More Mushrooms and a View of the Bay

The day started cool and calm. Up before Beth, I walked over to the beach and found a parade of boats headed south on a very flat Lake Michigan. It was quite a contrast from the waves over the weekend.

The beach was quiet but there was some evidence of prior winds like this uprooted tree.

A family of Grebes paddled along the shoreline learning how to catch minnows from mom.

Looking up, it appeared the world was awake and moving so I decided it was time to head back to our campsite for breakfast.

Leaving the campground, we caught a quick glimpse into the cement company open mine. Massive would be an understatement regarding the size of the facility. Big trucks were running in and out of this dirt road, so we clicked and drove on.

We headed back into Charlevoix for one last wander around the town.

Beaver Island is a place we'd like to visit someday. Located in Lake Michigan, the Ferry "Emerald Isle" is the way to get there.

Beaver Island Boat Company runs the ferry service to the island, thirty miles northwest of Charlevoix.

The sun was in a better location this morning for capturing a couple more mushroom houses across the water. Look at yesterday's blog for more of these unique homes.

Here is one of my favorites. Unlike the huge house behind, it looks like it belongs in the landscape.

Crossing the bridge, we headed north to find the town beach.

Nearly empty on a chilly morning, we had no problem finding parking.

Lunch was inside, but we still had a great view.

Beth walked past the sand in search of pretty rocks. The clear water was inviting, but the cool air kept us old fogies from going for a swim.

A little further north, just past Petoskey, brought us to the community of Bay View on a hill overlooking the shore of Lake Michigan.

Having passed by several times, we had always remarked how beautiful the homes were on the hill.

Started in 1875 as a Methodist Camp, the Bay View Association has over four hundred Victorian style cottages.

According to a Michigan Historic Plaque, the Association encouraged scientific and intellectual development. This auditorium, named for the founder, John Hall, hosts concerts and lectures for the community.

Cottagers may only stay six months of the year. Unheated, due to fire safety concerns, the association is closed in the wintertime.

Near the auditorium stands "Loud Hall." I jumped to the (totally unsubstantiated) conclusion that this is housing for visiting musicians.

On the community square, a small wooden chapel greeted us with wishes for peace on earth.

Visitors must stay in shape walking the stairs to reach cottages on the hills.

This particular cottage is larger than most homes. We were particularly enchanted by the open porch under the octagon roof.

Large enough to have its own post office, the community would be a wonderful escape from a summer in the city.

Walking by the lawn bowling court, we were invited to give it a try. Who knew that these balls are not round? They roll in an arc which players learn to anticipate. The folks were delightful and we even ran into a gentleman who spent winters in Durham.

The clay "lawn" was perfectly maintained. Lawn Bowling was casual in comparison to croquet that was being played next door. All the croquet players were in their formal summer whites, something we had neglected to pack in our camper van.

Reluctantly leaving Bayview we caught one last view of Lake Michigan through one of many parks.

Completing our northern lower peninsula loop, it was time to return to Judy and Gary's to attach the trailer and sailing kayak for the ride home.

Lucy was happy to have her good friend Beth back at the cottage.