Well, actually we’ve already left, but there are a few more things I feel the need to write about….and a few more pictures to share….

Still plenty of Lilacs blooming here!

And these beautiful white flowers. Pretty….

This might be boring if you know all about engines and such, but might be helpful if you don’t…..

Before we even arrive at Tawas I make an appointment at Dean Arbour Ford because it’s time for JR’s regular servicing.

When I drop the truck off for the appointment at this small dealership,  talking to the service rep, I feel that I’m leaving her in good hands.  I always tell the guy at the counter that I’m a full time RV’er and tow a small trailer most of the time.  I want them to check whatever it is that needs to be checked for those kind of conditions.  Jim at Dean Arbour must have actually been listening because I got a call later on.  He said the recommendation for changing the transmission oil for towing like I do is at 60,000 miles instead of at 100,000 miles for regular driving.  I’m at 71,000 miles, so would I like to have the transmission flushed and new oil added?

How much $$, I ask.

$223.

Wow!  But yes, absolutely. Do it.

He explains to me that they use full synthetic transmission oil, and at about 100,000 miles I’m going to be told that I need this done, but Since I’m doing it now, I won’t. Next transmission service will be at 131,000 miles.

They do “The Works” which is an oil change, tire rotation, and a multipoint inspection.

When I pick up JR later in the day, Jim goes over the whole inspection with me and writes down on my paperwork the info about the 131,000 transmission service so I won’t forget. I marvel that my 5 year old battery still tests at 12.7 volts…like new.  Jim says it’s from constant use.  Huh.  Then he takes out a little break measuring tool and shows me exactly how much wear there is on my breaks.  They are all around the mid range right now.  Tires are great, fluids have been topped off and everything else is A-ok.  As I leave I feel reassured that JR has been well taken care of.  When I walk out to her I find that she is sparkling clean, too!  Great!  She needed a good wash!

Next I want to talk about Michigan State Parks.  First, you need a Recreation Passport to gain entrance.  These out of state permits are either $9 per day, or $32 for the year.    When we go to Tawas Point State Park I buy the yearly one, since I plan on staying at a few state parks while I’m in Michigan.  Now it’s free for me to get into the parks, but of course I have to pay to camp, and remember, Senior Passes that give such great discounts at national parks and other places, don’t work at state parks.  I find that dumping is free with the pass though, so when I leave Marie and Rays house that’s my first stop.  Interesting…both state parks I’ve been in so far have their own dump hoses hooked up, so you don’t have to fish yours out and struggle to put it away while at the dump station…very convenient.  Wear disposable gloves though! I buy them by the box at Walmart.

The main intersection here is a three way.  This is where M-55 ends.  Or begins.  Depends on which way you look at it.  Continue on and you will end up in Lake Huron!

Marie and Ray on the morning I leave.  Marie is On her way to volunteer at the hospital gift shop this morning.

Joy and Shiloh have certainly had a great time romping in the yard during our visit.  Joy has even done her best at running….not like in the old days, but she’s been giving it a good go!

So we leave Tawas, but we will be meeting up elsewhere with Marie and Ray soon.  For now we head first north, then south, up into the tip of Michigans thumb.  In real time I’ve already left that area.  The plan was to stay at Albert Sleeper State Park for 3 nights.

Lovely site at Sleeper State Park…..except for…..

The flies!  Flies like I’ve never seen!  It was impossible for Joy and Shiloh to walk out the door without being covered with them, and as they came back in, I literally had to wipe flies off them as they came through the door.  Yuck, just terrible.  We stayed the first night, then I got a refund on the next two nights and we were outta there.

We end up at Krystal Lake Campground near Vassar, for the week end….Friday and Saturday night.  This turned out to be an interesting experience.  As it turns out, this is a party place!  Who-hoo!  Live band Friday night till almost midnight!  😂😂😂. Now honestly, I kinda liked it.  I liked the music they were playing, mostly classic rock.  They were quite close to my site so I had no trouble hearing….😂😂😂.   Saturday night it was Karaoke, and oh my, that was a mixed bag.  There was one guy who did a killer job on Janice Joplins ‘Me And Bobby Magee’, and then there were some…well…less than ear candy type stuff.

Now we have moved on, and I’m near the area where I spent most of my growing up years.  Today I’m going to see the house we lived in from the time I was 5 until I turned 16, and the nearby area.  I anticipate a very sentimental day ahead.  Starting Tuesday I’ll be visiting with some old friends.  So looking forward to this!