Spring Western Trip 2017: Amherst to Home

Saturday, 5/13:  201 miles and parked at Gladstone Bay Campground, Gladstone Bay, Michigan

Well. we are finally back in the Eastern Time Zone.  Almost feels like home.  The drive today was very pleasant with nice sunny weather.  This is a municipal campground that was nearly empty, and located on the shore of Gladstone Bay and Lake Michigan.  There is an amazing trail/boardwalk along the lakeshore for hiking and biking.  We would definitely stay here again.

Sunday, 5/14:  275 miles and located at Indigo Bluff’s, Empire, Michigan

It was a beautiful drive along northern Lake Michigan, mostly on two lane roads today.  Some of views of Lake Michigan are absolutely gorgeous.  Then we crossed over the spectacular Mackinac Bridge that connects the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with the lower portion of the state.  From the bridge, it was on to Empire, a small town located near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan

Since our wedding anniversary was tomorrow, we decided to “splurge” on a two night stay at a resort campground.  What a lucky find.  We still qualified for the off season rate of $40, which is half price, and on top of that, we were the only RV there.  It was a beautiful site with a pond view, paved sites with stone patios.

Monday, 5/15:  Indigo Bluff’s Rv Resort

The small town of Empire is the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  The park encompasses an area along the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan that include massive sand dunes, some over 300 feet high.  We  took the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive through the park.  It was a warm and sunny day, and the drive was beautiful.  At one of the overlooks, we met a couple who RV also, and we were comparing notes about our travel.  They commented that they now have a new rule called “3 or 300”.  Come to find out, it means they quit driving for the day whatever comes first, 3:00 PM or 300 miles.   I thought that was amusing.  On a not so amusing side note, I talked with a couple of park rangers, and we got on the topic of ash trees.  They said every ash tree in the park is either dead or dying from Emerald Ash Borer.  It looks like someday the ash tree might follow the path of the American Chestnut and be a memory from the past.

After the drive, we had lunch at Joe’s Friendly Tavern in downtown Empire.  Using the term downtown is a bit misleading.  There is only one stop light in the whole town.

Today was our anniversary, so we celebrated dinner with grilled filet mignon steak, a 60 dollar bottle wine we bought in California (I know, I know, way too much, but you only live once) and a campfire.

We thoroughly enjoyed this RV Park and our stop in Empire and Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Tuesday, 5/16: 194 miles and parked in East Lansing, Michigan.

Actually, we parked in my sister Mary Ann and husband Eric’s driveway in East Lansing.  They weren’t home, but we parked and plugged into their water and electric.  But we did have permission.  :-)  My sister Amy, who lives down the street, stopped down for a very pleasant half hour visit.  We went to my niece Jen Gilmore’s house, who lives nearby, for dinner.  They grilled burgers for dinner.  Jen’s partner, Dave, is a beer aficionado and served us some really cool beer.  Jen and Dad have a new baby, Anikka, who is a cutie.  We ended the evening with a visit to a nearby brew pub called Ellison Brewing.  In fact it was so nearby, that we walked there and back. 

Wednesday, 5/17: 136 miles and parked at Johnny Appleseed Park, Fort Wayne, Indianna

This campground is part of the Johnny Appleseed Municipal Park in Fort Wayne.  There was a beautiful green area along the river front for walking the dogs.  The campground was nearly full.  Good thing we called ahead for reservations.  The reason for our stop is that Judy has a granddaughter, Christa, who lives here.  Shortly after we arrived, Christa and her mom came over to visit, and then we all went downtown for lunch.  We ate at a new brew pub called the Hoppy Gnome.  They served an EXCELLENT lunch.  The food was mildly spicy but really, really good and the presentation was beautiful.  After lunch, and back at the campground, we visited the gravesite of John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, located in the park and next to the campground.

Not the Teddy Bear and cup of applesauce someone left.

Thursday, 5/18:  330 miles and parked at the KOA in Westfield, NY

We’re making the final run for home.  Remember the old adage, “A horse runs fastest on its way back to the barn.”  It was Interstate driving most of the way today.  We have stayed at the Westfield KOA before.  It is a nice park, and is very convenient just off Interstate 90.  There is lots of room to walk the dogs, and if you want, there is public access to Lake Erie right across the road.

Tonight is our last night on the road.  Bitter - sweet.  We will miss the road and the adventures, but it will be great to see friends and family again.

Friday, 5/19:  303 miles and HOME!!!!!!

We got an early start at about 8:00 in the morning and we were home by 2:30.  

So, with 9,500 miles, 26 different campgrounds, parking in the 3 driveways of relative’s, traveling through 20 different states, and dealing with 2 RV flat tires, we made it.

Now for the aftermath of 7 weeks away from home.  Camper to clean out.  Laundry to do.  Mail to sort through.  Lawn to catch up on.  Garden to plant.  Friends to connect with.  However..... we wouldn’t trade those 7 weeks for anything.  On to planning for our next trip.  Stay tuned!!