This Old Camper - Northern Camper

FREE
June 2009
got rocks?
l This Old Camper ~ Exterior Renovations
l History Corner ~ Preserving Michigan Lighthouses
Plus Recipes, Puzzles & Camper Information
2 l The Northern Camper
SHAY STATION
COFFEE & WINE BAR
New Wine Bar!
Discover our new Wine Bar offering the finest of Michigan and regional vineyards! By the glass, bottle or retail
to-go selections, come in and discover our new appetizer menu (two new pages!)) and compliment it with
your favorite glass of wine or, how about dessert and
wine? Perfect! Sample our selections at our weekly Wine
Flights every Tuesday from 6-8pm starting June 9th. Try
before you buy! Our new Wine Bar opens at 11 am.
We also have a great selection of domestic and imported
Come visit our 1920s soda fountain for an old
beer to go along with that specialty Pizza we’ll whip up
fashioned ice cream soda. Enjoy our full menu of
for you!
special beverages from creamy fruit smoothies
to double chocolate mochas. Our Fajita Chicken
May Hours: Mon: 7 AM-6 PM–Tues–Thurs: 7 am–10 PM,
Wrap & Spicy Bacon Turkey Salad can’t be beat.
Fri: 7 AM–11 PM, Sat: 8AM–11 PM
Our menu features specialty Pizzas, Paninis
served on Ciabatta Bread, Wraps, Traditional
Sandwiches, Salads and a variety of Fresh
Soups daily. Shay Station will surprise & delight
you with an exciting menu, warm personal
231-775-6150
service & unique gifts.
106 South Mitchell St, Cadillac
“See you
at the Shay!”
Ask About Our Boxed Lunches!
www.shaystation.com
Located in Downtown Lake City
WhiteTail Realty
Serving Wexford & Missaukee Counties
Falling in Love
with Northern Michigan?
Come see us for cabins, cottages
& recreational properties!
We provide superior customer care whether you are buying or selling
real estate. Stop in and see us in “Downtown” Lake City or call us
TODAY to sell or purchase your next property!!! WhiteTail Realty is
where you come to get results.
231-839-8142 • Toll free: 1-877-212-1405
www.LakeCityMiRealEstate.com
101 S. Main St., Lake City, MI
Have a Nice Day!
J
BC Pizza................................................. 13
Bob Evans............................................... 16
Brinks Art & Frame Shop........................ 20
Cadillac Family Pharmacy...................... 15
Cadillac Farmer’s Market.......................... 7
Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority........ 18
Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center.....23
Coffee Cup............................................. 22
Foster’s Supermarket................................ 8
Hometown Cafe....................................... 9
Jerry’s Pharmacy.................................... 13
Korner Gem............................................. 7
Northland Trailers.................................. 18
Reed City................................................. 3
ReMax – Alderden Team........................ 20
Shay Station............................................. 2
Stoney Creek Golf Course...................... 19
Tasty Treat (Lake City & McBain)...... 7 & 9
Town Pump Saloon................................ 16
WhiteTail Realty....................................... 2
The Northern Camper l 3
✎ Editor’s Pencil
W hat G oes A round
W
e have this very cool photograph of Sapphire
Lake taken from our deck. It hangs in the
family room over our dog’s favorite chair. When I
can get the dog out of the chair or at least make him
share, the view from the chair is the same as that
taken in the photograph.
So the dog and I are sharing the chair and I’m
looking at the lake and the dock and back to the
photograph. The difference—the water in the
photo is about three feet below the dock. As I look
outside today, a strong wave would push water right
through the dock planks. Lake levels are high again
so the age old saying must be true—what goes
around comes around.
Let’s hope the bustling days of people enjoying
Northern Michigan—be it the beloved tourists for
weekend visits or the generations of families who
where raised here—all find ways to see the good
come back around. Be it camping, boating, or simply looking—the beauty surrounds us in this place
we call up north.
Our goal is to keep The Northern Camper filled with
the good news going around. Check out our “got
rocks?” feature that begins this month. Learn more
about the beloved Petoskey Stone and elusive Leland
Blue which are sure to keep you combing beaches
and surrounding woods for hours. (I find Petoskey
Stones when I walk the dogs in the woods around
Sapphire Lake . . . they’re out there!)
Gerry Bandelow from “This Old Camper” has great
tips on exterior restoration that make even his wife
proud of their camper parked in the front driveway.
Our “History Corner” features preserving Michigan lighthouses and spotlights the Grand Traverse
Lighthouse.
Could you do any of this without food? Of course
we know you’ll patronize the local grocers and
restaurants and try some of the “Cookin’ Camper’s”
recipes in your Dutch oven.
Thanks again to our sponsors for allowing us to
publish the good news and to our readers who enjoy
reading it. Now see if you can get the dog to share
his chair, sit down and enjoy The Northern Camper.
We have the whole summer in front of us to keep
the good news going and coming around! l
James Dissette & Kathy Salvatore
Rambadt Memorial Park ~
so much more than a campground.
Warm nights, sweet and hot music, free concerts at
the pavilion every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
The park is now open with its gazebos, perennials
and the Old Rugged Cross Museum just up the hill.
From the park, a short hike east across the Little
Mac Bridge along the Hersey River is a jewel of a
community at the junction of the White Pine and
Pere Marquette Trails.
“Cruise the Crossroads” with us. Visit our historic
train depot – home to the Chamber, DDA and trail
staging area, adjacent to our beautiful downtown
with restaurants and unique shopping.
Hiking, biking, great gold panning and fishing.
And don’t miss the Great American Crossroads
festival in August (13-16).
Bring the family. We’re all about family!
For a schedule of events and park and camping
information, visit:
4 l The Northern Camper
WELCOME TO
The Northern Camper is distributed
May though September for Wexford,
Missaukee, northern Osceola and
western Roscommon counties.
The Northern Camper is published by
Niche Communications in Lake City,
Michigan. Entire contents copyright
2009 by Niche Communications. All
rights reserved. Reproduction or use
of content in any manner is strictly
prohibited. The Northern Camper is
a registered trademark and its use is
prohibited. Niche Communications
reserves the right to refuse
advertising not deemed acceptable
by the publishers Jim Dissette and
Kathy Salvatore.
About The Cover
Thirty four colors of cut and polished
Leland Blue including a necklace with
copper designed by Brenda Stricker.
The top shows recent uncovered
pieces buried since 1870. At the
bottom are raw iron ore, iron, and
beach washed pieces of Leland Blue.
Advertising Information
(231) 394-1549
(443) 480-5830
F
Volume 5, Issue 2 l June 2009
eatures
got rocks?....................... 5
Camper’s Knot............... 16
Author Kevin Gauthier shares his
passion for rock collecting and
photos of Leland Blue stones.
Constrictor’s Knot
Camper’s Gadget9
Power Dome EX Portable
Emergency Power
Sudoku............................ 9
The Cookin’ Camper..... 10
Campground Directory.....19
Campgrounds in Wexford,
Missaukee, Northern Osceola &
Western Roscommon Counties
Crossword..................... 21
Festivities...................... 24
Dutch Oven Recipes and More
This Old Camper........... 12
Exterior Renovations
Book Review................. 13
The Bone Collector, by Jeffery Deaver
8370 W. Jennings Rd.
Lake City, MI 49651
©2009
History Corner.............. 14
Preserving Michigan Lighthouses
www.northerncamper.com
got rocks?
