retired campers gather no moss -...

©

northerncamper.com

Like a Rolling Stone ~

Retired Campers Gather No MossRecipes Festivities Puzzles

Sept. 2011 Free

CADILLAC

FALL FEVER FESTIVAL!SEPTEMBER 24-25

Small TOWN

Stops

WargameS North Cadillac & alpena, 231-775-2522

Friday Night magic, Comics, Board gameswargamesnorth.com

CaNField auto BrokerS231-468-2886 (auto)

For all Your automotive Needswww.canfieldauto.com

the goSpel Book Store231-775-0352, 120 S mitchell

m-Sat, 10 to 5, Bibles & Bible engraving,gifts, Bulletins, Jewelry, music

Blue heroN CaFewww.cafeblueheron.com

304 N mitchell, 231-775-5461Breakfast, lunch, Bakery

the Book Nook120 e pine, 231-775-8171

used Books ½ price Check us out atFacebook.com/thebooknookcadillac

BriNkS art & Frame Shop** local art * gifts **** Custom Framing***brinksframing.com*

NorthlaNd trailerS903 N. mitchell St.

231-775-3101Fall Wheelin’ & dealin’ Sale!

adVaNCe realtYCarol Coe-VokeS, Broker

advancerealty.com/231-775-1368We liVe it-loVe it-Sell it

BriNkS art & Frame Shop** local art * gifts **** Custom Framing***brinksframing.com*

CouNtrY Cottage déCor & roYer aNtiqueS113 N mitchell, 231-779-2434

monday – Saturday 10-5Folk art, primitive, antique, Coins

Julie aNN’S quiltiNg & more231-775-8301

117 N. mitchell, lower levelFabrics, Service & Sales of Sewing machines

Your SiSter’S CloSetresale Boutique

Come raid our Closet 231-775-7424

rJ graNtS For him aNd hermen’s and ladies’ Clothing

quality Clothing and Servicefrom owners rick and tammy grant

park plaCe CaFé231-775-5550

the Fresh made difference downtownmitchell St or City park entrance

FridaY• Scavenger Hunt in participating stores; look for

the pumpkins.

SaturdaY• Fall Harvest Booths ~ All day, showing off and

selling the best of local harvest available!• Craft Beer Festival ~ Noon - 10 pm, tasting all

day with snacks, beer & fun under the tent!• Godfrey’s Classic Car Show ~ Noon - 5 pm

Activities In-Store, Harris St., Lake St. & Various Locations Throughout TownSaturdaY (continued)• Fall Fever Festival Parade ~ 5 pm• PeeWee NasDog Dog Show/Race/Contest ~ 1 pm & 3 pm in City Park• Kids Fall Crafts, Games & Pumpkin Decorating ~ 1 - 4 pm, City Park• Kids Bounce Houses ~ 1 - 8 pm• Entertainment Under Tent ~ 6 - 10 pm

SuNdaY• World famous Criss Cakes, Flying Pancakes ~ 9 am -1 pm

The Northern Camper 3

Have a Nice Day! 9&10 News....................... 27

B.C. pizza ~ lake City ..... 17

Boon grocery .................. 10

Bucksnort Bar .................... 9

Cadillac Family pharmacy ......... 16

Cadillac Farmers’ market........... 11

Camp Cadillac ................. 13

Camper Canopy Companion ....... 9

Club 37 .............................. 9

Coffee Cup ....................... 14

Coolwater on the pine ..... 32

Coyote Crossing ............... 21

dog ears Books ................ 21

dublin general Store ....... 19

ebels general Store ......... 11

h & d Chuchwagon ......... 23

holiday park Campground ................ 26

WhiteTail RealtyLocated in Downtown Lake City

231-839-8142 • 877-212-1405

www.LakeCityMiRealEstate.com101 S. Main St., Lake City

Falling in Love with Northern Michigan?

Come see us for cabins, cottages & recreational properties!Rick Lantz

Carolyn Lantz

Jeff Marion

Editor’s Pencil✎

When the electrical tape that was holding my cell phone together began to melt to my face, I knew it was time for a new one. (To clarify, a new phone, not a new face. Phones are cheaper.)

I do not like the new cell phones. I wish they all came with a large numbered keypad. For the ring, all I need is a simple tone, vibrate and silent option. I do like voicemail as I do not have my cell phone attached to my hip.

To try and embrace the new beast, I thought I’d play with the ring tones—not anything I had to pur-chase of course, but those that came on the phone. As I scrolled through the list and saw “Froggy Night,” I decided that would be perfect to identify those calling for The Northern Camper.

The first time I receive a call with this ring tone, it scared the crud out of me. What in heck was that? It sounded more like a reptile drowning than a croak-ing frog enjoying the evening stars.

And the first time I thought I heard it vibrate? I checked—no call. There it went again—no call. I finally realized the vibration sound was coming from a hummingbird outside my window. Now that was cool.

So I started paying closer attention to the sounds that surround me and made a list:• Squirrel – Sounds a little like a jackhammer, but

you can appreciate this call as he’s protecting his . . . , ah . . . , you know . . . , what he eats.

• Oriole – A door hinge squeak, but it’s not annoy-ing, so you don’t need the WD-40.

• Crow – A different squeak, more like a swing swinging on a playground, and I’m way overdue on hitting the playground for a good swing.

• Loon – Nada; nothing else sounds like a loon.• Chickadee – Sounds like he/she is singing “my tree.”• Dove – Woohooo, woohooo, whoow—but not in an

excited way, more gentle, like blowing in your ear and telling you it’s time to get up.I’m guessing there is a way to record these sounds

on the phone and use them for ring tones. Yeah, I’ll look through that instruction manual that has 7 point condensed type and figure that out soon. In the meantime, I’m changing all the ring tones back to default.

I’m also going to keep my list going. As something good can come of everything, a bad ring tone has made me appreciate the sounds that surround me.

~ Kathy Salvatore, publisher

kestelwoods ..................... 27

korner gem ..................... 22

little river Casino ............. 4

loomis landing ................ 21

miNews26 ....................... 23

missaukee County parks ............... 32

ranch rudolf ................... 32

river Country Campground ................ 32

Shamrock Bar .................. 15

tCrV ................................ 23

the merry inn .................. 15

timber ridge rV & recreation resort ....... 7

town pump Saloon .......... 24

twin oaks Campground & Cabins ...................... 32

Whitetail realty................. 3

po Box 14 lake City, mi 49651-0014

©2011

Advertising Information(231) 394-1549 or (231) 920-2569

[email protected]

The Northern Camper is distributed may though october in Wexford, missaukee, north osceola, west roscommon, west grand traverse, north leelanau, south antrim, and manistee counties and michigan Welcome Centers including Clare, monroe, dundee, New Buffalo and detroit.

The Northern Camper is published by S.S. Signals marketing in lake City, michigan. entire contents copyright 2011 by S.S. Signals marketing. all rights reserved. reproduction or use of content in any manner is strictly prohibited. The Northern Camper is a registered trademark and its use is prohibited. S.S. Signals marketing reserves the right to refuse advertising not deemed acceptable by the publisher, kathy Salvatore.

retired Campers gather No moss ........ 5almanac rack ...................................... 8Camper’s gadget .................................. 9the Cookin’ Camper ...........................10this old Camper .................................12Camper’s Word Search ........................14motorcars in manton ..........................15Festivities ............................................16Camper’s Sudoku ................................17history Corner ....................................18Camper’s Choice ................................ 20Book review .......................................21got rocks? ..........................................22Campground Critter ............................24Camper’s Crossword ...........................25Campground directory .......................28

V o l u m e 7 i S S u e 4 S e p t e m B e r 2 0 1 1

w w w . n o r t h e r n c a m p e r . c o m

©

Park ‘n’ PlayNestled in the Victorian port city of Manistee, Little River Casino Resort is one of Michigan’s premier entertainment destinations. Our spacious luxury RV Park features 45 full service sites and 50 ecomomy sites, which offer the perfectway to relax after a road trip. We have three delightful restaurants to suit any taste, or budget. And you can try to fill ‘er up with cash on oneof over 1,500 slots and a variety of table games!Come play and stay with us, make your reservationsnow at 1-888-568-2244. More excitement, more adventure, more things to see and do… Little River is truly more fun than ever!

Published by


Like a Rolling Stone ~

Retired Campers Gather No Moss

(continued on page 6)

donna & dave mcFadden labelle, Fl & traverse City, mi

The McFaddens did it—traded in their 3,000 square foot home for a 45-foot class A motor coach. “We did it in stages, so that made it easier,” Donna said. “We sold the

house and moved into a small duplex, but after the first year, counted we were only there 110 days.”

This led to their de-cision to become what are known as “full-timers,” a growing population of about a million strong.

Both from Illinois and retired from ed-ucation, Donna was a business teacher and remembers her typ-ing class going from manuals to comput-ers. Dave taught history and joked, “I didn’t have to keep

up with technology like Donna since history doesn’t really change.” But Dave did stay active coaching football, bas-ketball and track, ending his career as principal.

And it was the coaching of a particular student that got them into their current lifestyle.

“One of the kids I coached lost his father,” Dave ex-plained. “The family had a 26-foot Class C motor coach and wanted to sell it. Donna and I had talked some about trying it out and decided this was the right opportunity.

“Both of us grew up staying close to home with little travel, so this was all new to us,” Dave said. “Our first stop was in Donna’s brother’s driveway! He showed us some basics, then we made our first road trip to Wisconsin.

“We told the camp hosts we had never done this be-fore,” Dave laughed, “So they put us in the handicapped site! They were a great help and contributed to our loving this lifestyle.”

And once you love the lifestyle, you’re always thinking bigger. To prove the 5- to 10-footitis theory is true, the McFadden’s next rig was a 35-foot Class A. After that, they purchased their first diesel, 40-foot Class A. Now, they are the happy owners of their full-time home, a 45-foot Class A motor coach with four slides.

“We bought this last one because we knew we wanted to be full-timin’,” Dave said.

And full-timin’ comes with amenities like heated tile floors, dishwasher, washer and dryer, two big flat screen TVs, and then some. “There’s nothing we would have in a house that we don’t have now,” Dave said. “And that’s a good thing,” Donna laughed, “because my idea of rough-ing it is a night in the Holiday Inn without my own pillow!”

