Golfing, Biking and Felling

On this Tuesday we decided to slip out to visit a bigger city, so we could see more cheap wonders of the american stores. After a lengthy hour long drive we arrived in Traverse city. Best-Buy was an experience, being asked at least 8 times whether I could be helped by assistants, bit of a contrast to any store in the UK. Despite being severely tempted by the prospect of a cheap tablet to replace my kindle, I resisted. Barely... Instead I satisfied myself with a Bagel... 

Mmm... big apple

...although a far cry from a gadget, the quality was excellent. Bagels are a tasty treat that I thoroughly approve of from American cuisine. After that point it was time to get serious. We were going to go play some golf. We were to play two rounds of 18 holes, the courses having low pars of 36 and 41, there being some rather extreme water hazards present and some extreme hill climbs and slopes. Of course... I am speaking of pirate adventure golf. The course was impressive, with a fantastic set and background.

And the Golf Pro lines up the shot...

Despite doing well initially, sinking the first few par twos with ease, things rapidly went worse for me, Jen taking a lead. But due to a series of bad luck I managed to pull back the first game. In the second, despite getting two hole in ones, I didn't do so well. Still... a rather fun way to spend an evening. Especially before the big trip the next day...

Visit to Mackinac Island

An early start to the day, marking our hour long journey to the ferry to 'Historic Mackinac Island', a local tourist attraction Jen promised was a treat. As we boarded the ferry with our bikes there were completely blue skies. Before long, it was full steam ahead with some amazing views of the 2600m long Mackinaw bridge crossing the two great lakes 

Mackinaw Bridge

After we departed the ferry we started to cycle round the island. 10 miles in circumference the island was very picturesque, with flat roads. No cars are permitted on the island, making the ride pleasant and safe. There were pretty beaches, clear waters, and old buildings, dating from the 19th century. It was great to be able to cycle in such clean and fresh air. A real change from the cough inducing atmosphere in Manchester... (and my bike worked for a change too!)

Amazing clear waters seen in the great lakes

We then stopped off at the main town and wandered up to the fort on the island. Due to the islands position between two of the great lakes it had some strategic value. It featured mainly in the 1812 war, a war almost no one remembers in Britain. This is largely due to the fact it happened alongside the Napoleonic wars, and ended in 1815 with the same territory both sides started with. It was interesting to see the re-enactments there, including the cannon firing! It was also good because the British both took and held the fort from the Americans.

OPEN FIRE!

We watched some local girl scouts change the flags, and then cycled further up into the hills. The view from the highest point was very nice, and after taking someones photo we got into the chat about the UK with some Americans. We've had this several times by this point... and people vary from being curious about where you're from to asking details about the olympics!

The town as viewed from the fort

Finally we had some time to spare before getting the ferry. And we spent it buying fudge. Of course we had to try all of the flavours first too.... we only got three after all... My favourite was the blueberry fudge. The sweetness of the fudge went very well with the bitterness of the berries. We left the island and went home.

Chilling and Felling Trees

After such active days it was decided that we would have a day off. So what did I do? I cut down some trees!

TIMBBEEEEERRR!!!!

Hopefully I'll get some fun things made from the trunks, and I'll upload the pictures. Whether they are epic win or epic fail! 

I got wood

Although I've been having increasing jet lag problems, hopefully I'll keep up to date on any of my exploits!