The Color Tour

We've lived in Michigan for over a year now and have never seen much beyond our little area around Detroit. So, we decided to take this opportunity before the snow came to see more of this state that people claim is "much better up north." So, two days after I got home from grandma's house, off we went again. We drove to the upper peninsula and then down along the western coast of the state, along Lake Michigan. Truly, people have not been exaggerating, this state is wonderous. It has gorgeous beaches, beautiful forests, and really charming little towns. This time of year also happens to be "The Color Tour." This is what Michiganers do for fun - drive around and see all the leaves change color. (Besides throwing loud football parties every Sunday and Monday while smoking inumerable packs of cigarettes - or is it just our neighbor that does that?) So, we got to experience gorgeous displays of nature's finest colors...and some colorful people as well. Appartently the favorite way to see this color tour is on a Harley Davidson. And, let us not forget, that it's also hunting season. Lots and lots of men in camoflauge gear in every hotel. We almost didn't get a room one night because so many bikers and hunters were in town. However, we found a cute little 10 unit place that gave us their last room. As we carried our bags inside, I saw the owner pull off the paper that covered the "no" in the "no vacancy" sign and saw two bikers pull into the parking lot exclaiming, "There was a vacancy a minute ago! What do we do now?" Benjamin did quite well on his first long road trip. It wasn't until the last day that he really started getting sick of sitting in his car seat for hours on end, but by then we were sick of sitting in the car that much too. After this trip, though, I really have to admit, Michigan has some really beautiful areas and I look forward to seeing more of it in the future.

A small glimpse of the changing colors.



After a while we got sick of driving and let Benjamin take over.




Kelly was getting Benjamin to smile so we'd finally have proof that he really does. The funny thing was that every time he'd see me with the camera, he'd scowel. Thank goodness he has a short attention span and a short memory.



Benjamin enjoying a windy day by the beach.



Look, Daddy's wearing a funny hat too!




Benjamin explores the water.



Can you believe this is Michigan?!