Throughout their travels in the continental 48, the only states the McFaddens have missed are Kansas and Ne-vada. And they’ll most likely get to both some time in the future. But as many people experience, once they retire, they some how find themselves back in a job of some sort.

“We’re two retired school teachers who still need a little income,” Dave said, “and this is how we want to live.” So as opportunity did its proverbial knocking, the McFad-dens met Kathy and David Scheppe from Traverse Bay RV Resort.

Dave was in charge of organizing an event at their winter lot at River-Bend Motor-coach Resort in Labelle, Florida. He contacted the Scheppes to see if they would be interested in coming down as a vendor and showing the snowbird RVers where they could get out of the heat in the summer. Conversa-tions led to an offer for the McFaddens to help manage the office and rentals. For the past four years, they now travel from Florida to Michigan with a stop in Illinois to see the kids and grandkids.

by Susan Lovelace & Kathy Salvatore

For those of us who are already grown up, the age-old question may be, “What do I want to be when I retire?” And for those who have lived a camping lifestyle and like to travel, the question may be, “What kind of camping do

I want to do when I retire?” With adventures ranging from full-timers, to state park volunteers, to seasonal travelers, three couples share their stories of retirement and living their dreams.

The McFaddens in Florida with their admiring Sheltie, Tess.

Traverse Bay RV Resort owners David & Kathy Scheppe with their “retired” managers,

Donna & Dave McFadden.

Retired Campers (cont’d from page 5)

“Our daughter put in a gravel drive and 50 amp power so we have a lot there, too,” Dave said. “We get to spend time with family as well as enjoy two of the most beautiful resorts in the country.”

But does the fact that they’re working from the end of May through early October take away from the lifestyle they enjoy? “No,” Donna and Dave said in unison. They both have Tuesday and Wednesdays off where Dave hits the links and Donna does lunch with girls from the resort.

“There’s a network of friends who are here and Florida,” Donna explained, “and though it seems like the country has become more isolated, in an RV setting, you’ll still have BBQs with 25-30 people who are all your neighbors.”

So even after work, their lifestyle is right there from the short walk between the resort office to the Scheppe’s lot they enjoy as part of their compensation. “We’re talking about cutting our hours back next year to give us a little more free time,” Donna said, “but we’ll always love being a help to the resort guests.”

“Home will always be where we park it,” Dave and Donna said, “and we’re living our dream.”

mary ann & Ben Wolford ~ lake City, miSimilar to the

McFaddens, Ben and Mary Ann Wolford are retired, but don’t sit still for long. Their travels have taken them to most of the 50 states, a summer trek to Alaska, and camp hosts at one of the most sought after state parks in Texas.

Retired since 1993, Ben and Mary Ann met while in college at Purdue Univer-sity in Indiana. Mary Ann majored in Recreation but upon

graduation, the only job she could find was in a mental hospital. (Little did she know, she’d be putting that de-gree to good use during retirement!) Along with being a mom of three, she taught elementary school and worked in the medical field. Ben landed a marketing job that would give him 27 years with Dow Chemical, bringing them to Michigan, and eventually to their beautiful home on Sapphire Lake.

“Our camping experiences include the back of a station wagon with a bed roll,” Mary Ann laughed, “and I even had a night in a Volkswagen Sedan with our 4-year-old because the bed roll wasn’t cutting it with the cold!”

“And I think that’s when we went from bed rolls to sleeping bags,” Ben added.

Besides the VW bus, the Wolfords have experienced everything from a pop-up camper to a Class C motor coach, always with kids and dogs in tow. Today, the Wolfords enjoy the better of two camping worlds—a 35-foot fifth-wheel with three slides as well as a truck camper. “If you’re going to stay in any one place for three to four months, you need the space of the fifth wheel,” Ben said. “But it’s the truck camper we took on our trip to Alaska.”

Their truck camper is fully efficient, and was the best for travel on the sometime rough terrain. “The smartest thing I did was buy an extra set of tires,” Ben said. “We put them on in Anchorage and never had a problem.” And after a 17,000-mile trip, Ben said, “The truck camper still gets us into the back areas and always keeps us high and dry!”

“I’d go back in a heartbeat,” Mary Ann said of their frontier adventure from May to September in 2002. “I actually got to put my foot in Prudhoe Bay!” They also took time to volunteer in Haines at the first Presbyterian Church to be built in Alaska, a popular stop for cruise ship tourists.

The Wolford’s passion for volunteering and traveling to Texas for the winter is where the fifth-wheel comes in handy. Inks Lake State Park is in the Hill country, about 40 miles out of Austin, and “is much like Michigan with rivers, lakes and granite outcropping—one of the reasons we like it.”

It’s also the other “retired” volunteers and park rangers that bring them back for more.

“Inks Lake is one of the most popular places to volun-teer,” Mary Ann said, “and you need to sign up a couple of years ahead to get in.”

In 2010, they enjoyed volunteering with 17 other retired couples. And across Texas, the volunteer program is so strong that they put in enough time to cover the work of 90 rangers.

“If you want to be a volunteer, you have to like people and not be afraid of a little hard work,” chimed both Mary Ann and Ben. Hard work includes things like trail main-tenance, building repair, painting, setting traps for wild

Ben & Mary Ann Wolford at their home on Sapphire Lake.

Park ranger Robert’s overalls and Mary

Ann’s infamous dance!

cats, cleaning out cabins, and helping the ranger when kids put cans down the toilet.

And Ben has a standing joke; “How many volunteers does it take to put up a park sign? Three, and six park rangers to stand around and supervise!”

This is all in good fun as Robert, one of the Wolford’s favorite rangers who is to retire this year, was given a gift of unique overalls, thanks to Mary Ann’s sewing talent.

“My daughter had given me a unique set of overalls from her resale store, size 56” waist and 18” inseam. I had to add a little to the inseam, then stitched on park patches and had all the volunteers sign them.”

“We had a party and Mary Ann actually presented the overalls to Robert wearing them and doing a little dance,” Ben said laughing.

Beside the overalls, Mary Ann’s sewing talents made for a trade for their stay one season by making curtains for 22 cabins. “There were four windows and one door to each cabin,” Mary Ann said. “I actually brought two machines with me that year. We set up an assembly line in one of the cabins to cut the fabric from the huge bolts and then I did the sewing in the fifth wheel.”

This winter, the Wolfords are staying close to home and having fun with projects that don’t seem to get done when they’re on the road. But future plans include a possible trip to Nova Scotia next summer and they’re also signed up as volunteers at Ink Lake in 2013.

“We’ll look forward to our next season in Texas,” said Mary Ann. “Because everyone is retired, you always walk out the door with someone there and something to do.”

All Season Resort In Traverse City ~

Recreational Living at its Finest!

Timberridge

RV & Recreation Resort

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231-941-2770TimberRidgeResort.net

lindy & rob delamare ~ pahrump, NVRetiree Lindy DeLaMare

recalled some of her earliest camping experiences as one of ten kids growing up in rural Neenah, Wisconsin: “When I was little, we’d sleep out in the back yard in a pup tent. One year, my Dad rented a covered wagon and we slept in that. Then, he put up a big tent that had bunk beds in it, and we’d sleep out there all sum-mer long…” She also fondly remembers summer nights as a child sleeping in the yard in an Army hammock. “My mom would put her head out the back door and chirp, ‘Lin! Time to get up!’ I remember my Mom’s voice, lovingly, as my alarm clock that summer.”

Memories such as those have been known to turn many of us into campers for life, and Lindy and husband Rob, who grew up in many places as the son of a career Army of-ficer and with roots in Tacoma, WA, are no different. Both engineers retired about five years from the Boeing Com-pany in Long Beach, CA, the DeLaMares began camping as a couple under minimalist conditions. Lindy spoke of a time when they had an unexpected and unwelcome visitor on one of these occasions. While camped under the stars


Lindy DeLaMare, proud to be co-pilot

and captain of “Bee.”

8 The Northern Camper

Railroad TimelineLogging companies built the first railroads into Northern

Michigan. As they depleted the supply of trees near rivers, they advanced deeper into the woods further away from

the rivers they needed to float logs to the mill.

Almanac RackExcerpts from the Northern Michigan Almanac, by Ron JollyCopyright 2005, published by The University of Michigan Press & The Petoskey Publishing Company; copyright 1980, Sail & Rail by Lawrence & Lucille Wakefield.

Year railroad/route1870 Flint, Pere Marquette/Midland to Clare to Newaygo1871 Flint, Pere Marquette/Newaygo to Evart to Reed City1871 Grand Rapids, Indiana/Clam Lake to Fife Lake1872 Grand Rapids, Indiana/Walton Junction to Traverse City1873 Jackson, Lansing, Saginaw/Otsego Lake to Gaylord Traverse City builds 26 miles of track.1874 Grand Rapids, Indiana/Fife Lake to Petoskey1877 Lake George, Muskegon River/

Michigan’s 1st logging RR runs 7 miles between Clare & Muskegon River.

Ephraim Shay of Cadillac invents smaller, maneuverable locomotive that could make tighter turns and move better on steep terrain in woods.

1880 Flint & Pere Marquette/Clare to Harrison Grand Rapids & Indiana begin summer-only tourist

trains to resorts north of Petoskey.1881 RR car ferry service across Straits of Mackinac started

by Mackinac Transportation Co. First ferry was the Algomah which hauled cars on barge, Betsy.

1882 Bay View, Little Traverse & Mackinac/Connect Bay View to Harbor Springs

Grand Rapids & Indiana publish a tourist guide promoting hotels & resorts, highlighting Omena, Northport, Old Mission, Elk Rapids, Charlevoix, Bay View & Harbor Springs

Michigan Central opens new depots in Grayling, Topinabee & Mackinaw City.

Flint & Pere Marquette buy 2 wooden steamers to ship railroad cargo across Lake Michigan.

1883 Chicago & West Michigan/Pentwater to Baldwin1884 Cadillac & Northeaster/Cadillac to Missaukee1887 Toledo & Ann Arbor reaches Cadillac

Chicago & West Michigan reaches Wellston By 1887, Michigan had 89 logging railroads in

operation, more than any 2 states combined.

1888 Manistee & Northeastern/Manistee to Beecher (near Thompsonville)

St. Ignace, a wooden car ferry, becomes first ship to carry rail cars between Mackinaw City & St. Ignace.

Highest railroad bridge in MI is built over Manistee River between Baldwin & Kaleva.

