Our first stop brought us to Tri-Lakes campground with a view of tranquil Fish Lake from our door.

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Lunch today found us at Crazy Horse, another funky place. We were curious about the dollar bills we saw everywhere - pinned to the walls, stuck on the hanging lights, in the funky decorations. After ordering, we read a blurb that explained it all - years ago a family that frequented the restaurant decided to leave a dollar every time they ate there. Soon many people were following their "tradition". The restaurant takes all the bills down and donates them when there is a disaster such as Katrina. What a wonderful idea.

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Settled by Dutch immigrants in 1847, Holland retains the essence of a Dutch town with its tulips in the spring, windmills everywhere and its wooden shoe and delft factories. It also boasts some of the most beautiful life-size bronzes scattered around town. "Pledge of Allegiance" by Glenda Goodacre is a delightful collection of children honoring the flag.

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Our need to "collect" lighthouses took us on a 1/2 mile walk through an exclusive community on Lake Macatawa. We found this place by accident and were thrilled when we were allowed to get to the lighthouse through this private area on Lake Macatawa which opens into Lake Michigan.

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This lighthouse was built in 1907 with a gabled roof that reflected the Dutch influence in this area. It was automated in 1932.

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Moving north found us enjoying not only the Betsie River and its surrounding area but also cooler weather. I'm really a happy camper now!

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Today found us on the scenic drive west of Traverse City. We got to see gorgeous Grand Traverse Bay up close and personal.

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We couldn't resist taking a dirt road that seemed to go in the same direction as the scenic route on the map. We weren't disappointed as we traveled along winding dirt roads...

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...that passed wonderful old barns...

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...and historic farms.

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The scenic drive through this National Lakeshore offers panoramic views of the dunes Glen Lake and Lake Michigan. The 7-1/2 mile road we drove was developed by Pierce Stocking a lumberman from the area. He wanted to share the dunes with others so he built the road to the top of the dunes that opened in 1967. Here there is a 450-foot steep drop to Lake Michigan. We were amazed to see the number of people who had gone down to the lake and were then forced to make the exhausting climb back to the top of the dune. No, we didn't try it!

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Although we were not able to actually get to this lighthouse, we were able to view it through the trees.

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Today found us enjoying this small county fair. There were many ribbons and trophies waiting to be awarded.

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It was fun seeing the excitement in the children's eyes as their animals won ribbons. This pair proudly showed off their prized rabbits.

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The water again beckoned as we found another dotted road on the map to explore. This one took us up a finger peninsula out of Traverse City. We passed many boutique wineries and even stopped at Chateau Chantal, a winery we visited about 15 years ago when it was just getting its start. Today it is a booming business!

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At the tip of the peninsula is the Old Mission lighthouse. It is located on the 45th parallel which makes it equidistant from the North Pole and the Equator.

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We were lucky to be coming back through Traverse City just as this tall ship was sailing by.

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Moving further north to Mackinaw City, our campsite was right on Lake Michigan with a view not only of the lake but also the Mackinaw Bridge which at 5-miles is one of the longest suspension spans in the world. It was built in 1957 to provide a convenient link between the two peninsulas that make up the state of Michigan.

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We also had a wonderful view of this unique island from our campground. You can reach the island by ferry and once there the only means of transportation is by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle or saddle horse. Since no motorized vehicles are permitted on the island, SR185 is possibly the only state highway in the nations on which a motor vehicle accident has never happened!

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Old Mackinaw Lighthouse which resembles a castle was in operation from 1890 - 1957. Today it is a museum and is filled with various relics as well as interactive exhibits.

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Ahh - a wonderful sunset over Lake Michigan.

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This lighthouse stands sentinel on St. Helana Island in Lake Michigan and can be seen from the UP (Upper Peninsula).

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We found a great place for a lunch-break right on the lake. This would have been a great campsite if only it was allowed!

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