Saturday, August 8, 2009

Petoskey, Part I & Charlevoix, MI

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix


On Monday, August 3rd, we finally pulled out of Oshkosh to head north. Our stop that night was Harris in the UP (Upper Peninsula) of Michigan at the Indian Casino. I feel totally wrung out & take no pictures. The next morning we head directly to Petoskey, the Signature Resort just out of town on the south side, actually located in Bay Harbor. This pictures shows how lovely this resort park is. Fortunately, we are comped for 2 nights out of our 5 night stay.

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix


Our story begins as I drive over the Mackinac bridge, for the 3rd time in 3 years. Bob gets to take the pictures, and catches a freighter as he passes under. These pictures are taken out the windows of Popeye: one moving target trying to catch another moving target.

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix


Now to our parking spot, and we are fortunate to have a great view out the front.

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix


With two back-to-back conventions, now I have a full blown cold, but fortunately, don't feel too bad, just totally exhausted. It's great not to have to do anything, but darn, the cell service is inadequate and the broadband non-existent. I expected at least great WIFI in a resort of this calibre, but no such luck. So I rest, but in a day or two we take off for the town of Charlevoix.

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix


This picture perfect town lies about 15 miles to the south, and is a favorite for the boating community as well as tourists regardless of mode of transportation. The canal opens into Lake Charlevoix, and I love the drawbridge.

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix


The bridge opens up whenever someone with a tall masts needs to pass under, and sometimes traffic comes to a standstill for several blocks. We had to wait when we came into town - but what fun!

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix


While watching the bridge open and close, I noticed this restaurant right on the water. Stafford's Weathervane turned out to be a more than great find. The chefs select from only locally grown fresh produce and line caught fish from the great lakes.

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix


Our server, Nehal, not only gave great recommendations from the menu, but also led us to good restaurants for our upcoming visit to Elk Rapids.

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix


Our after lunch walk provides the opportunity for more picture taking.

From Petoskey, the Sig Resort & Charlevoix


Coming next - more Petoskey & Elk Rapids.

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