Hello, blogging friends! I am back from my trip to Michigan and had such an amazing time. This photo is from an actual covered bridge near Traverse City, Michigan that we visited.

I won’t bore you with all the details, but will hit the highlights of the trip. First impression of Michigan is that it is a beautiful state. We flew into Grand Rapids, then moved on to Traverse City after picking up my grandson from Calvin College. Of course, we had to take some time to tour the campus and it has a great feel to it. It’s not huge, but has everything a college student needs.
Our first stop on our first full day there was at the covered bridge. It was on the way to the Dune Climb area. The photos of the sand dunes do not do them justice. They are very tall, and yes, I did climb to the top. Had to stop and rest a couple of times, but I made it.



After the dune adventures, the next day, we spent a full day on Mackinac Island. What a unique place! It can only be accessed by boat. And while the island is only 8 miles long, it had a rich history dating back to the 1700s. There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the island. It’s walking, bicycling, or horses. We took a carriage tour and learned so much about the island including the fact that the soil on the island is only a few inches deep and tree roots have to grow laterally. We also visited the Butterfly Conservatory and it was an amazing experience.





The history of Fort Mackinac was absolutely fascinating. At one point, they transferred a man from Arizona to the fort and I could only imagine the shock he and his family had upon arrival. Talk about going from one extreme to the other. We spent a good deal of time reading the history and visiting the various structures. It’s amazingly well preserved.

On our way out of Traverse City, we visited the world’s largest cherry pie pan. 🙂 I had no idea Traverse City was the cherry capital of the world and cherries were everywhere! What a sight it would be to see all the cherry trees in bloom. And can you imagine the size of the oven to cook this pie. It is in the Guinness World Book of Records!

Our next adventure was getting to go inside the observatory at Calvin College where my grandson works. It was a big highlight of the entire trip for me. Looking through the powerful telescope at stars gives a whole different perspective on the Cosmos. I’m so proud of my grandson. The knowledge he’s obtained about astronomy is impressive. I can only imagine how excited he must have been when he first visited the observatory and met the professor. They share a mutual interest in space photography. I didn’t take any photos of the observatory as it was pitch dark. But I loved the experience!
We moved over to Muskegon to an Air BnB on the beach. It’s so hard to think of a beach being anywhere except the ocean, but this one was exactly like a sandy ocean shore except it was fresh water. I don’t have a lot of pictures to share as I didn’t risk taking my phone down with me. The kids loved playing in the water and while it was a bit chilly for my liking, I did wade in it. The weather was perfect the entire time we were in Michigan with the exception of one day. We took advantage of that day by visiting The USS Silversides Museum in Muskegon. So much intertwined history. We got to go inside the actual submarine and learned so much about how they operate and how it must have been for the men stationed on it.
Again, I didn’t get any photos as I didn’t have my phone with me.
All too soon, it was time to come back home. I miss those seventy and eighty degree days. It’s going to be 100 here every day this week. But still, it’s good to be home.
I have a lot of work to get done this week as I will be leaving again on Sunday July 27th for Hawaii. We will be there for ten days. And since I am in preparation mode for the launch of A Bold Bargain, I will be taking my computer with me. Perhaps I can stay in touch a little better, but from the itinerary my daughter has planned, every day will be filled with activities. I never had any desire to see Hawaii. In fact, I never even thought about it, but when she offered to pay my way, I couldn’t say no. Someday I will get too old for these adventures, so I’m going to enjoy them while I can.
One of the things my daughter has planned in Hawaii, is snorkeling. I am not a strong swimmer and am a little apprehensive about it, but determined to give it a try! So, this quote jumped out at me!

I drew another oracle card to share this week. I love the message and felt it was especially for me!

I hope everyone has a great week ahead. And just a reminder that mine and my sister’s books are still on pre-order! I am so grateful for all who have already ordered. Thank you!


