red/white/blue petunias that lined many streets - they could give some competition to Dixon, IL (Mark's hometown and the "Petunia Capital of the World".) Beautiful!!!
Beautiful petunias
Back on the road with next stop Traverse City. We had gotten alerts on our phones about rain starting....we each went our own way with lots of shops and people. Found a nice bookstore and Mark came in. He got a coffee and we decided to head back to the car. It started to sprinkle, so we picked up the pace and the rain came harder....we were 2 very wet ducks by the time we got to the car. Nothing worse than wearing wet denim! The rain came fast and furious and the wind and cold - ugh! It had been so nice this morning....
We drove onto Charlevoix, (memories of being here on sail Catrina 20 years ago in August. Our friends, Paul, Kathy, Barb and Roger came for a few days. I had a nasty kidney stone episode and ended up in the hospital....all rooms have a view of the lake, but I was feeling miserable. So, this year it was not fun walking around....chilly (low 60's) and very windy. We walked on the main street up and back and said that was enough - lousy weather to be out in (even for a die-hard shopper)! 😊
Last stop of the day was Gaylord, MI (our base for the next 2 nights 1 hour away). Checked into our hotel and then had dinner at Timothy's Pub. What's with this chilly weather on July 22nd??? Slept well...
Wednesday - the sun was back and ready to take on the day. We had breakfast at "Rise 'n Dine" downtown Gaylord
Rise 'n Dine (cute colorful coffee cups outside)
and then left for Petoskey. We remember these towns somewhat from 20 years ago by boat and in 2011 by car, but lots of new condos, more shopping, etc. It was still chilly and I bundled up and walked the streets in the historic district. Mark sat in the car with his I-pad.
And then, off to Harbor Springs - lots of $$$ in this beautiful town. Slowly warming up and more people out and about. The Farmer's Market was right there, too, with a nice variety of vendors. Met up with Mark who got a chocolate shake at Yummies and I got a latte at White Birch Coffee.
Our Port Clinton friends (Dennis and boat sister Teri) are spending 2 weeks at their Presque Isle cabin. We visited them last year with Catrina - such a quaint neat place. So, really good to see them and catch up. They are on Lake Huron which was pretty wild yesterday and several sailboats were returning from the Port Huron/Mackinac Island race. So fun to be with Dennis and Teri and then a good dinner at Woody's, the only restaurant in Presque Isle. We said our good byes and will see them back in Port Clinton later in August. Teri is having her first knee replacement on the 17th. She's hurting so much.
Mark and I headed back to Gaylord (1.5 hours). Long day but enjoyed it all and the highlight was being with Dennis and Teri.
Teri and Pat
Teri and Dennis
and blueberry vodkas
Thursday - more sunshine, less wind - yeah!!! We checked out of the hotel, stopped at Brennan's for coffee and bagels and "on the road" again. 3-hour trip to Muskegon and since we brought our laundry with us when we left Tuesday, went straight to the laundromat and got that job done - 2 loads. Tomorrow we'll be turning in our rental car. Then to Catrina and unloaded all our stuff and clean clothes. Had lunch, put some things away and then off for my mani/pedi at Cindy's Nails and Spa. While I was getting pampered, Mark went to Wal-Mart for some groceries and 2 Rx and a treat at Cold Stone Creamery. We stopped for gas, ice and on home. Ready to just chill and of course, naptime!
Went for a walk after supper - there's a big fishing tournament here at Adelaide Pointe this weekend. It started today and there are lots of fishermen and women here. They can have up to 9 poles and catch 15 (keep best 5). They leave at 6 AM and must be in by 1:30 PM.
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