1889 Toledo, Ann Arbor & Lake Michigan/Cadillac to Beecher

Frankfort & South Eastern/Frankfort to Beecher Chicago & West Michigan/

Reaches Kaleva & Thompsonville1890 Jennings & Northeastern/Lake City to Kalkaska Chicago & West Michigan/Baldwin to Traverse City1891 Chicago & West Michigan/Traverse City to Elk Rapids1892 Manistee & Northeastern/

Interlochen to Traverse City (3rd RR into TC) Ann Arbor No. 1 becomes first RR to car ferry

across Lake Michigan and first RR ferry service in the world across open water, running from Frankfort to Kewaunee, WI.

Michigan Central/Grayling to Lewiston1894 Ann Arbor & Toledo/

Begin rail ferry service between Frankfort & Menominee.1895 Ann Arbor & Toledo/

Begin rail ferry service between Frankfort & Gladstone.1898 Ann Arbor & Toledo buy 3rd car ferry, The Ann

Arbor No. 3, first steel, double-hulled ferry. Operates through 1960.

1899 Chicago & West Michigan, Flint & Pere Marquette, and Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western are consolidated into one new company: The Pere Marquette Railroad.

1901 Ann Arbor & Toledo Railroad build the Royal Frontenac Hotel at Frankfort.

1910 Manistee & Northeastern/Kaleva to Grayling

1918 Manistee & Northeastern goes bankrupt.

Can you see the name on the train? (OK, get a magnifying glass.) This was taken in Colorado by

Loren Heselton, compliments of Joanne Ellis.

Camper’s

Gadget

550 paraCordDeveloped in the United States dur-ing World War II, 550 paracord was used in para-chute suspension lines for American paratroopers. Once on the ground, however, our troops found that paracord had as many additional uses as duct tape, making it an ideal tool for campers and backpackers.

550 paracord is a slightly elastic and lightweight kernmantle rope which is constructed of seven to nine core nylon yarns (the kern) protected by a woven nylon sheath (the mantle) designed to optimize strength and durability. The “550” is a rating that indicates a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds.

Like duct tape, 550 paracord has a multitude of uses limited only by imagina-tion. Wrap it securely five

times (five loops, ten strands), and you have a makeshift tow rope with a capacity of 5500 pounds. Use it as a belt or suspenders. Tie up a clothesline at the campsite, secure your dog to a tree, or hang a bear bag to keep your food away from critters. Replace a broken zipper pull, use it as a dummy cord to secure small items to yourself or your backpack, make a ladder or a pulley system, or replace a broken shoelace.

550 paracord can be used to secure a tarp for use as an awning or shelter from sun or rain. It can be used to rig up a makeshift hammock, to tie up your boat, or to secure a splint on a broken limb. The nylon yarns of the kern can be separated and used as fishing line or as thread to either repair gear or close a wound. And if campground boredom is a problem, paracord can be woven or knotted macramé-style into belts, bracelets, lanyards, and other decorative and useful items.

One of the most famous recent uses for paracord came in 1997, when American astronauts successfully used it in combination with alligator clips and thermal blankets to rig the Hubble Space Telescope with heat shades to replace badly damaged insulation over equipment bays. So whether you’re camping, backpacking, boating, or cruising through space, it’s easy to see that the sky’s the limit when it comes to uses for 550 paracord.

by Susan Lovelace

Approximate 6%MIFinishedSize Price SalesTax Total

12'Wx7'6"H $51.89 $3.11 $55.00

14'Wx7'6"H $61.32 $3.68 $65.00

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Special Sizes/Colors Available $15 Shipping

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Featuring:

• King Crab • Walleye • Lobster • Frog Legs• Burgers

Located 12 Miles South of M-55 on M-373803 N. M-37, Baldwin • 231-266-5601

Large Adjacent Staging Area for ORVs & Snowmobiles

Great Christmas Gift!


• 1 lg. head cauliflower• 7 garlic cloves, peeled & cut• 1/4 c. fresh herbs (dill, parsley, thyme, basil)• Salt & fresh ground pepperCore and chop cauliflower into 1” chunks. Bring cauliflower & garlic to a boil in salted water. When soft, drain and put in blender or processor with herbs and salt & pepper. Blend then mash by hand.

~ Bonnie Fischer, Dublin General Store

GaRliC Mashed CauliFloweR

• 1 c. peeled, grated raw parsnip• 1 c. peeled, grated raw sweet potato• 1 c. pancake mix• 1/2 tsp. kosher or sea salt• 1 tsp. dried thyme• 2 eggs, lightly beaten• 3 t. melted butter• 1/3 c. waterToss vegetables & dry ingredients. In separate bowl, combine eggs, melted butter, & water. Blend into dry ingredients. Spoon 1/3 cup batter onto hot, lightly greased griddle. Cook until each cake puffs up and small bubbles appear. Turn over and cook for 1-2 minutes. Makes about 1 doz. 5” cakes.

~ Cottage Life Magazine

PaRsNiP & sweeT PoTaTo PaNCakes

Cookin’

Campers

• 6-8 apples, peeled and sliced• ¾ c. butter• ¾ c. dark brown sugar• 1 ¼ c. flour• ½ c. quick oats• 1 t. cinnamonPlace apple slices in Dutch oven. Combine brown sugar, flour, oats, & cinnamon. Cut butter into mixture. Spread mixture over apples. Cover & cook over hot coals about 45 minutes or until apples are soft.

~ Renee Fehr, Iron Mountain

aPPle CRisP

• 2 c. finely diced apples• 1 c. sugar• 1/4 c. cooking oil• 1 beaten egg• 1/4 tsp. salt• 1 c. flour, not sifted• 1 tsp. cinnamon• 1 tsp. baking soda• 1/2 c. chopped walnutsCombine apples & sugar: let stand at least 30 minutes. Add oil & egg, blend well. Stir dry ingredients, then stir into apple mixture; blend thoroughly and stir in nuts. Turn into well greased loaf pan. Bake at 350º, 45-50 minutes.

~ Laura Gervenack, Spring Lake

easY aPPle BRead

Boon Grocery562 Haskins • Boon, MI 49618 • 231-775-7988

Groceries, Beer, Wine, LiquorHunting & Fishing License

$2 Off One Pound of Cheese!

With Coupon ~ Expires 10/1/11

SPECialty• Cheeses• Sausage• Brats• Jerky

Carhartt ▪ Woolrich ▪ Robeez Shoes ▪ BogsFeaturing:

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24 ft. Long!Largest Meat Department

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We Caterto You

420 E. Prosper Rd., Falmouth • 231-826-3333Mon. - Thurs., 8 am - 6 pm • Fri. & Sat., 8 am - 7 pm • Closed Sunday

www.EbelsGeneralStore.comBonded & Insured

• tin foil• pineapple• polish or smoked sausage• 1/2 c. cooked sweet potatoes• 1 whole white potato• 1/2 c. red, yellow & green peppers• onion piecesOn foil add pineapple, sausage, sweet potatoes, white potato, peppers, onion. Fold up foil package. Place on grill or campfire; cook for 30 minutes or another 10 if not done to your liking. Enjoy!

~ Mary Grba, Roscommon

Meal iN a PaCk

On Lake St., North of Library • 231-775-6310

Tuesdays & Fridays8:00 a.m ~ 4:30 p.m.Cadillac

A Lot Coming In!Pears, Plums, Prunes, Peaches, Apples, Raspberries, MelonsSquash, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage, Pumpkins, Gourds

Green Beans, Sweet Corn & TomatoesFarm Fresh Eggs • Fresh Frozen Lamb & Beef

Cut Flowers • Dried Flowers • Perennials Herbs • Hand-Made Sheep’s Milk Soap

• 6 large fresh tomatoes• 2 garlic cloves, chopped• 3 t. extra-virgin olive oil• 1/3 c. chopped fresh basil• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt• Coarsely ground black pepperChop tomatoes and place in a bowl. Add garlic, olive oil, basil, salt & pepper. Toss gently. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature 1 to 2 hours. Serves 6.

~ Jean Kohler, Cadillac Farmer’s Market

No-Cook ToMaTo sauCe

• Berries in season• 2 c. water• 2 strips lemon zest• 1/2 c. maple syrupCombine above ingredients. Gently bring to a simmer; cover & cook for 5 minutes.

~ Cottage Life Magazine

BeRRY MaPle sYRuP• 1 stick butter • 1 tsp. baking soda • 1 c. milk• 1 c. sugar • 1 tsp. cinnamon• 1 c. flour • batterMelt butter in cobbler dish; set aside. Mix sugar, flour, baking soda, cinnamon & milk. Pour batter over melted butter; add peaches. Do not mix. Bake 400º, 25-30 minutes.

~ Lois Langenburg, Dublin General Store

PeaCh CoBBleR


The devil is in the details. So goes the idiom, and never was it more apparent than during the first three months of rehabilitation of our 1972 Yellowstone Capri travel trailer. Last month in “This Old Camper”, I mini-mally discussed a long list of repairs and upgrades that we performed to get our diamond-in-the-rough ready for camping. This month, I’ll discuss a couple of those items in greater detail to demonstrate my husband Mike’s bold proclamation: “Anything is fixable.”

WiNdoWSConsidering

the age of the old trailer, most of the windows were in good condition. A few of them, however, were reluctant to open. Upon close inspection of the window hardware, we discovered several small broken parts. Luckily, manu-facturer name and part numbers were stamped into the parts, and we were able to locate the neces-sary replacements from an online wholesaler. The process of getting the parts from manufacturer to

wholesaler to a local retailer took a grueling six weeks, but the parts were exactly what we needed to get our jalousie windows operating properly again.

Two broken panes of glass on the front of the trailer, held together with layers of duct and electrical tapes,

required replacement. Once that task was completed, we needed to address the lack of a protective cover-ing for the front glass. We discussed options including scouring junkyards and the Internet, finally deciding upon fabricating our own cover. For under $100, I pur-chased .062” diamond-plate aluminum cut to size and shipped to my doorstep. Mike got creative, salvaging aluminum channel from a junked door, to create the framing for our cover. After nearly 100 rivets secured the pieces of the cover in place, he installed three heavy-duty piano hinges evenly spaced along the top edge to secure the cover to the camper shell. The struts to hold the new cover open were also fabricated from recycled aluminum. Now while we’re on the road, our front windows are protected from rocks and other de-bris by a brand new, heavy-duty covering that we know will stand the test of time.

