Shipwreck Diving Before the Mackinac Bridge Recipes, Puzzles & More! FREE AUGUST 2010 Stoney Creek

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Driving Range! Open Dawn til’ Dusk 7 days a week, with an automatic golf ball dispenser that accepts 1, 5,& 10 dollar bills. WE 300 yard driving range DELIVER! 15 covered stalls & a natural grass hitting area, putting green & chipping Green Just 1 Block East of Buckets of Balls Missaukee County Park Campground Small $5. Medium $6. Large $7. Try Our Famous Lunch Buffet! 231-839-7777 4664 S. Morey Rd. (M-55/M-66) • Lake City DIRECTIONS ~ From Cadillac: M-55 east, (231) 839-1177 8 miles to M-66, turn left (north), 1/4 mile. 45 N. Morey Rd. • Lake City

Mon., 7 am - 6 pm • Tues. - Thurs., 7 am - 9 pm • Fri., 7 am - 10 pm • Sat., 8 am - 10 pm

Wine Tasting Tuesdays ~ 6-8 pm Beer Tasting 4th Saturday

Offering the finest of Michigan & imported wines . . . by the glass, bottle or retail to-go selections! Great selection of domestic and imported beer • Lattes, Cappuccino, Loose Leaf Tea to go along with that appetizer or specialty pizza! • Creamy Fruit Smoothies Live Entertainment Fridays ~ 7-10 pm • Ice Cream & Sundaes • Paninis, Wraps & Traditional Sandwiches Shop The Barrel Room! located in thelower level of the Shay, • Pizza, Salads & Fresh Soups filled with many unique gifts See You at the Shay! and wine accessories

106 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac • 231-775-6150 • shaystation.com ✎ The Northern Camper l 3 Editor’s Pencil For the 2010 calendar year, a Motor Vehicle Permit will still be required for entry to state parks, recreation From our humble beginning six years ago, areas and boating access sites. As citizens renew their The Northern Camper has enjoyed a mutu- vehicle registrations on and after Oct. 1, 2010, they ally supportive relationship with the Michigan will be offered the option to support state parks and DNRE (Department of Natural Resources and recreation areas, state forests and boating access sites by Environment) at www.michigan.gov/dnr. They paying an additional $10 toward their vehicle registration fee. have been in the forefront of getting the maga- Out-of-state residents will still be required to pur- zine out to campers visiting our state parks and chase a $29 annual Motor Vehicle Permit, or $8 Daily in turn we like to help them get information permit. out to you, whether it be park renovations and enhancements like last summer’s Mitchell State Park overhaul, conservation education pro- HOW THE FUNDING WILL BE USED grams or licensing information • 80% will be used to rebuild and maintain your In light of that please see the information be- State Parks and Recreation areas. low regarding the Michigan State Parks License • 10% will be directed to our county, city and town- plate “Recreation Passport.” It’s important for ship parks through grant funding. • 7% will go toward your state forest campgrounds, everyone who values our state parks system and and hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. a way to help sustain them. And it’s easy! You • 2.75% will support cultural and historic resources, can participate the next time you go in for your such as historic reenactments and lighthouse preser- license renewal by just checking YES for your vation. $10 Recreation Passport • 0.25% will be used to educate and update you on ~Jim Dissette & Kathy Salvatore, co-publishers the value of the Recreation Passport. Visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport for more information, or call 517-373-9900. New State Parks Licensing System Starts October 1st.

The new State Parks funding law takes affect Oct. 1, 2010, meaning citizens who want to visit state parks this year will still need a 2010 Motor Vehicle Permit. This will be a new source for Michigan’s state parks, state RiveR CountRy CampgRound recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motor- on the muskegon River ized trails and pathways and local parks takes effect Canoe, tube, Kayak The Recreation Passport replaces the traditional Rental on Site state park and boating Motor Vehicle Permit (MVP), or “window sticker,” system in place now at state parks, recreation areas and boat launches. Motorists may choose to pay a $10 fee when they renew their vehicle plate reg- Store, Rec Room, Lp istration. This fee will authorize entry into state parks modern Restrooms and boat launches for the usual one-year period of the registration. Camping fees will remain in place. Family Friendly groups may 15 through When residents opt to pay the $10 passport fee, they’ll nature trails, playground Welcome december 1 enjoy a per-vehicle savings of nearly 60 percent over the current $24 annual Motor Vehicle Permit fee. “It is our hope that the less expensive fee will encourage all Michigan residents to buy the Recreation Passport for every vehicle they register,” said Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. 6281 River Rd., Evart ◊ 231.734.3808 ◊ campandcanoe.com 4 l The Northern Camper Located in Downtown Lake City WhiteTail Realty Falling in Love V o l u m e 6 I s s u e 4 l A U G U S T 2 0 1 0 with Northern Michigan? Wreckdiving...... 5 Come see us for cabins, Book Review...... 8 Rick Lantz cottages & recreational properties! Camper’s Knot...... 8 Camper’s Gadget...... 9 Sudoku...... 9 Cookin’ Campers...... 10 Carolyn Lantz Out and About...... 12 Festivities...... 14

231-839-8142 • 877-212-1405 History Corner...... 16 www.LakeCityMiRealEstate.com Campground Critter...... 18 Jeff Marion 101 S. Main St., Lake City Crossword...... 19 Vegetation Station...... 20 Got Rocks?...... 21 Have a Nice Day! Small Town Stop...... 22 BC Pizza...... 2 Bob Evans...... 15 Camper’s Choice...... 24 Cadillac Family Pharmacy...... 25 The Northern Boater...... 26 Cadillac Farmers’ Market...... 11 Cadillac Wexford Transit Authority...... 17, 32 Campground Directory...... 28 Camp Cadillac...... 25 Coffee Cup...... 18 The Northern Camper is distributed May though October for Wexford, Culver’s of Cadillac...... 9 Missaukee, north Osceola, west Roscommon, west Traverse, north Korner Gem...... 20 Leelanau and south Antrim counties. Missaukee County Parks...... 8 The Northern Camper is published by Niche Communications Missaukee Paddle Sports...... 20 in Lake City, Michigan. Entire contents copyright 2010 by Niche Ranch Rudolf...... 13 Communications. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of content in any manner is strictly prohibited. The Northern Reed City...... 7 Camper is a registered trademark and its use is prohibited. Niche River Country Campground...... 3 Communications reserves the right to refuse advertising not deemed Rustic Rafters...... 13 acceptable by the publishers Jim Dissette and Kathy Salvatore. Shay Station...... 2, 9 Advertising Information Stoney Creek Golf Course...... 2 (231) 394-1549 or (443) 480-5830 Town Pump Saloon...... 16 [email protected] WhiteTail Realty...... 4 Corner Family Restaurant...... 23 PO Box 14 Boardman Paddle and Peddle...... 27 Lake City, MI 49651-0014 ©2010 www.northerncamper.com The Northern Camper l 5 Lake Adventures Shipwrecks: Secrets of the Lakes

When Doug Bell looks out onto Lake Michigan shipping areas in the world. One hundred years he’s usually not daydreaming about boating or ago shipping companies pushed their captains kayaking. He’s usually thinking about the next to maintain schedules no matter the impending shipwreck he’ll be able to explore. weather. Bell, proprietor of Scuba North in Traverse City, has explored wrecks all over the world. A professional diver who worked in the oil exploration business for two decades, Bell’s fasci- nation with history merged with his love for diving and believes that there are few better spots in the world for wreck diving. “These lakes are not for divers looking for a coral reef with exotic fish,” Bell says. “It’s beautiful, usually clear water to dive in, but it’s the wrecks that draw the most attention.” And there is no shortage of shipwrecks. The bowsprit of the schooner Gunilda, paint intact after 100 years. The Great Lakes are renowned for their sudden and ferocious storms. South of Traverse City, and between Sleeping Thirty-foot waves, 75 mph winds, snow whiteouts Bear Dunes and the two Manitou Islands lies one and ice have been ingredients in some of more of the most treacherous areas for ships on Lake Michigan. As recent as 2008, 4 more wrecks were discovered, totalling 16 in what is now one of at least a dozen underwater preserves. The preserves, created in the 1980s to protect wreck sites, are some of the best dive sites to consider. Many of them are in less than 60ft of water, making them perfect for the novice (but certified!) diver and the professional alike. Un- like ocean wrecks which have been stripped of artifacts for souvenirs Great Lake wrecks have long been respected with a “don’t touch” attitude. Cold, fresh lake water has kept the wrecks pre- Entering the Gunilda at 260 ft. served down the smallest detail. Bells says that he has seen packages of Life Saver candy, wrappers than 4,000 wrecked schooners, steamers, tugboats still in tact after forty years submerged. and barges scattering the bottom of the Great The wrecks are also legally protected by the Lakes and making it one of the most dangerous (continued) 6 l The Northern Camper

Lake Adverntures (continued from page 5)

