08.11.08
Boyne City, MI
Towards the end of July, I headed back to Northern Michigan to visit a close friend of mine in Boyne City, MI. I love coming up here for many reasons. One mainly it being a place my family camps each summer in Young State Park. Although, I don’t camp in the park much these days, I still have plenty of fond memories of my girlfriends and I coming up for a weekend and enjoying those dog days of summer. Not very much has changed about this place since, which I suppose keeps my nostaglia strong.
A pyramid sand sculpture.
I could not help but laugh at this poor kid. I so badly wanted a picture more up close but the mother had the boys destroy their “creation” before I could even get the chance.
My friend, Sue, has a huge obsession with rocks in which I found quite amusing and before I knew it, I was joining with her rock collecting addiction. I have to say I am impressed with her skill and technique when retrieving such fine gems.
This picture is for you, Sue.
Barkley, their dog.
Summer Magic Celebration
The Summer Magic Celebration was a fundraiser held by a facility known as Raven Hill Discovery Center of East Jordan, MI. 
Their mission is to “form connections between science, history, and art; 
establish hands on learning;
insure new experiences for people of all ages; provide an environment for the discovery of knowledge;
promote the understanding of past, present, and future;
and secure the love of lifelong learning for ourselves, others, and everyone’s posterity.”
Their more recent project is their tree house. Outside is decorated by various artists who were able to paint or engrave on a panel outside the tree house. 
I just personally want to thank Cheri Leach for having me at your event. It was a beautiful evening and your facilitiy is doing great things in the East Jordan area. To learn more about the Raven Hill Discovery Center check out their website.
Playing Catch up.
Back in early June, my girlfriends and I went camping in the Upper Penninsula in St. Ignace State Park for the weekend. The first day was thick with fog and a lot of mosquitos.
View from St. Ignace State Park.
The following day we made a day trip into downtown St. Ignace for breakfast. 
St Ignace lighthouse
Shortly afterward, we headed toward Tahquamen falls for additional scenery. It was my first time to Tahquamen falls and I was really impressed how serene the area was.
Lower Falls
Upper falls
And because it was such a warm and wonderful day, we got our feet a little wet at the end of the trails and enjoyed the beauty of Northern Michigan.
