HitchHikers - - - Michigan - Mini II - 2011 (M&M II)
Updated: 10/04/11
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Our
M&M II was held at the Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We were
there Sunday through Thursday, leaving Friday morning.
Security would not permit photographs of the gaming areas. Therefore, there is no evidence that any of us did any gambling. What follows are photographs of other areas in the building.
An
atrium was in the center of the building. They were removing a tree in the
atrium during one day of our visit.
The
crafts and art of the Ottawa people were on display in the Cultural
Corridor.
It
wasn't until that last meal in The Willows, that Fred realized he had no photograph
of the buffet where we ate most on our meals at the casino. So, this photograph
was made using his cell phone camera.
And, of course, they had a gift shop.
A
casino shuttle was provided to and from the campground. During inclement weather or
when the cart is unavailable, they used a small bus.
They provided very prompt service.
It was a good location for our gathering. We were scattered a little in their small campground. Due to the small size, walking to the pavilion or other HHs was no problem. Speaking of the pavilion - folding tables, stackable chairs and cloth tablecloths were provided.
The number '13' turned out to be a lucky number for us. The 13 HitchHiker RVs included 26 fantastic people with whom we shared four days of fun, food and fellowship. Like at all RV gatherings, we saw some old friends, made some new friends. These gatherings are always a great time.
What we did . . .
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
We arrived in camp after a weekend at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit - just in time for the 5:00pm potluck. They waited for us . . . sure they did. We parked our HHLS in our spot, hooked up the electric and headed for the pavilion. We finished setting up later.
Greg and Judy provided brats, hot dogs and buns. Everyone else brought a dish to share.
After the potluck, Greg and Judy led our 'organizational' meeting. They had
let us know what was available to see in the area. Now, we were firming up some
and the group was deciding what
else we wanted to do.
This
morning we left camp early for the Mac Woods Dune Rides at Silver Lake.
One thing we like about the HitchHiker gatherings, early to them is 10:00am.
We 'truck pooled' the 45 miles to Silver Lake with Gary and Suzanne.
Our first view of Lake Michigan . . .
Soon
we were on the beach and driving with the driver's side tires splashing in the water.
Stopping
at the water's edge, the driver asked if anyone wanted her to make a photograph
of us in the dune scooter.
Soon she had nine cameras around her neck. Ours was almost the last one returned so this photograph is not representative of how she really looked wearing all nine cameras.
We have posted additional photographs at the bottom of the page for those who want to view them. Click >>> Mac Woods Dune Rides <<<
If you are returning to Monday's activities from the additional Dune Rides photographs - welcome back.
After the dune ride, we met for lunch at the Boathouse Grill in downtown Manistee along the riverwalk. It was a beautiful day to eat on the outside deck. The Manistee Riverwalk is an enjoyable 1.75 miles long.
The city marina . . .
Happy Hour was on the schedule every evening for those who wanted to participate - anytime between 4:00pm and 6:00pm depending on our schedule. We are a pretty flexible bunch.
We
had entertainment at Happy Hour tonight. JackPotJake, the dog, 'played' with a
bug with his nose or paw as we watched. When it moved on its own, he would jump back and
re-approach slowly. He finally got bored and we could go back to our
conversations.
In the afternoon, we had a sharing time scheduled for both the men and women.
The
men were to discuss trucks and fifth wheels - just like what we do on the forum
every day.
An
'open' discussion was planned for the women. In addition to several topics, they
toured a lot of HHs viewing floor plans, modifications and sharing ideas.
Denny and Jamie brought riblets for Tuesday's dinner. So, Denny was busy grilling during the the sharing time. He stopped over to check on us and then got back to the grilling.
The
ears of sweet corn that Larry and Judy brought went well with the riblets.
The other folks brought a dish to share.
There were sticky fingers at every table.
The Trolley Tour was a narrated tour of the City of Manistee. The tour lasted fifty minutes.
The roof on this Catholic church was designed to represent praying hands.
This catwalk and lighthouse were recently purchased by the City of Manistee.
As we turned a corner, the narrator told us to look over the tree line at the clock tower on the First Congregational Church.
This stone church is Holy Trinity Episcopal Church . . .
The trolley driver told us that in the early days Manistee had three notable features - the most bars, the most churches and the most millionaires in the state. Today, they have two of the three - lots of bars and churches. The millionaire lumber barons are gone.
Some houses in Manistee . . .
The Manistee River heading toward Lake Michigan . . .
After the trolley tour, we were on our own for lunch before time for the tour of the Babcock House.
We had lunch at TJ's Pub
located in the basement of this stone building. It was recommended
by the local hardware store owner.
Babcock House . . .
Gary had worked with the owner/occupant of the Babcock House. As the owner introduced himself to us, he said it was his life-long dream to own and live in a home with a significant history. However, he has found it to be more of a challenge than he expected - financially, regulatory and time required.
The owner gave us the history of the Babcock House at the front door. He is the fourth owner of the 125 year old house. The door at the other end of the hallway leads to the servants area. The historical significance of the house was that it was built and lived in by one of the lumber barons.
The woodwork in each room was made from a different species of wood. The pocket door for each room had the appropriate matching wood on each surface. The woodwork in the doorways was beautiful. Note the tall ceilings.
As he showed us his home and the items in it, it became clear that, while his dream was ownership of the home, his love is the restoration of player pianos and other mechanical musical devices.
