Labor Day in northern Michigan marks the end of summer and the beginning of cooler, fall weather. Nighttime temps along with lake water temperatures begin to drop. Rafts, docks and boats are winterized and stored. The geese head south… as do I.

It has been another grand summer at the lake house on the Straights of Mackinaw and in the small northern Michigan berg of Cheboygan. Here is a quick recap of life in northern Michigan:

Putting in the raft for the summer and swimming in the cold big lake water 

The annual Cheboygan 4^th of July parade

A boat trip to and bike ride around the infamous Mackinaw Island, home of the Grand Hotel where we always stop to savor a big porch ale on the grandest and longest porch in the world.

FUN time with Neil and Fiona on Mackinaw Island this summer

Riding miles of bike trails and rural roads

Friday nights at the local Cheboygan brewery listening to the Brew House Band and sipping Blood Orange Honey brew

Kayaking the lakeshore

Enjoying the apple cinnamon scones at the Up North Bakery

Spending time with family that you only have the pleasure of seeing once a year

Crossing over the 5-mile expanse of the Mackinaw Bridge with fabulous views of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron

Eating as much fresh lake fish and sweet corn as possible while it is in season

Shopping at the local farm markets

A lovely, lazy cruise down the Cheboygan river

Visiting the Sault Ste Marie boat locks connecting Lake Superior to the St. Mary’s shipping channel that leads to Lake Huron or Lake Michigan

Savoring lake sunrises and sunsets

Wine tasting at the local vineyards

Just kicking back and enjoying time at the family lake house – built from Lake Huron rock/stone

And now it’s off to the next adventure….Ljublana, Slovenia – arrive tomorrow…stayed tuned.