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Michigan 2021
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Michigan 2021

A 159-day adventure by Katboz. Read more
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  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    1For our friend Clarke, the astronomer

    Sculpture Walk in Lakenenland

    June 14, 2021 in the United States ☀️ 63 °F

    Had Lunch in downtown Marquette, old building rehab with restaurants and living spaces. Again, whitefish sandwich with dark beer. Just hard to beat. Walked the Marquette Yatch club marina, and drove some of the fabulous older homes near the lake. We had dropped the jeep off the RV in the morning so we could get around more easily. Took awhile, but we finally found where we had parked the RV!
    Drove on to our next RV site in Munising along Hwy 28. Stopped at very interesting junkyard Art Sculpture Park called Lakenenland. Lots of whimsical pieces, but some with personal statements. All free, one artist (welder/ boilermaker) who just started creating these pieces. Think there are over 80 of them now. We both enjoyed strolling them with Auggie through the woods.
    Overnighting the next two nights in Christmas, Mich, which is just outside Munising. Jetboat tour around Grand Island tomorrow. Weather should be fine!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Picture Rocks RV Park
    Picture Rocks RV ParkRiptide Ride, jet boat ride around Grand IsleNorth PortalBald eagle with nest near byWe slow down for the views, but it was a wild ride around the island!One of the bays with colorful cliffs

    Afternoon on Lake Superior

    June 15, 2021 in the United States ☀️ 55 °F

    Played tourist today. After waking up pretty late, (we are still adjusting to eastern time), and a hearty breakfast (I cooked!) we went into Munising to visit and take a jet boat ride around the Grand Island. It was a tough decision (cruise vs. jetboat) because we did a cruise in the Apostle Islands, so this time we decided to do the jet boat approach. So with this tour you don't actually view the Picture Rock National lakeshore, you take a ride around the island with "caves" and lighthouses, about 35 miles in a jet boat. But you do get some speed, cover a lot of water and take some fast spins and turns that left us wet at the end of the ride! The driver was sensitive (?) to make sure the wettest spin was right before we unloaded. It was a lot of fun, and we really liked the driver, he could turn the boat on a dime practically. 1600 horsepower, hydro jets. The guy designed and built the boat himself. Approved through the coast guard. He is like 3rd or 4th generation fisherman, who put together this dream to do something other than fish.
    Very late lunch in town, (more whitefish), and then visited the Picture Rocks Interpretive Center and shopped a little. Back to camp for showers and a relaxing evening. (Showers were the worst of the trip, concrete block, painted floor, weak water pressure, but I did get my hair washed!)    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    211

    Big Spring in Psalms Book State Park

    June 16, 2021 in the United States ☀️ 73 °F

    Nice easy travel day, well except the 15-20 mile highway detour which put us on a hard packed gravel roads. (Tom dreads what these roads do to the jeep we are towing!)
    Our drive included a fun stop at Big Spring, aka Kitch-Iti-Kipi. It is a beautiful big pool that is fed by a big spring. Per the info board, 10,000 gal per minute! The set up is really fun, you all get on a fairly good size barge that is connected to a cable suspended from either side of the pond. In the middle of the barge is a glass window that allows you to see down into the pond. But the water is so clear, not sure the window is necessary! Beautiful turquoise, blue and teal colors, you see the spring bubbling up, and lots of big trout. The water is 42 degrees even though in full sun. The barge is propelled across the cable by turning this big wheel. The kids had a lot of fun turning the wheel. Just a great family park visit.
    Stopped for lunch at the Big Spring tavern, excellent salad. Big enough to eat some and save for dinner. And as usual we typical split a beer, today's choice, the "widowmaker", nice dark ale.
    Found a site on lake Michigan, Big Hog Island state park. Very rustic, but excellent views to the lake!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    "Big Mac"
    "Big Mac"1

    Macinaw City

    June 17, 2021 in the United States ⛅ 70 °F

    So we are now following the Michigan lake shoreline on Hwy. 2. Our site last night was pretty rustic, no weed trimming here, sort of over grown, and as a result I had my first tick encounter. Yep, found it crawling up my pant leg. Was not a "happy camper" at that time!
    After recovering emotionally, we headed east to the "bridge". Mackinac bridge one of the longest suspension bridges in the US. Safely crossed, sighting a couple of jet boats heading to Mackinac Island, and was sort of envious. We have been a couple of times, but it is still a fun place to visit!
    Visited the US Coast Guard ship, the Icebreaker. The name speaks for itself. One of the largest ships used to break the ice in the lakes so shipping can resume in the spring. Lunched in town and as we sat down at our table found another (!) tick on my arm! I am now getting a little put off by this and Tom won't sit next to me! I guess everything is supposed to be "bad this year", like the heat, drought, mosquitos, cicadas, etc. Gosh I hope I don't find more of them this summer working at the state park?!
    We then drove around with just the jeep to do a little sightseeing. I always enjoy driving neighborhoods and seeing homes on the lakeshore...
    We had a little problem with electrical cord connector to the jeep, so will have to problem solve that tomorrow.
    Got a site in the Petoskey State Park for the evening. Just a short walk to Little Traverse Bay... park is pretty full, maybe 90%. Sites a little old, and definitely not level.    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler

    Summer End

    September 30, 2021 in the United States ☀️ 66 °F

    So have created one footprint for a summers worth of fun! I know I should have created footprints for all our adventures out here in Traverse; but I didn't. I am sure I will regret it when I am 80 years old and looking back.