The Northern Camper l 5
Leland Blue, Turquoise of the North
by Kevin Gauthier
As a boy I would float
it was years later when I realized
store and surprise or stump me
how right I was.
with a new one.
on a surfboard in the north
My
collecting
rocks
started
with
The blue ones . . . Leland
end of Lake Leelanau looking
Michigan
stones
and
today,
I
still
Blue
is the by-product material
through a diving mask in about
enjoy the variety of stones found
from the smelting of iron ore
1 ½ feet of water. Any deeper wain Leland during the
ter, my arms were too short
1870’s. In the mid 1800’s,
to reach the bottom so I
a discovery of iron ore in
couldn’t retrieve any rocks.
Marquette, Michigan led
I learned my big toes could
to the rise of many small
push off the lake bottom
town smelters. The impuand propel me along the
rities of quartz in the iron
shoreline. Lying sideways
ore during the smelting
on my styrofoam surfboard,
process turned into glass.
I could put my container
Dolomite was used as a
of rocks next to me on
flux to lower the melting
the board. This method
point. The molten steel
worked great, especially on
would sink to the bottom
calm days. However, after
of the smelter and the
being swamped by passing
remains of the dolomite
motor boats several times, I
and quartz were removed
learned to time the disfrom the top creating the
tance of the engine noise
Leland Blue stone.
to how soon I should look
Most smelters produced
up from the water and hold
a variety of colored byonto my cup of rocks so the
products, mostly gray and
waves didn’t wash them off
black. However, the Lemy board.
land smelter produced a
Leland Blue attached to the iron that was produced
From the beach where my
rich deep blue color like
in 1870 along with raw iron ore (shiny gray) and
parents anchored their boat
stripped
dolomite
found
during
excavating.
the water surrounding
(Fudgie Beach), I would
the harbor. Some of this
run most of the mile and
slag ended up in Lake
a half into Leland to buy
on Michigan beaches. During
Michigan. By the 1940’s and
ice cream. Then I would sneak
the
past
32
years,
I
have
collect50’s, large rounded pieces about
down to the “big” lake (Lake
ed,
cut
and
polished
rocks
from
the size of a hand could still be
Michigan) where there were even
around
the
world.
I
have
co-aufound. But as time went by, the
more rocks to find. I would only
thored two books on rock collectelements of water and sand has
pick up Petoskey stones and “the
ing
in
Michigan.
Michigan
rocks
worn down the blue glass to small
blue ones” because I had to carry
are
among
my
favorites
and
when
tumbled pieces.
them back to the boat. At the
I
think
I
have
seen
most
all
variettime, my boyish thinking said the
ies, someone will walk into my
blue rocks were really cool, but
(continued on page 6)
6 l The Northern Camper
got rocks? (continued from page 5)
Today, a piece the size of a
buried for over 130 years. For a
To my amazement, when I
fifty cent coin is a large piece.
brief moment in time, enthusiasts
sliced a few pieces, there were
Leland Blue can be found on
were able to gather up what they
small round steel pellets imbedthe beaches in
ded in the material.
Leland, south of
The variety of color
the harbor. You
that was exposed
will find Leland
was puzzling. These
Blue in a variety
were the same
of colors: a rich
colors as you would
royal blue, robins
find on the beach,
egg blue, bluish
but also a few new
purple, purple
colors—a rich sea
and green. The
foam green and a
green variety
periwinkle purple.
is sometimes
Many of the colors
referred to as
could be found in
Frankfort Green
the same area with
as the smelter in
no rhyme or reaFrankfort, Michison. This leads to
gan only prothe question of why
duced a green
the many colors at
Leland Blue that was hot glass and fused to the sand in 1870 . . .
slag, but the
this smelter, and
cool piece of history! Rock will be on display at the Bead Hut in Fish Town.
Leland smelter
not at other smeltalso produced
ers in the area?
a green color. Blue is the most
could find before the material
Several people have told me
desirable color for collectors and
was buried once again. Other
it was the type of wood being
for the making of jewelry.
than a rare chance that a fishing
used to run the furnace. SpendA recent construction project
net had picked up a large piece,
ing a lot of time in the woods
uncovered very large chunks of
most people have never seen
and camping, I do not buy into
this blue material that has been
these sizable chunks.
this theory. The same types
(continued)
Rock Picker’s Tip of the Month
Lighthouses are a great place to go rock hunting.
They are almost always built
on a point. The point in the lake exists because the rocks hold the point from
washing away. The largest boulders are found at the point as you walk towards the
bay. On either side, the rocks will become smaller and graduated down to pebble
size and eventually turn to a sandy beach. So whether you are looking for larger
rocks for the garden or small ones to cover a picture frame, the rocks are sorted for
you. This typically holds true for most points that jet out into the lake.
Please feel free to e-mail me with questions or if you have a recommendation
for future articles on a particular rock or mineral at [email protected].
Please put the subject as “Northern Camper Question.” Be sure to look in next
month’s issue for my article on Michigan’s famous Petoskey Stones, complete with
photos from a thirty-year collection of naturally colored Petoskey’s including faint
colors of pink, red, purple and yellow.
The Northern Camper l 7
got rocks? (continued)
of hardwood—Maple, Oak, Ash, Red Elm (at the
time) could be found in Frankfort, Elk Rapids and
other areas where the slag is just gray or green. My
thought is Leland has a variety of colors due to
the different types of fluxes used to make different
types of steel. I hope to find out what created the
different colors by having pieces of the glass and
pieces of striped raw dolomite found on site analyzed at Michigan Tech University.
With a quantity of raw material available, I believe
the Leland Blue will be an up and coming stone
for use by many local artisans. If you are in Leland,
hunting the blue stone or enjoying the ambiance of
the area, stop at The Bead Hut in Fish Town to see
a display of Leland Blue pieces, smelted steel from
the foundry and jewelry made from it.
In Traverse City (Grelickville) stop at Korner
Gem and check out the variety of Michigan stones,
beads and stone jewelry. Learn more about Leland
Blue in The Lake Michigan Rock Picker’s Guide. It has
over thirty close-up colored pictures of most local
Michigan stones so you can begin to call your stones
by name. l
NEW FOR 2009
"Lighthouses"
Handcrafted from local beach stones by Korner Gem
The largest selection of local
Michigan beach stone jewelry
and beads ANYWHERE
including: Petoskey stone,
Leland Blue, Pudding stone,
Lake Superior agate & Fordite
[email protected]
CadillacFarmer’s
Kornergem.com
Market
New Location! Find us at Chestnut & Lake Streets across from Boat Launch
Farm Fresh Vegetables in Season! Tomatoes & More As They Arrive
Raspberries, Strawberries* & Seasonal Fruit
Farm Fresh Eggs
Maple Syrup, Fresh Cut Flowers, Shrubs when in Season
And Much More!
* Depending on availability
Opening Tuesday June 23rd
1/2 day on June 23rd, 26th, 30th. July 3rd
from 8:30 to 1:00pm
Full Days Tuesdays and Fridays after July 4th
8:30 to 4:30
For more info call 775-6310
8 l The Northern Camper
I s n ’ t
S o
Sapphire Lake Loon Update
Loon chicks fledge (become independent and able to fly)
about 12 weeks after hatching. If you believe the last adult
loon has left the lake and also when the last chick has left,
please call Loon Ranger Helen Sutton, 231-839-8203. This
happens around the end of August or first week in September.
