In the Beginning...

Hello, everybody!!

Well, we've been on the road just over a week and have already traveled through 3 states. Although we have covered a lot of ground, there is not much excitement going on yet. It takes us a few days to get acclimated and into our easy flowing routine, but we know we will get there soon enough. Our first stop was at a KOA in New Colombia, Pennsylvania for a quick two-night stay. The weather was much like it was back home...HOT AND HUMID, with some pop-up storms mixed in. The unbearable weather stayed with us until we reached our next stop in Lake Berlin, Ohio. It finally broke on Saturday, our last day in the Buckeye state. Our last night in Ohio was spent hanging out and laughing with some new friends, as we enjoyed a lovely campfire under the finally rain-free and mostly cloud-free sky. Sunday morning was moving day, so we jumped in the truck and continued heading West. Our next destination was Bishop Lake State Campground in the beautiful town of Brighton, in "Pure" Michigan. The campground was lovely, clean and quiet. We enjoyed a bike ride, a few walks down by the lake, and a game of frisbee. With not much to do in the immediate area, we took a drive to the Village of Dexter, where we thought we'd grab some lunch and do a little shopping. After sitting down at a local eatery (...wait for it!!)...as per YELP, we were shocked when we were advised by the older couple at the next table, to "eat anywhere else but here"!! We high tailed it out of there and made our way to a very quaint and delicious bakery down the street. THAT was a great and delicious move! Back to camp for some more relaxing, some school work, and campfire, before packing up for the next travel day. Our next two stops, also in the beautiful state of Michigan were equally nice, if not better. First, at Burt Lake State Park in Indian River, MI we were just steps away from the lakeside beach and caught a few gorgeous sunsets. Again, with not much to do in the immediate area, we took a drive to Petosky about a half-hour away with our bicycles in tow. Once there, we visited a very small but interesting museum about the small town. We learned that Ernest Hemingway spent summers there as a boy with his family. The weather was perfect, so we jumped on our bikes and rode the 3 1/2 miles to Bayport, a little seaside town (picture Montauk or New England). Anyway, we decided to reward ourselves and stay out of the incoming rain and grabbed a delicious lunch at 'Knot Just a Bar'. Yup, and we still had to ride the same 3 1/2 miles back! What can I say, we don't generally do things in moderation😔. That brief two-night stay brought us to where we are now, way U.P. north at the top of Lake Michigan in Manistique, Michigan. On the way up here we stopped at the Northernmost part of Michigan, in a town called Sault Ste. Marie. We smiled and waved hello across the Soo Canal to our friends in Canada. To the left of where we stood, we could see Friendship Bridge stretching to the border. We also learned that natives from up here, on the Upper Penninsula, are known as Yoopers . Last night, we decided to forgo the usual campsite BBQ and head to a local pub called Tap21, the only place YELP recommended that was open. The unassuming place did not disappoint, with their delicious apps and a local IPA Greg fancied. Today, the weather was a bit gloomy, the waves of the lake crashing behind us (those waves have been known to get as high as 20'), so we just laid low and took it easy. Tomorrow is another travel day but it will be a short one as we head to our next destination. Next stop....the Cheese State. Yum!!! Until next time, we love and miss you all!!

Laura and Greg