    Traverse IS living the lake LIFE! Our Cobb family had us either boating on it, swimming in it, hiking to it, biking around it, barbecuing on it, ATVing near it. I have very clearly begun to appreciate that the color of the sky (and the wind) has everything to do with the color of the lake. Beautiful shades of grayes, blues, and greens. We had 3 months of living Michigan life with our kids and grandkids. Just a huge blessing and it's of fun.
    We visited Northport (Driers home), Suttons Bay, Leland (Fish Town), Manistee, Frankfort, Marquette, Houghton, Copper Habor, Glen Arbor, Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Torch Lake, Power Island, Crystal Lake just to name a few. And we worked 3 days a week at Traverse City State Park for the first two months and completed the last month at Holiday Park Campground.    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Site 136, HPC
    Site 136, HPCSites on Silver LakeView from bluff lake sitesHPC Beach and boat rampHPC Beach and dockHalloween at HPC

    Holiday Park Campground

    October 1, 2021 in the United States ☀️ 68 °F

    Friday was all about packing up for our trip back home. Beautiful day in the lows 70s. Almost hate to leave but feeling like we need to get back to our house and see what's left from the rental experience. We have heard it is still warm and smokey, hoping that it will be gone before we get home!
    Packing went well, we had done quite a bit of the organizing when we moved from our temporary parking place at the Cobbs M-22 rental out to Holiday Park site.
    It was homecoming night at the high school so we had our last dinner with Shannon and Curt at our campsite. Just a happy, relaxed goodbye to two very special people!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    View of the lake on a gray rainy day
    View of the lake on a gray rainy dayFall leaf litter

    To the UP

    October 2, 2021 in the United States ⛅ 64 °F

    First day of driving is under our belts. Headed north to go home through the UP to try and catch the fall colors. The trees were all beginning to turn in Traverse area so figured we would have more color going north.
    Our decision didn't disappoint. Everything is beginning to turn...yellows, oranges, reds, magentas. Still more color to come but we got pockets that seemed to get colder first and looked beautiful!
    Started our day driving up M-22 through Charlevoix, one of my favorite lakeside towns, but did not stop. Just needed to get some miles in. Drove through Habor Springs, had hoped to have lunch at this darling town, but they were having an big fall festival... just looked too daunting to try and park our RV and the Jeep so headed on around the coast to drive the Tunnel of Trees. (M-119)
    We only got about 7 or 8 miles on the road before "we" had to bail on this route and go more inland. Road is a beautiful single lane road that just barely accommodates two way traffic. They don't even have a painted middle line on the road. Tom was not having a good time, so we turned inland to find some slightly wider roads.
    Stopped at a nice restaurant bar (State Road Provisions) out in the middle of nowhere (well actually it is on State Road) and shared a pretty good burger and a beer.
    I took over driving to give Tom a break and got us safely across the Mackinac Bridge and into the UP. Only went about 40 miles along the coast and stopped at Hog Island State campground. We had stayed here once before, right on the lake, and knew it would accommodate the RV and Jeep. Went through a pretty strong rainstorm to get here, but we were happy to have it relatively dry when we pulled in. Just soup and salad for dinner.    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Fall color at Superior
    Fall color at SuperiorLots of yellows and golds at this locationCanyon Falls. The water had sort of a yellowish brown cast, minerals?

    A wet, fall drive

    October 3, 2021 in the United States 🌧 61 °F

    Had a good night sleep and after breakfast took a walk in this little state campground. It is our last look at Lake Michigan until next year....Drove most of the length of the UP today. ( pretty much a similar route that we took coming out earlier this summer so no stops) All sorts of fall color! And up here there is a mix of the hardwoods and the evergreens so you always have this nice contrast. Downside, spent most of the day in rain or fog! There was a brief moment that it looked like the sun might come out, but we drove through that moment...regardless, we really did enjoy all the color!

    Stopped for fuel ($3.25/gal), lunch and some groceries and then finally pulled into the Canyon Falls trailhead parking lot to get in some leg time. Curt and Shannon had been here and thought we would enjoy.

    We were so fortunate in timing, just a misty, slightly foggy walk, but it was so pretty and felt great to walk in the woods! This was not a "Hibbs" sort of hike, no elevation gain and it might (?) have measured out as a full mile, but we all enjoyed the fall colors and the waterfall! Actually this would have been rated as a "Linley* hike! (Just a little tease Linley...)

    Drove on to Ontonagon, a very small town on the southern shore of Superior. Staying at a sort of crude RV park, essentially a large grassy field with pedestals, but their restrooms look pretty clean and they have a decent wi-fi, which is unusual in some of the small parks. It trained on and off most of the night, but hoping for a dryer day tomorrow!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Lake of the Clouds overlookPresque Isle river as it flows out of the canyon into SuperiorStill a little damp todaySuperiorLakehead Boat Basin, our RV is in front of tall mast

    The "Porkies"

    October 4, 2021 in the United States ⛅ 61 °F

    Our RV park was right outside of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (AKA the "Porkies") so we only had a short drive into the park. First stop was the visitor center; still open(!), but only for another week or two. Nice center and surprisingly busy. Got some tips and then went back out and took the jeep off the RV so we could move more efficiently in the park. Ooops, dead battery. Arrrrgh. But we had my little power pack that can actually jump a battery and got it started again.