WiNdoW treatmeNtS

Girl stuff, I know. But just as Mike didn’t con-sider the windows done until every-thing was operat-ing as it should, I didn’t consider the windows done until they were properly deco-rated.

The “curtains” that came with the camper consisted of what appeared to be ripped, thread-bare old pillow-cases in front and stretchy fleece fabric stapled around the curtain rods in the back. Of course, this would never do. I opted for new, inexpensive curtain rods with circular clips to hold simple rectangular fabric panels. After careful measuring with consideration for seam allowances, I determined that I had enough fabric on hand in my sewing supplies to create the six panels that I needed for the bedroom area. The Wal-Mart fabric department produced the perfect fabric for

CamperThis Old A Do-It-Yourself

Guide For CamperMaintenance

Gerry Bandelow, Lake City

Just like on “Tool Time,” everyone needs an “Al” or better yet, a “Heidi or Lisa.” This month, while Gerry works on home projects (before his wife moves him to the camper permanently), Susan and Mike Lovelace share their story of “This Old Camper.”

The final portion of the plumbing equation took place in the trailer kitch-en. The sink drains, held together with a small bungee cord, required obvious repair to eliminate the existing leak problem. The icing on the cake was the instal-lation of a new high-arch fau-cet. Because the kitchen sinks are so shallow, the stubby faucet made it nearly impossible to fill a cooking pot or even the coffee pot with water. The new faucet was a no-brainer, and I appreciate that convenience, especially early in the morning while I’m still groggy and need to get the coffee going!

the front curtain panels at only $1 per yard. I created matching tie-backs for each of the panels, and now our windows were truly complete at minimal cost.

plumBiNgLast month, I mentioned that the original water tank

was ruptured. It was replaced with a plastic 42-gal-lon model found online and shipped to our door for just over $100. After the vinyl flooring was installed, Mike framed in the tank in the center of the trailer

floor to evenly distribute the weight of any water that we would be hold-ing. Because it would be beneath the bed plat-form, this centering also allowed for easy access to the main plumbing in the event that a repair or adjustment would become necessary.

Replacing the water tank was the easiest part of the plumbing process. Previous owners had dis-connected plumbing here and there throughout the trailer, and reconnected some of it in ways that were…well, creative! A lot of testing and surprises, as well as creation of an access panel in the center bathroom area, led to a clearer understanding of what existed and what needed to be done.

When you buy a modern camper with all systems operational, plumbing is one of those things that you probably just take for granted. When you buy a camper that’s nearly 40 years old with plumbing that has been abused and cobbled together, the principle goal is to bring that system back to operational status, a project that is not for the faint of heart. Hours of sketching and evaluating led Mike to a solution that would reli-ably provide water in any situation in which we found ourselves camping with easy access to quick shut-off in the event of a leak or other potential disaster.

In lieu of getting into a lengthy and boring discus-sion about camper plumbing, I think that the details of this portion of the project are best described in photos.

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Lakes of Northwest Lower MI by Susan Lovelace

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When you live in a small townyou expect “out of the or-dinary” to hap-pen and that is what found me standing on the railway tracks on a misty morn-ing that didn’t

show much promise of sun. What did fascinate me was how many people stopped to ask me what I was doing and then stayed and waited.

What I was doing was waiting for a train; not just an ordinary train but a group of little two seated trains called “Railroad Motorcars” or “Speeders.”

Once a year, a group called the North Ameri-can Rail Car Operators Association gets permis-sion to use the rail system to go traveling in North-ern Michigan. This year, they started in Cadillac on a Friday morning and traveled to Petoskey for the night. On Saturday they turned around, came

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back down to Walton Junction, and took the turn to Traverse City for the Saturday night stay. On Sunday morning they traveled the rails back to Cadillac.

Mike Ford, the excursion coordinator, said that with special permission from the railroad, they make trips ranging from one day to over a week in almost every state in the U.S. and Canada. Along with Michigan residents, many of the people in this group were from surrounding states including Wis-consin, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana.

I caught up with them in Manton when they stopped for cinnamon rolls at the Merry Inn. Fred, a member of the group who was acting as the caboose this year in his specially designed Hy-rail vehicle, said they eat their way from one stop to the other

with stops in Kalkaska, Boyne Falls and Kingsley. They get to see parts of Michigan that hardly any-one else sees, traveling at an average speed of 25 mph. The 240-mile trip sounds like the ultimate two-track adventure.

To learn more, check out their web site, narcoa.org, or e-mail Mike Ford at [email protected].

And if you see me standing on the railroad tracks in Manton it’s OK— I’m just waiting for a train.

by JoAnnTreiber

A U T U M N F E S T I V I T I E SAcme

annual acme Fall Fest & Classic Car Show • Sept. 9-10Golf Outing at Grand Traverse Resort • Friday, Noon - 5 pmCar Show at the Resort • Saturday, Noon - 6 pmArts & Craft Fair at Bertha Vos School • 9 am - 4 pmwww.discoveracme.com

Bear Lakekampvilla • Sept. 2-5 Scavenger Hunt, Bike Parade, Salmon Derby; kampvilla.com

Bellaireantrim County Farmer’s market • Fridays, 8 amharvest Festival & Scarecrow extravaganza • Sept. 24

CadillacCamp CadillacSite Contest, Horseshoes, Bike Parade, More • Sept. 2-5Beat the Clock • Sept. 9-11Camper Appreciation Weekend • Sept. 16-18

Carl t. Johnson Center • 6087 e m-115, 231-779-1321Fishing 101 • Thursdays thru Sept.Hatchery Tours • Fridays thru Sept.Archery 101 • Fridays thru Sept.Kayaking 101 • Sundays thru Sept.Hunting & Fishing Swap/Chili Cook Off/Nature Discovery • Sept. 3Biking 101 Along White Pine Trail • Sept. 3, 10 am - NoonHunter Safety • Sept. 10 & 17

Suicide awareness Walk • Sept. 10, 9 amCity Park, 111 South Lake St.; (231) 876-3280

North Star quilt Show • Sept. 10, 10 am - 3 pmBaker College, 9600 E. 13th St.

pet adoption event/missaukee humane Society • Sept. 17Wexford Civic Center, 231-839-3800

Baker College 100 Year Celebration • Sept. 17, 11 am - 2 pmKids Activities, Food, Prizes, Mix ‘96, Tours Baker College, 9600 E. 13th St., 231-876-3100

love inc. Benefit dinner • Sept. 19, 5-8 pmBurke’s Waterfront Restaurant

Fall Fever Festival • Sept. 24-25Food, Parade, Car Show; Downtown Cadillac, cadillac.org

Central Lakeparkside Fine arts Festival • Sept. 10 • 10 am

Evartriver Country Campground • Sept. 3Charity Auction; 231.734.3808, campandcanoe.com

osceola County FairgroundsCar Show • Sept. 3Spit & Whittle Woodcarvers • Sept. 9-11Loaners on Wheels & National Caricature Carvers • Sept. 16-18American Rabbit Hound Association Show • Sept. 17

Shop local Street Fair • Sept. 17, 11 am - 3 pm

Fife LakeCherry raceway • m-113Full Program • Sept. 2Outlaw Late Model • Sept. 4Mud Bogg • Sept. 10www.cherryraceway.com

Glen Arborlabor day Bridge Walk/party • Sept. 5Narrows Bridge between Glen Lake

annual Barbeque & Brew Fest • Sept. 17

Harbor Springsharbor Springs Cycling Classic • Sept. 17www.birchwoodinn.com

Higgins Lakehiggins lake koaLabor Day Parade and Chili Cookoff • Sept. 2-5Camper Appeciation • Sept. 9-11Fireman’s Memorial • Sept. 16-18Spooky Fall Colors • Sept. 30.-.Oct. 2

55 plus Breakfast • Sept. 7, 10:30 amLandmark Restaurant; 231-821-4291, [email protected]

Houghton Lakeannual labor day Craft Show • Sept. 3-4Houghton Lake Middle School, 989-366-8511

55 plus lunch • Sept. 21, 1 pmG’s Pizzeria; 231-821-4291, [email protected]

pumpkin run Car & motorcycle Show & Cruise • Sept. 24WalMart Parking Lot; Houghton Lake Chamber, 989-366-5644

West houghton lake Campground • Sept. 2-5End of Summer Picnic, Crafts and Games

Hoxeyvillelabor day Festival and Car Show • Sept. 4

Interlochenautumn Fest Classic Car Show, art Fair • Sept. 17, 9 am - 4 pmTom’s Food Market Parking Lot; interlochenchamber.org

Lake CityFestival of the pines • Sept. 15-18Lumberjack Competition, Arts & Crafts, Beer Tent, Parade

good morning lake City • Sept. 16, 7-8 amMissaukee County EMS Bldg., First Street

Senior empower day • Sept. 23, 8:30 am - 3 pmTimber Wolf Lake, 4909 North Morey Rd., 800-442-1713

missaukee County recycle Center • Sept. 24, 9 am - 1 pmTires, Electronics, Paper Shredding, Drop box108 N. Mitchell ~ Downtown Cadillac

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The Northern Camper 17A U T U M N F E S T I V I T I E S

Just 1 Block East ofMissaukee CountyPark Campground

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Try Our Famous Lunch Buffet!

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Leelanauharvest Stompede race • Sept. 10, 11 am - 6 pmLeelanua Peninsula Wine Trail; www.lpwines.com

Lelandleland labor day Bridge Walk • Sept. 5, NoonBluebird Restaurant on River Street

leland heritage Celebration • Sept. 17

Manisteeport City Street Fair • Sept. 10, 10 am231-398-3262, [email protected]

kool 101.5/united Way Chili Cook off, 3 pmFire Hall

Blessing of the animals • Sept. 18, 1:30 pmRocking S Children’s Farm; 231-462-3732

Mantonmanton harvest Festival • Sept. 2-5Midway, Carshow, Horse Pulls, Lumberjack Competition, Craft Show, Talent Show, Hymn Sing, Bark in the Park, Parade

Merrittmerritt racewayThe Outlaw Show • Sept. 3SMR Night of Destruction • Sept. 4 •

McBainhughston’s Cow Camp rodeo • Sept. 2-4Team Roping during Day; See story in Aug. issue.