What a wonderful trip, Jan. Traveling with family is a special joy. Thank you for sharing it with us. 🌞
You are right, Gwen. Traveling with family is so special! Thank you for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed my recap!
I bet it was a blast climbing sand dunes! Enjoy your trip to Hawaii!
I think the kiddos enjoyed it a lot more than I did, Priscilla. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
Jan, I really envy your zeal in traveling. With me, you have to pry my fingers from around the door to get me in a car for a trip. I’m such a boring homebody. But I’m true to my birth sign. Most Tauruses prefer to stay put. Your trip to Michigan sounds amazing and you saw such interesting things. I know Hawaii will be the same. But I’m perfectly content to visit through your pictures. I like the card you drew. A good message. Love you, Sister!
I have always had a bit of wanderlust, sister. It’s just in me. I loved seeing all the new things on this trip and enjoying the much cooler weather for a few days! Thank you for stopping by! Love you!
Wonderful pictures. How cool to have so much of your family together. Your daughter looks just like you.
It was definitely a memory-making time with family, Jacqui. I enjoyed every minute of it! Thank you for stopping by!
You’ve got a lot on your plate. Your photo of the world’s largest pan pie triggered a memory of similar things I’ve seen. In some small town in Minnesota, they have the largest ball of twine (Who thinks of these things?). I used to live in North Dakota when I was a kid. Our city had “the world’s largest buffalo.” It was a model.
Lol, Pete. It’s amazing the things you can find, isn’t it? I love the largest ball of twine. 🙂 And you are right. Who thinks of these things AND has the time to invest in making them? Thank you so much for stopping by!
Have a great family time in Traverse City, Jan. Yes, cherries are important there. The airport is Cherry Capital Airport. My second novel takes place there in Traverse City.
Oh, how awesome, Tim! I have your second novel waiting on me and now that I know where it’s set, I will be trying to hurry it up my list! Thank you for stopping by!
No pressure, Jan.🌞 If you read it, I sure hope you think well of it.
Looks like such a fun trip, Jan! I’d have loved to see the observatory. What an awesome job for your grandson. My youngest son wasn’t in favor of snorkeling when we visited Hawaii (several years ago), but he actually enjoyed it once he gave it a try. I hope you do too.
The visit to the observatory was definitely a highlight of the trip for me. I am so proud of him and how he jumped into going to college so far away from home. He’s adapted quite well. I am going to give snorkeling a try. What the heck can go wrong? I’ll have on a life jacket. I’ll let you know. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
Born in Michigan, so all these sights are very familiar. We used to fly onto Mackinac Island to spend the day from South Bend, Indiana. I loved the Cherry Festival in Traverse City. I think you will like the snorkeling in Hawaii. It is amazing.
I think somehow I remember knowing you were born in Michigan. I’d love to make the Cherry Festival in Traverse City. That would be awesome. Maybe next time. Thank you for stopping by, John!
I am happy to hear you had such a great time. I understand how much you enjoy being with your family, exploring and having fun together for days. Have a great week now!
Thank you, Erika! I appreciate you stopping by.
I thank you for taking us along your journey, Jan!
It’s amazing to me how “oceany” Michigan looks from the photos. I guess gigantic lakes give it that feel. How fun to hang out with family and see the sights. Now, off to Hawaii! Relax and have fun and don’t worry about the blogs – it will all be here when you get back, the time vacationing with your daughter won’t be. And just wear a lifejacket and float with your mask in the water. You’ll do fine! 🙂
You are so right, Diana, about how similar to the ocean the great lakes are. We saw cargo ships going by just like on the ocean. And the beach was sandy just like the ocean. All in all an amazing experience! Thanks for the vote of confidence about snorkeling. 🙂 I’ll let you know when I get back.
Ahhhh. Hawaii. What a treat!
What an amazing trip, Jan! I loved Mackinac Island. I definitely recommend snorkeling. The life vest they give you will keep you afloat so you can relax and enjoy the fish, and there is always a trained swimmer with the group. Hawaii is beautiful! Enjoy every minute of it!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
I truly enjoyed Mackinac Island. So unusual! Thanks for the vote of confidence about snorkeling. 🙂 I’ll let you know how it goes.
It’s hard to distinguish between the Great Lakes and the ocean from the shore. It looks and sounds like you had a great time. It also sounds like you have a wonderful trip coming up.
That is so true, Dan. The Great Lakes and the ocean are so similar down to the cargo ships passing by. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by!
That sounds like a wonderful trip.
It was one for the books, Craig! Thank you for visiting!
How wonderful that you enjoyed “God’s Country” as we here in Michigan refer to our State! My folks spent the last 45 years of their lives in the Village of Cedar (about 15 miles outside of Traverse City). May you have fun enjoying more of this amazing area on subsequent visits. Wishing every blessing upon the head of your scholar!!! <3
Oh my! Yes, maybe next time we go to see my grandson we can do more exploring. And I can see why you call Michigan God’s Country. Just beautiful. Of course, I know wintertime is harsh but we visited at the perfect time. Thank you for stopping by and for the wonderful blessing!!
Beautiful scenes. Love that butterfly on your daughter!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Paula! Thanks for visiting!
Hi Jan, Michigan sounds very lovely and I’m glad you had such a nice time. I have read about the lakes and the beach in books. I am sure Hawaii will be wonderful.
Thank you, Robbie. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!
It sounds like an amazing trip to Michigan with your family. I love the pictures, especially the covered bridge. I’ve been to Hawaii twice and loved it! Once to Maui and once to The Big Island, Both were fascinating. So much to see and do. I can’t swim at all but went snorkelling and enjoyed it. Once you see all the colourful fish, you forget everything else. I agree. We have to take these opportunities when we can.
The covered bridge was a highlight, Darlene. It made me think of “Bridges of Madison County.” Thank you for adding that comment about the snorkeling for yourself. I’m determined to try it!
I’ve never been to Michigan, but it looks like a beautiful state, Jan. Your photos are beautiful. Mackinac Island sounds like a place we’d love, along with the Butterfly Conservatory. We’ve been to Hawaii once and loved it. You’ll have a fabulous time! Enjoy! xo
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Lauren. Mackinac Island was amazing and we spent the entire day there. I appreciate you stopping by!
My pleasure, Jan!
Thanks for bringing us along on your trip to Michigan. I’ve been to many states of our country, but Michigan is not one, so I learned a lot. All good, but my mouth started watering at the cherry pie pan. 🙂 I HAVE travelled to Hawaii many times, particularly Maui and Kauai (my favorite of the islands). I’m glad you’re going – you will fall in love. However, snorkeling didn’t work for me – I got motion sick!