    Drove into the park about 7 or 8 miles to get to the Lake of the Clouds overlook. It was a short walk through the woods filled with color. Stunning overlook, slightly disappointed with the ongoing gray skies, but loved it just the same. Even if we didn't have the blue sky, we could still enjoy the trees turning color.

    Back out to the RV and then a long and very bumpy ride through the park on the Southern Boundary road. It was paved, but had been patched and repaired so much that I tried to drive straddling the yellow line. Got to the far western edge of the park and stopped at Presque Isles (not to be confused with the one in Marquette?) for a view of Superior and a waterfall walk. Got to take Auggie this time, only to find out there were a number of stairs to various overlooks which isn't always easy on his old little Corgi legs.

    Wish we had more time at this park. Lots of hiking trails and even though the skies are gray, the temperature is perfect for hiking. But we wanted to get to Duluth today. Essentially drove Hwy. 2 through Wisconsin and in into Minnesota. Funny but we both think Michigan was prettier, can't exactly tell you why. Both are wooded, but maybe there are less maples in the Wisconsin woods, so less orange and red?

    Got into Duluth about 5 and found this awesome RV park on Google maps. It's an RV park in a marina, which means you are pretty much just in a parking lot. But I am sitting in the front passenger seat of the RV looking (across a small marina and canal) at the Aerial lift Bridge and the lights of Duluth. And I just saw a falling star!

    We might have to stay here a little longer than planned!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Two Harbors lighthouse
    Two Harbors lighthouseSplit Rock Lighthouse from the lake shoreSplit Rock Lighthouse171 stairs up to the lighthouse from the shoreClimbers at our scenic overlookView from the overlook! SUNSHINE!

    Split Rock Lighthouse

    October 5, 2021 in the United States ⛅ 61 °F

    Our next stop heading north on the scenic drive was the Split Rock Lighthouse. I had seen info about it online and Linley had mentioned this one in particular when she visited several years back.

    Really enjoyed this lighthouse and museum. This is one of those " most photographed" lighthouses in the state. Built in this great rock cliff and very well maintained. All the light keeper houses, oil building, fog horn building and the lighthouse. Spent probably an hour and a half or two here watching video, touring buildings and then a quick hike down to the rocky shore to get the view from below.

    Did our turn around at this location because we have some pets back in the RV. And lo and behold, at 4 pm we had a burst of sunshine, brilliant blue sky and then just as quickly, it was replaced by another bank of clouds. Did get in one more scenic stop (in the sunshine!) and found some rock climbers being instructed on a rock face.

    Finished the drive under an overcast sky and back to the RV at the marina. Looking across the Canal as I write this; the fog had settled in, more than last night... thinking maybe Aquarium in the am and hoping for sunshine in the afternoon so we can do a bike ride on the lake walk. Fingers 🤞!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    That's a dog bank covering the Duluth hillside...
    That's a dog bank covering the Duluth hillside...Middle fallsMiddle falls from belowGooseberry river at it empties into SuperiorThe maples are the best!

    North Shore Dr and Gooseberry Falls

    October 5, 2021 in the United States ⛅ 59 °F

    Dang, woke up to a big, thick overcast sky.. Our "neighbors" thought it would burn off by mid morning... not the case. Oh well, you just can't count on the weather this late in the season.

    Decided to have breakfast out, found a cute café in the Canal Park area (lots of restored old brick buildings), but no hot breakfast items. They referred us to Duluth Grill, which was awesome. They are one of the top restaurants in Duluth and they serve breakfast through dinner. Apparently Guy Fieri had reviewed this diner on his show. Tom had the basics, eggs and (delicious!) bacon and I had one of best Mexican omelets ever. They have a binder with their recipes for people who ask, and have a cook book.

    Finally got on the road to drive the North Shore Scenic byway. It's about 150 miles long, but we only made about half of it because we had some wonderful stops.

    First up, Gooseberry Falls State Park. We pulled into the parking and were surprised at the number of visitors for a gray weekday. Nice little visitor center and then spent most of the morning walking all the falls. There were 5 different falls, with walks and stairs meandering around and over the river for different view points. Even though the skies are gray, the weather temperature is still really nice for being outside, probably more 60s.    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    1Salt water fish always have better color than the fresh....!
    1Salt water fish always have better color than the fresh....!View from Enger Tower. Fog was trying to lift?Aerial Bridge raised, freighters come through here as well!View across bay to Duluth.1Tom always comes prepared for cold weather!

    Aquarium and a Ride

    October 6, 2021 in the United States ⛅ 59 °F

    We really had planned on one night here, but love our spot so much that we have stayed 3 nights! The weather had not cooperated much, but we have enjoyed Duluth.