The
Violano-Virtuoso combined the piano and the violin.
It
look new inside . . .
.
. . an excellent restoration job.
If you would like to see more about the Babcock House, click the link below.
If you are returning from the additional Babcock House information, welcome back.
Tonight's 'Happy Hour" was at Ron and Roberta's.
Today was a 'free day'. The group decided that meant that we had time to play some games. Games at the campground - not games in the casino.
Because people were leaving at different times Friday,
Judy suggested a group hug Thursday at the conclusion of the games.
We
had a great time during our stay at the Little River Casino Resort.
We thank Greg and Judy for being our 'event organizers'. While some of the HitchHikers provided food, everyone contributed in some way to make this a very nice event.
The comps we received from the Little River Casino Resort, offset a lot of the camping fees.
Same time, same place next year. It is on our calendar.
Until next time, we will 'see' you on the forum.
Mac Woods Dunes Rides has operated dune scooters for a long time. While we
waited for our ride, we had time to check out their small museum.
. . . and, time to visit the gift shop.
This
is the entrance to the 600 acres of dunes that the Mac Woods Dune Rides company
leases from the State of Michigan.
By leasing the land, it is much safer for all concerned. Traffic is strictly controlled - travels in one direction and is spaced out.
We
were required to wear a seatbelt and it was suggested that we hold on to the
grab rail.
As you can see . . . all hands are on the grab rail.
At
points of interest, the driver would stop and give a short narration and answer
questions.
A lot of
green and a glimpse of Lake Michigan . . .
This
fellow was said to misunderstand that the grasses get water from ten feet - he
did not have to plant seeds ten feet into the sand.
This
area looked wet.
This
area had standing water.
One section of the dunes, previously a forest, had burned in a fire. What remains is a number of stumps.
One
stump had the definite outline of the lower peninsula of Michigan.
The driver pointed out several images on this stump. Use you imagination . . . do you see the rhinoceros horn? A fish head? What else do you see?
We finally got a good look at Lake Michigan.
Soon
we were on the beach and driving with the left tires splashing in the water.
Stopping
at the water's edge, the driver asked if anyone wanted her to make a photograph
of us in the dune scooter.
Soon, she had nine cameras around her neck. Ours was almost the last one returned, so this photograph is not representative of how she really looked wearing all nine camera.
After all the cameras were returned, we roamed the beach.
If you look closely, you can see Connie bending down to take off her
shoe to frolic in the water of Lake Michigan. That is what every Texan should
do when in Michigan. She said the water wasn't too cold.
The
roots of these bushes are some that may reach ten feet into the sand for water.
If
you look real hard you will see private vehicles on the public (north) side of the
Silver Lake dunes.
We owned a 1974 Jeep in the late 70s. One weekend we took the Jeep to Silver Lake. We and the three children rode on the dunes. It wasn't the comfy larger Jeep of today. It had a roll-bar which. One time, our son did not get down as fast as the Jeep did going over a hill, it hit him on top of his head. We had everyone wearing goggles - didn't think about a helmet.
We had a good time on that trip. The family still remembers our time at Silver Lake.
It
was a one-way private road on the dunes for Mac Woods. The drivers did not need to
worry about oncoming traffic. Occasionally, we could see another dune scooter on
a part of
the winding road we had previously used.
They didn't need to use the tall mast with an orange flag on the top on their leased acreage.
Due
to drifting sand, posts marked the route at various locations. You can see a little of
Silver Lake in the background.
At
the top of the steepest hill on our route, the driver stopped to prepare us for
the descent. She told us to put our hands in the air as we headed over the crest
of the hill.
So much for holding onto the grab rail.
A wood snake . . .
The
company bought used airplane tires to navigate the deep sand.
The driver stopped to do a headcount to insure nobody was missing.
We enjoyed the dune ride. Judy told us the last time they rode the dunes the driver gave them more of a thrill ride. Maybe we displayed too much gray hair and our driver was easy on us.
If you want to return to Monday's activities click on the link below.
Monday's activities - where you came from.
The house has nineteen rooms including a ballroom on the third
floor.
The owner lives on the second floor.
Our tour covered only the
first floor.
The owner gave us the history of the Babcock House at the front door. The door at the other end of the hallway leads to the servants area.
The woodwork in each room was made from a different species of wood. The pocket door for each room had the appropriate wood on each surface. The woodwork in the doorways was beautiful.
The
Violano-Virtuoso combined the piano and the violin. Mary Lou was closest - she
put the nickel in to play the song.
It
look new inside . . .
.
. . an excellent restoration job.
Many of the light fixtures were both electrified and gas operated.
The
crank filled the bellows in the rear of this music box and the cylinder revolved
and moved to the right. It played an entire song.
Piano, pipe organ and tambourine . . .
He used one of the coins on top of the instrument, so we could hear it play.
This
jukebox was in a speakeasy in Chicago owned by Al Capone.
He left the cloth panels off the sound doors so people could see the action inside.
His house is on both the State and National registry of Historic Places.
More
beautiful woodwork . . .
He
did not want to cause wear and tear on his original discs, so he played a
reproduction.
The Babcock House was over-filled with antiques and instruments. We were given a tour because the owner knew Gary. The house will need a lot of work if he intends to return to conducting public tours. Hopefully, he will find a historical society or similar organization to assist him fully realize his dream.
Please click back to return to Wednesday's activities - where you came from.