STL DPB ON THE ROAD - WHO NEEDS THE TROPICS?

Playground of the rich and possibly famous, a pleasure boat harbor on Chicago’s near north frontage on Lake Michigan. We took the grandkids to the observation deck on the 94th Floor of what used to be called the Hancock Building, now just 875 North Michigan Avenue, and pointed the lens down. I don’t get this very expensive hobby. What’s it worth to putt putt around on the lake during nice weather? The boats all have to be hauled out for the winter since the costal areas of the lake freeze over.                    

Plan B Was Okay

Turns out there was some misunderstanding about yesterday morning's event. Clare's little airport has a fly-in/drive-in pancake breakfast around the forth of July. No plane rides but 75 to 100 single engine aircraft, mostly old and some just strange, stop in for a $7 breakfast of pancakes (as stated), cheesy potatoes, ham, eggs and coffee. People ate at picnic tables in a hangar. And everyone got complimentary treats from Cops & Donuts, more about which soon.

After breakfast we drove way up north to Traverse City, where the National Cherry Festival was in progress. I guess they grow 'em up there. It was packed. Nowhere to park close enough with a baby in a stroller. Visitors swarmed across the main road, oblivious to traffic and signals, at times reminding me of migrating herds of bison. So we drove straight out of town.

The alternate destination was Leland, Michigan, even farther north. It's a cute village that lives off summer tourism (it must be brutal in the winter). There is a nice sand beach along the northern reaches of Lake Michigan. Audrey got her Great Lakes baptism.             

Changing Planes

Definitely taking the long way around to get to our destination, changing planes in Chicago. That's what you have to do sometimes to get affordable air fares these days. Better have a drink on the next flight to get ready for the gila monsters. Maybe one of them drives the shuttle to the car rental office.

The color weirdness is from the airplane window.