We planned this trip around a Rod Stewart Concert that we were supposed to attend yesterday at Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Unfortunately, Rod Stewart needed some heart stents. He is doing fine but had to cancel his upcoming concerts.
We stuck with our plan to camp at Cadillac Woods for a couple of days before the concert. I'm so glad we did. Here's a recap.
Day 1-We hit the road after breakfast, mid-morning. Of course, we had to stop at Jay's on the way to Cadillac. It is tradition. Frank found a couple of things that he is mulling over; perhaps we will need to stop back on our way home.
We stopped by Buckhorn Saloon for lunch, reminiscing about meeting Dick and Jackie there when we would come up for our annual Dubrul Family canoe trips. We sat at the bar and listened to a local drunk first tell the barmaid that she should tell her daughter to marry a rich man so she doesn't have to work as a barmaid, and then start ranting about how people of color are ruining this country. I thought, with dread, that if someone visited this beautiful area and only met this man, what a skewed vision of Michiganders they would get.
The temperatures were in the high 90's here on the first day of September!!! We set up camp. The temperature inside the trailer was near 100*. We turned on the air conditioning and went for a drive down memory lane. We drove to the "shack" that once belonged to Frank's family, where he hunted with his father, uncle, and cousins when he was growing up.
Then we swung by the Dublin General Store, which was closed last time we were in the area due to a fire. It has been rebuilt, bigger and better than ever before. From there we stopped by Cool Waters Campground, our home base for many a wonderful family vacation/canoe trip.
Our final stop of the day was a restaurant that we used to frequent whenever we were in the area, Lakeside Charlie's. The restaurant is exactly the same. It was fun reminiscing about such good memories.
Day 2-The morning started off quiet and easy. Enjoyed a couple of cups of coffee, worked on some forms for Marissa, who is hoping to purchase her first home soon, had a leisurely breakfast, and waited for clear skies.
The temps were more moderate today, in the low 80"s, perfect for a walk around Stone Ledge Lake in the Waldeck Island Nature Preserve. It's a short, but beautiful hike. A second leg of the hike leads to a viewing platform; however, storms rolled back in during the first leg.
We drove through the storm to Sutton's Bay and made a stop at one of our favorite wineries, Black Star Farms. We arrived during Goat Happy Hour; prices are discounted, and you can join in some Goat Yoga if you would like. We didn't join in the yoga session, but we did enjoy a glass of chardonnay.
We then went to Jen and Randy's Bookstore in Interlochen, Blue Vase Books. They have built an amazing business for themselves. Folks, it had been 2 years since we last saw our TC family. We hugged, we talked, we hugged some more. We went to Oaky's Tavern for dinner and spent 2 more hours talking nonstop and catching up on our lives. Not once did I stop enjoying our time together to remember to get any photos.
Day 3-We had hoped to get another hike in before we left, but the weather did not cooperate with us. We packed up early and hit the road, hoping to outrun the storms. It didn't work; severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings covered most of Michigan.
We made it home safely, emptied the trailer, put in the laundry, ordered a pizza, and were on the couch by 5:30 pm.
We had a great time and, as always, I am happy to be home. Today will be spent running errands, so I am writing up my Weekly Menu and will hit the markets while I'm out.
On Sunday, the Bonacorsis will come to spend the day poolside and join us for dinner. Cathy's sister, Ellen, is visiting from San Diego. We always love seeing her when she is here. The rest of the week is pretty quiet.
Saturday
Thai Chicken Pasta Salad
Sunday-Bonacorsis for dinner
Bagel Bites with Boursin Cheese/Cocktails poolside
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Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Miso Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Broccolini
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Butternut Squash Cake
Meatless Monday
Grilled Cheese with Tomatoes and Onions
Taco Tuesday
Pork Tenderloin Tacos (using leftovers from Sunday)
Wednesday
French Canadian Meatball Stew
Thursday
Out for dinner
Fish Friday
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
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