My sister Beth and I took a day to revisit Mackinac island. It’s been 5 years since I was there and even longer than that for Beth. It was a perfect day with plenty of sun and temperatures in the mid 70’s.

This was my campground that I camp hosted at. It is a great place with a lot of things to do. I was never bored. I did learn to leave my site when not on duty. Luckily the beach and Historic town site were very easy walks. Below are just a couple of fun pictures.

As the third week began, I found a balance of being a camp host and me time. There were more kids (like one family reunion had over 30 kids!) and requests for rock painting. I quickly found out you needed to set a time limit and painting participants. It also helps to walk away from my site once things are wrapped up. Sunsets calm the spirit and reinvigorate. I was lucky that in the end, they were all very polite and respectful of my requests.

Week 4 was much the same, not quite so many kids and more adults. Given what I learned week 3, this last week went well.

I am seriously thinking I’ll be back next July to host again.

Such a great way to camp for free. Everyone is super friendly and polite. Especially the kids. I’m not used to being called Miss Patty but it’s nice. I was asked by one boy if he could call me Aunt Patty. Lol! I  had to say no to  Grandma Patty.

There’s so much beauty here as well as hikes, sunsets and fires at night. A good imagination also helps when finding treasures in the woods. Not me, but kids across from me found the below. It was their murder investigation evidence.

I had a great opportunity to visit with two of my sisters who live out of town and came to Charlevoix for a visit. Of course we included mom! It was also fortunate that my nephew and families from Texas also were in town for a few days. Great fun doing things in Charlevoix and sharing stories!

While visiting, I joined some of the family at Castle Farms. I remember when there were concerts here back in the late 70’s early 80’s. Now it’s been transformed into a Wedding venue,  multiple museums, gardens,  mazes and an enchanted forest trail for both kids and adults to enjoy.

I have to admit I was a little appreciative about taking in a Camp host position for the month of July. However, campers are the best! I should have not been nervous. I met some great people and I hope to run into them again in the future. The 4th bike parade was great fun and the kids were excited and made about 4 or 5 loops around the campground.

I do believe I talked to everyone camping this weekend. Received a ton of compliments and made some 5 year olds day!

I also stayed a few nights at my Elks Lodge campground. 4 beautiful sites tucked behind the Lodge. I was the only one there for 3 of my 4 nights. Great to catch up with some members here and enjoy the fresh grilled burgers on Friday night. As a bonus, this year was free wood. You know I enjoyed that.

Hi all, sorry for the delay on posting but I’ve been busy! 3 different Harvest Hosts stays around my hometown.

First stay was Blue Dot Winery and Farm. This used to be a horse farm and there are still some horses on the grounds. A beautiful Vinyard has been planted and the wines are starting to emerge. There was a cider as well that was pretty good.

Next was one of my favorites! Boyne Valley Vineyard! Maryann met me and we caught up on my travels. She recommended me to take a spot in the woods. A fantastic place to stop!

My third host was new to Harvest Hosts and it was a Centennial Farm. Mostly dairy cows now but they did a lot of actually farming in the beginning.  It’s a great story! I was impressed with how clean the whole area was a smells were minimal.

I always have some projects that need to be done while at my sister’s home. We work well together!

I always swing into Charlevoix to see my mom for her birthday! 94 trips around the sun! We had multiple dinners and lunches out and about the area to celebrate!