Memorial weekend blog........

Sunday was a nice day and so we went for a drive. Should have stayed and worked but, well Gerry said it was a holiday so we went out instead. For a change we headed to Frankfort but took a roundabout route. Meanwhile the Cherry Blossom is out along M72



There are a few roads I really like for some reason and one of them (Townline Rd)takes us on a detour from M72. We still end up in Empire but when we hit the big curve we take a left and then a right onto Townline road that has a couple of lakes and things on it.
Brooks Lake first





You can sure see the difference a week makes after a nice rain and some sunshine. This Lake (Courson Lake)has bubbles in it. I assume an underwater Artesian well? I could not find information on it yet.





No activity on the lake though. We saw these Alpaca on our way there. Looks like everyone had their hair cuts.


After getting back on M72 via Plowman Rd, from Empire we headed to Point Betsy and the Lighthouse. One of these days I will do some history on the local lighthouses, although I suppose anyone can look it up. Maybe I will share a link.







We didn't stay long because there were people there. I want to walk on that far beach where there is very little activity but Gerry was not up for it this day so we toddled along to Crystal Gardens greenhouse, antique shop and gardens. Again we didn't linger long. Not so much fun when you cant buy stuff. I forgot to ask when the sanctuary is open. We will go back soon no doubt.





From there we went into Frankfort and on to River Road.



This stop is on the bike trail that goes all the way back to Traverse City. There were a lot of birds and some Painted turtles. We saw a Canada goose mum with babies but she was in someone's garden.The blossoms smelled divine and soon the wild apple blossom will be out too.







I saw several different birds but the branches didn't make for good pictures. I saw a Tern flying and some wading birds too far to get pictures but the Red breasted Grossbeak we don't see in town.
Some nice pictures on this web site





We headed then for the Alpaca farm but they were closed. I forgot it was Sunday and a holiday. Ah well, wanted to see the new babies but these guys were out in the field eating supper.



That reminded me it was supper time and I had not eaten lunch. I had intended stopping in Frankfort but Gerry had lunch before we left and wasn't hungry. We came out from River Road in Benzonia and I thought maybe we would stop at Ricco's on our way home. I said "unless you want a Burrito? In that case we can head over to M72 from Honour to the Hay Loft". That's what we did and got there at about 5pm. The poodles were very happy to see us as it was by then past their dinner time. I even had a beer with my Burrito. Seldom enjoy a beer but it just felt right. Ahhhhhh.

Saturday with Tristen..........

We had Tristen overnight Friday into Saturday. For some reason Laura H took Cooper for the weekend or he could have come with us on our Saturday outing. It was raining. We really needed the rain, everything so dry. It would have been nice to have had a sunny day because we wanted to show Tristen the new beaches we found. Ah well, since when has rain stopped us.


We stopped first in Elk Rapids to find lunch as we got a late start. Well, we had intended to get an early start but were waiting on the weather. Anyway, it was drab and although we went in a few shops we didn't find much interesting. We found a place for lunch and it was good but the service was really slow. We finished lunch and walked around a bit more but soon got back to the car and headed north.


First of all we wanted to take Tristen to Friske Orchards, he loves going there. I suspect it brings back happy memories. We each chose a treat inside and then he went to explore his "boat". They have a wooden Noah's arc in the kids play area. I also have memories of Tristen as a tiny one trying to push the tractor they have for the kids to play on. I made a Meme from this one. He was so small. Look at him now.




So on we went to show him the beach. It was drizzling a bit but at least not pouring.

Those two were still there.


The beach sure looks better when it's sunny. Still we had fun anyway. I guess being brought up in England where the weather is always iffy, I don't let it stop me when I want to do something.





we went back along the "old Dixie Hwy" for as far as we could preferring the quiet back roads. We saw these guys just before getting back on the highway. Tristen wanted to get home. He likes to spend some time at home before he has to go back.


And I took a picture of this sign this time for Laura haha. Our cat lady.

Tristen is doing well at his aunt Laura's but still has a hard time leaving us to go back. It was really nice having him overnight. He made sure to thank her in hopes of doing so again soon.