RV Journal

Friday, May 25, 2012

Northern Trip - Day 1

We left Waterloo about 9 a.m. with a destination of Chutes Provincial Park in Massey, Ontario. With our Jeep Liberty in tow, we covered the 545 km distance in about 7 hours, including a 40 minute lunch break about 30 km south of Parry Sound. As can be expected along Highway 69, the rocky scenery is stunning.

There were a few light showers along the way, accompanied by some wind gusts that made the drive a bit challenging at times. However, once we arrived at Chutes Provincial Park we appreciated the breeze as it helped keep the mosquitoes and black flies under control.

No, we were not driving on the "rumble strip|

Pickerel River

Bridges over French River

Approaching Sudbury

A tight turn as we approach campsite 48

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Holland, Michigan trip - Day 4

This afterrnoon the Brouwer family got together again for coffee and pie. Thanks to everyone for a great time of reminiscing and good food. Our prayer is that everyone will be in good health and able to get together again soon.

Tomorrow we head for home.

Judy with her brother, three sisters and their spouses

Judy's sisters Shirley & Rose

Rose & her husband Lee

Elmer, Glen & Peter

Judy's brother Denny & his wife Emily

Rhubarb Custard Pie

Peanut Butter Pie

Emily cutting the pies

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Holland, Michigan Trip - Day 3

Yesterday afternoon we enjoyed a family get together at the home of Judy's brother in Zeeland, Michigan. We haven't seen them since September 2009.

A visit to Holland, Michigan typically includes a visit to the North Holland area where Judy was raised. We were thrilled to learn that the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (which now sits on the Brouwer family farm property) used bricks from the family home to construct a large sign (see photo below).

Ordinarily the tulips would be in full bloom at this time of year but with the unusually early Spring, they were pretty much past their prime stage of beauty. However, the blossoming shrubs and trees, especially on South Shore Drive, helped compensate for the lack of tulips.

One noticeable change since our last visit. It is obvious that the State of Michigan has taken steps to reduce wind erosion of its famous sand dunes. Areas that were once exposed to the strong winds coming off Lake Michigan are now covered with a protective layer of grasses and small shrubs.

Church sign constructed with bricks from Judy's family home

Tunnel entrance at Tunnel Park on Lake Michigan

Self-portrait at Tunnel Park beach lookout

Another photo at Tunnel Park, Lake Michigan

Historic lighthouse at entrance to Lake Macatawa from Lake Michigan

Holland State Park Beach

Tulips past their prime

Large dwelling on South Shore Drive

Unknown variety of tree with Violet blossoms

Beautiful shrub, possibly an Azalea

More beautiful shrubbery on South Shore Drive

A not-so-typical dwelling on South Shore Drive

Dutch Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Holland, Michigan Trip - Day 1

Destined for Holland and Zeeland, Michigan to visit Judy's siblings, we left Waterloo, Ontario at about 10:30 am. Aside from a 40 minute wait at the Canada / US border (Sarnia / Port Huron), we made excellent time. While awaiting our turn at the US Customs gates, we were treated to a flock of 25 to 30 hawks, possibly in migration, circling above the staging area.

The day began pretty much wind free so the first leg of the journey was smooth. However, once across the border the southwest winds began to increase, hitting us broadside from the left and occasionally from the right. The strong winds, compounded by the poor condition of some sections of the interstate highway, added up to a white knuckle ride at times. A messy windshield, the result of thousands of bug and butterfly impacts, surely didn't help.

Heading into the sun, the interior temperature rose to nearly 29 degrees Celsius by mid afternoon. That's when we realized that our in-dash air conditioning wasn't working, so we fired up the generator and switched on one of the roof top air conditioners to keep cool.