RoscommonFiremen’s memorial Festival • Sept. 3989-275-5880, www.firemensmemorial.org

made in roscommon Show & Sale • Sept. 9, Noon - 6 pmAuSable River Center; 989-275-5826, ausablerivercenter.org

Camp Westminster lumberjack Weekend • Sept. 23-25North end Higgins Lake; 989-821-9474

Boy Scout Fall Camporee • Sept. 30 - oct. 2Roscommon Fire Training Grounds

ScottvilleScottville harvest Festival • Sept. 15-17Downtown Scottville; www.scottvilleharvestfestival.com

Suttons BaySuttons Bay Fireworks • Sept. 3, 10 pm

Traverse Citytraverse City State park Bridge Walk • Sept. 5, 9 am1132 US-31 North, 231-922-5270

michigan Schooner Festival • Sept. 9-11Traverse City Open Space and Clinch Marina

red Wings training Camp • www.centreice.orgPractice / Scrimmage • Sept. 17-19, 9:30 amRed & White Game • Sept. 20, Noon

rock & mineral Show • Sept. 24-25Jewelry Making, Rock Cutting; History Ctr. of TC, 322 Sixth St.

Fall microbrew Festival • Sept. 30 - oct. 1TimberRidge Resort, 4050 Hammond Rd., 800-909-2327

Solution Page 27

Camper’s Sudoku

HIS

TO

RY

C O R N E RThe Early Days On Sapphire LakeIn June of 1933, on the last day of first grade, I remember skipping home excited about leaving the next day for Sapphire Lake—or camp as my dad called it. This year we would stay all summer because Grandpa (J. M. Denser) had added a large screened porch onto the original single car garage/cottage. This addition doubled the square footage and now there was plenty of room for 7 to 10 people to sleep on various beds, cots, wood shutters on saw horses. We even used Grandpa’s Chevy that he modified to become a double bed and equipped with homemade window screens. My bed the previous year had been a blanket box the size of a car front seat.

The bathroom was a 2-holer out back and a wash bowl in the corner of the cabin next to the flat topped 4-burner pot bellied stove that now sits in Hocking Hills, OH. Grandpa devised some old awning curtains to create a privacy cubicle for his spit baths. We children did our bathing in the lake.

I don’t know how my Grandmother coped with the cook-ing. There was no running water, only a hand pump (the Red Chieftain) and no electricity. She cooked over a 2-burner kerosene stove and had a cubic foot sized metal oven to set on a burner. How she could make angel food cakes in it was a mystery! There was an ice box using lake ice so we were not allowed to put it in our cold drinks. But water came from the pump, nice and cold and sweet.

Laundry was a problem until Grandpa had the Big Cottage built in 1934 and they acquired a hand operated

clothes washer. Each of us children had to take a 20 minute turn at the back and forth dasher that operated the agitator. There was still no electricity around the lake. After the war (Second World War), my uncle had his used Bendix automatic washer shipped up from Mississippi. My Grandma said that whoever invented that really loved his mother. I agree!

1933, in his early 60s, Grandpa retired from the Pennsylvania Railroad after 47 years and after suffering a heart attack. He later

died of old age in his 90s. Because of his pension he was one of the few who had a regular income dur-ing the depression. Thus he was able to acquire lake property and have three build-ings erected – the original garage/cabin, the Big Cot-tage, and a one-car garage. During the war years and about the time electric lines were extended, the garage was outfitted for renting. It had its own privy, fold down beds, and a rowboat. A Mr. and Mrs. Frank Shaw from Lake City rented this cottage for the months of July, August and September of 1945.

In August of 1924, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Schneider sold

adjacent lots to couples from Ohio. Each lot was 50 feet wide and 100 feet deep to the meander line of Sapphire Lake. In 1930 and 1931 my grandfather and grandmother bought these two parcels. I suspect all three men were fellow railroaders. In 1938, the Densers bought a 100 foot by 100 foot plot in back of the shore lots from the Schneiders.

Mr. Schneider had an 80-acre farm bounded by Jennings Road, Dickerson Road, and the lake. At one time, he suffered a bad injury from a kick from one of his farm animals. He had to sell his back 40 acres since his injury limited him. The back 40 acres eventu-

as recounted by Joanne Denser Ellis

(edited by Otis)

ally became a part of Sapphire Plat I. The fence at the dead end of Schneider Park Road defines the north boundary of the front 40 acres. My grandfather enclosed his property with a fence to keep Mr. Schneider’s cows out of the yard.

At this time (the mid 1930s) you could count the number of cottages around the lake on both hands. There were three that the Schneiders rented out – there was Uncle Pete Molinar’s cabin, our two cabins, and three log cabins at the corner of S. Sapphire and 5th Street. Only one of the Schneider cabins still exists on S. Schneider Street. And only one of the log cabins remains where the carved black bears feed on the beach. One of the three was razed in 2006-2007 and replaced with a new home. A rock garden made from the original chimney boulders marks the third log cabin.

There were two residences, also. One was the Schneider home near the current mailboxes. It fronted on the old Schneider Park Road and across the road was the barn. At the corner of Schneider Park and Jennings stood the two-story home of the Beiths; Mrs. Beith was a sister of Mrs. Schneider.

The appearance of the lake then was very similar to today with the major changes being man made. The most obvious, of course, is the ring of cabins and homes encircling the lake. Naturally they have created a multitude of motor boats, skiers, tubers, pontoons, whin-ing wave runners and the placid paddle boats, canoes and kayaks. Some of the water traffic is generated by our deluxe boat launch. It’s a far cry from the rowboats only of the 1930s and early 1940s. Grandpa’s “whale” boat, as our children called it, was housed over the winter in the big, green boathouse on the beach. The boat could hold 3 women and 4 children to row to Peterson Point to pick quan-tities of blueberries.

A not so obvious change is the three small bays at the northeast corner of the main lake. At one time they were almost closed in. An aerial picture of 1938 shows this. We always knew the eastern most one as Snug Harbor. Dredging for boat passage has opened them up. The peninsula we call The Point that forms Schneider Bay and the boat launch used to be straighter. Wave and wind actions have caused the tip to curve eastward. When I was a kid, that is where we swam as there was a nice sandy beach and drop-off with a diving board that the Schneiders put up. Nowadays, you would risk your life to swim there.

The grass island in the northwest corner was merely a sand bar. And there was a cranberry bog just beyond the fence at the dead end of West Sapphire. The Schneider children spoke of the big island and the little island. In the 1960s there was a very shallow waterway that cut off the end of Peterson Point. The little island was always there. Father Paul Schneider built the original cabin in the 1950s. We’ve been told they floated materials over on a big barge or pulled them over on the ice. The Ross’s have done a great job of matching their addition to the original.

The lake level has had its natural ups and downs. In the 1960s there was so much exposed beach that our teenage children played


touch football with the neighbor kids. Badminton did not do well because of the wind. When we arrived in May in the late 1970s, we looked in horror at the water lap-ping at the rock wall at the base of our hill. The boathouse was flooded with ankle deep water. I estimated by trying to establish a level line that the lake level was at least 18" higher. Many seawalls appeared after that year.

I have never known of a canal between Sapphire and Missaukee lakes. At one time there was always a wet spot at the bottom of the hill just east of the fork of West Sapphire and Oak Drive. This may have been natural seepage from Sapphire to Missaukee. At one time a company had grand plans for connecting Crooked, Sapphire and Missaukee by canals and building a super resort with golf course, amusement park, etc. There is a mural at the Historical Museum at the Missaukee County Park showing the finished product that never got started.

We used to roam the woods freely and walk the beach around. The two-track lanes are now improved, even paved, roads. The natural vegetation has been replaced in many places by green, fertil-ized lawns. The water used to be crystal clear. While we may have lost a lot we have gained new friends and a community dedicated to preserving this wonder of nature, Sapphire Lake.

Editor’s Note: Joanne Denser Ellis still spends her summers on Sapphire Lake in Lake City and celebrated her 85th birthday this year. Happy Birthday Joanne, and thanks for sharing your great memories, photos and articles from Lake City. We have many more stories to write! Also thanks to Don Hoitenga for his beauti-ful aerial photo of Sapphire Lake as it is today.

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Camper's Choice ~ Loomis Landing

It is a quiet and unassuming place, neat as a pin and perched gently in what many an outdoors enthusiast would refer to as God’s country. It is Loomis Landing Campground and Marina, hidden deep within the Manistee National Forest near Wellston, and it is a haven for campers, boaters, fishermen, and families seeking a peaceful conver-gence with all of the best that Mother Nature has to offer in Northern Lower Michigan.

The owners and hosts of Loomis Landing, Steve and Shelly Bussell, wel-come you warmly, eager to share their little slice of paradise on the back-waters of Tippy Dam. Their hard work and attention to fulfilling the needs of their customers, combined with the natural beauty and recreational opportunities at Loomis Landing, cause many a first time visitor to come back year after year, with some guests returning annually for decades.

The campground was first operated in 1928 by Dewey Loomis, who in 1939 was elected to represent Manistee County in the Michigan House of Repre-

sentatives for one term. The Bussells are the third own-ers, carrying on the tradi-tion of helping their guests create the kind of memories that last a life-time. Whether you’re an an-gler, a casual boater, or sim-ply a camping

enthusiast looking for serenity, the amenities and natural surroundings at Loomis Landing will likely exceed your expectations.

Loomis Landing, with its pristine and spacious campsites, offers lots of elbow room, beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, and

a level of tranquil-ity that campers are unlikely to find in bigger parks. Spacious sites, which can ac-commodate small and large groups alike, are separated by ample stands of hardwoods and pines. While the campground is strictly primitive, visitors report that the pit johns are the clean-est that they’ve ever

seen, convincing more than a few skeptics to become repeat visitors!

Constructed in 1918, Tippy Dam is a hydroelectric power generating plant built on the Manistee River just below its natural confluence with the Pine River. The reservoir, or backwaters, on which Loomis Landing rests provides sportsmen with some of the best fishing that you’ll find anywhere in Michigan. In fact, the State record walleye—a 17 lb. 3 oz. lunk-er—was caught in these waters in 1951 right in front of Loomis Landing at the mouth of the Pine. Dewey Loomis purportedly caught many walleye in the 12- to 16-pound range in these waters, as well as several trophy pike. The tradition continues, as one can see in many current photos shared on the Loomis Land-ing Facebook page. The fishing is nearly guaranteed to be great for the next four to five years, too, after the Michigan Department of Natural Resources stocked these waters with 150,000 walleye fingerlings this year.

