Some of you may have read my “farewell” post on the Lake Blackshear blog Saturday morning, and if you did, you saw these lines from an Avett Brothers song:
Load the car and write the note.
Grab your bag and grab your coat.
Tell the ones that need to know.
We are headed north.
And headed north we are! We pulled out of our driveway at 9:15 a.m. – only an hour and 15 minutes later than Ted’s scheduled departure time – but hey, all we have is time. We traveled straight up I-75 for 502 miles before arriving in Richmond, KY around 5:15. We checked into the Holiday Inn Express, walked and fed the dogs, then went across the street and had a great supper at Olive Garden.
We had so much fun people watching in the restaurant – it was prom night! Ted and I sat side by side in a booth so we could face directly out into the restaurant and watch the parade of fashions (well, I watched the fashions). Beautiful girls in every color and style dress imaginable – and their handsome escorts in tuxedos with vests that matched their date’s dress. Oh my gosh – were we EVER that young? And you know how there’s always someone who has to make a fashion statement . . . that award went to the cool dude in a beautiful tux accessorized with a baseball cap. Should have looked at his shoes – I bet he was in sneakers.
After supper we took the dogs out for a long walk and found a big parking lot where we could throw the ball for Bear. His long legs needed to get stretched after all that time in the car today. We’ll hit the road Sunday morning for Whitmore Lake, MI, and I’ll try to check in from there tomorrow night. Here are a few pics from today:




Continued safe travels!
By: Laura Welser on May 14, 2011
at 9:52 pm
Already missing ya`ll; we had a great time last night but it was bitter sweet. Jill. they`re coming to you now.
By: Marianne Lashley on May 14, 2011
at 9:55 pm
You made me tear up again, Marianne. Can’t tell you how much you’re already missed.
By: bree1972 on May 14, 2011
at 10:16 pm
Marianne…I can’t wait for Monday…will try to post what boat they are on & will be waving at y’all…
By: Jill @ the Bookstore on May 15, 2011
at 11:41 am
You’re on your way! That is so exciting. Wishing you safe travels. Can’t wait ’til you start blogging from the Island. I won’t be making the trip up (and over) this year so I will appreciate your blog and photos even more than I already do.
By: Bonnie Casey on May 14, 2011
at 9:56 pm
Oh, Bear looks like he`s waiting for room service.
By: Marianne Lashley on May 14, 2011
at 9:57 pm
Yay! You’re on your way! Hope to see you sometime this summer.
By: Doris Holik Kelly on May 14, 2011
at 10:37 pm
Safe travels and Godspeed.
By: Susan Hopkins on May 14, 2011
at 11:05 pm
Wishing you all sweet dreams and safe travels!
By: Barbara Blem on May 14, 2011
at 11:17 pm
My prayers continue for your safe traveling!!
By: Diane on May 15, 2011
at 6:33 am
I hope your Michigan weather clothes are on the top section of your luggage. I noticed Ted was in his summer shorts. Made me shiver just to look at him. You will need longer pants (preferably rain pants) when you arrive at the boat Monday morning. “Safe” rest of your journey.
By: Jill's Mom on May 15, 2011
at 7:45 am
Ted got a big kick out of your comment, Joanne! But you have to realize those shorts go on as soon as the mercury edges above 40. We’re thinking positive thoughts about our Monday arrival weather, but the Weather Channel is NOT cooperating with our thoughts. Thanks for the heads-up! Geez, I hope my rain pants aren’t in those boxes I shipped!
By: bree1972 on May 15, 2011
at 8:03 am
Welcome back to Michigan!!!! It’s been a bit chilly this year but the most beautiful spring I can remember, at least down here by Flint/Lansing. I’m so excited to start getting my Island fix again! We will be renting a cottage for a week on the island this August, we will be sure to visit the museum if you are there again.
By: Jenelle on May 15, 2011
at 7:51 am
Oh fun!! What cottage are you renting?
