Traverse City

After crossing the Mackinac Bridge and a 2 hour drive we arrived at the KOA campground in Traverse City on Friday July 13th along with Diana & Brian. We picked up Jenna at the airport and drove up to the Old Mission Bay Lighthouse where we climbed up 37 steps to the lighthouse tower. We also dipped our toes in Lake Michigan (it was about 55 degrees!). We stopped at a winery to taste (and buy some) and a roadside stand to buy some cherrries.  We ate dinner at a restaurant named the Cottage.  The rest of the family came in late Friday night and went to the house they had rented.
On Saturday morning we ventured into town and checked out some of the shops especially the Cherry Republic.  We also went down by the bay which is very pretty.  In the afternoon we headed to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore.  We did most of the scenic routes stopping for pictures.
 

Later we went to the large dune area where they were doing a "Starry Night" show with rangers and astronomers.  Of course the sun doesn't set until about 9:30 there so it was a bit of a wait but the rest of the family joined us there.  Some actually climbed to the top of the dune.  We had a prime parking spot at the end of a row with plenty of room for all our chairs and coolers.  A visitor from Chicago set up his telescope near us and we had the pleasure of having our own astronomer!