    Spent the morning at the Great Lakes Aquarium. One the larger freshwater aquariums in the states. Exhibits of fish from around here and the Amazon. Included exhibits about the shipwrecks of Superior, and quite a bit about water as a resource. All interesting.

    The took a drive up the hill to skyline drive. Duluth in this area is built on the side of a gentle slope so we could get a nice view, just below the clouds. Destination: Enger Tower and the Japanese garden with the peace bell. It almost looked like the clouds (fog) might lift, the sun really tried, but it just didn't happen. Climbed the stairs (5 stories up) any way to get what view I could.

    Lunch in the Canal Park area, lots of renovated older buildings with restaurants and shops. Had delicious sandwiches from a smokehouse deli sort of place. Walked the shops a little and then back to RV for our bikes.

    Once on our bikes we rode out to Park Point. The harbor of Duluth has this long arm (actually just a very large sand bar) that protects the bay and creates this strip of land that reaches 5 miles to its end with lots of homes on either side of the street we rode on. You live on the lake side or the bay side. Still overcast, we didn't get the sun that we had good would come in the afternoon, but it was still a great fall ride. Only about 10 miles out and back, but fun to be on our bikes!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    1Cars backed at Aerial Bridge as boat heads through.
    1Cars backed at Aerial Bridge as boat heads through.Gas is getting less expensive. Think we paid $3.052Just my buddy PaulBuffalo River, short walk from campgroundMinnesota prairie view

    Driving central Minnesota

    October 7, 2021 in the United States ⛅ 66 °F

    Woke up to more fog in Duluth, can't even see the bridge this morning. Packed up and headed West!

    Still enjoying fall colors, but not as vivid as in Michigan. Again could be that the tree mix doesn't have as many of the reds, or also we are seeing more gray trees that look like their leaves have dropped. Or they died. Minnesota apparently had a tough summer also. The staff person at our campground tonight said this is the lowest she has ever seen the Buffalo river. And they had smoke issues with the Canadian fires.

    Pretty much drove right through the center of the state with lots of lakes to peak at. Lunched at Knuckleheads Bar and Grill in Hill City, by Hill Lake. Good food, had a patty melt and thought of mother! ❤ Tom had some monster hot roast beef sandwich with mash potatoes and gravy, and still wanted ice cream.

    Gassed up, groceried up in Walker City near Leech Lake, and quick stop in Ackeley which claims to be the birthplace of Paul Bunyan. Although I think several towns in this area claim that distinction!

    Spending the evening at Buffalo River State Park. Nice small state park, with electric hook up. Cottonwoods and oaks,, gentle breeze...park is maybe 25% full, and it only has about 40 sites, so very quiet. Showers and bathroom closed for season, but they do have some vault toilets....Weather clearing up and I would say it was mid to high 60s today. Saw some blue!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Main art peice at entranceHave had moments like this...Outside Sculpture

    Fargo & the Plains Art Museum

    October 8, 2021 in the United States ⛅ 66 °F

    Woke up to a very, very light rain. Just loud enough for me to hear, but not Tom. 🤭 It barely got the top of the jeep wet, so took a quick walk out to the Buffalo river to get a peek and a view of the prairie beyond. Lots of fallen leaves crunching under foot.

    Quick drive into Fargo, ND. I had wanted to see the Plains Art Museum but it didn't open until 11am. Decided to go anyway, and even though we were early in Fargo, it took us about 30 minutes to find a spot large enough to park the RV towing a jeep. (Tom was getting a little bit frustrated...) enjoyed the museum, it was an old restored factory so lots of exposed timbers. It really is more of a contemporary art gallery than I had imagined, not Tom's cup of tea, but fortunately it was a free admission!

    While walking back to car we actually found a Mexican restaurant and had the first Mexican food we have had since leaving Fresno! Not Velascos, but not bad!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Fargo Moorhead Visitor Center
    Fargo Moorhead Visitor CenterIt's all about the bison in this stateView out our window

    Fort Ransom State Park

    October 8, 2021 in the United States ⛅ 75 °F

    After leaving the Plains museum we took one more quick stop in Fargo at the visitor center. I need to remember to hit these note often because if there is a good staff working they can give you great hints about locations to visit. Picked up several brochures for our visit to North Dakota. We will pretty much be driving due west on I-94. I don't normally like taking the intestates, but frankly with the RV and jeep it is sometimes just easier, usually less stress, and these roads are in much better shape typically than county roads!

    Drove west and dropped south to Fort Ransom for the night. It is located on the Sheyenne River and it is part of a scenic drive I wanted to take tomorrow. So way out in the middle of nowhere. Apparently this is the season for lady bugs and one other flying hard shelled insect. So it's just Tom and I, two other campers and a ton of lady bugs. We have to keep the windows closed, because the screens weren't quite right enough to keep them out. We do have electricity, so we have air conditioning, it was in the high 70s today. It's disk now, so much cooler and the lady bugs seem to have dissipated... thank goodness they aren't mosquitos!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Hi-line Bridge
    Hi-line Bridge4Rosebud Visitor center exhibit about Sheyenne Scenic drive1Rosebud train car in the visitor centerVicki's Viking Dining RoomBarnes county museum1Laundry day! (What...no folding table???)