By: bree1972 on May 15, 2011
at 8:04 am
I am answering for my daughter Jenelle. We have been hooked on Mackinac for a long time.
For our 40th Wedding anniversary we are renting the Jacob Wendall house Aug. 6-15th and bringing our two children and their families.
We will definitely plan to visit the museum and introduce ourselves.
Pat Steele
By: Pat on May 20, 2011
at 11:16 pm
Bree I will say a prayer that you have safe travel for the rest of your trip. I live in the Grand Rapids area of MI and we are having a huge rain going on here!! Looks like an all day event. Get out the umbrella because with a temp of 43 degrees and winds chills in the 30′s so it is not a nice day. But it will improve when you bring that GA weather with you!!
By: Sue Pettinga on May 15, 2011
at 7:55 am
What you report is what we’re hearing on the Weather Channel this morning, Sue. Forecast for Whitmore Lake is looking pretty icky – but tomorrow’s forecast doesn’t look that bad. Maybe it will all move out tonight!
By: bree1972 on May 15, 2011
at 8:05 am
You’re headed my way………….more rain and more rain, but the green is beautiful so far, flowers gorgeous!! Love and prayers..have a safe trip, keep warm jackets handy! Bear will love our cooler days, but poor Maddie will wonder what in the world is going on with these cool days after those great days in GA!! Have fun.
By: Judy, Ann Arbor on May 15, 2011
at 8:17 am
Brenda,
I don’t mean to be pessimistic, but please don’t count on better weather (at least not warmer) because it’s not going to happen. It’s 41 degrees now, just enough for Ted’s shorts. By the way, I’m so glad he has Bear for a guide and to help him drive.
I didn’t think you would make it as far as you did yesterday, but glad you did. Continue to be safe.
With everyone else, I’m looking forward to tne posts from Mackinac Island. Actually, I can hardly wait.
By: Lowell on May 15, 2011
at 8:41 am
Thanks for all the weather reports! We’re about 20 minutes from getting back on the road! And Lowell, I have on my OPTIMISTIC smile!!
By: bree1972 on May 15, 2011
at 8:51 am
Looking at the future forecast for the week, it looks like you might be bringing some of your Georgia weather with you. I say “some” like maybe some sun, but it is still going to be on the cool side. Sure isn’t like it was last year at this time. Prayers for a continued safe trip. Looks like Bear is enjoying himself and that picture of Maddie is darling.
By: Hilde on May 15, 2011
at 9:05 am
The SUN is SHINING on Mackinac today. Tune in to the webcam on Shepler’s Dock Monday to see us waiting And ARRIVAL of Ted, Brenda, Bear & Maddie!!!
http://Www.mackinaclive.com
By: Jill @ the Bookstore on May 15, 2011
at 9:32 am
I’ll be there Jill…what time are they expected? Give us a wave on the webcam
By: Hilde on May 15, 2011
at 10:25 am
I certainly will be waving at y’all…I’ll wear the LIME GREEN FLEECE (on top of the 7 LAYERS)!!! But you won’t be able to miss Bear & Maddie.
By: Jill @ the Bookstore on May 15, 2011
at 11:39 am
Happy trails to you! Those of us green with envy will continue to enjoy your tales. So very generous of you to share with all of us. I had the good fortune to be on the island for the Mothers Day weekend. It was quite cool, but not unbearably so. Enjoy. Have a great summer!
By: Deborah Crawford on May 15, 2011
at 9:58 am
Safe travels. It’s been the rainiest spring I can ever remember here in NE Ohio, and it looks the same for the next 4 days.
We’re going to the island in August for our annual trip. 5 days at the Harbour View Inn. Our kids love it. Can’t wait!
By: Dave on May 15, 2011
at 10:36 am
It’s raining, this Sunday morning here in Davisburg MI. Stay safe on these rain slicked roads! I’ll wave as you go by!
By: Dawn on May 15, 2011
at 10:39 am
I hope you brought your galoshes. Been raining down here all weekend, kind of a bummer. Been a very rainy spring in SE Michigan. Safe travels!
