A trip to pick up the camping trailer from Northport was on the agenda. We got a pretty early start, knowing we would be doing some sight seeing on the agenda with our visitors. As always, the beauty and quaintness of the village and harbor captured us all. Seems like each time Tony and I go to Northport, we spend our time working or riding, which leaves little time to explore the shops, so I welcomed the opportunity to poke around today.
No visit to the Leelaneau Peninsula is complete without a stop in Fishtown, which is located in a picturesque village that sits on a sliver of land between Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan. The buildings that line the docks, transported us back in time and the sound of the water coming over the dam completed the ambiance that was cats upon us. Fishtown consist of fishing shacks and shanties that have been converted to unique shops. The one place that remains consistent with the past is Carson's Fishery, my favorite place on the peninsula to buy smoked fish. Charter fishing boats tie up along side commercial fishing boats. The smell of grilled food hangs in the the air as the sound of water spilling from the mill wheel fills our ears. Fishing nets drying reminded us that this is a real place of commercial fishing, not simply a place of the past for tourists to visit.
The camping trailer was a mess from sitting among the trees at Northport. We got home too late last night to get it washed, so I did that this morning. Loading took place last night, a basket of our biking clothes, with some street clothes added, clean bedding so I could make the bed up, and the food we are bringing for much needed riding nourishment. There was enough to fill the basket twice, but at last I had it all stored, stashed and organized.
Next, on the agenda; the cargo trailer, the task was made easier, by the fact that we had done it the year before. The mosquitos were on high alert for humans to feast on, and it didn't take them long to discover that meals on legs were served.
We were glad to have the loading done, and agreed to finish the rest up in the morning.
Pretty tight quarters for 4 people in our camper, so our guests will be keeping most of their things in the car. Sleeping accomodation will be; Tony and I on the bed in the camper, Tammy on the table, which converts to a bed, and Arianne on the floor. Once we have the table made down into a bed, we will leave it that way all week.
We split the cost of hiring a driver to pull the trailer and act as our private SAG this year. His name is Roger, he is a friend of a friend, that we have met a few times when he visited our church. He is a retired truck driver. It should be a lot easier to ride into the school and have the trailer all set up and ready each night. No lugging gear back and forth to the trucks each day, no putting up or taking down the tent. Well worth the registration fee and cost for the driver.
I'll put my disclaimer in here; Since I didn't follow my original intentions to do this as we rode, some of my pictures or days, might be out of order on this series of entries. The events written about in here, did actually occur.
Our tour itin is as follows;
Norton Shores MI- registration and set up
Grandville MI 46 mile day
Lake Odessa MI 47 mile day
Dansville MI 58 mile day
Manchester MI 51 mile day
Peterburg MI 40 mile day
Luna Pier MI 27 mile day
Seven days, 7 cities, 269 miles
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