    Valley City Detour

    October 9, 2021 in the United States ☁️ 55 °F

    Woke up to drizzle. Not cold, but wet. Shore getting off this morning as I did a little trip planning work.

    Fort Ransom is south of I-94 about 30 miles, but we stayed here of 94 so we could drive the Sheyenne River Scenic Drive. It runs pretty much nuts north from Fort Ransom to Valley City which is on 94. Gassed up and got propane, this City also had the river winding through and us known as the city of bridges. So we dropped the jeep off the RV and drove into town.

    We drove probably 5 or 6 bridges, and then headed out to a park that offered a nice view of the Hi-line Bridge (1908) built to allow trains to span the low Valley created by the river. It's approximately 1 mile long and really is quite a sight.

    Although it was Saturday and the visitor center was closed we drove by to check it out for literature. Turns out someone was working this Saturday and invited us in to tour the center. Really was a great informative stop and it has a full size train car from the 1800s inside. The city bought this car and built the building over it! It was the car the regional railroad manager used as he managed to Northern Pacific railroad lines in this area. All original fittings and furniture.

    The center included the hall of fame for the contributors to the science and practice of agriculture in ND. And several exhibits about the history of agriculture in this state. Very well done and we were really thankful that the staff member let's us look around while she was working. We were so long in Valley City that we stayed for lunch at the Vicki's Viking Dining Room. Just all comfort food and breakfast available through lunch. Thought Tom would do the breakfast, but he couldn't pass up the liver onions! You don't find it very often and when he sees it offered, he gets it!

    Walked downtown Valley City, and stumbled on the Barnes County museum. (Free admission!)
    Very cute, lots of early 1900 local history and photos. Had a large exhibit about the Spanish influenza complete with pictures of people masked and newspaper articles about remaining home, closing schools! Even about the toll it was taking on the healthcare workers. Absolutely nothing different than our current situation!

    Back on the road and headed west to Jamestown. Thought we would stop at the Buffalo museum, and they also have a Buffalo photo op. Pulled into an RV park nearby. Pretty dismal place. You check in at the bar, cash only, and go pick a site. Since it is still raining decided we would just go ahead and get laundry done. The laundry room is as bleak as the park, just plywood finish on the walls, insulation popping out between the ceiling joists, one florescent light, 2 washers and 2 dryers. But it is only $25 and am getting laundry done. ✔ 👍    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Morning coffee!
    Morning coffee!Babbs cafeWorlds largest buffaloND Heritage centerInterior, you just see one of the many dinosaur exhibitsHistoric governors mansion

    Onward to Bismark

    October 11, 2021 in the United States ☀️ 52 °F

    Drizzly cold morning in Jamestown. We had been told about this really great coffee house that we should try, so headed to Babbs Cafe for breakfast. Really cute, great atmosphere! The owner is from Seattle so it definitely has that sort of vibe. We had our specialty coffees in mugs (not to go cups) just to truely enjoy the morning. Breakfast bagels and quesadillas were tasty. A nice warm start to the day!

    Headed out to the Buffalo Museum, but since it was Sunday they were closed. We did get a picture of the worlds largest Buffalo statue. Back to our site, picked up the RV and headed to Bismark via I-94. Just a cold, gray day on the Plains!

    Stopped at a KOA in Bismarck they usually always have cable. Biped that Tom would be able to catch a Raiders game on a network channel. No such luck for him.

    While he was at the RV watching football, I took the time to head to the ND Heritage Center. Loved it! Beautiful building, great exhibits. Dinosaurs, Indian history, agriculture, culture. Didn't get to see it all as they closed at 4. I was just happy they were open!

    On the way back to the site went by the governor's mansion, and just drive the older neighborhoods to see the homes. A great sunshine sort of day by the afternoon!

    Back to the RV for a little football in the evening. So GLAD I did laundry yesterday, this campground had closed theirs for the season. Showers were still good, but no laundry. If I had waited assuming the KOA had some I would have been pretty disappointed...    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    1This what you do when you can't quite remember your height clearance
    1This what you do when you can't quite remember your height clearance1Grasshoppers in the fieldAuggie with a little grasshopper!Fisherman's dreamThe mom in a family of 3 sculpturesRed Trail Campground, with 2 other late season travelers

    the Enchanted Highway

    October 11, 2021 in the United States ☀️ 48 °F

    Woke up to a sunny, but fairly cool morning. Happy to see some blue skies! Headed out to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, located on the Missouri River. (Yes the Missouri!) Unfortunately while the park was open the visitor center wouldn't open until 1 pm. Tired the Mandan Indian village replica, viewed the river, and had a glimpse of Gen. Custer's house.

    Drive west on 94 again. North Dakota looks just like we imagined. Rolling plains, lots of silos, lots of hay rolls sitting the landscape. They grow almost every type of grain, plus soy beans and lots of sunflower fields. All the flowers are gone just the big brown heads bent over are all that is left.

    Got off the interstate taking an old county highway (the Old Red Trail byway) for awhile just to get a closer look at several small ag towns on the route. Small, meaning no stop lights, and a streetscape of older, empty buildings. Stopped in the city of Hebron, aka Brick City. So named because they have a large brick company here. Even this barely keeps the town alive.

