The Rambler

On August 6 we left Apple Creek Campground to head up to Lake Billings RV Park in Manton, Michigan. Google mapped us up to Grass Lake, then west on Michigan Avenue to take us up to I-94. We also checked our Trip Wizard map, and it routed us the same way, so I felt good about that. However, about 4 miles west of Grass Lake, we came to a jog in the road marked at 20MPH, and as we approached there appeared a railroad underpass with a 13' 2" clearance. I stopped immediately, as our trailer is 13' 2". We could not proceed! Though it was raining, Kristin got out and guided me as I backed about an eighth of a mile, with traffic passing in both directions, to a driveway where I was able to get the trailer turned around. We later determined that I had entered our trailer height in Trip Wizard at an even 13 feet - an estimate I had made before we knew our actual height.

We spent six nights at the Lake Billings campground. It's a nice campground, though a bit cramped, and I would stay again if the opportunity arose. One day we went kayaking on the lake for about an hour, using kayaks provided by the park as part of our camping fee. The lake is small, and we easily paddled the perimeter. After that, I went swimming in the clear warm water for a bit, which is unusual for me as I prefer to be on the water, not in it. On Friday that week we walked to the Three Oh Eight bar in Manton for drinks and to play cards. We enjoyed the bar so much that we went back the next day for handmade pizza and drinks. The place is a very cute and welcoming hometown venue. On another day we took a trip up to Traverse City to get groceries at the Oryana Co-op, and then headed up to Elk Rapids, where we found a beautiful beach and waded in the warm Lake Michigan water with the dog, then wandered up and down main street and got ice cream at Ice Cream Peddlers. On our drive back to the campground we found a farm stand, Uncle Bill's Orchards, selling cherries, peaches, blueberries, pies, jams and jellies and such. We got a super-yummy cherry pie that didn't last very long, and a big bag of fresh cherries that we are still enjoying.

From Manton, we proceeded up to Luce County Park and Campground, near Curtis and Newberry in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. On the way we crossed the Mackinac Bridge connecting the lower and upper peninsulas. This is a narrow 4-lane 5-mile bridge that required my focused driving attention, and I was glad that traffic was stop-and-go as it gave me opportunities to take in some grand views from 500 feet over the water. We arrived at Luce to find a gorgeous and spacious little park situated right on the equally gorgeous North Manistique Lake. The weather was perfect at 80 degrees with a crystal clear sky and light breeze, and we reveled with giddiness at this stunning environment. We enjoyed four straight days of this perfect weather.

With the beauty at Luce, we aren't terribly motivated to venture out, preferring to stay at the park and enjoy the space. Nevertheless, on Wednesday we went to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, which we found utterly delightful, with nice hiking trails, lovely waterfalls, wading below the falls with the dog, and a concession area where we had a nice lunch of salad for Kristin, a fish sandwich for me, tasty local tap beers, and live music. Friday morning we went to the Curtis Farmer's Market, after which we went to Germfask to check out the farm stand there. For our Friday evening beer-n-burger outing we went to The Shipwreck in Curtis. Also during the week I got out for a couple bike rides - 15+ miles to Curtis, and 22+ miles to Germfask - and got in a couple sessions on my rowing machine. We have been having a lovely time at Luce, and will be sad to go.

Lake Billings, Manton, Traverse City, Elk Rapids, Mackinac Bridge
Luce County Park, Tahquamenon Falls, Curtis Farmer's Market