Launch

8/21/23. About a month later than originally planned, but still within an acceptable timeframe for launch. Unplanned, but necessary, home improvement projects set me back a bit, but I think I still have time to work my way to Michigan's YooPee before the snow flies. Here we  go.

Northern Ohio - The Land of the Buzzards Return

Spent my first night on the road with good friends on the north coast of Ohio.

Augie and Charlie

They got along famously. Angie ignored him, and he chased her everywhere. Her favorite kind of relationship. Women.

Lunch with ol' College Friends

Met with friends made at Bowling Green State University in 1977.

Mighty Maumee River

Northwest Ohio now. Hot and humid. 
8/23/23

Belmont Country Club

Stayed within 45 shots of course record.

Luna and Augie(TM)

They don't get along quite as well as their cartoon alter-egos, but after a few days they tolerate each other.

Getting by With a Little Help

...from another college pal who helped me install screens for Gravytrain's side...

Summer Storms

Visited with my Goddaughter and her family in Ann Arbor (washes mouth out) in the immediate aftermath of severe storms that flooded the area and resulted in wide-spread, multi-day, power outages. On the day I arrived, my Goddaughter was returning from a business trip, and the family was ensconced at a hotel because of a power outage, but they still agreed to meet with me for dinner and a quick tour of Gravytrain. Hopefully, our next visit will be longer.
8/25/23

Kalamazoo - zoo - zoo - zoo - zoo!

Good times with great friends...

Hawks Head Links

Accompanied some long-term pals on a two-day golf trip from Kalamazoo to South Haven and Grand Haven. First up, Hawks Head Links near South Haven.
8/28/23

The Southerner

This little Cajun/soul food gem, right on the water in Saugatuek was so good we found ourselves eating there twice in two days.

Grand Haven

We spent the night at a wonderful, museum quality family home about two blocks from Lake Michigan. We strolled down to the lake to see the full moon. 

American Dunes Golf Club

This is a Nickalus course that honors military veterans and those heroes that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Every day at 1300 hours, they play taps and ring a bell 13 times (once for each fold in the triangular folded flag). Everyone on the course stops and removes their caps during this time. The course is beautiful, but mean. Target golf to the extreme.
8/29/23

South Higgins Lake State Park (Near Houghton Lake MI)

Gorgeous campground with lots of activities and brand new showers and bathrooms. Plus bonus pet beach.
8/31/23

Rogers City, MI

I'm spending a few nights at Hoeft State Park, right on Lake Huron while I wait for a friend to return to their home Rogers City.
9/1/23

Hoeft State Park

Miles of trails along Lake Huron, but if you're not the lead dog, the scenery never changes.

Meet Biscuit

The e-Bike that rides on the back of Gravytrain. What goes better with gravy than biscuits?

Lake Huron is Big...

...some might even say "great."

Keens Lament

I carried you to China when I still had that “New Shoe” smell. Then Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and Chefchouen. We watched the Milky Way rise, camped just three feet from the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and hiked in the Rockies, as well as Zion and Brice. I took you through nine months of waiting for Gravytrain and supported your arches for ten months during the build. 

Now, I’m in a dumpster in Rogers City Michigan.  You’re welcome… asshole. 

Keens Lament

Whatevs.

Rogers City Country Club

Wonderful golf course that my friends belong to. Lots of trees, but very playable as long as you can find your ball.
9/5/2023

World's Largest Limestone Quarry 

Very big hole in the ground.

Friday Couples League

Many thanks to my new Rogers City family! We played golf every day for a week ('cept Wednesday)! They even found me a partner for Friday night couples league. What a great week!
9/8/2023

Traverse City

Long overdue visit with my Goddaughter and an introduction to her son! It was great to see them as well as her husband, who gave me a propane connector that I didn't even know I needed until I saw it.
9/10/2023

Augie Love

It took a few minutes to get comfortable, but this guy was obsessed with Augie and her ball-fetching expertise. Later, it took us a few minutes to realize that he was pretending to be Augie - picking up balls from his toy bin with his teeth, and bringing them to us!

Surprise Gift from the U.K.

My attempt to driveway-surf (TM) for a few days at the Traverse City home of a fellow Jar-head, and boot camp buddy, was thwarted when he returned from a vacation in the United Kingdom with our ol' pal, COVID! This was as close as I got. See you guys for a longer (and closer) visit next summer.

Fresh Prince

Now I'm plugged in at a campsite in BellaIre, MI...

Favorite Meal

... where I battled the rain to build a fire in preparation for my absolute favorite meal... 

Getting By (Again) with a Little Help

... and got caught up on this web site. Augie is a great editor!
9/11/2023

Fishermans Island State Park

Lake Michigan is angry today. We're looking at the mouth to Grand Traverse Bay from Charlevoix MI., which is packed full of huge yachts and mansions. Old Detroit and Chicago money.

More Augie!

Many requests for more photos of the real star of the show. Here, she is waiting for me to get her leash on and wondering why I'm pointing my phone at her again. I've joined Harvest Hosts, which is a group of business owners (farms, wineries, breweries, and golf courses, that encourage boondockers like myself to stay the night on their property, gratis, with the understanding that you may make a purchase. Tonight, I have my first stay at a small vegetable farm in Brutus, MI.
9/12/23

Good morning from the Mishko'Ode Farm

Spent a quiet night in this idilic setting, with two other HH (Harvest Hosts) guests. They didn't have their vegetable stand open by the time I rolled at 9:30, and they had closed before I arrived yesterday at 3:30, so this was truly a free stay. I'm looking forward to seeing how this works at golf courses. I'm scheduled to stay at one in Canada in a few days.

Petoskey State Park

Another wonderful Michigan (spits) state park. It was a little cool for a swim, but it was a glorious day at the beach anyway.

Petoskey State Park

Took Biscuit for 15-mile tour of the park, and a quick grocery run to Petoskey as a proof of concept. Came back to camp and got a fire started. You know a toasted wennie followed the fresh veggie tray above. Augie gives this park a "paws-down" though, because the only place dogs can go on the trails is in the immediate campground. Ima owe her some "ball time" tomorrow for sure, but that won't be a problem as we're headed into the wilderness of the Wilderness State Park tomorrow. 
9/13/23

M119

Michigan Rt. 119 is a world-renown "leaf-peeper" route. It runs north along the coast from Petoskey to Wilderness State Park. This stretch is known as the "tunnel of trees." No color yet as I drove through, but I can tell it will be amazing. What was also amazing were the number and size of the mansions that line the coastline. Huge, hundred-million dollar homes - and lots of 'em! This photo is the "Legs Inn" an historic old restaurant that marks the north end of the "tunnel." They have a little park next-door, and Augie finally got her fill of ball chasing.

Legs Inn

Yada yadda yadda...

Mackinaw City

Tonight: TeePee Campground and good WiFi for TNFB. Tomorrow: North of the Bridge!