Departed Indy Mon. 6 A.M. heading North on US-31 225 miles to Holland, Mi. Drove a comfortable speed of approx. 55 and arrived around 11:30. Had phoned in a res. for Oak Grove Resorts campground which I found in the Trailers guide. It was rated 9,9.5/9. Rate is $38 and includes full hookup and each site has lots of shade with very large trees. Concrete pads with equal size grass side yards. They basically have 29 spots for short time folks and 103 other long term sites. It is a very well maintained and the owners were very friendly and helpful. They have a HOST couple that really make you feel welcome too. The State Park and beach was within walking distance. Not to pick on any of you Florida fans, but the west side on Michigan is VERY nice. The beaches are super and the parks are spotless. Sunsets are wonderful and the weather was in the low 80's and plenty of sun.

We just took it very easy and went out to eat just once. Holland is a very clean city and a very artsy down town. They have done an outstanding job in building such. Our short term plan is to go back into Michigan several times this year as most of the state is within a 5-8 hour drive. Here are some facts that make Michigan such a great place to visit.

97 state parks, 4 million acres of forests which is the largest state forest system in the continental U.S., four Great Lakes which contain 20% of the worlds fresh water, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers, 3000 miles of shoreland-more than any other state, over (1 million boats), 13,000 campsites, wonderful sandy beaches, and cool nights.

Needless to say we are looking forward to getting back there.

Dale and Sharon Smith

[This message has been edited by Smith Brother (edited June 24, 2005).]

Hi Dale & Sharon, just saw your post on michigan and we agree completely. I grew up in mich. and now live in ohio. But we make many trips to mich., our daughter and grandkids live there and we travel to many baseball games. We also are building a small cabin in the u.p. and that is a whole diffrent world. There are so many places to see that you could spend many many trips. We stayed at the state park in muskegon last year and it is a really nice park with a short walk to the lake michigan beach. You are right, the sunsets are great and so are the beaches. But all of the coast line is nice. Since we just became Barth owners I'm sure our first trip will be to michigan not sure where. We are still getting things together. Hope you make another trip soon, from reading some of your other posts you deserve it. Also the fall colors are spectacular in northern part.

In grew up in Grand Rapids and in the early 70's had a 66 Ford longbody conversion. Suzy and I spent most every summer weekend someplace or another on the Lake Michigan coast. Saugatuck was a favorite, but Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, and pretty much everything north of there was great. Back then 31 was a beautiful drive. Hope it still is so you can get to Petosky [they have there own stone!] and if you really wander you might be lucky enough to make it to the UP. The park just across the bridge was incredible, with a view of the bridge at night. If that's not far enough for you, keep going to Paradise, take a left and go to Taquamanin ?? Falls. I hear they have really updated and improved the state campground there but it might still be pretty nice. BTW, there's a casino in Manistee called Indian River if that's your thing. Hope to see some pix from your journeys to my old stomping grounds.

We enjoy Holland, too.

Did you get an inside tour of the windmill?

84 East is our favorite restaurant there. And the bakery in nearby Zeeland.

I can tell anyone that has not been to Michigan's west side that they need to give such a consideration. Actually Michigan ends up being a favorite to any that will give it a try. We lived in Saginaw in the mid to late 60's and have very deer friends in Prudenville. Sharon was raised early in life in Iron Mountain, so she ALWAYS wants to go to Michigan.

We are going back to the west side soon, but going further north for a look.

Thanks for the comments, YOU ALL.....

Dale and Sharon Smith