More information about our loons can be found on the
Sapphire Lake website, www.sapphirelake.net.
“Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.”
“Instead of a permit system or regulations, the
Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to
wilderness.”
“Trails need to be wider so people can walk while
holding hands.”
“Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use
walking sticks are more likely to chase animals.”
I t
word to your family, guests, neighbors and other visitors
to the lake to watch out for our loons. If you see anyone
bothering them write down the number of their boat then call
the Department of Natural Resources, 231-775-9727.
“A small deer came into my camp and stole my
bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.”
“Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid
building trails that go uphill.”
S a y
Two chicks were born Saturday, May 23. Spread the
These are actual comments left on U. S. Forest Service
registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers
completing wilderness camping trips:
“Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of
snow in the winter.”
“Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and
spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the
area of these pests.”
“Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we
can get to wonderful views without having to
hike to them.”
839-2073
4 Blocks East of Lake Missaukee Campground
on M-55 Across From School
Liquor, Beer & Wine • Fresh Deli
Custom Cut Meats • Sweet Rolls
Fresh Produce
Propane Exchange • Firewood
DNR Licenses
Senior Discount- 5% Off Every Tuesday
Pharmacy Inside Store: Hours
Open 9 am - 6 pm Mon-Sat • 839-5800
The Northern Camper l 9
Camper’s Tasty Treat
Gadget
emergency power source. It can be used as a power
source for 110 volt AC or 12 volt DC applications
such as computers, TVs, fax machines, audio, fans,
electrical tools, etc. It can also start your car engine
in an emergency situation. The built-in battery is
high grade sealed lead acid and is maintenance free.
Retail lists for $130 - $160.
Functions
• Portable & Rechargeable Power
• 2 AC Outlets and 1 DC Outlet
• Multi-functional
• 260 PSI Air Compressor
• 600 Amp Cranking Power Jump-Starter
• 400 Watt Inverter
• 1000 Watt Surge
• Built-In Radio With iPod™ Input
• High Intensity LED Light
Camper Sudoku
8
5
6
3
1
Able To Power
• Laptop (45w) – 4.5 Hours
• Boom Box (23w) – 8 Hours
• Fax Machine (15w) – 18 Hour Standby
• Camcorder (8w) – 24 Hours
• Video Game (35w) – 5.5 Hours
• Portable Refrigerator (45w) – 4.5 Hours
• 13” TV (59w) – 3 Hours
• Power Drill (360w) – 1 Hour
7
8
5
2
8
7
9 8
1
4
6 1
6
4
3
4
9
8
5
New!
12 Refreshing Real Fruit Smoothies!!!
32 Flavors of Award Winning
Ashby-Sterling Hand Dip
All the Favorites Including
3 Flavors Sugar Free
11 Flavors of Premium Soft Serve
CAFE
“Where families gather”
DAILY
SPECIALS
Locally Owned
Breakfast All Day!
Homemade Desserts • Home of “Big Dave Burger”
Senior Menu • Carry Out
Open 6 am—9 pm 7 Days a Week
119 S. Main St., Lake City • 231-839-3010
Great food: mouth watering Burgers,
Chili Cheese Fries,
Beer Batter Onion Rings,
Popcorn Chicken
& Much, much more.
Downtown Lake City
839-7330
ANSWER ON PAGE 23
Power Dome EX is a multi-purpose
2 Blocks East of Campground
Making it Great Since 1948!
Cookin’
Campe rs
10 l The Northern Camper
BAG KABOBS
• Beef Or Chicken
• Bell Peppers
• Mushrooms
• Onion
• Jalapeno Peppers (Optional)
• Small Potatoes
Chicken & Vegetables
• Zucchini Squash
• 4-6 Whole Boneless Chicken Breast
• Fresh Garlic
• 1 Cream Of Chicken, Mushroom Or
Broccoli Soup
• 2-3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1/2 C Water Or Milk
• 1 Can Mushrooms
• 2 Bags Of Cauliflower, Broccoli And
Carrots (Frozen Vegetable Mix)
• Lemon Or Lime
• McCormick’s Salt-Free Chicken Seasoning
• Powdered Butter Flavoring
• 2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
• 1 Large Onion
• Lemon Pepper Seasonings
• Olive Oil
• Dill
• Butter
• Salt & Pepper (Or Seasoning Of Choice)
• Cooking Spray
Spray the bottom of a medium sized foil baking
pan with the cooking spray. Line the bottom of
the pan with sliced onions. Spread the sliced
mushrooms and frozen vegetable mix over
the onion layer. Mix soup and water (or milk).
Spread soup mixture over vegetables. Add a
little olive oil and butter. Season chicken and
place on top of mixture.
Using heavy duty aluminum foil, cover the
pan completely from side to side and end to
end wrapping all the way over the bottom of
the pan to create a good seal. Put on camping
rack over hot coals. Check for doneness after
approximately 1 hour (cooking time will
vary depending on the heat from the coals).
You may place directly on the coals, but the
mixture may stick to the bottom of the pan.
Serve with your choice of bread.
Boil potatoes for approximately 4-5 minutes
depending on size. They should still be firm
and crisp, not mushy. They will finish cooking
on the grill. Let potatoes cool completely
before putting in foil bag.
Chop bell peppers, onion and zucchini squash
into large pieces. Put chopped vegetables,
whole jalapenos, whole potatoes and whole
mushrooms into a large foil bag with garlic,
olive oil, lemon or lime juice, soy sauce, butter
flavoring, lemon pepper seasonings, and dill.
Cut meat into large stew size pieces. Put meat
in a separate foil bag with 1/4 cup of olive oil,
garlic, chicken seasonings, butter flavoring and
2 tablespoons of soy sauce. When using more
than one kind of meat, put in separate bags.
Place the foil bags into larger 2-gallon ziplock
bags to store while traveling.
To cook, remove foil bags from plastic ziplock
bags and grill for 8-10 minutes, turning after
5-6 minutes. Let sit before opening bags.
The Northern Camper l 11
Breakfast Burritos
Buttermilk Waffles
• 2 Lbs. Jimmy Dean or Favorite Sausage
• 2 C Flour
• 24 Eggs
• 1/4 C Brown Sugar (Packed)
• 1-2 Lbs. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 Tsp. Baking Soda
• 20 Large Flour Tortillas
• 1-1/2 Tsp. Baking Powder
Cook breakfast sausage and scramble the eggs.
Preheat a few tortillas in your microwave at
home, spoon out generous portions of sausage,
scrambled eggs and cheese on a softened
tortilla and roll it up. Wrap it individually in
aluminum foil. You can then freeze them as
they keep well. To cook, place them on a grill
surface over the camp fire. Look for the tortilla
to be slightly brown and crispy. Put some hot
sauce on it and it’s a breakfast fit for a king.
• 1/2 Tsp. Salt
• 3 Eggs
• 2 C Buttermilk
• 1/2 C Butter (Melted)
• 1 Tsp. Vanilla
Mix eggs, buttermilk, butter and vanilla. Pour in
dry ingredients and mix. Batter will be runny.
Pour 1/2 cup batter onto waffle baker. Make
recipe easy – premix dry ingredients in ziplock
bag and add liquid ingredients at campsite.
