Author: Lisa

Fun morning with Concha and Fred! Concha picked up yummy fresh donuts, Fred showed me his two ways of cutting a pineapple, and then we ventured out to their “party barge,” the SS Concha. While I sat on the barge, sipping my morning coffee, Fred entered the water to launch the vessel. Only issue: the weather had changed to wind and wavy water. We tried floating a bit before deciding to return to dock. Instead, we savored our donuts, coffee, and pineapple on the dock. Sadly, it was time to leave Concha and Fred – until next time!
Addie, who told me she missed me (she was parked at a friend’s house across the lake), and I left Northern Michigan for Canada, planning on seeing Niagara Falls from both the Canadian and US sides tomorrow.
All went well until the border crossing. I thought I had everything in order – vaccination card, passport, entrance app completed, Covid test last Wednesday. The issue: my Covid test was 75.5 hours old rather than 72 hours. First officer sent me to a second officer who allowed me to enter. Phew!
Arrived at my Harvest Host, The Crump Family Farm (https://g.co/kgs/h246jC) for tonight – a lovely sustainable farm! Dinner – tasty salmon caught by Concha and veggies from Concha and Fred’s garden. 🙂
Addendum: What a terrific evening! After dinner, farm proprietor Chris Crump knocked on my door inviting me to a campfire. Chris and his wife Vivian recently joined Harvest Hosts and decided to have a campfire since for the first time there are three guest RVs here – two other Canadian couples and me. The seven of us sat around the fire for three hours chatting and exchanging stories. So nice!
Staying out of the way as Fred launches the SS Concha.

 

Enjoying the dock chairs.

 

All of us, including sweet little Zeke!

 

Addie and me, on the road again.

 

Border crossing before the drama.

 

Alpaca.

 

Addie relaxing on the farm.

 

Grazing cows at sunset.

 

Yum yum!

Busy busy day and I have only some of the pics from our adventures, so I’m posting Part 1 now and Part 2 later! First, paddle boating, shopping in Traverse City, wine tasting at Mari and Bonobo, Old Mission Peninsula lighthouse, cocktails at Ethnology (best cocktail EVER!), dinner at a restaurant on the lake, and a bonfire at Concha and Fred’s friends across the lake – boat as mode of transportation. So much fabulousness deserves TWO posts; Part 2 later. Goodnight for now!

Sunrise

 

Leg day!

 

Sun’s rays shining down on us while paddle boating.

 

Who knew Michigan has such great wines – along with such terrific views?

 

Old Mission Lighthouse

 

Yoga in the lavender field – lavender ice cream for a snack!

 

Love.  Love.

 

Dinner with a view.

 

Bonfire, s’mores, music, and dancing.

So many beautiful places, so much fun! I spent the day riding in Concha’s convertible with her chauffeuring us around the peninsula. The many photos attached represent only a small part of our wonderful day!

Sunrise from the lake house overlooking Duck Lake

 

Sunflower field

 

Northport- the top of the Leelanau Peninsula

 

Northport lighthouse

 

Northport

 

Flowers in a kayak next to the lighthouse

 

Fishtown (Leland)

 

Hike to Pyramid Point

 

Pyramid Point

 

Pyramid Point

 

Boat ride on the lake to visit friends

 

Dinner at sunset

 

I spent the first part of the day in Muskegon and Grand Haven, first getting my flu shot and a COVID test so I can cross into Canada in a few days and then explore the coastal town of Grand Haven. Following that excitement, I met my friend Concha for drinks and a delicious meal at Valkyrie in Muskegon. Now, I’m hanging with Concha to her lake house in Interlochen. Tonight’s post is abbreviated due to cocktails and girl talk (Concha Allen, Editor).

Grand Haven public art

 

Grand Haven

 

The “auditorium” in Grand Haven

 

Guess who?

 

Planning tomorrow’s itinerary.

