Michigan Vacation!

Back in the spring we asked Daniel where he would like to go for vacation.  Without much hesitation he said, "the cottage!"  KT and I agreed, remembering the good times we had last year on Budd Lake in Harrison, MI.

A major goal for this year's trip was for Daniel to catch a fish.  Without much delay, we headed to the boat dock upon arrival.

KT and Daniel casting away.

Fortunately fish are not very smart, at least not at first.  We soon caught a nice sunfish by simply dropping an un-baited hook into the water.  Subsequent attempts were not as successful so we progressed to banana chunks and finally bait on the hook to catch several more sunfish.

Nice first catch fisherman Daniel!

The temperatures were pretty mild the first part of our week on the lake.  It was mid to upper 70's by day and in the 40's at night.  We still spent plenty of time down by the water.  Tuesday I headed 5 miles south to Mid Michigan Community College for a mountain bike ride.

Forgot bike pump and didn't have presta to schrader

adapter.  Solution... shoot air into CO2 pump head.

It worked!

Last year I really grew to like this ~10 mile course.  It's not flat but rolling, there's plenty of corners and twists, and the occasional sand puddle adds to the interest.

In the woods.

The course was in great shape this year.  From some web reading I'd heard there were some storms resulting in down trees earlier this year.  I saw very little evidence of damage and constantly thought this is a cared for trail.

Plenty of interesting 'shrooms along the trail.

The Karate Monkey was my steed this year.  I knew it would be a perfect match to the course and there were no disappointments in this choice.  Only one gear is needed, though I could've used a smaller cog on this course, and suspension is not necessary here.  The quick handling and agility of the Monkey made for tons of fun.

Banana stop.

KT and the kids went for a hike while I rode.  As we relaxed under a tree near the parking lot a mountain biker car pulled in.  We talked with a retired couple of school teachers who came from nearby to ride.  They also had a really positive review of the course.

Post hike rest break.

This is how retired teachers roll.

 

Less than 10 minutes from our cottage to the trail, there will be more rides this week.

The end.