Makes 3-1/2 cups batter.
Dutch Oven Chili
• 1 lb. Hamburg
Dutch Oven Chicken
• 1 Large Onion
• 2 Whole, Medium-Size Chickens
• 1 Large Ripe Tomato
• 1 16. oz. Can Black Beans
• 1 16 oz. Can Red Kidney Beans
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (Red Adds Sweetness
That Compliments Hot Stuff)
• Three Shakes Crushed Red Pepper
• 3 Splashes Jalapeno Sauce
• Garlic to Taste
Warm Dutch oven (3 or 5 qt.) on a grate over a
hot fire (more coals than flame). Pour just enough
of your favorite oil to coat the bottom of the pot.
Sauté the onions, tomato and bell pepper, stirring as
needed until they start to soften. Add hamburg and
mix well, cover and allow the hamburg to brown.
Add both cans of beans, jalapeno sauce, garlic and
crushed red pepper. Mix well and cover again.
Stirring frequently allows you to monitor the texture.
If fire is too hot the chili may thicken too much. Add
a little water if needed but be careful not to make it
too watery. This recipe is tangy but not hot. Serves
two healthy appetites or three normal ones.
• Flour
• Salt, Pepper and/or Seasoning
• 3 Tbsp. Oil
• 3 Tbsp. Butter
• 1 Large Onion
• 1 Red Pepper
• 1 Green Pepper
• 1 Cup Chicken Broth
• 1 Beer (Plus What You’ll Drink)
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 2 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
Dredge chickens in seasoned flour (flour, salt,
pepper, and any seasoning salt). Brown all sides
in large Dutch oven with oil and butter. Remove
birds. Add chopped onion, red and green peppers.
Stir in hot oil till tender. Replace birds in pot and
cover with chicken broth, beer, bay leaves and
vinegar. Suggest 20 coals on the bottom and 20 on
the lid of oven. Cook 1-1/2 hours.
12 l The Northern Camper
Camper
This Old
“Honey, could you find another place to put that old
camper rather then in front of the house? I don’t want anyone
to see that old eye-sore.”
Have you had a conversation like that lately? How
about the last time you
took your camper to a
campground? Did you tip
your fishing cap down over
your eyes so that no one
would recognize you while
you were standing by it?
Maybe it’s time to give that
old tin-can a face lift.
Whether you already
own an older camper or
are thinking of purchasing
an older model, there
are several relatively
inexpensive things you
can do to bring that classic
camper back to the prestige
it once had.
In this issue of The
Northern Camper I will cover
renovating the exterior
from tire to top and
trailer tongue to tail end.
Taking on a full exterior
restoration is really not as
time consuming or costly
as you may think. Your
biggest obstacle may just
be yourself, so keep that
positive I-can-do-it attitude
throughout the project.
First thing you will need
to do is assess the entire
exterior of the trailer. Let’s
start by grabbing a pad of paper. Make out a list, label
three columns, “To Do,” Need To Purchase,” and “Wish
List.” Now start your assessment of the camper—look for
things like lights that are cracked or missing, paint that
needs replacing, rusty or missing hubcaps—make sure
to list every detail. The wish list column could include
items such as a rear bumper mounted receiver for a bike
carrier or cargo carrier or maybe a spare tire cover. I
found that having a camper parts and accessories catalog
A Do-It-Yourself
Guide For Camper
Maintenance
by Gerry Bandelow, Lake City
can come in very handy. I picked mine up at Jensen’s RV
Center for under four bucks and use it all the time for
referencing parts.
I like to start from the ground up. It’s amazing how
much better a camper looks with new paint on the frame
and wheels. Older campers
have standard wheel sizes,
like 15", so most hubcaps at
your local automotive dealer
can be used. Tires should
also be assessed for tread
ware and checking. Note that
standard automotive tires
will fit on your older camper
rims, but should not be
used. Car/truck tires are not
engineered for the unique
stresses of trailering. A
stronger tire is needed, more
like a 4 to 8 ply depending
on the weight.
Most campers build up
black streaks and mildew
on the aluminum. These
can be easily removed by
cleaners and/or power
washing. I found that using
a light automotive rubbing
compound (rub lightly
so paint is not removed)
followed by an automotive
wash and wax works best
(hold off on the wax if
painting is needed).
Now that the camper is
clean, check the paint and/
or vinyl decals to determine
if they need to be repainted
or replaced. Repainting is
fairly simple. I found spray cans work the best. Mask off
the area not being painted using blue masking tape and
newspapers. To find the right color you may have to shop
around. To remove a sample, use clear scotch tape, rub
it on the old paint, then peel until a piece of the paint
comes up with it. My camper is the typical 70’s autumn
colors of two-tone orange. I had to visit four stores to find
(continued)
The Northern Camper l 13
This Old Camper (continued)
a match. It took just over $20 to bring the colors back to
their original luster. If your camper has vinyl striping,
most sign companies can help, but this will be more
costly than paint.
One of the most noticeable pieces of campers is
the front flip-up corrugated fiberglass stone guard
that protects the front window when the camper is in
tow. Most of these covers sport a scene or the maker’s
logo. Unfortunately, they usually are found faded and
damaged. To find a replacement, fiberglass panel is very
hard and it usually will be a universal size which means
you will have to cut it to fit. I found that a clear piece of
Lexan (not Plexiglas) works very well and can be cut to
fit. I purchased mine at DouGLASS in Cadillac. I then
contacted Northern Michigan Signs and we worked
together to create a scene using vinyl and paint. This
ended up being about the same price as a replacement
piece of fiberglass but better looking and stronger.
Remember with this or any camper project, don’t let
it become overwhelming. Involve the family and keep it
fun. For more info on this or other camper renovation
projects, feel free to contact me at thehappycamperguy@
yahoo.com. Watch for my next column where I’ll be
covering interior renovation. l
Book Review
Mel Danielson, Reed City
“The Bone Collector” by
Jeffery Deaver is a mystery
novel that interested me
more than I expected.
Lincoln Rhyme was a
brilliant criminologist in
forensics until an accident left him
physically and emotionally shattered. Now
there’s a killer out there and Rhyme finds
himself wanting to work the case. A police
detective, Amelia Sachs, ends up working by
his side through the case. Sachs’ life as a police
officer is going a direction she didn’t expect.
She must be Rhyme’s legs and eyes at each
scene. This is all new territory for her and you
really get a sense of how she feels. You also
get to know how Rhyme works. At times you
are looking at the case through the detectives’
eyes and then you’ll find yourself being in the
mind of the killer who won’t stop until he has
stripped life down to the bone.
I felt like the book read smoothly and found
toward the end I thought I knew who the killer
was and was surprised when I was wrong!
WE DELIVER!!
Just one block east of
Missaukee County
Park Campground
Try our famous Pizza
& Lunch Buffet!
(231) 839-1177
45 N. Morey Rd. • Lake City, Michigan
Away from home and need your
prescription filled?
Located in Foster’s Super Market
9 am-6pm Mon-Sat • (231) 839-5800
14 l The Northern Camper
H I S T O R Y
C O R N E R
Preserving Michigan Lighthouses
State Icons
Lighthouses in the United States were
established as early as 1789 by the Lighthouse Establishment and as recently as
World War II by the U. S. Coast Guard.
