Fall Travels in Northern Michigan

 

Before Hurricane Ian, I had planned a golf trip to Northern Michigan with stops all around the state to visit friends and family.  The timing was because of my nephew’s wedding that would be our first event. Unfortunately, because of flooding and power outages, we were unable to leave in time to make the wedding, but did manage to meet up in Ohio for brunch with my daughter and son in law on the last leg of our drive.  

Then, it was a bit more traveling north to reach our friend’s cabin on the North Branch of the Au Sable River. Once there we were treated to two days of delicious dinners cooked over an open fire, canoeing on the quiet, pristine river, campfire time and lots of catching up over wine.

We headed further north, had a beautiful, sunny day of golf in Gaylord and finally caught the ferry to Mackinac Island.  It really is a place that will take you back in time with only bicycles, horse and carriage and walking to get around.  There is beautiful victorian architecture and cottages, flower gardens, a historic fort and many fun shops and restaurants.  The highlight is renting bikes and the 8.2 mile bike ride around the island along the shores of Lake Huron.  

After a two night stay on the island, we caught the first ferry back to Mackinaw City and drove to the west side of the state for golf in Ludington (with our son in laws’s parents) on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Being Floridians now, the 50 degree weather was quite chilly for golf, but we recalled our Michigan roots and still had fun.  The hot coffee with Bailey’s during the round really hit the spot.

For our final day, we headed to Metro Detroit on the east side of the state and a visit with our younger daughter and her boyfriend.  They treated us to golf and dinner at their golf club.  It was another chilly round, but it is a beautiful old course and clubhouse and we enjoyed every minute.  More hot coffee and Baileys was a necessity.

We don’t normally make the drive and prefer to fly, but it was easier with our golf clubs and the length of our stay.  We traveled many miles, but what a fantastic trip we had.  

Final note: We were not able to drive around Venice very much before we left and the damage we saw when we returned really was painful to see.  I have been doing what I can to help both in my neighborhood where I am Landscape Chair (300 trees are down) and with my volunteer group in the downtown/beach area.  It will be many years of a new normal in Southwest Florida, but the sun is shining, the gulf is still blue and it will get better.

Goodbye Hurricane Ian

 

We were so incredibly lucky.  Landfall was about 40 miles south and we did not get the big storm surge like Fort Myers Beach.  But, since it was a 60 mile wide storm the inner eye wall spun over us for 4 hours with 90 to 100 mph winds.  It was wild and crazy.  Plus, we got a flash flood warning later in the evening since we had 14.3 inches of rain in just a few hours.  And, we don’t live in a flood zone.  It’s bizarre to be watching the hurricane coverage and have the weather person pointing right where you live.

I have no regrets about not evacuating, because our house is built for this kind of storm.  We were safe inside and could access the damage without having to struggle to get back.  Again, we were fortunate the only damage was to our pool enclosure with screens out and a bent frame.

Our neighborhood has a lot of trees down, flooded streets and the clubhouse area had structures damaged, like the pickle ball area shown above. Our downtown, which is right on the beach, came through still standing for the most part.  Again, no big storm surge made all the difference.  

Five years in Florida and two major hurricanes.  I still wouldn’t trade this beach lifestyle for anything.

Hurricane Ready or Not

 

It’s the calm before the storm at the moment, but we are completely prepped and ready for what comes Wednesday.  It is concerning that the track at the time I am writing this is heading straight for my pretty beach town, but there is still plenty of time for wobbles.  

Our house did well during Irma, so we feel safe and are not near any storm surge.  But, it will not be a fun night.  I am more worried about our beaches and all the pretty spots we love so much.  During Irma, our pier was damaged because of the way the hurricane sucks out the water in the Gulf and then it rushes back with force.  

We have shutters up, plenty of food and water and a generator for loss of power.  Give the beautiful Gulf coast of Florida all the good thoughts you have in the next two days.