    We took a detour off of the interstate and headed south on what is known as the "enchanted highway ". It's about 30 miles long and takes you into the small town of Regent. ND.
    Beautiful day to enjoy these large scale sculptures that were pretty much concieved and built by one man to help draw more people to the town of Regent. They are big, and wonderful to see. They just make you smile, and we had wonderful blue skies for a back drop. We stopped at each one, about 6 or 7 in all.

    Finished the day in Medora, which is literally the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt Natl park. Got in late, but had called an RV park that I thought was open. They aren't. But they take a few self contained RVs off season. No amenities, no water, but we do have electric which helps when it is cold!

    You can tells this town is all about the tourists; shops, restaurants, hotels all over. And almost everyone is "closed for the season". So quiet! Few business open, maybe 2 restaurants and one gift shop and hotel? But the location serves our purpose!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    1Teddy at the visitor center
    1Teddy at the visitor center1One of many overlooks2Tom buttoned up against the cold!Right after this shot several more went byBadlands version of hoo-doos1Bison thanking us for our visit!

    TR Natl Park, South Unit

    October 12, 2021 in the United States ☁️ 41 °F

    Theodore Roosevelt park is broken into two units, north and south. You access south unit right from the town of Medora which is right off of I-94 and so had the most visitors. The north unit is almost due north about 60 miles or so. Today was all about the south unit.

    Cold, overcast skies, but no precipitation. Started our day at the visitor center which was open! Just a small exhibit about Theodore Roosevelt and his time in the badlands which ultimately resulted in his understanding to create a national park system. Afterwards went back to town (1 mile from park entrance) to get some sandwiches before we spent the day in the park. It was a little convenience store that had a salad bar sort of set up and you could make your own sandwich. (Linley- no brown mustard...?)

    The park had about a 36 mile scenic loop that you would normally take through the park. But due to road work at about 25 miles you have to turn around and head back out. Which actually worked out great because we went to the farthest point which was a really nice overlook of the badlands, and then we stopped at various points going back to the visitor center. Many turn outs had little half mile or mile loops that got us out of the jeep. But it was cold. Only was in the 40s, but with the wind it was rated as 10 degrees colder. A cold wind is COLD! I would almost rather be in "quiet" 30 degree weather than in the 40s with a biting wind. But these ND types are fine with this weather. Can't imagine how it feels in the midst of winter when it's minus 30!?

    Enjoyed many great views, the badlands have such a different look to them. Even against gray skies they are very desolate looking. Got to see a smattering of wildlife, a porcupine clambering up an eroded hillside right next to the road we were driving, and several Prarie dog "towns". Spent several minutes (at several different locations) watching them pop up and down, scurrying around and then even chirping when I got out the jeep to try and take a picture of these light brown fuzzy animals in the light brown fuzzy dirt and grasses. We had several wild horse sightings, which were great. Just didn't expect to see them, figured they be too "automobile" shy. They weren't close, but close enough to enjoy a view of. And then of course bison. But these are not quite as friendly as Yellowstone, most were small herds that we saw from a distance. Still awesome to see in these natural rugged settings.

    Our last stop was yet another overlook, and it wasn't until we were driving in that we realized that there was a lone bison grazing next to the path. Never took the walk out, but got some nice "one on one" time with this buffalo! A really cute end to our day.

    Back into Medora and decided, in an effort to maintain our RV water supply, we would just have to eat out! After elk burgers we were back in a our warm RV. With electric at our site, we run our oil heater which is quiet and efficient! We never worry about leaving the animals during the day as we sightsee. We know it is warm inside! In this weather they are probably more comfortable than us...    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Painted Canyon view
    Painted Canyon view1Four Corners cafeThe "Chateau" de MoresSee these guys every morning and evening

    Four Corners & Chateau de Mores

    October 13, 2021 in the United States ☁️ 34 °F

    Rain and snow all night. But since we have a site with electric we were warm and comfortable. Little cold and soggy getting Auggie out regularly and the floor of the RV is a muddy mess. But nothing a little cleaning in a day or two won't solve.

    Had intended to drive up to the north unit today. Stopped first at the Painted Canyon Visitor center, (still part of the south unit) but very wet weather did sort of wash our the"painted" effect.
    Back on the road to the north unit and the weather was not cooperating. Got about 50 miles north and decided we just didn't want to finish the five. Slush was building up in the middle and sides of the highway and it just seemed like it was slowly turning to mite snow then rain so we abandoned our effort and just turned around. This highway (like many in ND) traverses miles of drilling ag land and silos. Seeing a lot more oil drilling also. But there was a very nice cafe right in the middle of nowhere; well technically at a crossroads, so it is aptly named Four Corners Cafe. We enjoyed a nice lunch with farming locals.