State and carry stiff fines including seizure of shore-access sites around St. Ignace. Visibility boats and cars along with large monetary penal- can range from a silty 2ft to 70 ft. ties. “Clarity depends on the season and the “Wreck diving is not just for local enthusiasts. weather, ” Bell says. “We were over in Wiscon- “Along with the regional hard core divers we have sin not too long a strong tourist connection for those who have ago diving on heard how great the wreck diving is here.” the Pringle, a “We can accommodate anyone’s interest. We tugboat in 270 can take a group to the Manitou Passage or up ft. of water. The to the Macinac Straits Preserve and the Alpena visibility was Preserve at Thunder Bay,” he says. about 100ft” The Mackinac Straits Preserve is 148 square When Bell is miles of “shipwreck heaven” and is split by the not running his Mackinac Bridge. The Straits, notorious for its busy dive shop sudden and lethal storms, also offers divers of in Traverse City, instructing beginners or ad- all qualifications a spectacular experience with vanced mixed-gas diving (to allow for deeper wrecks at depths of 60-200 feet, including some dives), his calendar is highlighted with future wreck dives. “The next big dive will be off Scotland at The Bay Cruxifix Scapa Flo where the German Navy scuttled 52 ships of their fleet at the end of WW1. Although most were eventually salvaged a few remain and have become popular dive spots. Bell says that one of his most memorable dives was in Lake Superior on the 1911 wreck of the Gunilda, once owned by John D. Rock- efeller’s protégé, the millionaire William Harkness. “Jacques Costeau called the Gunilda one the The story goes something like this. A man in best preserved wrecks in the world, and he’s Petosky ordered a cross made out of Italian marble right,” Bell says. “Lake Superior, because of its to memorialize his young son’s death, had it shipped lower level of oxygen has even preserved the only discover that it had been damaged. After paint.” several years of disuse, lake divers purchased it to Wreck divers owe a little gratitude to the oil memorialize divers who lost their lives in the lake. baron’s stupidity. Unwilling to pay for local Agreeing to it, the 1,800 lb. cruxifiz was blessed pilots to navigate the Gunilda to a harbor, the and dropped in about 60ft of water in Litte Traverse ship hit a reef, then compounded the problem Bay near Petosky. by only paying for one tugboat after being Each winter, after the lake is frozen enough, teth- warned of the consequences. It sank of course. ered divers descend through a cut hole in the ice to “Lake Superior is a darker body of water it clean the cruxifix and ready it for a general public seems, Bells says. At 250-plus feet divers need viewing, usually in February. A 7-minute video tell- artificial light. Combine that with the detail in ing its remarkable story may be found on YouTube if the wreck and it makes for an eerily beautiful you search for Petosky Underwater Cruxifix/ experience. “The game room, piano, fireplace The Northern Camper l 7 your own equipment,” Bell says. Scuba North has also cultivated a strong local following. “Local divers have organized early evening shore dives and we participate by offering half-off equipment rentals. It’s a lot of fun and everyone is back by dusk. And for those of you who just can’t seem to get enough diving, Bell will be happy to remind you that Scuba North can set you up for some ice diving! For more information, call Scuba North at 231- 947-2520 or see their website at www.scubanorth. com.  The Gunilde foundering on a reef in Lake Superior. and bell are beautifully preserved making it an extraordinary walk back in history.” Dives on the Gunilda have not been without fatalities. In 1970 a 24 year old lost his life diving on the wreck. His name, on a plaque placed on the Gunilda’s mast stands as a respectful warn- ing. With better equipment and air mixtures, more experienced divers are exploring the wreck. Two hundred and fisty feet is a serious requiring decompression stops on the way back to the surface and should never be attempted by the novice NEW WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.ReedCity.org diver. And if you’re just visiting the area for a few days and want to dive?

The Great American Crossroads Celebration August 19-22 Music at The Depot (every other Thursday, 7-9 pm) Scott Bregg and Lincoln Creek

Music in the Park Fridays through Aug 27, 7-9 pm Doug Bell at Scuba North in Traverse City. World Class Jazz/Blues & Saturday Evenings through Aug. 21 “Just call us! We can arrange a charter boat set- up for experienced divers or get visitors connects RAMBADT PARK—ALL CONCERTS ARE FREE with charter boat services in the Mackinac Straits only 2 hours away. We provide a dive master and can rent you anything you need if you didn’t bring REED CITY CHAMBER: Phone 231.832.5431 8 l The Northern Camper Book Review All Fishermen Are Liars: True Tales from the Dry Dock Bar All Fishermen Are Liars is Linda Greenlaw’s third nonfiction book, and this time, instead of just telling her stories at sea, she shares stories of others’ sea adventures. Greenlaw met her best friend and mentor, Alden, for lunch and drinks at the Dry Dock Bar. They recount their own sea fishing stories, and soon other patrons join them with their tales. The stories include brushes with dangerous weather and death to clueless and luckless crew mates. Greenlaw also includes “bar snacks” between the stories, little vignettes or top-ten lists. She also explains why lying is so widespread among fishermen so as not to share valuable information with other competitors. All Fishermen Are Liars has received mostly positive reviews with the Miami Herald saying, “You can’t help but be a bit in awe of Greenlaw for her gutsiness, and she comes across as so darn likable you wish you were sitting at the Dry Dock with her.” Missaukee County Parks amper’s not Missaukee Lake Day Month Season C K Electric $20 $400 $1,500 trucker’s hitch Full Hook-Up $24 $475 $1,800 The Trucker’s Hitch is one of those knots that once you learn it, you wonder how you ever got along without it! Use Fees Must Be Paid Per Reservation Form this knot to clinch down a load on your car top, boat, horse- Visa/MasterCard/Discover • (231) 839-4945 back, you name it. Reservations Start September 1 for Next Calendar Year Missaukee Lake full July 2010. Boat slips sold out for season. Cabins For Rent! 4 Adults or 2 Adults & 4 Children 2 Days @ $40 Per Night $195 For 7 Days Tie off one end of rope. Lay rope over load to be tied down. Tie a slippery lop in the middle of the line to form a loop. Crooked Lake Ben D. Jeffs With free end make a turn aroudn a fitting and bring the free Electric $20 NA end back up to the loop in the line. Feed through a pull line Primitive $15 $15 very tight. Secure the knot with the tension in the line with one or two half hitchs (over hand knots) tied snug to the No Reservations Taken For Crooked Lake or Ben Je s loop. Camping Season • May 15 – October 1 Camper’s adget G EXIT 183 OFF US-131 of Cadillac Carryout MP1 Camper’s Sudoku Manual Portable Satellite TV Antenna Enjoy satellite TV anywhere with a super com- pact portable antenna! Perfect for tailgating, rac- es, camping, picnics, traveling and other outdoor activities. Integrated bubble level, compass and elevation markings make setting up the antenna fast and easy. Includes 25' coax cable to allow for optimal placement. Antenna fully encloses 25 Page Solution in a durable case (16 ¾" H x 10 ¼" W x 17" D). Single satellite antenna supports up to two receiv- ers (sold separately). Compatible with DIRECTV (standard only), DISH Network and Bell TV (standard and HD). Weighs only 9 lbs. $180 - $200 $1 for a 10# bag of ice Spend $10 and get a free bag of ice

1/2 OFF 1/2 OFF

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There’s More Than You Know At The Shay Station!

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DOWNSTAIRS AT THE SHAY STATION Culver’s of Cadillac 231-775-6150 Hours : 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. 106 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac 8645 E. 34th Rd. • 231-775-2166 www.shaystation.com In Meijer’s Parking Lot, Exit 183 off US-131 10 l The Northern Camper Sticky Rice with Bananas & Mangos o ki ’ • 1-1/2 cups short grain rice C o n • 2 medium, ripe Bananas, divided • 1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk • 3/4 cup sugar m e s • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg a p r • 1/4 teaspoon salt C • 1 mango, cut into cubes Teriyaki Pork with Grilled Bananas • Fresh raspberries or strawberries • Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts • 1/4 Cup Dry Sherry Place rice in bowl. Pour cold water to cover • 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce 1-inch over rice. Cover and refrigerate over- night. Drain and rinse several times with water. • 1 Tablespoon Packed Brown Sugar Combine rice and 1¾ cups water in saucepan. • 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil Bring to boil; stir rice occasionally. Cover; re- • 1 Pound Boneless Pork Chops (3 to 4) duce heat and cook 10 minutes. • 2 Large Firm Bananas, Peeled Mash 1 banana in large bowl. Add coconut • 1/2 Teaspoon Cornstarch milk, sugar, nutmeg and salt. Stir until sugar dis- • 2 Cups Hot Cooked Rice solves. Stir in warm rice; let stand 10 minutes. • 2 Tablespoons Sliced Dole Green Onion Spoon into serving bowls. Arrange banana, mango and raspberries on top. Sprinkle with • 1 Tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seed sesame seeds or peanuts. Serves 4. Combine sherry, soy sauce, brown sugar, oil in bowl. Remove 2 tablespoons sherry mixture and brush on pork chops and bananas. Grill pork 8-10 minutes on each side. Grill Grilled Maple Bacon Banana Bites bananas 2-3 minutes on each side. Cut each banana into 1-inch pieces. • 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup Combine remaining sherry mixture and corn- • 8 Slices Center-Cut Bacon starch in saucepan, stirring until thickened. • 2 Large Bananas Arrange pork and bananas over rice; drizzle with sauce. Sprinkle with green onion and • 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder sesame seed. Serves 3-4. Pour maple syrup into shallow dish. Place bacon onto microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cover with paper towel and mi- Grilled Banana Dessert crowave on high for 1 minute, until bacon barely begins to cook, but is still pliable and not crisp. • 4 Bananas, Unpeeled Sprinkle peeled bananas with chili powder (can • Assorted Favorite Toppings use more or less to taste). Cut each banana into Place unpeeled bananas on grill over medium four roughly equal pieces. Roll each piece in high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side. Serve maple syrup and wrap in one slice of bacon. warm or chilled with favorite toppings such as Secure with toothpick. fresh fruit, chopped nuts, miniature marshmal- Grill on medium heat for 5-8 minutes or until lows, chocolate bits, caramel or frozen yogurt. bacon is nicely browned and crisp. The Northern Camper l 11 Island Kabobs Fruit Salsa Chicken Coconut Columbo