Michigan has more lighthouses than
any other state with over 120 lighthouses
dotted along an extensive 3,200 miles of
shoreline and scattered on remote islands
and reefs. Most all of the lighthouses have
either been listed in or are eligible for
listing in the National Register of Historic
Places.
As many as 80
of Michigan’s
lighthouses are
still under Federal ownership
and scheduled
for some sort of
disposal within
the next decade.
Given the sheer
number of structures potentially
leaving Federal
jurisdiction and
the apparent lack
of a transfer process, the National
Trust for Historic Preservation named the
Michigan Historic Lighthouses to its list of
America’s most endangered places. Along
with the automobile and the Great Lakes
themselves, Michigan lighthouses have
long been one of the State’s most identifiable icons. You will see them on the cover
of tourist guides, at Michigan welcome centers, used as city logos and countless other
marketing strategies.
Michigan Lighthouse Project
As a result of the Coast Guard’s decision
to excess such a large number of historic
lighthouses in the state of Michigan, nu-
merous individuals representing federal and state
agencies, federal and state legislators, and national
and regional nonprofit organizations convened
in Lansing in the spring of 1998 to address the
need for preserving these treasured structures on
behalf of the public. In order to more effectively
resolve the various exigencies accompanying the
transfer and preservation of such a large number
of lighthouses, these governmental agencies and
nonprofit organizations established the Michigan
Lighthouse Project. In August of 1999, these same
public and nonprofit entities signed a Memorandum
of Agreement setting
into motion the grand
project of facilitating
the transfer and ensuring the preservation
of Michigan’s historic
lighthouses for generations to come.
Grand Traverse
Lighthouse
One success story as a
result of the Michigan
Lighthouse Project was
the Grand Traverse
Lighthouse located on
the northern tip of the
Leelanau peninsula.
Through the early 1800s, vessels making their
way between the Manitou Passage and Straits of
Mackinac would make a turn off the northern end
of Leelanau Peninsula. This point also served as a
landmark for vessels making their way south into
Grand Traverse Bay. This point became an important navigational marker and in 1849 a recommendation was made to Congress to erect a light at Cat’s
Head point.
In 1851, through an Executive Order, approximately 45 acres of Public Domain land was reserved
for lighthouse purposes on the northern end of
Leelanau Peninsula. Then in 1852 with a Congres(continued)
The Northern Camper l 15
Lighthouses (continued)
sional appropriation of $4,000, the original Grand
Traverse Lighthouse was constructed by the U.S.
Lighthouse Service. David Moon was appointed as
the station’s first keeper. His name first appeared
on the district payroll records on September 7, 1852,
and so it is likely that he exhibited the new light for
the first time soon thereafter.
In 1858 the present lighthouse was built in its current location because it would be more visible for
passing ships and less susceptible to effects of the
lake. As more and more vessels traveled through
the area they became increasingly dependent on
the Grand Traverse Light to mark the turn. As is
the case for this region, thick fog frequently blanketed the area creating yet another danger for vessel
navigation. In 1898 Congress appropriated $5,500
for design and construction of a fog signal building
on the site. With the addition of the fog signal the
U.S. Lighthouse Service decided that the workload
at Grand Traverse Lighthouse would be more than
one keeper could manage. A decision was made
that an Assistant Keeper be added to the station and
early in the 1900’s, the lighthouse was converted to a
two family dwelling to accommodate a new Assistant
Keeper.
A fourth order Fresnel lens was installed in the
tower making the light visible for 12 to 17 miles offshore. Kerosene and whale oil were used to power
the light until 1953 when it was converted to electricity. At the same time, the fog signal was repowered
with an electric air compressor.
(continued on page 16)
FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE
We will be open
and continue all
our services
during the
Mitchell St.
Project. Visit us
through our back
door!
775-8200
108 N. Mitchell
in Downtown Cadillac
A Business Built
on Customer Service
Free Local Delivery Service Available • All Major Insurance Carriers Accepted
Hassle Free Prescription Transfer
Mon.-Fri. 9 AM- 7 PM, Sat. 9 AM-6 PM, Sun., 10 AM-4 PM
16 l The Northern Camper
Lighthouses
(continued from page 15)
The Coast Guard continued to
maintain the station until 1972 when
the tower light was replaced by an
automated beacon mounted on a steel
tower. With no further need for keepers, the buildings were closed. Although the site still provided navigational assistance to mariners through
its automated system, it stood alone
and vacant until a local group organized the Grand Traverse Lighthouse
Foundation in 1985. Their goal was
to preserve the historic buildings and
grounds for enjoyment of the public.
It took the group over 2 years and in
1987 the station was reopened, this
time as a museum.
Today’s Keepers of the Light
With maintenance costs continuing to rise and
dwindling budgets, in the mid 1970s the Coast
Guard filed a Notice of Intent to relinquish the
property with the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM). Since the property was originally withdrawn from the public domain, the BLM was the
administering Federal agency since the property was
not longer needed by the Coast Guard.
(continued)
Family Oriented
Downtown Lake City
Open Daily
No Minors After 9 pm
5 Large Screen TV’s • Pool • (3) 42 inch Plasma TVs
Hamburgers & Pizza • Greek Coney Island’s (Saturdays Only)
(231) 839-4869
117 Main Street • Lake City, Michigan
Pull Tabs
The Northern Camper l 17
Lighthouses (continued)
In the late 1990s the BLM conducted a public
planning process on the disposal of this and other
Michigan lighthouse properties. The message from
the public was clear, keep the lighthouse properties
in some sort of public ownership, keep them accessible to the public and restore them.
As one of the founding members of the Michigan
Lighthouse Project, the BLM worked with the Coast
Guard and State of Michigan on disposal of the
Grand Traverse Lighthouse. The State of Michigan
filed an application with the BLM for title to the
lighthouse site for inclusion in Leelanau State Park.
As a part of the application filed, the State proposed
to enter into a lease agreement with the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum for operation and maintenance of the lighthouse and associated buildings.
On Monday, September 22, 2003, ownership
of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse was officially
transferred to the State of Michigan Department
of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR immediately entered into a lease agreement, for $1.00 per
year, with the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum.
Camper’s Knots
Today the lighthouse stands as a tribute, not only to
the hard working individuals that have restored and
protected it, but to those that called it home for so
many years as they watched over the mariners traveling theses treacherous waters.
Road Trip
To see the lighthouse take M-22 north to Northport. Then take M-201 out of town, and turn right
onto County Road 629 and follow CR629 approximately six miles north to the entrance of Leelanau
State Park. The lighthouse is inside the State Park
which has plenty of camping and hiking trails.
There are numerous maritime displays at the museum including the original fourth order Fresnel
lens.
For more information on hours and tours,
contact the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum,
(231) 386-7195. l
Editor’s Note: Why not do a little rock hunting while
visiting the lighthouse? See got rocks? tip of the month,
page 6.
Open
7 Days
A Week
Completely
Non-Smoking
Constrictor’s Knot
• Farm Fresh Salads
made when you are ready, not ready made
This is a useful knot to tie up
loose material or the ends of bags.
Simple to tie, it grips itself and will
not work loose. This is also known as
the Miller’s Knot or the Bag Knot.
• Breakfast All Day
• Great Menu Selection
Plenty of RV
Parking!