    Back to Medora and decided to visit the Chateau de Mores since it was an "inside" activity. They had a nice storage exhibit building from the Chateau that have the history of the family and also an exhibit about the CCC in ND and the written that was done. The Chateau renovation being one of the projects. The Chateau is really a two story ranch house, but it was so much bigger and nicer than anything else in town, and since de Mores was a French aristocrat it was named the Chateau. It really was a summer home for this family, but he pretty much was responsible for the town which is named after his wife Medora. He started a larger cattle empire here, including slaughter house and refrigerator train cars to get meat to the east. The enterprise ended up being a failure, but in the meantime he was also one of Theodore Roosevelts neighbor and power on the cattle business. Pretty interesting story.
    Also enjoyed the small exhibit on everything the CCC did over the course of the program. There is so much work on roadways, bridges, historical sites, etc. that is to their credit.
    Back to the RV for the evening; still raining/sleeting, but RV is warm and comfortable. Wind seems (?) to be dying down.    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Painted Canyon in sunlight
    Painted Canyon in sunlightBuffalo city parkBuffalo city parkView from RV door, Spearfish KOASpearfish KOA

    Sparkling drive to Spearfish, SD

    October 14, 2021 in the United States ⛅ 41 °F

    Woke up to an almost clear sky with a light wind. Still cold, but so nice to see the sun. Think last time we saw sunshine was the day we drove into Medora, 3 nights later we are driving out of Medora in sunshine! Regardless I really did like our time here and in the park. I love visiting places that don't have so many tourists, however many attractions are closed. But the national parks usually are open and being able to drive slowly through a park and just meander is so nice!

    Stopped at the Painted Canyon one more time to see it in the sunshine. Still a great overlook, and on one of the grassy plains we could see a small herd of bison. Just very picturesque!

    Headed south on Hwy 85. Weather looks like it is warming up pretty much all over, but wanted to go south to try and avoid snow.

    Stopped for lunch in the city of Buffalo. Just another tiny little town that has seen better days. Saloon No. 3, not sure where the other two were. Like most of these small cafes/diner/bars there is usually one or two in the kitchen, and one waitress. Took a quick picture of their town park, which was very well done for such a small town.

    The drive from Buffalo into Spearfish was awesome. Still rolling plains, but they definitely had more snow fall, so eveything was dust with snow and with the sunshine, sparkling! We saw lots of cattle, very few trees, and two different herds of prong horn antelope. The landscape really was beautiful, traffic very light, sky blue with clouds. Loved this drive. BUT oddly enough the snow seem to have greater and greater accumulation as we went farther south. We finally realized (berms on the side of the highway) that it had been deep enough that the highway had been plowed, although the road condition was dry and clean at the time we were driving.

    I wanted to stop and see the High Plains Western Heritage Center (a 5 state collection) that is located in Spearfish so we checked into a KOA here. Ooops! Snow was really alot deeper in this area than we thought. The clerk said they had over a foot of snow yesterday. We just did not give thought about conditions AFTER inclement weather. The forecast for this area was in the 40s for today, but I never checked to see what the conditions had been the day before!? Yeah the sun was shining, but that just made it a wet soupy mix of snow and mud!

    But we got water, and their showers were functioning. After struggling to get the RV in place, we took the jeep and headed to Walmart to get some wool socks. And after rummaging through my storage bins I found my Ugg snow boots! Am a happy camper again!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Trail Boss
    Trail BossSheepherding wagonSpearfish to Deadwood stage3 state view, Wyoming (left), SD and Montana (right)

    Heading into the Black Hills

    October 15, 2021 in the United States ☀️ 46 °F

    Cold, crisp morning, but still nice and clear. There is still plenty of snow, but it is definitely melting. Auggie and I had a nice slushy walk this morning. So glad I remembered to pack my Ugg boots!

    We headed to the High Plains Heritage Center as per our plan. The museum is built up in this hill overlooking Spearfish and as we drove up the hill it looked deserted. Snow drifts on the walk but they had plowed the parking area. We were the only vehicle. So turns out they were delaying the opening until noon because of clean up from the snowstorm. They were closed completely the day before. But the onsite manager let us in anyway! So nice! So we toured the museum by ourselves, they even ran the introductory video in the theater for us.

    Spent about two hours enjoying the exhibits. The center covers the 5 plain states and had lots about cattle, cowboys, Indians and the frontier. It was not as professionally staged or lit like a big city museum, but there were so many personal history stories about families that have had multiple generations living here. Tons of memorabilia, and the world's largest barb wire collection!? Despite not being interested in barb wire, the rest was great!

    Gassed up both vehicles, $3.60 a gallon. Seems like prices have jumped about 50 cents since we left Michigan. Grabbed some lunch and got on the road again. Only went as far as Rapid City, just the outskirts because we want to visit Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park.

    Got in fairly early for us, about 2 p.m., and happily the snow had already melted here. Used this early stop to actually get on their wi-fi and do a little finance and email catch up. And Auggie and I had a nice long walk with out snow!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Love this monument
    Love this monumentNo RV on this drive, still snow up hereThe park greetersHe got a little closer than I was expecting!The focus of the park, 🦬

    The Black Hills

    October 16, 2021 in the United States ⛅ 68 °F

    Beautiful blue sky! A great day for sightseeing!

    After a slow start, (we are very good at this), we took off for Mt. Rushmore. We had been there once before (with Linley) but I just love seeing this monument! Breath taking especially as you experience it through the avenue of the flags to the grand viewing platform. Had hoped to do the Presidents Trail for a little closer view, but it was closed due to snow. We enjoyed the video presentation and the exhibit about the work itself. Just a fascinating story.