Besides providing a launch for your watercraft of choice, Loomis Landing also offers docking and boat rentals, as well as package deals that include

bySusan

Lovelace

camping. At dock side, you’ll find a charming little bait and tackle shop where you can stock up on gear, snacks, and beverages; or take a moment to step back in time and peruse the historic photos on the walls.

Loomis Landing Marina and Campground offers eleven campsites, so reservations are recommended. If you’re looking for something special—perhaps to

have your firewood al-ready stacked at your site when you arrive—Steve and Shelly will be happy to accommodate you.

Whether it’s fishing, boating, canoeing or kaya-king, or communing with nature that you’re looking for, Loomis Landing will amaze you with a quality recreational experience that is second to none.

One Woman’s Long WalkMaybe you’re adventurous enough (unlike me) to consider walking all the way around Lake Michigan yourself, or maybe (like me) you’d just as soon have the experience vicariously. Either way, you’ll enjoy A 1000-Mile Walk on the Beach: One Woman’s Trek

of the Perimeter of Lake Michigan, by Loreen Niewenhuis. You’ll also acquire a whole new perspective on the great freshwater inland sea that separates Michigan from Wisconsin.

Niewenhuis had the idea for her long walk when she turned 45. She wanted an adventure. The following spring she set out from Chicago’s Navy Pier on the first leg of a trek that was done in ten segments, 80% of it alone, from March to September. Along the way, she met new friends and gathered many unforgettable experiences. She also incorporates a wealth of factual information into her story.

Readers will learn how the author dealt with rivers and swamps, wind and cold, power plants and rip-rap. They will learn about Michigan geology, plants and animals and about the author’s fascination with roadkill. There is information about invasive species and other threats to Great Lakes water, but much more about the beauty and magic of Lake Michigan and its beaches.

One episode that had my hair standing on end was the time the author suspected that a cougar might be stalking her!

All in all, A 1000-Mile Walk on the Beach is a book for everyone who loves the outdoors—and who knows what adventures it will inspire you to undertake?

Book Review by Pamela Grath, Dog Ears Books, Northport

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CopperFall will soon make its appearance here in north-

ern Michigan. If you haven’t taken that road trip yet this summer, the Keweenaw Peninsula would be a great place to start. This peninsula is rich in history as well as minerals which make it a rock hound’s paradise.

The Keweenaw is the only place where pure cop-per formed in masses. In other areas of the world, rich copper bearing rock is pulverized to extract the specks of copper. Mining copper in large chunks was a lot more profitable giving Michigan’s Upper Peninsula a rich mining history. Native Americans used crude stone tools to mine copper for making tools. Serious copper mining began in 1766 when a 6500 pound piece of float copper was discovered on an Ontonagon riverbank. The Cliff

Mine, the Minnesota Mine and the Central Mine operated successfully for many years with a healthy profit until the early 1930s when operations were discontinued after a decline in market value.

Many of the old mining properties are being sold off and are not accessible. However, Richard White-man at Red Metal Minerals offers information about them and owns the only operating copper mine today. Whiteman’s mine is open to the serious

by Kevin Gauthier

got rocks?

23 Years of Our Family Helping Your FamilyEnjoy the RV Lifestyle

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collector and he can be reached at (906) 884-6618. Copper is collected from mine dumps and can be found along the lake. Some of the best col-lecting occurs when the rock on mine dumps is crushed and spread as gravel on roads. Local informa-tion is also available from Ken Flood, Ke-weenaw Gems and Gifts, Inc. (906) 482-8447. There are 228 collecting sites for copper listed in the book Red Gold and Tarnished Silver which is available at the Keweenaw Gems and Gift shop.

Most mass copper today found by metal detectors is kept as a mineral specimen. However when it is found in a host rock such as Datolite (see picture) it can be turned into beautiful pieces of jewelry. At Korner Gem, we find that copper adds a whole new dimension to otherwise ordinary pieces.

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lake michigan, Superior & huron rock picker’s guideskevin gauthier & Bruce mueller

One of our favorite monthly editorials is “Got Rocks?” Thanks to Kevin Gauthier, readers of The Northern Camper are now turned “rock hounds” if they were not before.Whether your rock hunting finds you on the shores of Lakes Michigan, Huron, or Superior, these books include photos of the area’s rocks and answer the most common questions: What kind of stone is this? How old is it? Where is it from? How did it get here? How did it form? Where can I find a particular type of stone? How can I polish it? Not only will these books answer those questions, it will also be a fun guide for families to help explore our Great Lakes.Pick one or all three up at your local book shop or visit Kevin’s store, Korner Gem, in Traverse City or Bruce’s store, C&M Rock Shop in Honor. Great Christmas presents for the rock hound in your family!


Growing up in Michigan was so much fun for many reasons. I think one of my favorites was being around all the lakes and adventures they presented. One of the best was hunting turtles, and while not actually “hunting” them, we were trying to find and catch them.

We would go out in our row boat to the marshy shores of the lake and watch for their heads to pop above the water for a breath. We would then try and scoop them up with our nets. You learned quickly that you had to be fast and an-ticipate where they were going to go when trying to get away. In essence, you had to “lead your net” ahead of them and anticipate where they would go under the wa-ter. When we finally did catch them, we would take them home, show them off and eventually return them to the lake.

At the time we really had no idea how important a critter the turtle was—we just knew they were fun to catch. And we really didn’t know what kinds of turtles we were catching; we just knew them as painted, snapper and soft shells.

Now we know a bit more about them and, as with all the campground critters, their importance to our ecosystems. In Michigan, you can find Blanding’s Turtle, the Common Map Turtle, Common Snap-ping Turtle, the Painted Turtle, Eastern Box Turtle, Wood Turtle, Spotted Turtle and more.

The Spotted, Blanding’s, Wood and Eastern Box turtles are all considered a species of concern here in Michigan. What that means is while they are not legally protected by the Endangered Species Act, they are of concern because of declining habitats and populations.

Turtles have been around for a very long time. They were even around with the dinosaurs but were lucky enough to survive the climate changes that

Campground Critterby Otis

caused extinction for many forms of life. Over the years, the turtle has changed very little. Early fos-sils show that today they are much as they were, soft bodies surrounded by a bony shell. And if you think about it, it makes sense that the shell is one impor-tant key to the turtle’s survival.

You can find turtles in a wide variety of environ-ments, from lakes and wetlands to sand sites and upland forests. Like all cold blooded animals, turtles depend on the sun’s warmth to maintain life and normal activity. As you have noticed, they spend a lot of time relaxing in the sun on logs and stream banks. Two of the best times of year to see them are

during the spring and fall when they sun the most.

During the winter, most Michigan turtles burrow in to the bot-tom of lakes, ponds or streams. One exception to this is the Box turtle; it digs a shallow bur-row in woodland soil and leaf litter. During the winter turtles are considered dormant, not hibernating, and are known to change positions. Some can be seen moving under the ice of a frozen lake.

You probably know the State bird is the Robin; did you know the State Reptile is the Painted Turtle? Now you can take that back to school and impress your teacher! Editor’s Note: Painted turtles do bite, or should I say, kiss? E-mail me for the rest of the story, [email protected]

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Answers on page 27☞

PUzzLED?ACROSS 1. mistake 6. Wheel shaft 10. a stinging insect 14. annoy 15. 64 in roman numerals 16. despise 17. Notions 18. assistant 19. Chocolate cookie 20. Compendium 22. money lent 23. Caustic 24. Chic 26. ethics 30. Foundation 32. auth. unknown 33. Not now 35. a woman of refinement 39. Condition 41. Cereal grain 42. leave out 43. relating to audible sound 44. ___-friendly 46. Concludes 47. graph 49. all over again 51. Small wound 54. Bigheadedness 55. a light 56. ingenuity 63. largest continent 64. rabbit 65. donnybrook 66. unfreeze 67. Chief Norse god 68. palm cockatoo 69. Sheltered, at sea 70. repose 71. laser printers need this

DOWN 1. Very imposing or impressive 2. Start over 3. anagram of “leer” 4. elliptical 5. Sell again 6. Winged

7. 22 in roman numerals 8. italian resort 9. things that happen 10. merchandise jobber 11. moses’ brother 12. place 13. Spring bloom 21. Vesicle 25. Frost 26. Catholic church service 27. Not deceived by 28. horse color 29. tell in advance 30. animal 31. initial wager 34. 3600 seconds 36. eat 37. tallies

38. Net 40. reflected sound 45. anger 48. Fix firmly 50. determine the arrangement of data 51. andean animal 52. artist’s workstand 53. grin 54. happening 57. place a load on (archaic) 58. goddess of discord (greek mythology) 59. a roman emperor 60. distinctive flair 61. arid 62. Scorch


Retired Campers (cont’d from page 7)

on a transparent tarp at the edge of King River in Califor-nia, they “…heard some rustling in the early morning when it was just light enough to see, and under the tarp between the pillows was a ten-foot long black King snake.” Although their visitor left quickly and without incident, it seemed like a good rea-son to upgrade to a tent.

Since then, the DeLa-Mares’ accommodations have run the full gamut from backpacking tents to motor homes, includ-ing personal restoration of a 19-foot Class C RV along the way. They now travel comfortably in a 34-foot Class A – a behemoth, Lindy origi-nally thought, and thus the rig was dubbed “Bee”. With the perfect mix of features for the DeLaMares’ travel style, Bee provides everything that they need.

Lindy prides herself on knowing as much as her hus-band about their rig and how to set it up, take it down, prepare their Jeep for towing, and driving, and she believes that more female RVers should adopt these skills. “Suppose that something goes wrong and the ‘man-of-the-house’ becomes incapacitated. The ‘little woman’ cannot simply jump behind the wheel of a 51-foot-long train and drive, having had no experience,” she stated, adding, “This is not instinctive knowledge, but on the other hand, it is not difficult to get good at it. It only requires going through the moves routinely.”

She told of a personal incident when the importance of her skill and confidence became necessary: “Rob developed an eye infection in both eyes, and his vision was severely impaired. Enter Lindy. I could hook up the Jeep and unhook it. I could drive the train; pull into gas stations – and out of gas stations, another trick altogether; prepare Bee for the road and park; and level and set it up at the campground.”

