Summer 2024 Vacation Continues in St. Ignace, Mackinac/Mackinaw, Michigan!

It's been a busy couple of weeks on the road for our Summer 2024 trip. So far we've been to AL, Lake City, FL, Santee, SC, WVA, Ohio, and Indiana.

June 17th we left Indiana and headed into Michigan.

On the way we stopped at a rest area and upon arrival stayed at a KOA campground. Neither of those bathrooms were anything to sing about so we won't even discuss them. 

What we will talk about is the beautiful city of St. Ignace - pronounced Ignus....yeah the forgave my southern accent and ingnorance of proper pronunciation LOL!

One of the main attractions of this area is the 5-mile bridge crossing the Straits of Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw).

Here is a video from the ferry ride the next day on our way to Mackinac Island...

For more on this iconic structure and some really great pics, visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority Website.

Next time I'll take you along with me on the ferry and around Mackinac Island State Park so check back often!

Until then, safe travels.

PamT

Indiana Dunes National Park ~ 2024 Summer Trip

Kissing the coastline of Lake Michigan, this 15,000 acre National Park has over 50 miles of trails for avid hikers and lush scenery along the drive throughout the Dunes.

Although my traveling partner and I love to hike, and we did do some walking, due to our timeline for visiting all the places we wanted to go, we didn't partake in any of the 19 hikes covering 66 miles of wetlands, woodlands, praries and dunes.

Filled with history and culture, the visitors center is a maze of amazing art exhibits, activities and information about the Indiana Dunes National and State parks.

The restrooms were meticulously clean - which always makes me do a happy dance and the pituresque beauty of the area and the dunes is something to behold.

There are many signs along the way informing you of the various wildlife that might be out and about and warning you not to feed them, but one made me think of home. 

Being from Louisiana where turtles are always crossing the road, especially during egg-laying season, this one made me smile so I just had to take a pic!

Here are a couple more photos for you to enjoy....

Gorgeous Lake Michigan

 

This colorful Bison statue stands guard over the Visitor Center's walkway and provides a wonderful photo op.

Hope you enjoyed this short trip down memory lane with me at the Indiana Dunes National Park and that you'll check back often for updates and adventures with me.

Until next time, happy trails...

PamT

Back on the Road with My Summer 2024 Summer Vacation Trip...

They say time flies when you're having fun. I can attest to that! Too much time has flown by since I shared more of my 2024 vacation with you and it's almost time for my 2025 trip!

The first quarter of the year is alway busy for a tax preparer. Add to that releasing a new book and launching a writing course, well, hopefully you understand why I disappeared for a while.

After visiting the Football and Rock -n- Roll Halls of Fame, we left our campground headed for the Indiana Dunes National Park.

If you've pulled an RV you know how important it is to find truck stops and/or rest areas with adequate space to park. 

The one we found in between Mogadore, OH and Porter, IN was one of the most beautiful and comfortable travel plaza I've ever seen.

Applegreen Travel Plaza's are spread out from Ireland and the UK to the US! Not only do they have beautiful and well maintained restrooms, they have an actual food court and convenience store. Check out this video...

The reason I've never seen these beautiful facilities, is because they are scattered throughout the upper NE US. Although we have traveled in some of those areas, I guess we passed them by unaware as to how nice they really are.

But now we know.

And So Do YOU!

If you're ever traveling and come across a full Applegreen Travel Plaza, stop and enjoy the variety of dining opportunities and lovely restrooms.

I'll share the Indiana Dunes National Park visit with you in my next post.

Until then, safe travels!

PamT