Royal Oaks RV Park in Bemidji, Minnesota

Went to Itasca State Park where we got to go to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Now we have been to both ends of the Mississippi River. Met some Air Force veterans with whom John had fun swapping stories.

At Paul Bunyan Park, there were very large statues of Paul and Babe, the Blue Ox.

Curry RV Park in Ironwood, Michigan

This is a city park and we pretty much had the park to ourselves. Had a storm with some downed limbs. Took the pups with us to see a very tall statue of Hiawatha. We rode to the town of Hurley, Wisconsin, which was a mining town for Iron Oar.

We use to call them “fantasies”, now we call it a bucket list.

One of mine was to go to Mackinaw Island, Michigan. That is why we are here at St. Ignace, Michigan – Tiki RV Park.

John go a BIG surprise. Robin Blanchard, our VP of Operations at SES, showed up. I knew she was coming. We had planned it even before we left home in May.

On the 14th, we went by ferry to Mackinaw Island. It was windy and chilly but we persevered. There are no cars on the island. Transportation is either by foot, bicycle, horse, or wagon. It is a colorful, bustling place. The lilacs are fantabulous and smell so good. Flowers are everywhere. The island is famous for fudge, ice cream, and the Grand Hotel.

We ate lunch at The Grand Hotel. There was a buffet for every course. If you go away hungry, it’s your own fault.

After lunch, we took a carriage tour of part of the island. Then took the ferry back to St. Ignace. At the edge of the water, where we had dinner, there was a family of 13 geese eating. The daddy goose was watching John and Robin very closely as they were taking pictures.

We went back to Mackinaw again the next day. The weather was much better. We walked around many blocks and saw a good portion of the town. Had a delightful lunch at The Yankee Rebel.

Lynn flew in that night. We DID know she was coming. After having breakfast with John and Lynn, Robin went to the airport to fly back home.

John, Ruby, and I went back to Mackinaw. We did the full carriage ride this time. The Butterfly House was awesome. Ruby became very good at getting them to stay on her hands. The blues were our favorite. Ate at The Grand Hotel again so that Lynn could enjoy it.

On the 17th, we went to Sauté St. Marie to take a tour through the Poe Lock. At this point we have seen four of the Great Lakes – Huron, Michigan, Superior, and Erie. We had a nice lunch in Sauté St. Marie.

It was an early morning on the 18th, since Ruby and Lynn were flying back to Atlanta.

A very memorable time in this part of Michigan.

Soaring Eagles RV Park, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

This is close to Frankenmuth where Bronner’s, a huge Christmas Store is located. I have ordered Christmas ornaments from here in the past. I would love to see it at nighttime. The sections go on forever. Frankenmuth is a German town.

We had a treat for dinner. John found a Japanese Steakhouse. Their hibachi show was a little different and the food was good.

Ruby has been a big help in saving me steps and doing things we ask her to do. She can put the sofa bed out and up by herself. And the pups love all the attention she gives them.

Her collection this trip has been key rings and little silver rings.

We are now in Georgetown, Kentucky at the Whispering Hills RV Park. So delighted to find a Kroger grocery store. Got the pups groomed and they won’t need another grooming for 6 weeks. Next time I will show the groomer pictures.

Took a van tour of horse farms – went by many of them and learned a lot about their histories. One that stood out was the Calumet Farms – stated by the baking powder people.

First stop was Keenland Racetrack. Fascinating place; we got to watch the horses training in various modes. A racetrack monitor rode his horse over to us and explained what the different modes were. He also made sure everyone was riding in the proper direction. We got to see every part of the racetrack and what took place when. And, of course, we got to visit the gift shop (just like at Disney).

Second stop was at a Horse Friends Farm – Old Retired Horses. There were special cemeteries also. Here, we got to meet the horses closely and feed them carrots. And Ruby made friends with one of the farm cats.

Third stop was at the Womack Farm where we went into a breeding barn. Very clean and elaborate – the wood was beautiful. They rake the crushed clay/sand floor each night so they can see footprints if there has been anyone in the barn unauthorized.

This is beautiful country. I would love to come back.

Wapakoncta, Ohio KOA

Nice little park with a pool, K9 Camp, and a mining station. Ruby collects rocks, gems, and animal teeth so she had quite a “find”. She found a large geode, sharks teeth, some sea glass and several gems. The pups enjoyed the dog park. This was a rest and housekeeping stop. Cute downtown area.

Crossing Creeks Farm.

This is the third summer we have been here. We found it on Harvest Hosts but it is also on Airbnb. It is a third generation farm that has a farm store with wonderful meats.

We visited with our friends Joe and Joy West. They have restored Joe’s childhood farm house and it is adorable! We ate lunch at Nathan’s Family creamery and brought home ice cream and cheese.

Our daughter, Lynn, brought our granddaughter, Ruby to spend some time with us. She had fun seeing all the animals, especially the chickens. She has her own chickens at home in Atlanta. Noah, the son in the third generation, took her to see the chickens, ducks, and baby turkeys.

We went to see John’s Uncle Jack Daniels in Lynchburg Tennessee, went to the Squire House and had lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s.

We also spent some time in Blue Buckle, a unique little town not far from the farm. Good food and little shops.

Arrived at Tom Sawyer RV Park on the bank of the Mississippi River in West Memphis, Arkansas. Stayed at this campground until June 1st because John was concerned about getting reservations over Memorial Day Weekend It gave us a chance to do a little more exploring of Memphis, Tennessee.

We found a new breakfast restaurant downtown, The Arcade- the oldest restaurant in Memphis. Ate there several times.

We’re back! I’m relearning how to use the website.

Went to Red Bay, Alabama until May 22nd.. We had some things done at the Tiffin Factory. We stayed at Red Bay RV Park it is a lovely park with a pond that has two large fountains, a dog park, and a very good restaurant. One evening we went to the Rattlesnake Saloon for dinner. It is in a very large cave that you get to by riding in the back of a pickup truck down a steep hill. They have a live band and some audience participation.

Rattlesnake Saloon near Red Bay, Alabama.

New post to start our summer adventures. We are off to Disney today!