A Little Adventure

Lake Michigan Light House
Grand Haven, Mi

Since arriving here in the north, even when we were in Ohio, we decided we wanted to visit at least one of the Great Lakes. After talking with some locals Dylan surprised me with a day trip to Lake Michigan.

Saturday morning we go up and headed out, we even took Mo on this adventure with us. We didn't have an exact address to make it to the lake we just had a town to program into the GPS and figured we could figure it out from there. We made it to Grand Haven, Mi with no problem. The GPS did exactly what we asked it to do, it took us to the middle of town which also happened to be in the middle of a residential area. So we broke out our phones so we could see the lake and figure out how to get there. We were only a few miles from the lake. As we were going down this road we rounded the curve and BAM there was Lake Michigan. Finding the lake this way made it even more amazing because of the view and size. The lake was beautiful but unfortunately the visibility was low Saturday due to the fog. 

At first it looked like it was going to be a short trip, there were signs everywhere saying no dogs but we were going to make the best of the day since we had already drove that far. It took us a little bit but we finally found a place to park. We parked inside the state park, for a non-resident it was $9 for the day but the permit allowed us in any Michigan State Park Saturday. The guy working the gate was very friendly and helpful and pointed us in the right direction to find the dog beach. 

We made it down to the dog beach and made our way to the water. You guessed it, it was COLD. We had considered swimming while we were there but after feeling the temperature of the water it was too cold for either of us but it wasn't stopping the locals. Mo does not like the loose sand, I guess because he gets bogged down with his short legs. Usually I can't keep him out of the water but because the wind was blowing it was causing waves and we think the sound scared him. He made sure he kept me between him and the water.

After our walk along the beach we walked along the bay making our way to the pier with the light house, this apparently is the thing to do while in Grand Haven. Of course we found it comical at the variety of the size of boats coming and and going out through the bay area. We saw sizes from kayaks to small yachts. I have to admit the view from the pier was amazing. I could not imagine being out there when the waves where high. Since being home I have researched the light house and the winter photos are absolutely amazing. 

Overall it was a great day we both had a blast and Mo, as always, got a ton of comments. This was definately a place I wouldn't mind getting the chance to visit again. 

One Month Down...

We have survived our first month and a few days, yay!

Unfortunately everyone is saying winter is on its way, which means we will have to be leaving here sooner than we thought. We are already seeing temperatures that they do not normally see until October. That's not good for these two Louisiana kids. We wanted to try to make it here until mid November but it looks like we will have to catch a job further south since this RV park closes October 1st. That's the only negative about tramping where it gets cold, almost all of your RV parks are seasonal so they are only open during the summer months. Then if you are lucky enough to find an open park more than likely you wont have running water.

Since we know our time is limited here our to do list has been rewritten a bit. We found Crystal Lake last week, I cant get over how crystal clear the water is here. All we have in Louisiana is muddy water. Here you can see 3-5 down easy. We had talked about going swimming there one weekend but with the current temperatures I don't think that it is going to happen, and of course Dad wont bring the ski boat up here. We are also trying to plan a weekend trip to one of the great lakes we just seem to decided on which one, where to go, and what to do.

It is strange that I think it is totally hilarious that the grocery store put the cajun style food on the world food isle :) When I seen it I just had to stop and stare. But the good news is I found all the Tony  Chachere I need and want along with Cafe du Monde coffee and beignet mix. What is even more funny is that Dylan has all the guys on his crew convinced that only the men in Louisiana can cook etouffee, bahaha ask me how many times he has cooked it. That's ok though because he gets to cook the gumbo and if he is nice I will take care of the etouffee.

On a positive note we went fishing last weekend and I actually caught a fish, it has been years. Being totally honest it was more like catching than fishing, which is my kinda fishing. 34 bream later and we were out of worms but it was good relaxing fun.