• 2 Bananas, Peeled, Each Cut Into 6 Pieces • 1 lb. Boneless/Skinless Chicken, Cut In Strips • 1 Ripe Banana, Peeled & Diced • 1/2 Cup Chopped Onion • 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil • 12 Chunks Pineapple • 1 Can (14 oz.) Lite Coconut Milk • 16 Jumbo Shrimp, Shelled & Deveined • 1 Pound Butternut or Acorn Squash, Peeled • 1 Green or Red Pepper, Cut Into 8 Pieces & Cut Into 1-Inch Cubes (2-1/2 Cups) • 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice • 1 Tablespoon Curry Powder • 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cloves • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil • 1 Small Green or Red Pepper, Cut In Strips • 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Allspice • 2 Medium Bananas, Sliced • 1 Mango, Peeled And Diced • 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice • 1 Tablespoon Chopped Mint • Hot Cooked Rice • 1 Dole Green Onion, Minced Cook and stir chicken and onion in hot oil in skillet over med.-high heat until chicken is • 2-3 Teaspoons Minced Jalapeño Pepper browned. Stir in coconut milk, squash, curry Thread banana, pineapple, shrimp and bell and cloves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover pepper pieces onto skewers. and cook 10-15 minutes. Stir in pepper; cook 2 minutes or until pepper is tender-crisp. Stir in ba- Whisk together lime juice, oil and allspice in nanas and lime juice. Serve over rice. Serves 6. small bowl. Brush 2 tablespoons over kabobs. Combine remaining marinade with diced banana, mango, mint, green onion and jalapeño pepper; place in a serving dish. For more info call 775-6310 Grill kabobs over medium high heat 8-10 minutes. Arrange kabobs on top of salsa. Serves 4. On Lake St., north of Library

Farm Fresh Fruit & Vegetables in Season! Grilled Banana S’mores Apples • Blueberries • Sweet Corn • Bananas Other fruit coming in! • Graham Crackers Wide Variety of Fresh Vegies • Chocolate Squares Farm Fresh Eggs Place bananas with peel on grill for 5 min- Cut Flowers • Dried Flowers • Perennials utes on each side or until peel gets dark. Peel Fresh Frozen Chicken banana and scoop the fruit out in a bowl. Fruit should be custard-like. Hand-Made Sheep’s Milk Soap Place the graham crackers on a single layer on a tray, along with desired amount of chocolate and scoop the custard-like grilled bananas onto Tuesdays and Fridays the crackers. Cover with another cracker to 8:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m. make a sandwich. 12 l The Northern Camper

Out & About pandof” where Odd Stops & Crazy Places in Michigan you stick your Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum hand into a box Farmington Hills, MI and a grinning character appears If you find yourself with serious look- burned out behind ing blade or the the wheel and in ‘Cure Your Fear of need of a little Spiders,” involving diversion on your (yet again) placing way to or from your your hand in a box camping destination, with a scary look- we’ve collected a list ing spider! of stops you might There is not an consider to cure the inch of space in driving blahs. Marvin Yagoda’s One of the most museum that is not displaying some fascinating unusual side-at- example of arcade history. Model airplanes dangle tractions we’ve found—and no, it’s not the UFO from the ceiling, colorful vintage sideshow posters welcome center in South Carolina—is just north adorn the walls while a fifty-five piece mechanical of Detroit in Farmington Hills: Marvin’s Marvel- orchestra plays in the background (it can play 300 ous Mechanical Museum. songs). And don’t forget the Cardiff Giant, the The museum, admittedly a hobby that got out “mysterious petrified giant” supposedly discovered of hand, houses 5,000 sq.ft.., of clickety-clacking, in Cardiff, New York) and carted around by P.T. light-flashing mechanical devices and oddities, Barnum. (Actually it was a carving out of gypsum perpetrated by a New York tobacconist named George Hull. Hull had been in an argument at a Methodist revival meeting about the passage in Genesis 6:4 stating that there were giants who once lived on the earth.) Yagoda, who has been collecting historical and modern arcade machines since 1960 adds to his museum continually. A visit to his website, www. marvin3.com lists his new acquisitions along with lots of information about his collection. Admission is free, but bring lots of change! Open Monday to Thursday 10am to 9pm, Fri- days and Saturdays 10am to 11pm, Sundays 11am to 9pm, 31005 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills: 248-626-5020.

Steam Railroad Institute mostly coin operated from all eras past and pres- Owosso, MI ent. This is a collection of exotic contraptions the likes of which you will not find anywhere. If you fancy the age of steam, especially locomo- From 1900s coin-operated gypsy fortune-telling tives, Owosso is your place to go. The Steam Railroad machines to macabre curios like “The Great Cho- The Northern Camper l 13

Institute is there and has been thriving since it opened Family Fun, Reunions & Activities in 1983. Complete with steam and diesel excursions, some a few hours, other full day trips, the Institute R R Ranch Rudolf

• Camping (Tent/RV) • Horseback Riding • Motel Rooms • Canoe & Kayak • Bunkhouse • Inner Tubing • Strawdog Room • Fly Fishing (Banquets/Meetings) • Stocked Trout Ponds • Lodge Restaurant • Pool • General Store trips all rear around. One planned trip will be on The Nickel Plate Road 765 locomotive (see above) from Alma to Cadillac with a 2 hour layover to explore the town (and back) on October 16th. and 23rd. Ticket price is $125 per person. See www.mstrp.com for complete information about the Institute and its schedule or call: 989-725-9464.

231.947.9529 • ranchrudolf.com . 6841 Brown Bridge Rd., Traverse City

Rustic Rafters Best Cabins & Campsites Around! • 4 & 6 Person Cabins Committed to Revitalizing Downtown Cadillac! • Large Campsites w/ Electric, Walk By Day, Crawl By Night Water, Firepit, Picnic Table July 29-August 29 • Bath House & Pavilion Over $1,200, only 1,000 entry forms available!! • Quiet of Woods ~ Close Enough to Town Walk to a downtown retailer for your event card and crawl to 10 • Open Year Round ~ of the 12 participating restaurants and entertainment businesses to win Great for Hunting Season Fall Fever Festival–September 24-25 Celebrate fall harvest with 70s pizzazz! Join us for in-store specials, family activities, a Dog Show, Then & Now Car Show, mascot contest, games and vendors.

Event details at downtowncadillac.com Or see your favorite downtown location! Surrounded by lakes, connected by trails, Come Discover Cadillac

downtowncadillac.com 9446 N. Nelson Rd., Moorestown • 231-229-4433 Hosts Ray & Marjean Booms • rusticrafters.com 14 l The Northern Camper AUGUST FESTIVITIES

Bellaire Empire Music Downtown Bellaire • Wednesdays thru Aug. 18, 7 - 9 pm Farmers’ Market • Saturdays Through Sept., 9 am - 1 pm Broad St., 231-533-6023, bellairechamber.org. Downtown Front St., Next To Post Office. Antrim County Farmers’ Market • Fridays, Noon - 4 pm Dunegrass Music Fest • Aug. 6-8 Senior Center Pavilion, 231-350-1890, bellairechamber.org. 3805 W. Empire Hwy., 231-326-5287, dunegrass3.org. Antrim County Fair • Aug. 12 -15 Antrim County Fairgrounds Evart Merchant Sidewalk Sales • Aug. 19-22 Michigan Reigned Cow Horse Association • Sept. 4-5 231-533-6023, bellairechamber.org. JDJ Ranch, 10418 Evergreen Rd.; michiganreignedcowhorse.com. Arts & Crafts Show • Aug. 21-22, 10 am – 4 pm Court House Lawn, 231-533-6023, bellairechamber.org. Falmouth 3rd Annual Chain O’ Lakes Campground Music Fest • Sept. 3-6 4-H Fair • Through Aug. 6 M-88 South Bellaire, 231-533-8432, chainolakescamp.com. Missaukee County Fairgrounds, 171 East Prosper Rd.; 231.826.4200; [email protected]. Buckley Houghton Lake Buckley Old Engine Show • Aug. 19-22 231-263-4181, buckleyoldengineshow.org. Annual Summer Halloween Spooktacular • Aug. 6-7 West Houghton Lake Campground, 9371 W. Houghton Lake Dr.; 989- Plateau Farmers Market • Saturdays 422-5130; westhoughtonlakecampground.com. Thunderbird Park, buckleychamber.org. Houghton Lake Historical Society Village Days • Aug. 6-8 Cadillac M-55 next to Houghton Lake Playhouse, 989-366-5644, hlrcc.com. Conservation Expo • Aug. 21, 10 am - 3 pm Cadillac Farmers Market • Tues. & Fri., 8 am - 4:30 pm Historical Playhouse, 1701 W Houghton Lake Dr.; hlrcc.com. Lake Street, north of library next to DEQ Bldg.; 231-775-0181, ext. 111. Cruise In Nights • Thursdays, 6-9 pm Hoxeyville Culver’s of Cadillac, 8645 34 Rd.; 231-510-7000. Hoxeyville Music Festival • Aug. 20-22 Flea Market • Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm; Sundays 10 am - 4 pm .25 mile west off M-37 on 48½ Road, Wellston; hoxeyville.com. Wexford Civic Center, 1320 N. Mitchell St., Octagon Bldg.; 231-779-9520. Jazz In the Park • Through August Interlochen Rotary Park Pavilion, 231-775-0657, cadillacmichigan.com. Farmers’ Market • Sundays Through Sept., 9 am - 1 pm - Clam Lake Band (Mondays) Earth & Hearth, south of Interlochen Corners on M-137; 231-276-9105, - Jackpine Pickers (Every Other Tuesday) earthnhearth.com. - Upbeat Cadillac/Jazz in the Park (Thursdays) Interlochen State Park Heritage Days • Aug. 28 231-276-9511, dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/. Northern District Fair • Aug. 14 – 22 Wexford Civic Ctr., 1320 N. Mitchell; 231-775-6361; northerndistrictfair.org. Lake City Camp Cadillac • Aug. Schedule 10621 E 34 Rd., 231-775-9724, campcadillac.com Farmer's Market • Thursdays, Aug. 12, 19 & 26; 5 - 8 pm Downtown, Main and Prospect Streets; lakecitymich.com. - Family Olympics • Aug 6-8 Music in the Park • Thursdays, 7-9 pm - Halloween at Camp Cadillac • Aug 13-15 Lake City Free Stage - All concerts free. Johnson Center • Aug. Schedule Street Fair and Car Show • Aug. 14 6087 M-115, (231) 779-1321, michigan.gov Downtown, Main and Prospect Streets; lakecitymich.com. - Picnic in the Park • Aug. 06, 10 am – 3 pm Hole-In-One Tournament • Aug. 14, 8:30 a.m. - Home Study Hunter Safety Class • Aug. 28, 8:30 am - 2:30 pm. Stoney Creek Golf Course, 4664 S. Morey Rd., 231.839.7777, TheUltimatePar3Shootout.com. See ad, page 2. Elk Rapids Good Morning Lake City • Aug. 20, 7 am Farmers’ Market • Fridays, Through Oct., 8 am - Noon Lake City EMS Bldg., 1st St., [email protected]. Elk Rapids Chamber, 305 US-31 N.; 231-264-8202; elkrapidschamber.org. Evening on River Street • Wednesdays through Aug. 11, 6-9 pm Leelanau Downtown Elk Rapids; food & live entertainment; elkrapidschamber.org. Farmers’ Market • Sundays through Sept., 10 am - 2pm Harbor Days • Aug. 4-7 Parking Lot Across From St. Joseph St., East Of Kejara’s Bridge. Downtown Elk Rapids; four-day festival with fireworks, Saturday at 10 pm; One Pot Potluck Cook Off • Aug. 28, 4:30 pm elkrapidschamber.org. Leelanau State Park, 231-386-5422 Sidewalk Sales • Aug. 13-14, 9 am - 5 pm Peninsula Wine, Food & Music Festival • Aug. 14, Noon - 6 pm Downtown Elk Rapids, elkrapidschamber.org. 105 Bay St., Northport; [email protected]. Arts and Craft Show • Aug. 21, 9 am - 4 pm Downtown Elk Rapids, elkrapidschamber.org. AUGUST FESTIVITIES The Northern Camper l 15

