Barry arranged for us to have two nights in Petoskey, MI at a Jellystone Park (previously KOA). This park had all sorts of activities and amenities for adults, children and families, but we weren’t there to use any of them. Barry selected Jellystone because it was only 2 miles from our CVR (Carefree Village Resort) friends, Jerry and Belinda Cross.
Within an hour of arriving and getting the RV set up, we arrived at Jerry and Belinda’s home on Crooked Lake. Jerry had their boat ready to head out for a delightful afternoon on Crooked Lake, Crooked River, Burt Lake and (maybe Indian River?). The weather was perfect.
We even got to experience going through the Crooked River Lock that was needed to go from Crooked Lake to Crooked River (and back).
Heading into the lock, and then waiting for a pontoon boat to join us.
Belinda and Jerry holding us steady as the lake gate comes down and the lock does its magic.
Waiting for water level to match that of the river…
And OUT we go onto Crooked River! For more about the Crooked River Lock click here.
UH-OH…LOW bridge. Can we make it?
Oh, yeah. But the boat behind us won’t be able to make it.
Kelly and Bob Robinson – Look! We came across your place! Love the address, Devil’s Elbow Drive.
A tighter fit this time in the Crooked Lake Lock. Boat traffic had increased. Thank goodness it wasn’t the weekend! There would have been a significant line up for the lock in both directions.
The Black Hole Nature Preserve
Jerry LOVES being out on the water with his boat.
We went past Belinda and Jerry’s home to the boat ramp right near it. Even though they have their own dock, Jerry prefers to keep his boat stored in between uses inside the same large storage unit they keep their class c motorhome.
Thank you, Captain Jerry for such a fun day out on the water!
Time for dinner!
Belinda suggested we go to Northwood Lounge and Restaurant for our introduction to Michigan whitefish and walleye. Barry, had the walleye, and I had a grilled whitefish with a wonderfully light caper and wine sauce. We both loved our entrees. Jerry and Belinda also ordered the walleye. We must have all been quite hungry because none of us thought to take a picture of the dinners. What!?! Jerry is the king of food pics! Dinner was excellent. Thank you, Belinda for the recommending both fish entrees.
Since we left for Jerry and Belinda’s house right after we arrived in the campground today, we didn’t think to take our Jellystone Park map with us, or at least take better mental notes of the path to our site. Course we weren’t expecting it to be dark when we came home. We could not find our site. No streets were labeled, and the site numbers were not visible in the dark. There was nothing to give us a clue. Loops here, loops there, but not our loop. The office was closed, but I find the “Late Arrivals” board with parking info for those arriving after hours. I picked one up and took a picture of the resort map. As I came out and was heading to the Jeep, a “ranger” in a golf cart asked if we were having trouble finding our cabin. I told him we couldn’t find our site…site #220. He happily led us to it.
Today, August 6th, Jerry and Belinda picked us up for a day of sightseeing. We stopped at Bay Harbor, and more specifically the Village at Bay Harbor. This is between Petoskey and Charlevoix. It is a beautiful man-made area, but not a cheap place to vacation or live!
Water clarity was awesome. To stay here, I’m sure you need to be ready to “rough it”. LOL Remember when you’re told, “If you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it!” ? I went online and could not find the rates. The Penthouse accommodations have a minimum 14-day stay, and look amazing.
Petoskey and Hemingway
The Backlot Petosky – a beer garden and food trucks. We walked to the Backlot for a refreshment. I enjoyed the painted walls nearby.
Jerry dropped us off so we could get our Jeep to drive back to their place for dinner and a campfire. I made some keto brownies to take over for dessert.
Jerry BBQ’d huge smoked pork chops for dinner. Once again – we did NOT think to take a picture with our yummy salad, corn-on-the-cob, and the pork chop.
It was so pleasant sitting outside with a campfire as we looked out onto the lake. A couple of swans make their home at this end of the lake. I enjoyed watching them with their cygnet. Belinda shared that the baby came late. Most cygnets are significantly bigger by now and are all white. They doubt this guy will make it through the year.
We thoroughly enjoyed this peaceful, intimate time around the fire together.
We said goodbye, and headed back to Jellystone. In the morning I gave a “goodbye honk” with our airhorn as we passed by their place on our way out of Petoskey. If I had thought of it sooner, we would have sent them a text to come out to their driveway. Thank you, Jerry and Belinda for such a special time!! See you at CVR in November.
This makes me want to see Michigan!! Looks like you had a great time with Jerry and Belinda.