I can’t believe this is the end of the second month of my cross country adventure! A few of my reflections…
State parks: Although national parks often contain the most magnificent sites, state parks ROCK! State parks highlight sweet wonders of that state and offer some of the most comfortable, well-appointed, and reasonable campgrounds. Some weekends, these parks fill with locals – children running around and riding bikes – very nice! During the week, everything quiets down and the atmosphere relaxes.
Fly swatter: Most of you know that I’m a vegetarian – technically, a pescatarian since I eat fish! However, I have grown to appreciate my fly swatter. “Fly, you’re outta here!”
Midwesterners: Whenever possible, I chat with locals. I am much more impressed with the kindness, generosity, and warmth of midwesterners than many of those I interacted with in the northern plain states.
“Favorites”: A few friends and acquaintances ask me what my favorite places to visit have been. Other than saying a forest hike to a waterfall, I can’t answer this! Every day – or nearly every day – I see an amazing site, have a terrific conversation, learn something new…
Overload: That being said, I have learned – or am learning! – that I don’t need to fill every day with so much activity. Go, go, go…and then I crash and need to take a break. I am beginning to get better at recognizing the signs that I need to slow down, relax, breathe…
Public spaces: Whether it’s gardens, sculptures, statues, or any other form of public art, I marvel at what cities and towns create in their public spaces. Along with the natural beauty I’ve witnessed, I savor the beauty displayed in older town squares or revitalized municipal districts.
Humidity: Humidity sucks! I can handle, to a certain degree, dry heat. Humidity saps my energy, strength, and motivation! I knew August in the midwest would present weather issues, and I was right. I look forward to cooler and less humid weather.
The world: I can’t end my reflections without acknowledging what is happening in our world – Afghanistan, Hurricane Ida, COVID, climate crisis, poverty, “otherizing” people, political divisiveness, … Please know that I recognize what is going on outside of my mobile bubble.
South Dakota

 

Nebraska

 

Minnesota

 

Iowa

 

Kansas

 

Missouri

 

Illinois

 

Indiana

 

Tennesee

 

Kentucky

 

Ohio

 

Michigan

 

The Fleming Family

 

Ricky and David

 

Jeffrey and Kristen
Restful day! I puttered in the morning before exploring Muskegon’s 132 year old Farmers Market. Oh, I appreciate the fresh produce! After returning to my campsite, I roamed around Muskegon State Park. Although the temperature remained comfortable, the skies burst with rain – right when I approached a covered table – phew!
Needing reliable internet for some trip planning and writing, Addie and I moved into town where we’re hanging out in a parking lot. I can’t believe today is the last day of August and time to post my monthly reflections! 🙂
P.S. Added tonight’s sunset.
Fresh produce – and salsa!

 

That’s the lighthouse I climbed yesterday!

 

A larger view of the Muskegon Lighthouse from across the channel.

 

Muskegon Channel which connects Lake Michigan and Lake Muskegon.

 

Covered table – perfect place to wait out the cloudburst.

 

Scenery on my ramble.

 

Mural on the side of a beach building.

 

Driftwood.

 

🙂

 

I love the pattern the raindrops made in the sand.

You know how printed material often publishes a disclaimer that information may have changed so check with the organization to verify details? Yep, that…
The local magazine stated there would be a weekly Farmers Market in Holland, about 25 miles south of me, from 5-8pm. The Muskegon lighthouse gives tours on Mondays, 1-5pm. I decided, therefore, to head up north to explore and then meander southward stopping at the lighthouse on my way to Farmers Market. Whitehall and Montague, separated by a bridge, are cute coastal towns located a little bit north of me.
The lighthouse – really, light TOWER since no house is attached – was quite interesting. There are *102* lighthouses on Lake Michigan to protect boats from the shore. Linking yesterday’s Victorian home tour to my lighthouse visit, rebuilding after the 1871 Chicago fire spurred the rapid expansion of the lumber industry and Hackley’s fortune. Moving lumber from Muskegon to Chicago necessitated safe water travel and the many lighthouses.
Next on today’s itinerary: Holland Farmers Market. Oops! It’s now on Wednesdays rather than Mondays! Pivot to grocery shopping where I bought a Beyond Burger and eggplant to grill for dinner. 🙂
Weathervane in Whitehall

 

Montague and Whitehall

 

Addie hanging out while I explore

 

I was surprised that the gull didn’t move when I took this pic

 

Muskegon light TOWER

 

Solar-powered “lantern” – operated remotely now rather than with a keeper. In the 1800s. Muskegon lighthouse had the first female keeper.

 

My camp, shown behind me, is across the channel from the lighthouse…one must drive all of the way around the channel to get from one to the other.

After wetting my feet in the warm waters of Lake Michigan, I drove to downtown Muskegon’s revitalized Heritage District. I saw renovated factories, fascinating public art, and delightful architecture.