(231) 775-8017
1931 N. Mitchell • Cadillac, MI 49601
(Corner of Boon Rd. and Bus. 131)
18 l The Northern Camper
Who Said There Was No Such Thing As A
by
ored mper
s
n
o
Sp
Ca
thern e
r
o
N
zin
The
Maga
FREE RIDE?
How about a Free Daily Round Trip ride from
Mitchell State Park Campground
to any place in Wexford County?
Catch The Bus To Town!
Dispatch
231-779-0123
From Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and
on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Cadillac/Wexford
Transit Authority (CWTA) will be offering campers
a Free Daily Round Trip ride to and from their destination. Any extra travel requests would be at the
passenger’s expense.
The free bus trips will be available from the third
week in May through the end of August.
Just look for the Bus Stop sign on the eastern
side of the Campground!
Also, for residents, visitors and vacationers a special
discounted monthly bus pass is available for June, July
and August.
To make your reservations call 779-0123
or Toll Free 1-866-647-5465
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police & Fire Emergencies...................................911
State Police – Cadillac.........................231-779-6040
State Police – Houghton Lake............ (989) 422-5103
Missaukee County Sheriff....................231-839-4338
Roscommon County Sheriff...............(989) 275-5101
Wexford County Sheriff...................... 231-779-9211
Cadillac Police Department................. 231-775-3491
Great Lakes Family Care – Cadillac..... 231-775-6521
Mercy Hospital – Cadillac...................231-876-7200
Mercy Hospital – Grayling................(989) 348-5461
About Cell Phones and 911
Local jurisdictions are installing systems that can identify
a 911 cell phone call made from any location. Older cell
phones cannot report location. Other areas of Wexford,
Missaukee, Osceola and Roscommon Counties may not
have cell phone reception. Check with your provider.
Sales & Service
Palomino Tent Campers
Starting At $4,995
Realite/Palomino
Truck Campers
We Install Hitches!
Large Selection of Accessories!
Jason Fiberglass
Truck Toppers
& Aluminum Toppers
• 5th Wheels
• Trailers
• Hardside
& Folding Campers
231-775-3101
903 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac, MI 49601
C
ampground
The Northern Camper l 19
D
Q
irectory
Missaukee County
Ben D. Jeffs River Park • County • (231) 839-4945
PO Box 800, Lake City, MI 49651
missaukee.org/parkdept.htm
Located on Muskegon River, 16 miles east of Lake City on M-55. 66
acres. 17 primitive sites, pit toilets, well, pavilion.
Crooked Lake Park • County • (231) 839-4945
PO Box 800, Lake City, MI 49651
missaukee.org/parkdept.htm
Located on southern edge of Crooked Lake, near Jennings. 60 acres,
1000’ sandy beach. 37 primitive sites, 15 with electricity. New bath
house, hand water pumps, sanitation station, hiking trails, boat launch.
Goose Lake • State • (231) 775-9727
michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
Located 2.5 miles from Lake City, south of M-42, off Al Moses Rd. to
west. First-come, first serve. 54 sites for tents and small trailers. Rustic
camp, vault toilets, hand water pumps. Good boating and fishing.
Hopkins Creek Equestrian • State • (231) 824-3591
michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
Located 5.5 miles north of M-42, up Lucas Rd. Adjacent to shore to
shore riding/hiking trails. First-come, first serve. 16 sites for tent and
small trailers. Group trail camps available by reservation.
Long Lake – Missaukee • State • (231) 775-9727
michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
Located 3.5 miles northwest of Lake City. M-42 north to Randall Rd.,
west 1/2 mile to Almoses Rd., north 1/4 mile to Goose Lake Rd., west
1.5 miles, Green Rd., north to camp. First-come, first-serve. 20 sites
for tent and small trailers. Rustic site, vault toilets water hand pumps.
Great boating, outdoor recreation. Access to Goose Lake State Forest.
Maple Grove • City • (231) 839-4429
lakecitymich.com/michigan/area-parks
Located 4 blocks from Lake Missaukee, east end of Union Street.
23 sites, electric, water, rest rooms, baseball field, sanitation station.
Community building with kitchen available for events.
Missaukee Lake Park • County • (231) 839-4945
PO Box 800, Lake City, MI 49651
missaukee.org/parkdept.htm
Located on north shore of 2000 acre Lake Missaukee. 33 acres. 170
total sites; 96 water, electric, sewer; 21 electric only. Rest rooms,
sanitation station. 1400’ sand beach, baseball fields. Boat ramp with
68 slip rentals for docking.
(continued on page 20)
Affordable Quality Golf
12 or More Golfers Receive A
25% Discount
WE TRUST YOU!
Club House closed on Sundays but you
can still come on out and play. Please
bring exact change! Personal checks
accepted.
On Total Package
4664 S. Morey Rd. (M-55/M-66)
From Cadillac: Take M-55 east, 8 miles
to M-66, turn left (N) and go 1/4 mile.
From Lake City, take M-66 South 4 miles.
Must Present Coupon
Hurry! Expires July 2, 2009
GROUP DISCOUNT
Small Bucket – $5
Medium Bucket – $6
Large Bucket – $7
Monday Through Friday
Good For Up to 6 Golfers!
Regular 9 Holes.................$8.00 9 Holes.................$6.00 per person
Seniors (60+).....................$7.00 18 Holes.............$10.00 per person
Children Under 10.............$5.00 9 or 18 Holes
Pull Carts..............$2.00 per person
Regular 18 Holes.............$15.00
Call Us For Your Family Reunion
Seniors (60+....................$12.00
Office Party or Birthday Celebration!
Children Under 10...........$10.00
Rainy Day?
Come in and hit some balls at our
Covered all weather driving range!
9 Holes of Golf
Only $6
CARTS
June Special!
GREEN FEES
20 l The Northern Camper
C
D
ampground
irectory
(continued from page 19)
Reedsburg Dam • State • (989) 275-4622
michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
Located 5 miles northwest of Houghton Lake via M-55 and Co. Rd. 300.
First-come, first-serve. 38 sites accommodate up to 40’; 15 waterfront.
Rustic site, vault toilets, water hand pump. Boat access, rental, fishing.
Rustic Rafters • Private • (231) 229-4433
9446 N. Nelson Rd., Moorestown, MI 49651
www.rusticrafters.com
Located in northeast corner of Missaukee County. 5 heated log
cabins, 17 sites for trailers with electric, water. Rest rooms, sanitation
station. Reservations suggested for cabins.
Osceola County
Cadillac Woods • Private • (231) 825-2012 or (877) 727-2267
23163 M-115, Tustin, MI 49688
www.cadillacwoodscampground.com
Located on M-115, 6 miles southeast of US-131, 8 miles southeast
of Cadillac. 50 sites, water, electric; 6 cabins, group tent area. Rest
rooms, sanitation station, store, laundry, free mini-golf.
Crittenden Park • County • (231) 734-2588
3641 S. 50th Ave, Sears, MI 49679
osceola-county.org/County%20Departments/Parks/parks.htm
Located on east shore of Big Lake, east of Evart on US-10 to 50th
Ave., south 2 miles to park entrance on right. 80 sites, electric,
water; 20 rustic. Sanitation station, store. DNR boat launch adjacent.
Pavilion available by reservation.
Rambadt Memorial Park • City • (231) 832-2245
227 E. Lincoln Ave., Reed City, MI 49677
reedcitycrossroads.com/city/parks
Located on Reed City’s west end. First come, first serve. 13 sites,
electric, water. Rest rooms, sanitation station, trails on Hersey River.