Leland Traverse City Leland Farmers’ Market • Thursdays Through Sept., 9 am - Noon Downtown Farmers’ Market • Saturdays Through Oct. Parking lot across from Bluebird Restaurant. Cass & Grandview Parkway, 231- 922-2050, [email protected]. Indoor Farmers’ Market • Saturdays Through Dec., 10 am - 2 pm LeRoy 800 Cottageview Dr. (Grand Traverse Commons), thevillagetc.com. Farmers’ Market • Saturdays Through Sept., 9 am - 1 pm Friday Night Live • Through Aug. 27, 5:30-9 pm LeRoy Village Park. E. Front St., Downtown; 231.922.2050, [email protected]. Concert On the Lawn • Aug. 5, 7 pm Manton Grand Traverse Pavilions, 231-932-3000, gtpavilions.com. Old Time Jamboree • 1st Saturday of Month, 6-10 pm Northwestern Michigan Fair • Aug. 7-14 Manton HS; 231-389-0042; square/round dancing. Northwestern County Fairgrounds, 3606 Blair Townhall Rd.; Farmers’ Market • Wednesdays Through Sept., 9 am - 1 pm 231.943.4150; northerwesternmichiganfair.net. Railroad Park, Downtown Manton; 231-824-3391. Boats on the Boardwalk: Classic Boat Show • Aug. 7, 10 am - 4 pm Rotary Club Annual 5K Trail Run/Walk • Aug. 7, 8:30 am Downtown; 517-669-2029; wwcacbs.com, [email protected] 231-824-3183, [email protected]. Stargazing: Public Viewing • Aug. 7, 9-11 pm Harvest Festival • Sept. 3-6 NMC's Rogers Observatory, 1753 Birmley Rd.; 231-995-2300; nmc.edu. 231-824-4158, Mantonmichigan.org. Stargazer Paddle • Aug. 7-13, 7:30-10 pm 231-715-1454, traversebaypaddler.com. Marion Downtown Art Fair • Aug. 21, 10 am - 5 pm Old Fashion Days • Aug. 5-8 231-922-2050, [email protected]. Main St., 231-743-2975, Marionmichigan.com. Traverse State Park Christmas in Aug. • Aug. 21, 11 am - 9:30 pm 1132 US-31 N, 231-922-5270. Merritt Timber Ridge RV Resort – Aug. Schedule Merritt Farmers’ Market • Saturdays Through Sept., 11 am - 4 pm 4050 Hammond Rd., 231-947-2770, timberridgeresort.net. Ben Jeffs Park; contact Keith Jenema, 231-394-1468. - Let’s Get Messy - Food Fight Weekend • Aug. 14 Golden Agers Dance Night • Mondays, 6-9 pm - Halloween Haunts • Aug 21 & 28 Sr. Center; 231-328-4447; dancers & musicians welcome. Merritt Speedway • Aug. Schedule (Tentative) 4430 E. Houghton Lake Rd., 231-328-4351, merritt-speedway.com - Modifieds Charity Run, Fan Club Night, MI Hall of Fame Night • Aug. 7 - 1st Annual 410 Sprint TIC, Fri. Entertainment, Camping $10 • Aug. 13-14 - Season Championships, Fan Appreciation, Fireworks • Aug. 28 McBain Open Entire Menu 7 Days Available McBain Farmers Market • July – Oct., Fridays 3pm – 6pm, 231-825- For Carryout 2483, Located at the corner of Stoney Corner Rd. and M-66 A Week Northport Northport Farmers’ Market • Fridays through Sept., 9 am - 1 pm Located at Depot next to marina Home Cooking Away From Home In Cadillac and Traverse City! Reed City Music at The Depot • Every 2nd & 4th Thursday, 7-9 pm With Lincoln Creek. • Farm Fresh Salads Music In The Park: Jazz/Blues • Fridays Through Aug. 27, 7-9 pm Made When You’re Ready, Not Ready Made Music in the Park • Saturday Evenings, Through Aug. 21 Rambadt Park, all concerts free. • Breakfast All Day Great American Crossroads Celebration • August 18-24 Call Chamber to sign up for events, 231-832-5431; reedcitycrossroads.com. • Great Kids’ Meals Roscommon Plenty of RV Parking Roscommon County Fair • Aug. 6-8 Fire Training Grounds, 989-275-8546, [email protected]. (231) 775-8017 • Cadillac Suttons Bay 1931 N. Mitchell (Corner of Boon Rd. & Bus. 131) Farmers’ Market • Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm Art Festival • Aug. 7-8 (231) 938-1005 • Traverse City Marina Park (Front Street), 231-271-6703. 964 U.S. 31 (3 Miles South of GT Resort) Burgers & Pizza•ConeyIslands Town Pump 5 LargeScreenTVs • 42"PlasmaTV (231) 839-4869 •117MainSt.,Lake City HISTORY R E N R O C they went into town for meals! for town wentinto they while sit” “car to locals hiring even more, or hours 12 wait to had hunters when days and crossings ferry of era the to back wistfully looked few cross—a to hour an took water—ferries the across span saving time the welcomed travelers most While Bridge. Mackinac the of opening the with deployed. was Vacationland) (the ferry icebreaker an when winter the during even City Mackinaw and Ignace St. between clockwork like ran they and Straits the traverse to way only the were this like Ferries kind. her of last the was She years. 20 for cars and passengers of cargo her toting Mackinaw of Straits the plied Munising of City the cruiser, Saloon Car ferries began in 1923 under the the 1923under in began ferries Car 1957 in changed all that course, Of battle squat a like little a Looking Keno •PullTabs Pool Mac Big Before (continued) (Saturdays) a long span connecting Mackinac City and St. St. and City Mackinac connecting span long a that Believing construction. for pushed derbilt Van- Cornelius Even 1800s. the since around Oregon. of coast the off miles 100 ocean the in feet 12,000 lies now and tow under while sank It China. to scrap as sold was she 1987 In Slope. North Alaska’s on ship support oil-drilling an to converted then retired, Queen, Coast shine Sun- the as Canal Panama the through her sailed which Columbia Vancouver, to British then River Lawrence St. the along operated be to Canadian the to sold then Company, Navigation Atlantic Detroit the to sold was 1957, ship the After own. time. that at world the in icebreakers largest the one also was forward—it to backward travel to ship the double-ender—allowing A trucks. and cars 150 carry could Vacationland horsepower 10,000 ft., 360 the ferry, last The cars. 20 transporting of capable boat small a Ariel, the with portation Trans- of Department Michigan the of auspices Island, Wisconsin firmuntilIsland, Wisconsin 1973. Straitsof Mackinac until 1959. for wasThe ship potato used storage by Washingtona in 1937. The Michigan Department of Pere Highways used the the ship to for ferry autos 1903 across the in Cleveland Marquette Railway of Company, Company the Building “Pere Marquette Ship 20” became the American “City of the Munising” by Built Dreams of bridging the Straits had been been had Straits the bridging of Dreams its of story a is Vacationland the of demise The The Northern Camper l 17

Ignace was an impossibility some creative Odd Facts About the ideas were considered. One, promoted by Horatio “Good Roads” Earle, Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge first state highway commissioner, called for a floating tunnel. Another, urged by • If you wonder why it seems like every time you cross Charles Evan Fowler, called for a series the bridge it is being painted - it is because it is. As of causeways and bridges beginning at a soon as the painting crew is finished with painting the bridge (a task that takes 7 years) it is time to start from point near Cheboygan, across to Bois Blanc the beginning. It is this type of maintenance that keeps Island to Round Island, over the west tip the bridge in such good condition. of Mackinac Island, and then across the channel to St. Ignace. After years of study- • On April 24, 1959 Air Force Capt. John Lappo flew a ing the terrain, fighting for funds and state RB-47E Stratojet under the bridge’s deck. You can see authorization, the bridge opened success- and hear him reminisce about it in the video “Before fully in 1957. The ferries were no longer the Bridge” at www.squidoo.com/mackinacbridge. needed. It is estimated that 13 million cars and • When the bridge opened on November 1, 1957 it Built by the American Ship Building Company of Cleveland in 1903 for the Pere 30 million people had been transported made the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse obsolete and Marquette Railway Company, the “Pere Marquette 20” became the “City of Munising” across the Straits from 1923 to 1957. For led to its closing. The lighthouse was no longer needed in 1937. The Michigan Department of Highways used the ship to ferry autos across the more information see:www.mackinawinfor- for navigation due to navigation lights on the Mackinac Straits of Mackinac until 1959. The ship was used for potato storage by a Washington mation.com and www.stignace.com l Bridge’s towers. Island, Wisconsin firm until 1973. S p O n S O R E D b y T h E n O R T h E R n C A M p E R

Who Said There Was No Such Thing as a FREE RIDE How About a Free Daily Round Trip Ride From Mitchell State Park to Any Place in Wexford County?

Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority (CWTA) Offers Campers a Free Daily Round Trip Ride (Extra travel requests ~ passenger’s expense)

Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Offered Through End of August

Bus Stop East Side of Campground Also, for residents, visitors and vacationers a special discounted monthly bus pass is available for July and August.

To make reservations call Dispatch • 231-779-0123 Toll Free • 1-866-647-5465 Catch The Bus To Town! 18 l The Northern Camper Campground Critter

The study’s field crew found physical evidence, including tracks, cougar-killed deer, and scats (droppings) at multiple sites in both the Upper and Lower Penin- sulas. Two cougars were actually seen in Roscommon and Benzie Counties during the field work. While the Conservancy’s research featured in several periodicals, most Michigan DNRE biologists quoted by the media refuted the presence of wild cougars in Michigan and argue that any cougars actually detected must be es- Are there cougars in Michgan? caped or released pets. The DNRE also believes that Michigan is not a Chances are you will never see a cougar so don’t breeding ground for cougars. panic at the thought you will be greeted by one as you The cougar controversy grew in 1997, when The open your RV door one morning. These cats are very Detroit Free Press published a very clear photograph of rare in the midwest and even more rare in Michigan. a cougar in Alcona County. The following year, similar However, contradictions have surfaced about their photographs of a cougar taken in Schoolcraft County presence in the State. The DNRE has a June 2010 trail received widespread news coverage. surveillance photograph of a cougar in the UP (along Cougars, aka pumas, panthers, mountain lions, with five sets of tracks from 2008) and the Michigan catamounts (all the same animal) are big cats weighing Wildlife Conservancy say that they have DNA proof of between 90-180 lbs, are 7 to 9 feet from nose to tip of cougar presence in eight Michigan counties: Dickin- tail and are tan or brown and are most closely related son, Menominee, Delta, Emmet, Presque Isle, Alcona, to the African cheetah. They have the greatest range of Roscommon, and Houghton. any terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere ex- The MWC concluded that Michigan has a small tending from Canada to South America and will hunt number of cougars that likely represent a remnant and travel in a 100 mile radius. population. The Conservancy also began to release in- Verified cougar attacks on humans are extremely formation from field studies launched in May of 2001. rare. According to some statistics there are more fatal dog attacks in one year than the entire recorded U.S. history of cougar attacks. And of course there is a Save the Cougar organiza- The Coffee Cup tion (www.savethecougar.org) founded to post cougar Biggest Breakfast In the North! sightings throughout the state. By the end of this July there were six new posts claiming cougar sightings. 7 am – 3 pm • 7 Days • Daily Specials Keep in mind that these were not filmed but the great number of point to something other than large house Locally Owned & Operated cats! Their archives go back through 2006 and claim 231-839-4859 sightings in over 50 Michigan counties. 84 N. Morey Rd., Lake City But, if you happen to see a rather large cat (70 lbs (1 Block North of M-55) and up), it’s still best not to say “Here.” l PuzzleD? The Northern Camper l 19

ACROSS 1 Sesame starter? 5 Didn’t come home standing up 9 Do some laps at the Y 13 Center of a cathedral 14 Weight allowance 15 Quickly 16 Yardstick 18 DMV section? 19 PC bailout 20 Little gull 21 Unruffled 22 Emulates Whistler 24 Foils’ cousins 25 Auction offering 26 Quite an impact 27 Wins at chess 30 Double agents 31 Photo ___ (campaign events) 34 ‘That was close!’ 35 Chews the fat 36 Fruit for flavoring gin 37 Long-nosed fish 38 What some call it 39 Like blue shoes in Elvis song 40 Turns away from 42 Had a bite 43 Put down 44 On the schedule 47 Express team? 48 Scratching post users 7 Hulks pump it 35 Part of Miss Muffet’s meal 49 T-bar offering 8 Remote room? 36 Fat on the bird feeder 51 At attention 9 Future ferns 38 Quells 52 Stock holder 10 Cattle drive oasis 39 Secret store 54 Dunderheads 11 Computer symbols 41 Costs 55 Dubai VIP 12 Marginally sufficient 42 Doctors 56 Roman date 15 They have pseudopods 43 Backs, anatomically 57 Glasgow girl 17 Community character 44 Garments worn by Ganges 58 Promontory 21 Marketing data 45 Piano practice piece 59 For fear that 23 Ball of yarn 46 Prescribed amounts 24 Turners at cookouts 47 Sound of laughter DOWN 26 Old footwear 48 Arrived 1 Formerly 27 EPA computation 50 Adam of ‘Batman’ 2 Analyze in English class 28 ‘Caught you!’ 52 ‘My Country Versus Me’ 3 Throw out in the street 29 Short quality author ___ Ho Lee 4 Court divider 30 1996 Geoffrey Rush film 53 Coat of many colors? 5 Sesame, e.g. 32 School of whales 6 Hibernation locales 33 Attend ☞ Answers on page 25 20 l The Northern Camper

 Vegetation Station  Michigan Cactus ~ Prickly Pear Common Name: Prickly Pear Cactus Latin Name: Opuntia humifusa Habitat: Sandy areas, open rocky sites Blooms: Late spring, summer

Height: 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) 6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)

Spacing: 36-48 in. (90-120 cm)

Sun Exposure: Full Sun.

Danger: Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling.

Bloom Color: Bright Yellow.

Bloom Time: Late Spring/Early Summer, Mid Summer.

Foliage: Succulent. (231) 839-8265 Other details: This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/ River Trips or birds. On the Flowers are fragrant. Muskegon & This plant is suitable for growing indoors. Manistee Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping. Rentals On Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not Many Area Lakes overwater. We Deliver This plant may be considered a protected spe- Or You Haul cies; check before digging or gathering seeds.

Propagation Methods: From woody stem cuttings. From softwood cuttings. Allow cut surface to callous over before planting. Nancy’s Landing ~ 214 S. Main St., Lake City From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall. Ben Jeffs Park ~ M-55 & Muskegon River From seed; direct sow after last frost .  mipaddle.com got rocks? by Joann Haut Lake Superior Agate

Once plentiful on the beaches of Lake Superior, water-level agate. Perfectly straight, parallel bands you need perseverance and a good eye to find one occur over all or part of these stones. The straight today. The best time for looking for these beauti- bands were produced by puddles of quartz rich ful agates is right after a storm or in the spring solutions that crystallized inside the gas pocket when the ice goes out. Any beach that has pebbles under very low fluid pressure. The most popular on the south and west shore of Lake Superior may Lake Superior Agate is also one of the most rare hold this treasure. There are many and that is the highly treasured eye agate beaches in the Upper Peninsula as that has perfectly round bands or “eyes” well as a number of ridges where dotting the surface of the stone. they can be dug from the ground or When searching for agates, look for removed from the basalt. Places to band planes along which the agate has look for them include Great Sand broken, pieces with iron-ixode staining Bay near Eagle Harbor, F. J. Mclain (rust red and yellow), translucence, a State Park near Hancock, 5 mile and glossy waxy appearance and/or a pitted 7 miles points west of Eagle River, Pictured Rocks texture covering the rock surface. National Seashore and east to Whitefish Point and Only a fraction of Lake Superior agate are of the northeast of Taquammenon Falls in the Newberry quality needed for lapidary. These agates can be area. Lake Superior Agates are also found in Wis- tumbled, saw cut and polished and face polished. consin and Minnesota. In 1969, the Lake Superior Visit Korner Gem and see natural, polished, and agate was designated the official Minnesota state tumbled agates as well as jewelry set with this fine Gemstone by the Minnesota state legislature. gemstone. There are many types of Agate found through- Before you cut or polish an exceptional Lake out the world, but Lake Superior agates are by far Superior Agate, you might want to check with an both the oldest and the most beautiful. Lake Supe- expert, as you may actually decrease its value as a rior agate differs from other agates found around collectible specimen by cutting and/or polishing the world in its rich red, orange and yellow color- it. ing. This color scheme was caused by the oxidation of iron. Iron leached from rocks provided the pigment that gives the gemstone is beautiful array of color. The concentration of iron and the amount of oxidation determine the color within or between an agate’s bands. Agates are not rocks, but minerals and are a variety of Quartz. The most common type of Lake Superior agate is the fortification agate with its eye-catching banding patterns. Each band, when traced around an exposed pattern or “face”, connects with itself like the walls of a fort, hence the name fortification agate. A common subtype of the fortification agate is the parallel-banded onyx-fortification or 22 l The Northern Camper

Small Town STOP Merritt • Missaukee County

About midway on the 23-mile stretch of M-55 between Lake City and Houghton Lake, you will pass through the town of Merritt. But don’t be too quick to drive on by. There is more to Merritt than meets the eye. Hey, My Carinal is Missing! STOP STOP The Corner Famaily Restaurant by Carie Creger, Merritt 7467 E. Houghton Lake Rd. • 231-328-3333 Butterfield On most mornings, the townsfolk of Merritt gather Township of for coffee and community. They have been observing Merritt has this time-honored tradition for years—53 to be exact— become over- at the same location on the corner of M-55 and Merritt run by red birds Road. A few years ago, this long-established meeting (cardinals). The place was in jeopardy. The owners were forced to close game is “Hide their doors. The place fell silent for six months. and Seek.” In June 2008, Tom and Leslie Bowman couldn’t take It all started it any longer. They had to reclaim the meeting place. when sisters Shelly (Peterson) Hynes and Sheila Peterson stole Sis- ter Erica (Peterson) Leedy’s big wooden cardinal and left it at Lisa Vanbuskirt’s home to make Erica think Lisa stole the bird. The word got out and to confuse Erica, Shelly made more birds and hung then out in people’s yards. Then more people heard about the game and more birds were needed. So Ronald and Deanna Goodwin made