Warm lake water.

 

Rotary Park provides musical play equipment for children.

 

A part of the twelve blocks of the Heritage District.

 

The Monet Garden.

 

Synagogue founded in 1888 – closed today.

 

Hackley & Hume Historic Site: In the late 1800s, Hackley became a “lumber baron” and built this house; his younger partner Hume constructed a home next door. I toured both of these Victorian homes.

 

The woodwork in Hackley’s home: exquisite.

 

Hackley installed many stained glass windows. Note how the ceiling contains the same colors as the windows.

 

Although Hackley had heating, nearly every room also had a fireplace.

 

The library in Hume’s home. Hume had seven children, all of whom loved reading. Hackley adopted two children. The inside of Hackley’s home is ornate and elegant; the inside of Hume’s home is relaxed and comfortable.

Reflective day… First, I went to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Not only did this informational and insightful museum thoroughly and compellingly document slavery itself, but it also discussed the fight for freedom, the consequences of wars and politics, and the current state of slavery amd oppression. Please note that I only have a few photos as I fully immersed myself at the museum.
Following the Freedom Center and lunch, I strolled along the River Walk – pleased to find a labyrinth at the start of the trail. What a powerful means of reflecting on what I learned at the museum and transitioning to my consideration of the Ohio River and Cincinnati’s cityscape. This promenade provided a visualization of the role of this river, which separates Kentucky, a slave state, from Ohio, a free state.
One of many murals

 

The RagGonNon, a textile work of artist Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson.

 

The Slave Pen, built in the early1800s and recovered from a farm in Mason County, Kentucky, was used as a holding pen to temporarily store enslaved people purchased by Capt. John W. Anderson before he sold them at auction in Natchez, Mississippi.

 

Labyrinth

 

The many bridges across the Ohio River reminded me of Budapest and Prague.

 

 

A riverboat

 

Worst maritime disaster – 200 more people died on this boat, built in Cincinnati in 1863, than on the Titanic.

Kentucky Horse Park: Two thumbs up!! My photos don’t do this gorgeous facility justice! The Horse Park, with its retired champions, variety of breeds, and spectacular grounds, surprised me! “A treasure to our state and a facility unlike any other in the world, since 1978 the Kentucky Horse Park’s mission has been to celebrate our relationship with the horse through education, exhibition, engagement and competition. Owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, each year we welcome over 500,000 visitors from around the world.”
Mary Todd Lincoln House: More engaging than the house itself, the self-guided tour signage and readings presented insight into this First Lady and her family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

China from Lincoln’s first term. Since I prefer to post no more than 10 pics and I loved my horse photos so much, this is the only photo I’m uploading from Mary Todd Lincoln’s home. 🙂

A surprising day! Gorgeous scenery with rolling hills, tall trees, and green lawns. Crazy thunderstorm while driving on the interstate! Lasted for only a few minutes – phew!
Needed a trim and found a Supercuts next to Trader Joe’s, and Hernando, the stylist, had just enough time to cut my hair.
While checking out at TJs, I complimented my cashier for his authentic friendliness, something I have found to be consistent at every TJs I’ve shopped at on my journey. He then gave me a souvenir from TJs – a Kentucky reusable bag!
Tonight, I’m camping at the Kentucky Horse Park – beautiful. I’m going to wander tomorrow morning and look at the horses.
Split ends: gone!

 

My Kentucky souvenir!

 

Miss Addie 🙂

The Smokies surpassed my expectations! Beautiful, green, scenic – and less traffic than I first imagined. After a slow morning (binge watched all available Season 2 episodes of Ted Lasso last night!), Addie and I headed over to Great Smoky Mountains.
We drove up to Clingmans Dome and, while Addie rested her tired bones, I hiked to Andrews Bald. There is something about hiking in a forest, my friends, that fills my soul and lifts my spirit.
After that five mile hike, I headed up to Clingmans Dome, a steep climb. Surprisingly, the only people to pass me on the climb were four twenty-somethings (and they hadn’t just finished the Andrews Bald hike!). Years ago, a wooden tower allowed visitors to partake of a 360 degree view. Now, a concrete tower looms over the highest point in the park.
Although I seriously considered a hike to a waterfall after Clingmans Dome, a sign on the road to the trailhead said narrow, single lane, no RVs…and it was already after 5pm…so I made the choice to come back to my campground.