Free concerts Friday and Saturday nights during summer.
Q
River Country Campground • Private • (231) 734-3808
6281 River Rd., Evart, MI 49631
campandcanoe.com
Located on Muskegon River, US-10, north 1 block east of light, 1.5
miles on River Rd. to fork in road, stay right, 2 miles. 130 sites. Rest
rooms, laundry, store. Canoe, kayak, tube rentals, miniature golf.
Rose Lake Park • County • (231) 768-4923
11726 Youth Dr. • LeRoy, MI 49655
osceola-county.org/County%20Departments/Parks/parks.htm
Located east of Tustin and LeRoy off US-131 on Rose Lake. 48 acres,
1300’ beach. 160 sites, most water, electric; some primitive. Rest
rooms, sanitation station, store, boat launch, golf. Pavilions available
by reservation.
Roscommon County (West)
Houghton Lake Travel Park • Private • (989) 422-3931
370 Cloverleaf Ln., Houghton Lake, MI 48629
michcampgrounds.com/hnlktlpk
Located 1 block east of US-127 and M-55. 60 sites, 16 with sewer;
cabins. Rest rooms, sanitation station, laundry, pool. Public access to
Houghton Lake.
West Houghton Lake Camp • Private • (989) 422-5130
9371 Houghton Lake Dr., Houghton Lake, MI 48629
westhoughtonlakecampground.com
Located 1 mile east of US-127 and M-55, 1/2 mile north on
Houghton Lake Dr. 127 sites, 47 with sewer. Rest rooms, laundry,
store, rental trailers. Near Houghton Lake public access.
Wooded Acres Family Camp • Private • (989) 422-3413
997 Federal Ave., Houghton Lake, MI 48629
michcampgrounds.com/woodedacres
Located 2 miles east of US-127 and M-55. M-55 east to 2nd light (Loxley
Rd.) and go south 1.7 miles to Federal Ave., camp on left. 101 sites, 12
with sewer. Rest rooms, store, cabin rentals, trolley rides in season.
(continued on page 22)
ge c
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t
Vin dilla aphs
See the
Ca otogr
Ph
Check Out 1000s of Local Real Estate Listings and Win a
FREE HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE FOR 2!
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Brinks
Art & Frame Shop
112 S. Mitchell St., Downtown Cadillac • 231-775-8282
The Alderden Team
1263 S. Lakeshore Dr.
Lake City, MI 49651
(231) 839-6500
Drawing Sept. 4 ~ Register at:
www.LakeMissaukee.com
The Northern Camper l 21
Boston
PuzzleR
Across
1
5
9
14
15
16
17
19
20
21
22
23
25
27
34
38
39
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61
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In two parts
City on the Moselle
Zesty dip
“To Live and Die __”
(1985 movie)
In need of liniment
Bald tire’s lack
Bit of Bern election debris?
Where the deer and the
antelope play
Perfume, as at Mass
Be shy, in poker
Priscilla’s John
Many theaters
One in the clink
Waterford fish?
Personal vexation
Try to shred
Novelist Wiesel
She raised Cain
Tokay or merlot
Drilling apparatus
One behind the other
Aimless cross-country trek?
Saying nothing
Mingo player in “Daniel Boone”
Ivories’ place
Language suffix
“Three coins ...” fountain
Gold brick
Prison for bounders?
TV’s Mrs. Bunker
Whopping
Word on Irish stamps
Units of force
Ben & Jerry’s rival
Act fresh to
Down
1
2
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4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
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18
24
26
28
29
30
31
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33
Place to do the hustle
Still single
Roomy dress
Dogie catcher
__ & cheese (low-budget meal)
Canyon comeback
Take out of the freezer
Cajun music
Way out
__ Sea (Amu Darya terminus)
Give temporarily
Wise fellow
Mideast’s Gulf of __
Have a feeling
That ship
Frequently, in verse
Roman’s greeting
Guy with a pitchfork
Croquet area
Like a dust bowl
Mentally sound
Goblet feature
34
35
36
37
41
44
45
47
48
50
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
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67
Lowly laborer
Director Kazan
Pinball flub
Gilpin of “Frasier”
Chang’s Siamese twin
Showy yellow insects
Bearded grazer
__ kwon do
Expand upon
“Cocoon” Oscar winner Don
Van Gogh painted here
Radio, TV, etc.
Tinker-Chance middleman
Horse fathers
Like Hamelin’s piper
Spring auto race, familiarly
Not “fer”
Fridge posting
Ibn __ (Arabia’s founder)
Irritable
The Chiffons’ “__ So Fine”
☞
Answers on page 23
22 l The Northern Camper
C
ampground
D
irectory
(continued from page 20)
Wexford County
Baxter Bridge Campground • State • (231) 775-9727
michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
Located on Manistee River, 12 miles northwest of Manton via M-42
and 31 Rd. First-come, first-serve. 25 sites tent and small trailer; 3
accommodate 40’. Rustic camp, vault toilets, water hand pump.
Canoeing, trout fishing, wildlife viewing.
Birchwood Resort & Camp • Private • (231) 775-9101
6545 E. M-115, Cadillac, MI 49601
www.birchwoodresortmi.com
1 block southeast of Lake Cadillac on M-115 or 2 miles northwest of
US-131, Exit 176. 33 sites, full hook-ups; cabins; no tents. Rest rooms,
docking, pontoon rental.
Camp Cadillac • Private • (231) 775-9724
10621 E. 34 Rd. (Boon Rd.), Cadillac, MI 49601
campcadillac.com
Located off US-131, Exit 183, east 1 mile. 115 sites, 30 with sewer.
Rest rooms, store, pool, petting zoo, barrel train rides, bike rentals.
Coolwater on the Pine • Private • (231) 862-3481
9424 W. 48 1/2 Rd., Wellston, MI 49689
coolwatercampground.com
Located 2 miles south of M-55 and 2 miles east of M-37 on Pine
River. 65 sites, electric, water; cabins, trailer rentals, group sites. Rest
rooms, laundry, Blue Ribbon Trout Stream, ORV and bike trails.
Q
Lake Billings RV Park & Camp • City • (231) 824-6454
221 E. Elmore St., Manton, MI 49663
Located ?. 37 full hook-ups; 48, electric, water. Rest rooms, sanitation
station.
Long Lake – Wexford • (231) 775-9727 • State
michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
Located 8 miles northeast of Cadillac via US-131 to Campground
Rd. First-come, first-serve. 16 sites tent, small trailer; rustic sites, vault
toilets, water hand pump. Boating, motorcycle trail access.
Mitchell State Park • State • (231) 775-7911
6093 E. M-115, Cadillac, MI 49601
michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
Located between Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac, west of Cadillac
on M-115. 334 acres. 221 sites with hookups. Visitor’s Center,
beaches, boat ramps to both lakes, historic canal connects two lakes.
Northern Exposure • Private • (231) 885-1199
285 Manistee River Rd., Mesick 49668
northernexposureinc.com
Located ? 260 sites; 220, water, electric; 100 waterfront; 40 primitive.
Rest rooms, sanitation station, boat launch, beach, Saturday night
movies. Manistee National Forest biking and hiking trails, canoeing,
rafting, (campsite pickup by Wilderness Canoe on Manistee River).
