The Kalkaska Trout Monument.

All week long while staying in Kalkaska, we saw this trout statue.

It was just awesome.

And I really wanted a photo of it with the kids.

They... were reluctant.

We'd pass it and I'd say, "Let's get a picture with the trout!"

Triple nay.

"Okay, but I want to get one before we leave town!"

After passing it at least 10 times, I told them when we left for Sleeping Bear Dunes, that if it was light out when we got back, they were getting their photo and that's that.  Now, my policy is that if the kids really don't  want their photo put on facebook, I won't put it on facebook.  But there is no such agreement about the blog!

Vertical farming.

On our way home from Sleeping Bear Dunes, we found a farm growing acres and acres of this.  Venture to guess what it is?

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Today we explored the Sleeping Bear Dunes.  It was absolutely fabulous.  We climbed the giant sand dunes, played in Lake Michigan, drove the beautiful hills and countryside and enjoyed every minute of it.  Good times were had by all, and we loved the diverse scenery.

Mackinac Island

Armed with cameras, we headed off to Mackinac Island today.

 We crossed into the U.P., or Upper Peninsula, then took a ferry to the island.

 We toured the entire island by foot, taking lots of trails and footsteps.  We walked to Skull Cave, and discovered it didn't look anything like a skull.  So disappointing.  We explored the Fort, which was awesome,  and tried to get into the Grand Hotel for a lat lunch, but three hours a day they don't serve, and wouldn't you know, we were there in the middle of that three hours.

The kids wen through the 3D Maze of Mirrors while Archer and I scouted for the best fudge I could find to send to Shane.  Of course, we had to sample some.

 At the end of the day, the kids opted for sprinkle-coated chocolate dipped marshmallows as a treat in lieu of ice cream.  

 We were not disappointed.

Sunday in a branch.

Today we enjoyed church in the little Kalkaska Branch.  They didn't have a teacher for Mayzie because they don't usually have girls her age, I guess.  She was sent to Young Women's (4 months early), which made her feel quite grown up.  There was another family who had just moved in.  Combining Meeka with their son TRIPLED the number of children attending primary, as there was only one branch member child today.  I really enjoyed Relief Society, despite having to take a very noisy Archer out because he was enjoying the sound of his voice bouncing off of the small classroom's walls.  He was the only baby at church, so we were certainly noticed.  We were warmly welcomed and all were friendly and hopeful that we'd be here longer than we have planned and stay to attend mutual on Wednesday and church next week, but alas, I doubt we'll be here that long.  It was a beautiful church day.  In other news, it was only 44 degrees when we woke up.  Love this weather.

Logging country.

You know the logs are huge when they can only be stacked 3-4 high on the back of a semi.  These were enormous.

Mayzie regularly falls asleep in the car.  She just can't stay awake when we're driving!

Kalkaska RV Park & Campground

After leaving the RV dealership, we didn't have any reservations anywhere.  I called around and found a pull-thru space, but not in the area of Michigan that I wanted to be in to be a tourist from.  As I drove along, about an hour from where the park I had found was, I saw on the road sign that a town called Kalkaska was up ahead.  I quickly had Nevan google to see if there was a park there we could use.  The first park that came up was Kalkaska RV Park and Campground.  I called.  Yes, they had a pull-thru space.  I told them it was my first time ever driving my RV and I had never hooked up before, and was hoping theirs would be a great place to learn from. I was hoping they wouldn't view me as a burden.  When they seemed friendly over the phone, I took the space.  Our 4 nights here was really great.  The owners were pleasant and friendly and didn't seem perturbed by my questions and lack of know-how.  We loved the trails attached to the park, and the kids were constantly out running them in all directions.  Truly, the trails seemed endless, which is perfect for our little adventure seeking family.  The campground also had a pool, tether ball, clean bathrooms and showers, sandbox, playground, arcade room, little store, and my daughters must have poured a lot of quarters into their vending machines to obtain all of the little necklaces, rings, and bracelets that they came home with from the toy dispensers.