Oh my gosh, I guess I didn't realize how long it's been since I've posted out here. Sorry folks.
I'll attempt to catch you up but the best part that I haven't written about is vi sable in pictures at Picasa. They tell a better story than I do!
We left the UP with Elkhart, IN as our destination with a couple of stops along the way. We made the first stop Grayling Army Natl. Guard Base in Grayling, MI. This base is the largest ANG base in the US. It is very large with lots and lots of barracks. There was a small post store that had a few grocery items along with some normal BX items. The base is situated along a nice size lake where they offer swimming and boat rentals. No, we didn't do either as the temperatures were in the mid 70's and lows in the 50's. Perfect weather.
We stopped at Grayling for a chance to catch up on laundry and some grocery shopping. We found a wonderful laundromat. I know, that sounds strange, is there anything as a wonderful laundromat? This one was brand new and had front load washers which I really prefer now. I just wish all laundromats where as nice and clean as this one was....I know, dream on.
After a couple of days in Grayling we got back on the road again heading to Hudsonville, MI which is about half way between Grand Rapids and Holland, MI.
We stayed at Baldwin Oaks Campground which was not bad but..... I hate campgrounds that nickle and dime you to death! The senior rate was listed as $29 a night which wasn't to bad but until they finished adding on the EXTRA expense for 50 amp and air conditioning it ended up at $34.00 a night! I had called in advance to our arrival and nothing was said about the additional add on's. I know, we could have moved on but this is where I wanted to be so we stayed. I just have to wonder why they can't set their rates at one price and be done with it!
We stayed in Hudsonville several days and while here drove over to Holland, MI. It was another one of the places I had on my bucket list. I realized that it was not the right time of year to really get the full effect of a place named Holland, tulips were not blooming, but I also realized that this would probably be the only chance to get there.
We visited the Deklomp Wooden Shoe & Delft Factory first. Very interesting place to see the famous Dutch wooden shoes being made. Of course they sell them as well for about $40. Did I buy a pair - no. I can't believe that wooden shoes that don't give at all can be that comfortable. But, it was fun looking at them.
The Delft ware was absolutely beautiful. They have their own artists that actually do the hand painting right there on premises and you can watch if one is working when you are there. Considering that they are hand painted their prices were not bad and they had some really different pieces like a windmill that had a light in it and the blades actually turned.
After a lot of ooohhh'ing and awww'ing we left empty handed. No place in the motorhome for this stuff!
From there we went to Windmill Island Gardens. Another touristy place. The big attraction here is the DeZwaan (the swan) Windmill. It is an authentic Dutch Windmill. We also got to watch some authentic Dutch dancing by a group of high school girls. Very cute.
As I mentioned above, pictures tell a better story so be sure to go take a look at my Picasa web site.
We arrived in Elkhart at Elkhart Campground a week ago yesterday. We hadn't planned on attending the Gypsy Journal Rally this year but since we arrived prior to it's start...well, why not?
Dean and I attended several interesting seminars on digital photography, using Picasa, and genealogy. I upgraded my Verizon air card to the MiFi. We had a great evening's entertainment listening to McKinney Washtub Two, a husband and wife duo. Very good music, not the run of the mill stuff though. The first song was titled Geritol Gyspy's - and it got better from there - lol.
Our first day at Elkhart Campground, Terry (of Terry & Dale) fixed our slide for us. We owe him a big thanks and he settled for a hot fudge sundae from Micky D's. He's a cheap repairman, huh?
Since we've been here we have spent some good times with friends and family. My cousin Muffet (Dot) and her daughters and son came over yesterday for a picnic. We have been out to eat a couple of times with Anne & Henry and our new friends Bob & Marie. Bill and Dianne stopped by yesterday and went to dinner with us. Of course we saw Marcia and Joe at the rally along with several other acquaintances. Even saw a couple that were at Coastal Haven RV Park in Fairhope, AL last winter - small world!
So, I think I've about caught back up. Whew! There is nothing "big" planned for about a week, so I probably won't be back till then. Hope you all have a great Labor Day. Be sure and check out the pictures and till next time......Safe Travels
