Around here when ever anyone refers to anyplace north of here it is "Up North". I thought we were up north, way up north, but that is because I am from the very southern most bit of Alabama. So this past Monday we drove about 4 hrs more north and a little west to right near Traverse City for a bit of car camping. We met up with some very nice folks who allowed us to tag along to their little piece of Paradise on Arbus Lake. Alex and I felt a little like intruders on what promised to be a great week for these newly weds and their close friends and family but, were treated well and included in the fun none the less. I have to say our first taste of "up north" left me wanting more. A huge thanks and happy trails to the Kelley,s and the Wiles' for all of their warm hospitality.
Our awesome site with a view of the lake.
The very clear and cold lake.
Paul
Bella the sweetest!
Melissa
Briana Wiles, Our lovely hostess.
Briant Wiles our host.
Bella being looked after. Alex helped.
Every one was very supportive after the procedure.
Getting loved for being good!
Alexi being cute!
Paul, who totally copied my throw style for playing ladder golf and then beat me!
Our fearless captain!
The back of the barge.
The front of the Barge.
Steve Wiles. Briant's Dad.
The look out.
Serious concentration.
THE sunny day! It rained for the rest of the trip.
Choosing a weapon.
Good times and good people!
Horse Play.
Cold chillin!
Steve and Sara Wiles. Wish I had a better photo of Sara a fellow photographer. www.sarawiles.com
One last look. Hope to see you again one day.
-J
I don't think it was the best ever but we did have a blast this 4th of July weekend. I was totally missing my friends and family as this is my second favorite holiday behind Thanksgiving. Friday we had a whole afternoon of frisbee golf and photo taking planed but instead spent the day trying to fix Alex's car because his battery decided to curode the connections off of itself. I didn't have the camera with me yet because we were just running some quick errands so I can't show you the damage and the frustration that went along with this ordeal but I can tell you there was lodes of jury rigging and treats by me to walk home. Alex is one of those people who if something is broken or the computer is not working right but we have to be someplace in 10 minuits will just be late so he can have it working properly so as not to ruin his day by thinking, "oh shit the computer is broken and I have to fix it" the whole time. So spending 4 hrs at the auto parts store because it is a holiday weekend and all the mechanics have closed up shop early is no big deal to him. I on the other hand thinking we were just out to get some art supplies for a project I am working on I was not prepared to stand in the sun and try to figure out why the universal battery terminal part would not work on this particular Korean car. Finally we decided to give up. We rigged the thing so at least we could start the car and went home for a much deserved cold beer. Saturday Mike and Jen invited us to go watch fireworks and play frisbee golf at a place in Ann Arbor. We were like hell yeah after the whole Friday fiasco. It was totally packed to the gills at this huge park but we did not care, the weather was nice and we were outside enjoying it. Sunday we drove to St. Clair about an hr north of Detroit and just south of Port Huron to meet up with Alex's dad and his girlfriend Linda. More fireworks, lots of boats and good food. We went swimming in the river with Christopher who is Linda's son but the water was so cold we all hopped on floats and and just lounged while admiring the array of people and sport boats. Linda's Brother and sister in law came over to Linda's mother's house and cooked on the grill and drank beer with us. It was a pretty good day.