One of the couple’s travel hobbies is to visit State capitol buildings. As of this writing, they have visited 36. This goal helps the DeLaMares lay out their general route with the rest of the travel plan serendipitously falling into place. Other travel goals for their two to three months on the road each year include attendance at Lindy’s annual family reunion in Wisconsin, as well as visits to Rob’s 92-year-old mom in Arizona.

The beauty of free-wheeling for the DeLaMares is the opportunity for spontaneity. “Once we left Bee in NYC at my girlfriend’s house and flew to Europe for a river trip down the Danube. Another time we left Bee in Belling-

ham, WA at Rob’s brother’s house and cruised to Alaska,” Lindy related. “We travel to quench our curiosity to learn and experience.”

Lindy and Rob cite their comfort zone as being shared be-tween their nest in Nevada for the majority of the year and traveling in Bee for the remaining few months. Lindy adds that their down-time at home also allows them to make re-pairs and perform maintenance on Bee at a leisurely pace.

And in regards to their summer time trav-els, Lindy speaks with delight: “We are never in the same place twice! It is great fun to pull out a map, close your eyes, point to a spot, and plot a route.”

When asked if they had any interesting stories to share, Lindy shared an important lesson that she learned about sandwich-making

at altitude. While visitors at the Continental Divide, eleva-tion 11,300 feet above sea level, she decided to make lunch. “That involved a mustard and mayo jar. It is advisable to cover the caps of these jars while opening them at altitude. Otherwise, you may find mustard and mayo all over your face, clothes, and of course, the ceiling!”

Fishing,Boating,

Sunbathing,

Horseshoes,Volleyball,

and much more!

4860 US-31 South, Traverse City, MI 49685231-943-4410

Come stay with us at beautiful Holiday Park Campground!

Lindy & Rob DeLaMare in Texas with “Bee.”

Sudoku (Page 17)

Crossword (Page 25)

UNPUzzLER

10860 W. 48½ Rd., Wellston, MI 49689 • 231-862-3476 • kestelwoods.com

Campground Directory Q

Antrim CountyCouNTYBarnes park Campground • 231-599-2712 12298 Barnes park rd., eastport, mi 49627Facilities: tents/14, RVs/62, electric, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair accessible, beach, Wi-Fi.

Craven park • BellaireFacilities: rustic/20, electric/30, boat launch.

thurston park • Village of Central lakeFacilities: electric/36, beach, boat launch.

Wooden Shoe park • Banks townshipFacilities: rustic/15, electric/40, beach, boat launch.

sTaTegraves Crossing Forest Campground • 989-732-3541Facilities: tents & small trailers/10 sites.

pinney Bridge State Forest Campground • 989-732-3541Facilities: tents/15 sites.

PRivaTeantrim 131 rV Campground • 231-587-5665 764 e. elder rd., mancelona, mi 49659Facilities: tents, RVs, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, laundry, cable.

Chain o’ lakes Campground • 231-533-8432 7231 South m-88 hwy., Bellaire, mi 49615Facilities: tents/25, RVs/53, cabins/12, electric/78, water/78, sanitation, reservations, pool, store, laundry, Wi-Fi, rec. room.

honcho rest Campground • 231-264-8548 8988 Cairn hwy., elk rapids, mi 49629Facilities: 95, electric, water; cabins/2; sanitation, reservations, beach, Wi-Fi.

Wieland’s Whistling pines • 231-544-6348, 231-330-6891 7143 rushton road, ellsworth, mi 49729Facilities: 14 sites, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, rec room.

Grand Traverse CountyTowNshiPWhitewater township park • 231-267-50919500 park rd., po Box 159, Williamsburg, mi 49690Facilities: Electric/53, sanitation, reservations, beach, boat launch.

sTaTearbutus No. 4 rustic Camp • 231-922-5280Facilities: rustic/30, boat launch.

interlochen State park • 231-276-9511 m-137, interlochen, mi 49643Facilities: Duck Lake – electric/418, wheelchair accessible, reservations, beach, boat launch, store; Green Lake – rustic/58 sites, teepee & tent rental/4 sites.

lake dubonnet State Camp • 231-922-5280Facilities: rustic/50, boat launch.

lake dubonnet trail Camp (equestrian) • 231-922-5280Facilities: rustic/200 people, reservations.

Scheck’s place State Forest Camp • 231-922-5280Facilities: rustic/30, boat launch.

Scheck’s place trail Camp (equestrian) • 231-922-5280Facilities: rustic/200 people, reservations.

traverse City State park • 231-922-5270 1132 uS-31 North, traverse City, mi 49686Facilities: tents & RVs/343, cabins/2, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, beach.

PRivaTeeverflowing Waters Campground • 231-938-0933 5481 Brackett rd., Williamsburg, mi 49690Facilities: RVs, tents, electric, water, reservations.

holiday park & Campground • 231-943-4410 4860 uS-31 South, traverse City, mi 49684Facilities: RVs, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, beach, boat launch, store, laundry, Wi-Fi. See ad, page 26

ranch rudolf • 231-947-9529 6841 Brown Bridge rd., traverse City, mi 49686Facilities: tents, RVs/25, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, pool, store, laundry. See ad page 32

timber ridge rV & recreation resort • 231-947-2770 4050 hammond rd., traverse City, mi 49696Facilities: RVs, cabins, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, pool, store, laundry, Wi-Fi, rec. room. See ad page 7

traverse Bay rV resort • (231) 938-5800 5555 m-72 east, Williamsburg, mi 49690Facilities: RVs/217, electric, water, reservations, wheelchair accessible, pool, laundry, cable, Wi-Fi, rec. room.

traverse City koa • 231-269-3203, 800-249-3203 9700 S m-37, Buckley, mi 49620Facilities: tents/9, RVs/91, cabins/11, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair access, pool, store, laundry, rec room, cable, Wi-Fi.

Campers ~ please visit northerncamper.com for links to campground web sites.

Campgrounds ~ to complete your free listing, visit our web site and fill out directory form.


Lake CountysTaTeBray Creek State Forest Campground • 231-775-9727Facilities: rustic/9, boat launch.Carrieville State Forest Campground • 231-775-9727Facilities: rustic/31 sites.leverentz lake State Forest CampgroundFacilities: rustic/18 sites on Big Leverentz Lake, rustic/7 sites on Little Leverentz Lake; boat launch.lincoln Bridge rustic Campground • 231-775-9727Facilities: rustic/9 sites.Silver Creek rustic Campground • 231-775-9727Facilities: rustic/26 sites.PRivaTeenchanted acres Campground & rV park • 231-266-5102 9581 N. Brooks rd., irons, mi 49644Facilities: tents/20, RVs/20, cabins/5, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, store, rec room.Four Seasons Campground • 231-942-8423, 231-942-8115 4191 e. 5 mile rd. • luther, mi 49656Facilities: tents/6, RVs/24, electric, water, showers, toilets, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair accessible.irons rV park & Campground • 231-266-2070 4623 West 10½ mile rd., irons, mi 49644Facilities: tent, RV/45, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair accessible, pool, store, laundry, Wi-Fi.ivan’s Canoe rental and Campground-231-745-3361 7332 South m-37-Baldwin, mi 49304Facilities: tent, RV’s, cabins, showers, toilets, sanitation, pavilion, store, reservations.leisure time Campground • 800-266-8214 9214 West 5 mile, irons, mi 49644Facilities: tent, RV, cabin, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair access, pool, beach, store, laundry, cable, Wi-Fi, rec room.

Leelanau CountysTaTeleelanau State park • 231-386-5422 15310 N. lighthouse point rd., Northport, mi 49670Facilities: rustic/52, RVs/10, cabins/3, reservations, beach.PRivaTeindigo Bluffs rV resort • 231-326-5050 6760 empire hwy. (m-72), empire, mi 49630Facilities: RVs/127, cabins/2, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair accessible, pool, camp store, laundry, Wi-fi, club house.lake leelanau rV park • 231-256-7236 3101 lakeshore dr., leelanau, mi 49653Facilities: rustic & RVs/196, electricity, water, sanitation, reservations, beach, boat launch, Wi-Fi.Wild Cherry rV resort • 231-271-5550 8563 e. horn rd. • lake leelanau, mi 49653Facilities: tents & RVs, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, club house.

Manistee CountysTaTehealy lake State Forest Campground • 231-922-5280Facilities: rustic, 24 sites.

orchard Beach State park • 231-723-7422 2064 N. lakeshore rd., manistee, mi 49660Facililities: 201 acres, tents, RVs, cabins, reservations.

tippy dam • (231) 848-4880 5200 dillings road, Bretheren, mi 49619Facilities: rustic, 40 sites, boat launch.

FedeRalBlacksmith Bayou access Site • (231) 723-2211Facilities: 6 sites.government landing • (231) 723-2211Facilities: 3 sites.lake michigan recreation area • (231) 723-2211Call for updates on clearing.marzinski horse trail Campground • (231) 723-2211Call for updates on clearing.pine lake Campground • (231) 723-2211Facilities: 12 sites.red Bridge river access • (231) 723-2211Facilities: 4 sites, boat launch.

PRivaTeCamp mana-pine 231-848-4141 992 emmons rd., Wellston, mi 49689Facilities: Tents & RVs, cabins, boat rentals & docking.

Fuzzy Bear Campground 231-362-2131 15250 13 mile rd., Bear lake, mi 49614Facilities: Tents & RVs, electric, water, sanitation, fishing, rec room.

heart of the Forest rV park • 231-848-4161 16992 Caberfae hwy. • Wellston, mi 49689Facilities: tents/5, RVs/20, cabins/1, electric, water, showers, toilets, sanitation, reservations, laundry, store.

insta launch Campground & marina • 231-723-3901 20 park ave., manistee, mi 49660Facilities: tents, RVs, cabins/10, electric, water, sanitation, beach, boat launch, store, laundry, cable, Wi-Fi, rec room.

kampvilla rV park • 800-968-0027, 231-864-3757 16632 pleasanton hwy. • Bear lake, mi 49614Facilities: tents/25, RVs/67, electric, water, showers, toilets, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair access, pool, laundry, store, Wi-Fi, rec room.

little river Casino resort • 866-572-4386 2700 orchard hwy., manistee, mi 49660Facilities: RVs, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair access, pool, laundry, store, cable, Wi-Fi, rec room. See ad page 4


Campground Directory (continued from page 29) Qloomis landing Campground & marina • 231-848-7449 19522 husiar rd. • Wellston, mi 49689Facilities: tents/11, RVs/11, reservations, pool, boat launch, store.See Camper’S ChoiCe, page 20

pine Creek lodge • 231-848-4431 13544 Caberfae hwy., Wellston, mi 49689Facilities: Tents & RVs/25, most electric, cabins, lodge.

r & J resort Campground • 231-477-5549 3070 keith rd. • Brethren, mi 49619Facilities: tents/5, RVs/4, cabins/9, electric, water, reservations, wheelchair access.

