Big Rapids, MI

Wednesday, July 18.  The drive down from the Mackinac Bridge to Big Rapids was short and sweet.  The directions Harold gave us didn't agree with the GPS but we followed his anyway and ignored the GPS.  We found out later that the GPS route would've taken us down a gravel road even though we have it set to not go on gravel roads.  As we neared Harold's house the paved road disappeared around a curve and all I could see straight ahead of me was a dirt two-track.  Panic almost hit then we got to the curve and I could see that the paved road did end and became a wide gravel road that was nicely packed and not dusty.  Whew, that was a close one!

Unfortunately, we both forgot to take pictures of our set up at Harold's so you'll have to use your imagination.  We parked in his front yard and connected to water and electric from his garage.  The spot where we parked had an almost perfect shot of the southwestern sky which is what we needed to get our DirecTV signal.  This was VERY important because Big Brother was on for the summer and it is one of the reality shows we like.  The antenna dish whirled around and around and up and down and finally found a "happy" spot.  It wasn't happy with all of the trees but it did pick up the necessary signals.  Everyone was happy, especially me!

Thursday, July 19.  It's the Michigan Party!!  This was the 16th annual Michiganders party where folks from all over get together for food, fun and fellowship.  We were really surprised how many of them live in the  community of Big Rapids and surrounding areas.  The party started about 1ish but because of the rain it was moved to Pete & Janet Jordan's pole barn just down the road.  Harold prepared a large pork loin and everyone else brought a side dish.  Mike and I made our curried deviled eggs.  There was a LOT of food!  It was a good turnout in spite of the weather.  I would guess there were about 30-35 people in attendance.  Denny & Karen McConnell from Yakima, Wa, Marv Willy from MN, Gene & Marcene Smith from Iowa, Nancy Jebson from Iowa, and Mike and I made up some of the out of towners.  Needless to say, we had leftovers for dinner that evening and they were yummy!  Janet Jordan also made a spinach and meat sauce lasagna and it was delicious!

Friday, July 20.  This was our "free" day so we helped Harold clean out his gutters.  On Wednesday, the day we arrived, a storm came through that night that dumped a lot of rain.  His gutters were backed up with tree leaves and stuff so the water ran over the gutters and onto his window air conditioner and then poured into the house.  Poor Harold took the window a/c out of the window at 3:30 in the morning so he could shut the window then had to set up fans to dry the carpet.  We got his gutters cleaned and the a/c put back in the window which was a good thing because it was starting to get  hot and humid!

Tonight, several of us went to a newly opened restaurant in Hersey about 5 miles away.  It is the River Junction and they have all you can eat fish on Friday's for $9.95.  The fish was excellent, the french fries were tasty and cole slaw was just like I like it, sweet and creamy!  Here is a picture of the group.

Harold & Kathy, Gene & Marcene, Pete & Janet, Mike, and another Janet and her husband George.

Saturday, July 21.  Today started off with a kayak or canoe float down the Muskogen River.  This was the first time Mike and I have kayaked and I have to admit it was more fun than canoeing.  The river was perfect for first timers and the weather cooperated as well.  We put it at a bridge about 5 miles from Harold's house and floated for a couple of hours back down to his house.  The great thing about this trip is we get to do it again on Sunday, yay!

Today was also the day of the 16th annual Pig Roast hosted by Pete & Janet.  This is a fundraiser Janet puts on each year for the American Cancer Society.  She raised $1,000 this year with the expert help of her friend Janet ( referred to as the other Janet) and the generous donations from her friends.  The dinner was followed up by music and entertainment from Harold, Pete, Rob Kotecki, Gene Smith and several other local musicians who came by to jam.

This is the same pole barn we used for the Michigan Party.  There is another room at the back that is Pete's "man cave."  He has his exercise equipment and more animal trophies on the wall.  As you can see it was a good turnout for this event, too.  Lots of the neighbors stopped by to enjoy the music.

Sunday, July 22.  This is the day when Pete and Janet get to relax after their big shindig on Saturday.  The seven of us put in at Harold's place, the seventh person being Pete & Janet's neighbors' niece.  We floated down the river to the county park, about a 3 hour float.  Along the way we passed by Janee and Jack's place and happen to catch them outside.  We stopped for a chat then continued on our way.  Ahh, what a way to relax especially on a beautiful day like today!