20 more birds and placed them in the neighborhood on people’s fences, yards, and trees. So now, more people are stealing the birds and planting them in other places. There is a map and instruc- tions on the back of the birds. They are also named after the neighborhood people that started the game. Young and old are out for “The Bird Hunting” hide and seek. As Tom puts it, “There was no place for the community The object of the game is not to get caught and have to gather, so we had to buy it.” The ‘it’ in this case is fun. Good luck hunting! what has always been known as the ‘corner restaurant,’ The Northern Camper l 23

All the food is home- made from scratch: bread, desserts, soups, salads, and even the pizza dough and hash browns. As much of the fresh ingredients, the fruits and vegetables, are purchased from local natural-grower, Keith Jenema. Luckily, Keith grows in greenhous- es, so our short Northern Michigan growing season is extended. The hard- even though it has gone by many other names over the serve ice cream, though years. After a complete remodel, the Bowman’s re- not made on site, is made in Michigan. Needless to say, opened the doors and officially named it The Corner everything served is fabulous! Family Restaurant. Tom and Leslie converted the bar into a gift shop The Corner Family Restaurant was actually built which features locally-made crafts. There are quilts, by Tom’s grandfather, Art VanDuinen, in 1957. Tom and walking canes, carved wooden bowls and John worked there for three years when he was in his teens. Deere aprons made from recycled pants, and much “I never thought then, that I would own the place,” he more. Over 30 local craftsmen and -women are fea- recalled. tured in the shop. Tom went on to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps Even though the bar area is closed, the restaurant does offer a full-service bar selection. The restaurant has dinner buffets on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings; breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday. There is plenty of parking for big-rigs and campers. Oh, and it is a wi-fi hotspot! When you are looking for great food and friendly faces, make sure to slow down long enough in Merritt to pull into the Corner Family Restaurant. You will likely run into Tom. He will be the one with the con- tented smile on his face.

Family as a builder, never dreaming one day he would be restaurateur when he retired. But it’s all good. As Tom puts it, “I enjoy the people; ones I haven’t seen in a long time and the new.” & Country Gifts Given the opportunity, Tom and Leslie have made 231-328-3333 the Corner Restaurant everything they think a small 7467 E. HOUGHTON LAKE RD town establishment should be: a place that serves top- (corner of M-55 and Merritt Rd.) quality, tasty food, supports local growers and crafters, MERRITT provides jobs, and, most importantly, is a great place to SPACIOUS TRUCK AND RV PARKING connect with your neighbors. Camper's Choice ~ Missaukee County Parks Crooked Lake Park is just the place. Situated just outside Jennings on the south side of Crooked Lake, the park has 600 feet of water frontage, a

Missaukee County Parks Department has something to offer both residents and visitor alike. covered pavilion and picnic and play areas, 52 From in town to in the woods or along the river, campsites, most with electricity, and newly-reno- Missaukee Lake Park, Crooked Lake Park, and vated paved boat launch and dock. Added just last Ben Jeffs Muskegon River Park, are superbly situ- year is a new bath and shower house complete with ated. All are unique in their offerings and worth hot and cold running water and flushing toilets! visiting, or re-visiting. There is a sanitation station for RV’s. The park Missaukee Lake Park, located just northwest of encompasses 60 acres of woodland with marked hiking trails. Ben D. Jeffs Muskegon River Park sits along the Muskegon River at M-55. With 66 wooded acres and one mile of river frontage, it is easy to forget you are near the highway. The 17 rustic campsites are nestled along the river. The park has a pavilion and picnic area, artesian water well for drinking and vault-style toilets. The Main Street Lake City, lies on the shore of spar- canoe launch makes for easy access for river trips kling Lake Missaukee. With 1,000 feet of sandy up and down the Muskegon River. beach on Lake Missaukee, the swimming is excel- Whether you are looking for a day at the beach lent. It boasts an up-to-date playground, pavil- or on the water, a place for a family picnic, or a ions for group events and picnic areas with grills, camp spot in the woods, you need look no farther softball/baseball fields and volleyball courts, 118 than parks of Missaukee County. One is sure to fit campsites, and modern restrooms with showers. the outdoor adventure you seek. And that’s not all. Missaukee Lake Park has for rent four rustic cabins that sit on a knoll overlook- For information and reservations, call 231-839- ing the lake. The view is breathtaking. 4945. For those looking for a more remote location, The Northern Camper l 25 UNPuzzleR A Business Built on Customer Service

Sudoku (Page 9) FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE Offering Medication and Supplies For All of Your Medical Needs

Campers: We are your pharmacy away from home!

231-775-8200

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108 N. Mitchell in Downtown Cadillac

Mon. - Fri., 9 am - 7 pm • Sat., 9 am - 6 pm, • Sun., 10 am - 4 pm

Crossword (Page 19) Editor’s Note: To make it a little harder to cheat, answers are in reverse . . . Gotchya! CAMP CADILLAC Family, Friendly, Fun! Heated Pool • Camping Cabins • Large Camp Sites Fishing • Clean Modern Restrooms • Hot Showers Ice Cream • Play Ground • Hiking Trails • Picnic Tables Fire Pits • Convenience Store • Laundry Facilities Planned Activities • Petting Zoo • Hayrides Movies • Game Room • Basketball • Free n

Camp Store & Propane Sales Open to Public 7 Days a Week

231-775-9724 10621 E. 34 (Boon) Rd., Cadillac www.campcadillac.com 26 l The Northern Camper The Northern Boater out in a small underwater river. That underwater Break the Grip of the Rip river is in fact the rip current. Rip channels can be as much as 10 to 20 feet across and move at speeds Rip currents in the Great Lakes a little slower than you can run but faster than are a deadly but largely unknown just about anybody can swim. That means it is phenomenon. People often-associate impossible to out-swim a rip current by swimming against it. rip currents—channel currents that can The most important thing is that if you get sweep them from shore—with oceans. caught up in a rip current, simply relax and float, In the past two years, at least 18 people have then swim parallel to the shore. It is easy to swim drowned in the Great Lakes, and experts believe out of a rip current but not up against it. Visual- a majority of these deaths probably happened be- ize getting off a treadmill by stepping off to either side. Rip currents are tough for the layperson to rec- ognize, but subtle signs exist, such as: a channel of churning, choppy water; an area of different color; debris moving steadily offshore; or a break in the incoming wave pattern. If you are caught in a rip current, don’t panic and don’t fight the current. Swim out of the current, then to shore. If you cannot escape, float or tread water and call or wave for assistance. 

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Offers Kayaking & Fly-Fishing Class

The Department of Natural Resources and Environ- ment invites women to learn the basics of kayaking and fly-fishing on Saturday, Aug. 28, on the shores of Higgins Lake in Roscommon County. The kayaking portion of the class is three hours of hands-on instruction and covers safety, clothing, types of kayaks, paddles strokes, balance and trim. cause people panicked when a rip current pulled During the fly-fishing portion of the class, profes- them from shore. Nationally, lifeguards rescue ap- sional guides will provide a brief history and theory proximately 60,000 people from drowning a year, behind fly-fishing, discuss river etiquette, approach, and an estimated 80 percent are caused by rip stalk, casting and knots. Registration deadline is currents. Additionally, an estimated 100 people Aug. 20. The cost is $125 per participant, which includes lodging Friday night, breakfast and lunch on drown from rip currents annually—more people Saturday, equipment rental and instruction. than are killed by tornadoes or lightning. For registration forms and information on this and Rip currents form when waves break near shore, other BOW programs, visit www.michigan.gov/bow, piling up water between breaking waves and the call 517-241-2225 or email dnr-outdoors-woman@ beach. If the beach is set up just right, the water michigan.gov comes up on the shore and it will collect and shoot kayaking?” Traversecoming to there place is any and go to canoe. age ern mower. lawn riding the No matter, it mod- the is above just garage the or in hung elegantly so yard they’rethem. Maybe back under the deck, in the acouple has Everybody of handbags. signature in coveted like systems pooches pigmy riding rack old pick-ups on expensive custom sported and They’re hucked randomly being of into back the beemers. to V-dubs from roof of everything coloredcandy of the Tupperware hunks riding more…youhours and got point. the piddled on away therapy.hundreds of dollars Two worth is One bell. high hour soprano of paddling a like your sinuses in rings air cold, the and crisp up of year,gone waking just is time that city the time.are Motorboats in thesame it at nificance world the feeling and owning your insig- both West Traverse October like late is Grand in Bay off fog rising morning through paddling liquidity me. Placid, solitary could open within kayak a sea out venturing onto in doors that Great Lakes the things.”boat the Nobody could have imagined one is Eskimo of those “That of boat?” kind that wouldhundreds of miles”. someone do with “What not Traverse in City. isn’t “There for ocean an 1995, in never or had at least area kayak seen asea hideto atoothpick. But, most people the around trying asnail be Ilikelyto appeared fascinating. atop may have aten-foot long been oddly car kayak proportions of asixteen-foot the Granted Rabbit. shapeon top of my 1984 VW tube-like skewed double and peeks long at the plastic takes

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I f I only had acouple had f Ionly hours fully to on our lakes and rivers. Here are some of his thoughts: Eric Clone invites campers to discover the joy of kayaking through summerKayaking our days Odd glances,Odd lights. at traffic next me to cars in folks looks from most quizzical I’d getago the Fifteen years years Fifteen call Eric at the number below.) at the number call Eric ~ fun. easy, quiet, relatively cheap alot Isay did and of or solitary, social rewarding, inexpensive,is fun, (the biggest segment kayaking by far)Recreational obvious. is apaddler’sis attraction The paradise. other mythe goodies shop Traverse offers. area all and surfboarding paddle stand-up paddles, snorkeled be to shipwrecks moonthe on, full the goes without mentioning This Leelanau. Lake and Traverse Grand Lake Lake, Bay, Cedar Boardman River, could Ashorthad. list include Boardman be to paddling proper of fun days thereCity are Traverse Just in question fullest. its to that answer (To kayak and out about more rentals sales, find

Photo by Jim Parker Campground Directory Q Campers ~ Please visit northerncamper.com for links to campground web sites. Campgrounds ~ To complete your free listing, visit our web site and fill out directory form.