Sportsman’s port 231-862-3571 10487 W. m-55, Wellston, mi 49689Facilities: Tents & RVs, electric, store, paddle sports.

twin oaks Camp & Cabins • 231-848-4124, 877-442-3102 233 moss road, Wellston, mi 49689 See ad page 32Facilities: tents, RVs, cabins/4, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, store, laundry, rec room, Wi-Fi.

Missaukee CountyCiTYmaple grove • 231-839-4429Facilities: 32, electric, water, sanitation, reservations.

CouNTYBen d. Jeffs river park • 231-839-4945 po Box 800, lake City, mi 49651Facilities: rustic/17 sites.

Crooked lake park • 231-839-4945 po Box 800, lake City, mi 49651Facilities: 37, electric/15, toilets, shower, sanitation, reservations, beach, boat launch.

missaukee lake park • 231-839-4945 See ad page 32po Box 800, lake City, mi 49651Facilities: tents & RVs/170 sites; electric/21, water/96, sanitation, reservations, beach, boat launch.

sTaTegoose lake • 231-775-9727Facilities: rustic/54, boat launch.

hopkins Creek Camp (equestrian) • 231-824-3591Facilities: rustic/16, 108 people, reservations.

long lake State Forest Camp/missaukee • 231-775-9727Facilities: rustic/20, boat launch.

reedsburg dam • 989-275-4622Facilities: rustic/38, boat launch.

Spring lake State Forest Campground • 231-775-9727Facilities: rustic/32, boat launch.

PRivaTerustic rafters • 231-229-4433 9446 N. Nelson rd., moorestown, mi 49651Facilities: tents & RVs/17 sites; 5 log cabins; electric, water, sanitation, reservations.

White Birch Canoe trips & Campground • 231-328-4547 5569 S. paradise rd., Falmouth, mi 49632Facilities: tents & RVs, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, store, rec. room.

Osceola CountyCiTYCity of evart riverside park • 231-734-5901 315 South river St., evart, mi 49631Facilities: tents & RVs/14, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, boat launch, Wi-F1.rambadt memorial park • 231-832-2245 227 e. lincoln ave., reed City, mi 49677Facilities: tents & RVs/13, electric, water, sanitation.CouNTYCrittenden park • 231-734-2588 3641 S. 50th ave., Sears, mi 49679Facilities: rustic/20, RVs/70, electric, water; sanitation, reservations, wheelchair accessible, beach, boat launch, store.rose lake park • 231-768-4923 17726 Youth dr. • leroy, mi 49655Facilities: rustic & RVs/160, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair accessible, beach, boat launch, store.sTaTeSunrise lake • (231) 775-9727Facilities: rustic/17, boat launch.PRivaTealbright park Camp • 231-832-90943156 190th ave., reed City, mi 49677Facilities: tent & RVs, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair accessible, pool, boat launch, Wi-fi.Blodgett landing • 231-832-4410 605 east third St., hersey, mi 49639Facilities: tents & RVs.Cadillac Woods • 231-825-2012 23163 m-115, tustin, mi 49688Facilities: tent/15 RV/18, cabin/6, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair accessible, pool, laundry, store, rec. room.old log resort • 231-743-2775 12062 m-115, marion, mi 49665Facilities: tents & RVs/20, cabins/8, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair accessible, store.river Country Campground • 231-734-3808 6281 river rd., evart, mi 49631Facilities: tents & RVs/125, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, boat launch/canoes, store, laundry, rec. room. See ad page 32


Roscommon County (West)sTaTehoughton lake • 989-275-4622Facilities: tents & RVs/50, toilets.

North higgins lake/east • 989-821-6125 11747 N. higgins lake dr., roscommon, mi 48653Facilities: tents & RVs/82, electric, reservations, wheelchair access.

North higgins lake/West • 989-821-6125 11747 N. higgins lake dr., roscommon, mi 48653Facilities: tents & RVs/92, cabin, electric, reservations, wheelchair access.

South higgins lake • 989-821-6374 106 State park dr., roscommon, mi 48653Facilities: tents & RVs/400, cabin, electric, reservations, wheelchair accessible, boat launch.

PRivaTegreat Circle Campground • 989-821-9486 5370 W. marl lake rd., roscommon, mi 48653Facilities: tent & RVs, cabins, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, store, laundry.

higgins lake Family Campground • 989-821-6891 2380 W. Burdell, roscommon, mi 48653Facilities: tents & RVs/74, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair accessible, store.

houghton lake travel park • 989-422-3931 370 Cloverleaf lane, houghton lake, mi 48629Facilities: tent & RVs/85, cabins/3, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, pool, store, laundry, Wi-Fi, rec. room.

koa higgins lake/roscommon • (800) 562-3351 3800 W. Federal hwy., roscommon, mi 48653Facilities: tents & RVs/72, cabins/12, electric, water, sanitation, res-ervations, wheelchair accessible, store, laundry, rec room, Wi-Fi.

West houghton lake Camp • 989-422-5130 9371 houghton lake dr., houghton lake, mi 48629Facilities: tents & RVs/128, cabin, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, store, laundry, Wi-Fi, rec room.

Wooded acres Family Camp • 989-422-3413 997 Federal ave., houghton lake, mi 48629Facilities: tents & RVs/84, cabins/3, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, pool, store, laundry, Wi-Fi, rec room.

Wexford CountyCiTYlake Billings rV park & Camp • 231-824-6454 232 e. elmore St., manton, mi 49663Facilities: tents & RVs/48, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, beach, boat launch.

sTaTeBaxter Bridge Campground • 231-775-9727Facilities: rustic/25, boat launch.

long lake/Wexford • 23-775-9727Facilities: rustic/16, boat launch.

mitchell State park • 231-775-7911 6093 e. m-115, Cadillac, mi 49601Facilities: tents & RVs/221, electric, reservations, beach, boat launch.

old uS-131 Campground • 231-775-9727Facilities: rustic/25, boat launch.

FedeRalhemlock Campground • 231-723-2211Facilities: rustic/19.

peterson Bridge • 231-723-2211 940 S. State, route 37, Cadillac, mi 49601Facilities: rustic/30, boat launch.

PRivaTeBirchwood resort & Camp • 231-775-9101 6545 e. m-115, Cadillac, mi 49601Facilities: RVs/33, cabins/6, electric, water, reservations, wheelchair accessible, Wi-Fi.Camp Cadillac • 231-775-9724 10621 e. 34 rd. (Boon rd.), Cadillac, mi 49601Facilities: tents & RVs/115, cabins, electric, water, reservations, pool, store, laundry, Wi-Fi. See ad page 13Cedar Creek Camp/liberty park • 231-824-9318, 313-477-80159696 12 ¾ rd., manton, mi 49663Facilities: tent/20, RV/10, cabin/5, electric/4, water/4, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair accessible, laundry, store.Chippewa landing/oak grove Camp • 231-313-0832 10420 Chippewa landing, manton, mi 49663Facilities: tents & RVs/40, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, beach, boat launch, store.Coolwater on the pine • 231-862-3481 9424 W. 48 1/2 rd., Wellston, mi 49689Facilities: tents & RVs/65, cabins, electric, water, reservations, laundry. See ad page 32kestelwoods Campground • 231-862-3476, 231-878-5000 10860 W. 48 1/2 rd., Wellston, mi 49689Facilities: tents & RVs/96, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, pool, store, Wi-Fi. See ad page 27Northern exposure Campground • 231-885-1199 285 manistee river dr., mesick, mi 49668Facilities: tents & RVs/260, cabins, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair access, beach, boat launch, store, Wi-Fi.pat’s rV park • 231-885-1056 2981 North 7 rd., mesick, mi 49668Facilities: tents & RVs/87, cabins.pine river paddlesports Center • 231-862-3471 9590 S. grandview hwy. S 37, Wellston, mi 49689Facilities: tents, cabins, reservations, store.the Campground • 231-824-9111 10330 e. m-42, manton, mi 49663Facilities: tents & RVs/30, electric, water, sanitation, reservations, wheelchair access, laundry, Wi-Fi.

Coolwater On the Pine

9424 W. 48½ Rd., Wellston • 231-862-3481 • coolwatercampground.com

Heart of the

Manistee Forest

On Pine River ~

Campsites, Cabins,

Canoeing, Kayaking,

and more!

RiveR CountRy CampgRoundon the muskegon River

6281 River Rd., Evart ◊ 231.734.3808 ◊ campandcanoe.com

Canoe, tube, Kayak Rental on Site

Store, Rec Room, Lpmodern Restrooms

groupsWelcome

may 15 through december 1

Family Friendlynature trails, playground

W H E R E I S Y O U R D E S T I N A T I O N ?

Missaukee County ParksMissaukee Lake Day Month SeasonElectric $25 $450 $1,525FullHook-Up $30 $525 $1,825

Camping Season • May 15 – October 1

Crooked Lake Ben D. JeffsElectric $25 NAPrimitive $20 $15

No Reservations Taken For Crooked Lake or Ben Jeffs

Cabins For Rent!4 Adults or 2 Adults & 4 Children

2 Days @ $45 Per Night$210 For 7 Days

Fees Must Be Paid Per Reservation FormVisa/MasterCard/Discover • (231) 839-4945

Reservations Start September 1 for Next Calendar YearMissaukee Lake full July 2011. Boat slips sold out for season.

231.947.9529 • ranchrudolf.com6841 Brown Bridge Rd., Traverse City

Ranch RudolfRR

• Hayrides• Horseback Riding• Canoe & Kayak• Camping & Motel• Lodge Restaurant

Please call ahead for dates and times.

Come SpendFall With Us . . .

retired campers gather no moss -...

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