We finally got out of Oak Park around 10:45 a.m. after a quick trip to the bike shop to be sure we weren’t going to rip the spoiler off our van and cause an accident on the interstate.
In no time we were across the border an at Redamak’s in New Buffalo, Mich. We learned to stick with the legendary burgers. The rest of the food is just so so.
We missed a key exit at one point after that, which led us to explore a bit of Paw Paw Lake and the cute little towns that surround it.
By 4:30, we were in Manistee. We’d driven through this lovely little river village last year and vowed to return. Sadly, many of the interesting restaurants have closed. Michigan is hurting in this economy, but I had no idea the resortish areas were being hit so hard. It’s like a ghost town in some quarters here…and it’s Saturday in high season.
We’re benefiting from the quiet beaches, short lines and no traffic.
http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf
Tomorrow we head to Sleeping Bear Dunes after we set up camp near Franfort and Betsie Bay. More pix…probably later in the week after we get to Traverse City.
Virtual Farmgirl 