Storybird celebrated her birthday with a tattoo

Mike really wanted to make a stop at Houghton Lake on our way from the Detroit area to Interlochen. After a bit of research, I found a private park that sounded like it would meet our needs.

Upon arrival we found that the drive into the park was dirt and mud puddles. When I checked in, our campsite was changed since our assigned site was still “underwater.” After studying the trees alongside our lot, Mike finagled the 5th wheel into place. The bathrooms and showers were okay (until midway through the weekend when it truly appeared they were not being cleaned). The owner, upon his admission, really does not enjoy interacting with most people and feels “trapped” in his position.

First impressions were not all that good.

But, then we tried out the park’s wi-fi. The wi-fi speed redeemed our stay.

Another positive - the park had a Halloween-in-August celebration on Friday evening and Saturday. We didn’t see much of the kids during those times—they manned the bouncy house for the little kids, played basketball and baseball with other kids, limboed, hula-hooped (Harrison won his category—didn’t know he could wiggle his hips so well), played Bingo, ate free ice-cream cones, created and dressed up in costumes, passed out candy to the trick-or-treaters, and much more that they’ll have to share in the comments.

The Halloween-in-August happening wasn’t the only celebration during our stay. A more important event was Storybird’s 14th birthday. As has been our family tradition, Storybird had here breakfast of choice. This year (as last year) she chose blackberries and whipped cream. We went out to a local diner for lunch, followed by a stop at Burger King where the birthday girl ordered the dessert she’s been talking about for weeks: Bacon Sundae. We will finish celebrating her birthday as a family next week at an indoor watermark (something she’s been asking to do for nearly a year).

On Sunday afternoon we took a drive around Houghton Lake—primarily looking for other campgrounds that may be what we think sounds attractive for next summer. While driving around the lake we came across two produce stands. I was thrilled! Onions, bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash and melons—all right from the field and ready to eat. Yum!

Sunday evening we had our second Family Salon. Storybird had selected the topic: Hope. We had a great conversation.

Monday morning we were ready to move on!