Antrim County Grand Traverse County County Township Barnes Park Campground • 231-599-2712 Whitewater Township Park • 231-267-5091 1298 Barnes Park Rd., Eastport, MI 49627 9500 Park Rd., PO Box 159, Williamsburg, MI 49690 Facilities: Electric/53, toilets, showers, sanitation station, Directions: junction US-31 & M-88, west, approx. 3/4 mile. reservations, beach, boat launch. Facilities: tents & RVs/62, electric, toilets, showers, sanitation State station, reservations, wheelchair accessible, beach, Wi-Fi. Arbutus No. 4 Rustic Camp • 231-922-5280 Craven Park • Bellaire Directions: 10 miles SE of Traverse City via Garfield Rd., Potter Rd., Facilities: rustic/20, electric/30, toilets, showers, boat launch. 4 Mile Rd. & North Arbutus Lake Rd. Facilities: rustic/30, boat launch. Thurston Park • Village of Central Lake Interlochen State Park • 231-276-9511 Facilities: electric/36, toilets, showers, beach, boat launch. M-137, Interlochen, MI 49643 Wooden Shoe Park • Banks Township Facilities: Duck Lake – electric/418, toilets, showers, wheelchair Directions: East of Ellsworth at Rushton and Pleasant Hill roads. accessible, reservations, beach, boat launch, store; Green Lake – rustic/58 sites, teepee & tent rental/4 sites. Facilities: rustic/15, electric/40, toilets, showers, beach, boat launch. Lake Dubonnet State Camp • 231-922-5280 State Directions: 4 miles NW of Interlochen via M-137, US-31 & Wildwood Rd. Graves Crossing Forest Campground • 989-732-3541 Facilities: rustic/50, boat launch. Directions: 10 miles north of Mancelona via US-131 and M-66. Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp (Equestrian) • 231-922-5280 Facilities: tents & small trailers/10 sites. Directions: 4.5 miles NW of Interlochen via M-137, US-31 & Wildwood Rd. Facilities: rustic/200 people, reservations. Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground • 989-732-3541 Directions: 5.5 miles NW of Alba via 620 & Cascade Rd. Scheck’s Place State Forest Camp • 231-922-5280 Facilities: tents/15 sites. Directions: 12 miles SW of Williamsburg via Williamsburg Rd., Supply Rd. & Brown Bridge Rd. Private Facilities: rustic/30, boat launch. Chain O’ Lakes Campground • 231-533-8432 Scheck’s Place Trail Camp (Equestrian) • 231-922-5280 7231 South M-88 Hwy., Bellaire, MI 49615 Directions: 12 miles SW of Williamsburg via Williamsburg Rd., Directions: Routes 88 between Mancelona & Bellaire. Supply Rd. & Brown Bridge Rd. Facilities: rustic/200 people, reservations. Facilities: tents, RVs, cabins, electric, water, sanitation station, toilets, showers, reservations, pool, store, laundry, Wi-Fi, rec. room. Traverse City State Park • 231-922-5270 1132 US-31 North, Traverse City, MI 49686 Honcho Rest Campground • 231-264-8548 Directions: US-31 between 3 & 4 Mile Roads 8988 Cairn Hwy., Elk Rapids, MI 49629 Facilities: tents & RVs/343, cabins/2, electric, water, toilets, Facilities: 95, electric, water; cabins/2; toilets, showers, sanitation showers, sanitation station, reservations, beach. station, reservations, beach, Wi-Fi. Private Holiday Park & Campground • 231-943-4410 Wieland’s Whistling Pines • 231-544-6348 4860 US-31 South, Traverse City, MI 49684 7143 Rushton Road, Ellsworth, MI 49729 Facilities: RVs, electric, water, toilets, showers, sanitation station, Facilities: 14 sites. reservations, beach, boat launch, store, laundry, Wi-Fi. The Northern Camper l 29 Ranch Rudolf • 231-947-9529 Private 6841 Brown Bridge Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686 Lake Leelanau RV Park • 231-256-7236 Facilities: tents, RVs/25, electric, water, sanitation station, toilets, 3101 Lakeshore Dr., Leelanau, MI 49653 showers, reservations, pool, store, laundry. SEE AD PAGE 13 Facilities: rustic & RVs/196, electricity, water, toilets, showers, sanitation station, reservations, beach, boat launch, Wi-Fi. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort • 231-947-2770 4050 Hammond Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686 Wild Cherry RV Resort • 231-271-5550 Facilities: RVs, cabins, electric, water, toilets, showers, sanitation 8563 E. Horn Rd. • Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 station, reservations, pool, store, laundry, Wi-Fi, rec. room. Directions: M-22 north to Suttons Bay, M-204 west towards Lake Leelanau; approx. 2 miles from Suttons Bay, Horn Road north. Traverse Bay RV Resort • (231) 938-5800 Facilities: tents, RVs, electric, water, sanitation station, reservations, 5555 M-72 East, Williamsburg, MI 49690 club house. Facilities: RVs, electric, water, sanitation station, toilets, showers, reservations, pool, laundry, Wi-Fi, rec. room. Missaukee County Lake County CITY Maple Grove • 231-839-4429 STATE Directions: 4 blocks from Lake Missaukee, east end of Union St. Bray Creek State Forest Campground • 231-775-9727 Facilities: 32, electric, water, toilets, showers, sanitation station, Directions: 1.5 miles northeast of Baldwin via M-37, north of St. reservations. Merriville Rd. & 40th St. Facilities: rustic/9, boat launch. County Ben D. Jeffs River Park • 231-839-4945 Carrieville State Forest Campground • 231-775-9727 PO Box 800, Lake City, MI 49651 Directions: 3 miles west of Luther via Old M-63 & Kings Hwy. Directions: 16 miles east of Lake City on M-55, Muskegon River. Facilities: rustic/31 sites. Facilities: rustic/17 sites. SEE AD PAGE 8 Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground Crooked Lake Park • 231-839-4945 Directions: 2 miles East of Baldwin via US-10 & Forest Dr. PO Box 800, Lake City, MI 49651 Facilities: rustic/18 sites on Big Leverentz Lake, rustic/7 sites on Directions: South edge of Crooked Lake near Jennings. Little Leverentz Lake; boat launch. Facilities: 37, electric/15, toilets, shower, sanitation station, Lincoln Bridge Rustic Campground • 231-775-9727 reservations, beach, boat launch. SEE AD PAGE 8 Directions: 7 miles north of Luther via State & 10 Mile Roads Missaukee Lake Park • 231-839-4945 Facilities: rustic/9 sites. PO Box 800, Lake City, MI 49651 Silver Creek Rustic Campground • 231-775-9727 Directions: north shore of Lake Missaukee. Directions: 5.5 miles north of Luther via State Rd. Facilities: tents & RVs/170 sites; electric/21, water/96, toilets, Facilities: rustic/26 sites. showers, sanitation station, reservations, beach, boat launch. SEE AD PAGE 8 Private State Irons RV Park & Campground • 231-266-2070 4623 West 10½ Mile Rd., Irons, MI 49644 Goose Lake • 231-775-9727 Directions: M-37 north, left on 10 Mile Rd.; 10 Mile turns into 10 Directions: 2.5 miles from Lake City, south of M-42, Al Moses Rd. 1/2 Mile; 5 miles from M-37 & 10 Mile Rd. Facilities: rustic/54, boat launch. Facilities: tent & RV/33, electric, water, toilets, showers, sanitation Hopkins Creek Camp (Equestrian) • 231-824-3591 station, reservations, wheelchair accessible, store, laundry, Wi-Fi. Directions: 5.5 miles north of Arlene via M-42 & Lucas Rd. Facilities: rustic/16, 108 people, reservations. Leelanau County Long Lake State Forest Camp/Missaukee • 231-775-9727 Directions: Lake City, M-42 north to Randall Rd., west 1/2 mile State to Almoses Rd., north 1/4 mile to Goose Lake Rd., west 1.5 miles, Leelanau State Park • 231-386-5422 Green Rd., north to camp. 15310 N. Lighthouse Point Rd., Northport, MI 49670 Facilities: rustic/20, boat launch. Directions: 9 miles north of Northport, follow road to park. (continued on page 30) Facilities: rustic/52, RVs/10, cabins/3, reservations, beach. Campground Directory (continued from page 29) Q Missaukee (continued) PRIVATE Blodgett Landing • 231-832-4410 Reedsburg Dam • 989-275-4622 605 East Third St., Hersey, MI 49639 Directions: 5 miles northwest of Houghton Lake via M-55 & Co. Facilities: tents & RVs. Rd. 300. Facilities: rustic/38, boat launch. Cadillac Woods • 231-825-2012 23163 M-115, Tustin, MI 49688 Spring Lake State Forest Campground • 231-775-9727 Directions: M-115, 6 miles SE of US-131, 8 miles SE of Cadillac. Directions: 1.5 miles southwest of Fife Lake via US-131. Facilities: tents & RVs/50, cabins/6, electric, water, toilets, showers, Facilities: rustic/32, boat launch. sanitation station, reservations, pool, laundry, store, rec. room. Private Old Log Resort • 231-743-2775 Rustic Rafters • 231-229-4433 12062 M-115, Marion, MI 49665 9446 N. Nelson Rd., Moorestown, MI 49651 Directions: M-115, Muskegon River, between Clare & Cadillac. Facilities: