After leaving Castle Farms we had about an hour to drive to get to our Lodge. We were at the
Crooked River Lodge, about 20 minutes from Petoskey and 30 minutes from Mackinac City. It was such a nice place to stay, and there are so many things to do nearby.
We were all happy to arrive, especially the girls. It's a lot of riding for them, but they did really well!
Here's the view from the back of the lodge.
A view looking at the back of the lodge. Each room has a small balcony where you can sit and relax.
Here's a view from our balcony, looking onto the patio where there is always a big fire you can sit at.
After we settled in, we picked up supper and ate at the beach.
Then we drove to Mackinac City to see a Lumberjack show.
Here's Bob and the girls, waiting for it to start.
There were several events, including ax throwing...
It was amazing how fast these guys could shimmy up a tree!
They could run across these logs without falling in!
And then fool around on a log, trying to knock the other one off.
After the show was done, we went to a dark sky park, where there is no artificial light and it's supposed to be amazing to see the stars. It's on the shore of Lake Michigan and the whole area was beautiful.
The sun was supposed to set shortly after 9:30 and we arrived about 9, in time to check out the area and watch the sunset.
The water is so clear!
The sea gulls were enjoying themselves.
Alaina
Ruby
I didn't mention that we were getting swarmed by little gnats. Laura was wrapping up to avoid them and everyone was swatting them away!
We soon realized, that a 9:30 sunset didn't mean the stars were out then.
Soon it was 10, then 10:15 and there was still a glow to the west. We counted 5 stars that were barely visible. Ruby had fallen asleep and we had 30 minutes to drive back to the hotel and a full day the next day.
So - we packed up and left. In hindsight, we realized we were there on almost the longest day of the year. Someday we'll go back, when it gets dark earlier!
Still - it was pretty and we had such a fun day!
What a beautiful place and what a fun day!! The girls are getting so big! Oh my goodness!! It is so great that you could share this vacation time with them! Looking forward to your next day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place!!!! I loved every picture!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great weekend. What a fun place.
ReplyDeleteThis all sound like such a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful vacation!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a gorgeous lodge with great views. I can't get over how clear the water was. I know you all had such a fun time together.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place. The girls are growing up so fast and I am glad you are getting to spend special times like this with them.
ReplyDeleteI want to go with you next time Mari!! What a lovely place. Those pictures of the girls by the water are meant to be framed. So lovely!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! We are going to be staying up there next month as we have a family reunion and a family camping trip in that area on back to back weekends. This will be something to look into doing during the week in between events.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I have a new blog come and check it out, the link is in my blogger profile.
Beautiful. Gosh I miss visiting places, smiles.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to stay and enjoy the competitions. Special family time.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun! The girls sure did love the lumberjack show!
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS place! I've never heard of a dark sky park! I'd have to bathe in insect repellent but I'd lay out on a chaise and wait until every star appeared! But it would be late, and that's hard on kids. Maybe y'all can go back in the autumn, bundle up, and make a night of it. Your hotel looks spectacular too! What wonderful memories. xoxo
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