By: Tom Jozwiak on May 15, 2011
at 10:41 am
I walked by your island home last weekend. It’s happily awaiting your return.
By: Chris on May 15, 2011
at 10:59 am
it’s a chilly 64 degrees at the rivah at 11:39 am, but sun is shining.
By: samille on May 15, 2011
at 11:39 am
Brenda just reporting in from Dayton, OH….but had to hang up Bear is pretty restless & she needs to hang on to him while Ted drives thru the Construction Zones.
By: Jill @ the Bookstore on May 15, 2011
at 12:07 pm
Good Grief! It’s 50 on Mackinac Island according to Horn’s Gaslight Bar webcam, but only 41 here in Lansing. Looks like they’re shipping in the warmer weather for you, Brenda! You just have to go through *cold and clammy* to get to *WOW!*
Love your blogs! Sending safe travel prayers for you, Ted and the gang.
By: Andrea on May 15, 2011
at 12:11 pm
Sounds like they are making good time, sorry to hear about Bear being restless. At least it’s stopped raining down here in Mid-Michigan. Looks like they will have good weather for tomorrow.
I’ll be tuning into the webcam tomorrow when I get off of work.
By: Mary McHenry on May 15, 2011
at 3:26 pm
Safe Travels!
By: Bob on May 15, 2011
at 3:38 pm
Enjoyed the picture of Maddie – when we were reading your post, our doxie was curled up in a similar pose at the foot of our bed, under her little blanket.
Have a safe trip. We will be on the island for a few days during the Lilac Festival, looking forward to our trip very much!
By: Dave W on May 15, 2011
at 3:58 pm
I won’t bother to fill you in on the weather, it seems you’ve a handle on that! Just stopping in to welcome you back to the Great Lakes State! Enjoy!!!
By: Tracy on May 15, 2011
at 7:54 pm
Hi Bree & Ted, Welcome back to Michigan! Safe travels and I sure am looking forward to your daily blogs! I am so excited for you!! Be safe!
By: Michelle on May 15, 2011
at 9:01 pm
Oh yes, the prom dresses!! The week-end we were on the island (May 7 & 8) we looked out from our balcony and we saw about 3 ferries full ( I think it as 3) of kids going to prom and getting into taxis. What a beautiful sight, it was a beautiful day and the dresses, oh my! Nothing like the dresses we wore! Then…..we happened to be up at midnight (since our alarm went off — we’re not sure why!) we looked out again and saw the kids boarding the ferries to return home. I wish I knew where they had their dance! We drove up in the rain too. Be safe!
By: Jeani on May 16, 2011
at 10:24 am
They had their prom at The Grand! There were 2 or 3 classes and schools represented – Cheboygan for one and I forget who else. We were staying at The Grand and watched them arrive. Their dance was in a big room just behind the wing we were in (we were on the 4th floor so could see them when they stepped out for a breath of fresh air). They did indeed all look lovely, though the ladies must have been chilly as it was not a night for sleeveless gowns! Promptly at 11:00 p.m. the music stopped, the kids all cheered and departed to catch the ferry back to the mainland. What a magical spot to have had their prom. Lucky kids.
By: Deborah Crawford on May 16, 2011
at 11:31 am
Welcome back to MI!
By: Jackie on May 16, 2011
at 6:59 pm
Great blog. Kudos for citing Avett Brothers. I found the blog researching information for a friend who is visiting this weekend. You detailed a lot of behind the scenes stuff on the island I can’t wait to take my kids to. Thanks. I thought you might like to check out a panorama photo I took of Mackinac Island Marina from the Fort looking down.
Mackinac Island Marina
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whalemap/4874011539/in/set-72157624458360256
Watch-eye horse I photographed in town
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whalemap/4700053730/in/set-72157622923993630
Mark
By: Mark on May 18, 2011
at 3:47 pm
Thanks, Mark! I absolutely love your panorama from the fort!
By: bree1972 on May 18, 2011
at 6:14 pm