tents & RVs/17 sites; 5 log cabins; electric, water, toilets, Facilities: tents & RVs/20, cabins/8, electric, water, toilets, showers, showers, sanitation station, reservations. SEE AD PAGE 13 sanitation station, reservations, wheelchair accessible, store. River Country Campground • 231-734-3808 Osceola County 6281 River Rd., Evart, MI 49631 Directions: US-10 Evart, north 1 block east of light; 1 1/2 miles on CITY River Rd. to “Y,” right 2 miles City of Evart Riverside Park • 231-734-5901 Facilities: tents & RVs/125, electric, water, toilets, showers, 315 South River St., Evart, MI 49631 sanitation station, reservations, boat launch/canoes, store, laundry, Directions: From US-10/Main St., traffic light in Evart, south 3 rec. room. SEE AD PAGE 3 blocks to 9th St., east to Riverside Park. Facilities: tents & RVs/14, electric, water, sanitation station, toilets, showers, reservations, boat launch. Roscommon County (West) Rambadt Memorial Park • 231-832-2245 STATE 227 E. Lincoln Ave., Reed City, MI 49677 Houghton Lake • 989-275-4622 Facilities: tents & RVs/13, electric, water, toilets, showers, sanitation Directions: 6 miles NW of Houghton Lake Heights via West Shore Dr. station. Facilities: tents & RVs/50, toilets. County North Higgins Lake/East • 989-821-6125 Crittenden Park • 231-734-2588 11747 N. Higgins Lake Dr., Roscommon, MI 48653 3641 S. 50th Ave., Sears, MI 49679 Facilities: tents & RVs/82, electric, toilets, showers, reservations, Directions: East of Evart on US-10 to 50th Ave., south 2 miles. wheelchair accessible. Facilities: rustic/20, RVs/70, electric, water; toilets, showers, North Higgins Lake/West • 989-821-6125 sanitation station, reservations, wheelchair accessible, beach, boat 11747 N. Higgins Lake Dr., Roscommon, MI 48653 launch, store, rec. room. Facilities: tents & RVs/92, cabin, electric, toilets, showers, Rose Lake Park • 231-768-4923 reservations, wheelchair accessible. 17726 Youth Dr. • LeRoy, MI 49655 South Higgins Lake • 989-821-6374 Directions: east of Tustin & LeRoy off US-131 on Rose Lake. 106 State Park Dr., Roscommon, MI 48653 Facilities: rustic & RVs/160, electric, water, toilets, showers, Facilities: tents & RVs/400, cabin, electric, toilets, showers, sanitation station, reservations, wheelchair accessible, beach, boat reservations, wheelchair accessible, boat launch. launch, store, rec. room. PRIVATE State Great Circle Campground • 989-821-9486 Sunrise Lake • (231) 775-9727 5370 W. Marl Lake Rd., Roscommon, MI 48653 Directions: 6 miles east of LeRoy via Sunrise Lk. & 15 Mile Roads. Facilities: tent & RVs, cabins, electric, water, toilets, showers, Facilities: rustic/17, boat launch. sanitation station, reservations, store, laundry. The Northern Camper l 31 Houghton Lake Travel Park • 989-422-3931 PRIVATE 370 Cloverleaf Lane, Houghton Lake, MI 48629 Birchwood Resort & Camp • 231-775-9101 Directions: 1 block east of US-127 & M-55. 6545 E. M-115, Cadillac, MI 49601 Facilities: tent & RVs/85, cabins/3, electric, water, toilets, showers, Directions: 2.3 miles west of US-131. sanitation station, reservations, pool, store, laundry, Wi-Fi, rec. room. Facilities: RVs/33, cabins/6, electric, water, toilets, showers, reservations, wheelchair accessible, Wi-Fi. SEE AD PAGE 9 West Houghton Lake Camp • 989-422-5130 Camp Cadillac • 231-775-9724 9371 Houghton Lake Dr., Houghton Lake, MI 48629 10621 E. 34 Rd. (Boon Rd.), Cadillac, MI 49601 Directions: 1 mile east of US-127 & M-55, 1/2 mile north on Directions: US-131, Exit 183, east 1 mile. Houghton Lake Dr. Facilities: tents & RVs/115, cabins, electric, water, toilets, showers, Facilities: tents & RVs/128, cabin, electric, water, toilets, showers, reservations, pool, store, laundry, Wi-Fi. SEE AD PAGE 25 sanitation station, reservations, store, laundry, Wi-Fi, rec room. Cedar Creek Camp/Liberty Park • 231-824-9318 9696 12 ¾ Rd., Manton, MI 49663 Wooded Acres Family Camp • 989-422-3413 Facilities: tents & RVs, cabins, electric, toilets, reservations, store. 997 Federal Ave., Houghton Lake, MI 48629 Chippewa Landing/Oak Grove Camp • 231-313-0832 Directions: exit US-127 at M-55 east, 2nd light (Loxley Rd.), 1½ miles. 10420 Chippewa Landing, Manton, MI 49663 Facilities: tents & RVs/84, cabins/3, electric, water, toilets, showers, Directions: 15 miles N of Cadillac, 30 miles S of Traverse off US-131. sanitation station, reservations, pool, store, laundry, Wi-Fi, rec room. Facilities: tents & RVs/40, electric, water, sanitation station, toilets, showers, reservations, beach, boat launch, store. Coolwater on the Pine • 231-862-3481 Wexford County 9424 W. 48 1/2 Rd., Wellston, MI 49689 Directions: 2 miles south of M-55 & 2 miles east of M-37. City Facilities: tents & RVs/65, cabins, electric, water, toilets, showers, Lake Billings RV Park & Camp • 231-824-6454 reservations, laundry. 232 E. Elmore St., Manton, MI 49663 KOA Traverse City Camping & Cabins • (800) 249-3203 Facilities: tents & RVs/48, electric, water, toilets, showers, sanitation 9700 S. M-37, Buckley, MI 49620 station, reservations, beach, boat launch. Directions: 3 miles N. of Buckley on M-37. Facilities: tents & RVs, c lectric, water, toilets, showers, sanitation STATE station, reservations, pool, store, laundry, rec room, Wi-Fi. Baxter Bridge Campground • 231-775-9727 Kestelwoods Campground • 231-862-3476 Directions: 12 miles northwest of Manton via M-42 & 31 Rd. 10860 W. 48 1/2 Rd., Wellston, MI 49689 Facilities: rustic/25, boat launch. Directions: 2½ miles S of M-37 & M-55 crossroads on M-37 & 48½ Rd. Facilities: tents & RVs/96, electric, water, toilets, showers, sanitation Long Lake/Wexford • 23-775-9727 station, reservations, pool, store, Wi-Fi. Directions: 8 miles northeast of Cadillac via US-131 to Long Lk. Rd. Northern Exposure • 231-885-1199 Facilities: rustic/16, boat launch. 285 Manistee River Rd., Mesick, MI 49668 Mitchell State Park • 231-775-7911 Facilities: tents & RVs/260, electric, water, toilets, showers, 6093 E. M-115, Cadillac, MI 49601 sanitation station, reservations, boat launch, beach. Directions: between Lake Mitchell & Lake Cadillac, west on M-115. Pat’s RV Park • 231-885-1056 Facilities: tents & RVs/221, electric, toilets, showers, reservations, 2981 North 7 Rd., Mesick, MI 49668 beach, boat launch. Directions: Hoodenpyle Dam on the Manistee River. Facilities: tents & RVs/87, cabins. Old US-131 Campground • 231-775-9727 Pine River Paddlesports Center • 231-862-3471 Directions: 7 miles north of Manton via US-131 & Old US-131. 9590 S. Grandview Hwy. S 37, Wellston, MI 49689 Facilities: rustic/25, boat launch. Facilities: tents, cabins, toilets, showers, reservations, store. FEDERAL The Campground • 231-824-9111 Hemlock Campground • 231-723-2211 10330 E. M-42, Manton, MI 49663 Directions: from Cadillac, west on M-55 for 1.3 miles, right, north Directions: US-131, exit 191, east 1/2 mile on M-42. on S. Mitchell Lake Dr. 1.4 miles. Facilities: tents & RVs/30, electric, water, reservations. Facilities: rustic/19. Twin Oaks Campground & Cabins • 877-442-3102 233 Moss Road, Wellston, MI 49689 Peterson Bridge • 231-723-2211 Directions: 4 miles east of Wellston, north on Moss Rd. off Hwy. 940 S. State, Route 37, Cadillac, MI 49601 55, 4 miles west of Hwy. 37. Directions: off M-37, 1.5 miles north of Wellston. Facilities: tents & RVs, electric, water, toilets, showers, sanitation Facilities: rustic/30, boat launch. station, reservations, store, rec room, wi-fi. Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority

★ New Regional Bus Transfer Center

Access to Grand Traverse, Benzie, Leelanau, & Kalkaska Counties through the CWTA!

CWTA Service Hours Regional Center Service Hours Monday - Friday ★ 5 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday ★ 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday ★ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Connects 4 Area Counties From Buckley)

Set Up Camp & Leave the Driving to Us! Summer Unlimited Trip Pass (June, July & August)

Cadillac, Manton, Mesick Wexford Monthly Fare & Buckley Areas Out-County Area Adults (17-54) $20 $30 Students (5-16) $10 $15 Seniors (55+) $10 $15 Individuals w/ Disabilities $10 $15

“We’re a Call Away” Catch The Bus To Town! Dispatch ★ 231-779-0123 TDD ★ 231-779-0124 Toll Free ★ 1-866-647-5465 For Bus Pass & Other Information CWTA Office ★ 231-775-9411 Regional Office ★ 231-269-3135