    Then headed into Custer State Park for some animal viewing. The drive to the park, a scenic forested highway, and the drive through the park (rolling, wooded plains) were both beautiful. As we drove to the park they had a couple of overlooks that gave you a view back to Rushmore. Passed through some rock tunnels that were less than 11' clear, crossed over big wooden bridges, and just enjoyed the mix of pine and yellow colored birches.

    The park did not disappoint. We stopped at the visitor center and watched the park video and then pretty much drove a loop (maybe 30 or 40 miles) through the park. Most of the bison were pretty much down at the south end of the park due to the time of year. Apparently they"round up" the vision and driver then to a larger coal area where the animals are given a check up and shots. Then they do pull the older and less healthy ones out. But sure where they go....
    But the remaining bison are slowly let back out into the park. So we did run into a number of bison that had been let out from the corral area.

    Also down in the corral end of the park were a friendly herd of burros. We had lots of fun trying to pet them and get pictures. We also saw a large flock of wild turkeys, more of our favorites, the little, busy prairie dogs, prong horn antelope, and some mountain sheep. A really fun and beautiful drive with great views as you drive up and down the rolling plains. Sun all day, air was clear, so colors were great! Not quite like Michigan with all the hardwood tree mix that had so many red and oranges. These were more like subtle mix of greens, rusts, and yellows.

    Back about 6 to the RV still unsure about tomorrow, really want to see another corner of the park and get a view of some of the "needle rocks" in this area. Got to work with calendar and map tomorrow...    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    Rock tunnel on Needles hwy. into Sylvan Lake
    Rock tunnel on Needles hwy. into Sylvan Lake1Sylvan lakePicture of the lodge where it use to be locatedAlmost missed the sign into the RV parkNorth Platt River

    Moving on to Wyoming

    October 17, 2021 in the United States ☀️ 61 °F

    Last day in South Dakota, but one more stop in Custer State Park before we left for good. We wanted to do a little more of the northern section of the park, which does not have as many animals. This section has more of the badlands look with the needle like looking rock out croppings, plus there is a beautiful lake up in this section, Sylvan Lake. Great drive in, had to drop the jeep and drive in with it because the tunnels sizes were too small for the RV.
    Drove in the Needles Hwy to the lake. They have an older lodge, not the original one that was located right on the lake, but really nice. Couldn't to much walking because of the residual snow still on the ground. Headed out of the park and grabbed some lunch at Calamity Jane, a cute café in Custer,SD.

    Said good by to the Black Hills and drove south into Wyoming. Left behind rolling, wooded areas and drove through straight out plains. Lots of ranches with cattle, or grain fields. Speed a couple of small herds of antelope again today.

    About 4 decided to just find a place to stay for the night. Hard to do in the middle of nowhere, we were still north of Cheyenne. And we really want to find sites with power since the evenings are pretty cold. Nice to have our portable (quiet) old heater and not the RV heater which is louder and tends to cycle on and off all night.

    So we ended up in Torrington, WY. at the City Slickers RV park, which is basically a gravel lot of of an alley. The did have a restroom with showers that was clean, and we just had to leave $20 cash in a lock box. Torrington must be a cattle distribution hub, because the air had that barnyard smell, not offensive, but pretty evident.
    Did take a walk with Auggie and found access to the North Platt River down the street. We had to stop a couple of times to pull thorns out of his paws from the weeds!    Read more

  • KatbozMichigan 2021Traveler
    I-70, picture of RV while I am driving jeep behind
    I-70, picture of RV while I am driving jeep behindGlenwood Canyon and Colorado RiverRiver sites at the KOA in Silt, CO

    I-70 out of Denver

    October 18, 2021 in the United States ☀️ 63 °F

    So today was all about driving, but what a beautiful drive! You don't often see an interstate being noted as a scenic drive but this one is.

    We drove south out of Torrington, through Cheyenne and down to Denver. Then picked up I-70 going west. Grabbed some lunch at Panera as we got of west of Denver.

    After climbing a little bit out of Denver we pulled over and decided to have me drive the jeep so the RV didn't have to drag the jeep up and down these grades which are pretty steep, 7%, which isn't bad in a car, but is more challenging for an RV towing the car! Loved this drive and the weather was perfect. The Eisenhower Tunnel was pretty dang impressive, maybe a mile long? And pretty steep grades either way. Interstate was nice and dry so no problem with road conditions.

    All the towns along the interstate look inviting, but they are all sort of jammed between the intestate and the mountains that they access for skiing. So many beautiful hotels and apartments that either get the mountain view or the highway view! Not alot of RV options so just kept driving on through Glenwood Springs. Particularly loved the Glenwood canyon drive, about 3 miles long with the Colorado River running right beside the interstate. The bright yellow color of all the golden aspen against the dark lines or juniper, or dark mountain are awesome. We are really enjoying the fall color here, no red maples, but lots of contrast!

    Finally found a nice KOA (in Silt, Colo) on the Colorado river at about 6:30. Office was closed, but they did have 3 sites left for late registration. Just nice to have power, had a pretty cold storm come through again. It was windy enough that we actually brought slide-out in because the wing kept snapping the small awning that covers the slide-out. But was very comfortable even with slide out in.    Read more