Hemlock Campground • Federal • (231) 723-2211
fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf/pages/Recreation/camping.htm
Located in Huron Manistee National Forest. 2,600 acres. 19 sites on
west end of Lake Mitchell. Tables and fire rings only; wildlife viewing.
Old US-131 Campground • State • (231) 775-9727
michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
Located 7 miles north of Manton via US-131 and Old US-131 on
Manistee River. First-come, first-serve. 25 rustic sites, tent, small
trailer. Canoeing, trout fishing, wildlife viewing. Direct access to
North Country Trail for hiking, mountain biking and nearby for ORVs.
Kestelwoods Campground • Private • (231) 862-3476
10860 W. 48 1/2 Rd., Wellston, MI 49689
kestelwoods.com
Located 1 mile south of Pine River on M-37. 96 sites, water, electric.
Rest rooms, store, restaurant, pool, canoeing, rafting, biking.
Pat’s RV Park • Private • (800) 665-9890 or (231) 885-1056
2981 North 7 Rd., Mesick, 49668
patsrvpark.net/rvpark
Located at Hoodenpyle Dam on the Manistee River. 87 sites; tents,
RVs, cabins. Boat rental.
The Coffee Cup
“Biggest Breakfast in the North”
Open 7 am–3 pm 7 Days
Daily Specials
For everything from the best cup of coffee
to a complete meal!
Locally Owned
and Operated
231-839-4859
84 N. Morey Road, Lake City
(1 block North of M-55)
The Coffee Cup
Peterson Bridge • Federal • (231) 723-2211
940 S. State, Route 37, Cadillac, MI 49601
fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf/pages/Recreation/camping.htm
Located off M-37, 1.5 miles north of Wellston on Pine River. Firstcome, first-serve. 31 total sites; 20 paved, 11 tent. 4 vault toilets, 1
flush, 3 spigots. Canoe access to Pine River.
The Campground LLC • Private • (231) 824-9111
10330 E. M-45, Manton, MI 49663
e-mail: [email protected]
Located off US-131, exit 191, east 1/2 mile on M-42. 30 sites, 22 full
hook-ups.
The Northern Camper l 23
Puzzler
SOLUTIONS
Sudoku
(Puzzle Page 9)
Carl T. Johnson
Hunting & Fishing Center
231-779-1321
JUNE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
13 Free Fishing Weekend!
Family Fishing Contest with prizes! Call to
pre-register. Fishing tackle and bait available at
Center all weekend. Refreshments.
20 Parks & Recreation 90th Anniversary Celebration!
– Canoe and Kayak Clinic, 10 am - 2 pm with
Chippewa Landing, Sportsman’s Port and
Missaukee Paddle Sports.
Crossword
(Puzzle Page 21)
– Live Amphibians! with Jim McGrath of
Nature Discovery, 2 - 4 pm and 6 - 8 pm
– Ceremony with cake and ice cream under
the Range Pavilion, 4 pm
13 World Class Wildlife Wood Carving Demonstration
and Exhibit with Ray Eckert, 1 - 4 pm
Mitchell State Park – Cadillac (across from campground)
Visit our gift shop!
Books, Plush, Shirts, Souvenirs
Nature Programs • Exhibits
Archery and Pellet Gun Ranges
Open 7 days a week 10-6
231-779-1321
Bring this ad in for 10% off your purchase at our gift shop.
FESTIVITIES
Cadillac
June 6, Noon - 10 pm • “Complete Your Y” Benefit Concert
Rotary Pavilion. Free concert, with donations taken for
YMCA Dillon Community Center. (231) 775-0181, ext. 111
June 23, 26 & 30 – Cadillac Farmer’s Market
(231) 775-0657
June 14, 6 am - 4 pm • Bass Tournament
Kenwood Boat Launch. (231) 775-0181, ext. 111
June 14 • Moose Lodge Car & Motorcycle Show
June 25, 7 - 9:15 pm • Upbeat Cadillac
Thursdays, Rotary Pavilion. Ten-week series of jazz
concerts by various artists. (231) 775-0181, ext. 111
June 27-28 • Wolverine Morgan 20th Annual Open Horse Show
Wexford Civic Arena. (231) 331-6615, wmhaclub.com
June 28, 8 am - Noon • Lumberman Triathlons
Veterans Memorial Stadium. (231) 775-0181, ext. 111
Evart
July 16-19 • 37 Annual Dulcimer Festival
Osceola County Fairgrounds. $3 gate fee, camping $15
nightly. (231) 734-5481, dulcimers.com
July 26 - Aug. 1 • Osceola County 4-H & FFA Fair
(231) 734-5481, [email protected]
th
Falmouth
July 31 - Aug. 7 • Missaukee Agricultural Youth Show
(231) 826-2006, [email protected]
Houghton Lake
June 7, 7 - 11 am • Dawn Patrol 62nd Breakfast & Fly In
Blodgett Memorial Airport. Adults $6, Kids $3. War Birds,
Ultra-Lites, RE/Max Hot Air Balloon. (989) 366-7660
June 19 • 20th Annual O’Mercy Golf Classic
Fox Run Country Club. (989) 348-0527
Lake City
June 30 - July 5 • Greatest Fourth In the North
Parade, ox roast, entertainment, beach volleyball
competition, fun run, battle of the bands, arts & crafts,
fireworks. (231) 839-4969, lakecitymich.com
Leroy
1st Weekend in June • Community Garage Sales
July 10-11 • Razzasque Days Festival
BBQ, sports tournaments, parades, games, vendors, raffle,
street dance, beverage tent. (231) 768-5432
Marion
June 22-27 • Marion Fair
(231) 743-6451, marionfair.com/events.htm
Merritt
Mondays, 6-9 pm • Golden Agers Dance Night
Senior Center. Dancers and musicians welcome! (231) 328-4447
June 13, 11 am - 4 pm • Ben Jeffs River Park Farmers Mkt.
Through October. (231) 394-1509, missaukeepaddlesports.com
June 15 & 29, 4:30 pm • Freedom Riders 4H Event
Merritt Horse Arena, (231) 328-4467
June 26 - 28 • Hootenanny
BBQ, bingo, dance, FREE camping. (231) 328-4447
Merritt Speedway
June 6 • WKLT Fantasy Night
June 10 • Lane Automotive Presents the “WH0 55”
June 13 • USA Autocross Derby
June 20 • “Topless 100”
June 27 • Winged Outlaw, MORA Sprints
Mesick
June 27, 9 am • 6 Annual Heritage Classic Golf Outing
The Briar North. Benefit Cadillac Heritage Christian School.
(231) 775-4272
th
Manton
June 27-28 • Hopkins Creek Competitive Trail Ride
Camp $6 person, nightly. (231) 645-4642, hopkinscreekride.com
Reed City
June 5-7 • Hersey Heritage Days
Blodgett Landing
June 6 • Free Music & Art In Park
Runs through Aug. 28.
June 12 • RCACC Golf Outing
Spring Valley
Community/State Wide
June 13 • Muskegon River Cleanup
Clean river from Reedsburg Dam to Ben Jeffs Park to
Cadillac Rd. (231) 839-8265, missaukeepaddlesports.com
June 13-14 • Free Fishing
Fishing license fees waived in state. michigan.gov/dnr
June 25-28 • Longest Yard Sale
M-37 across US-10. lakecountymichigan.com