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August 15, 2011

Chinese Checkers...New Thrifty Finds!

When I attended the Allegan Antique market last month, I managed to find a couple of Chinese checkers to add to my craft room collection. For me, it's the price and the graphics that are key. I don't normally spend more than $10 on a board. Most of them, I have found between $5 and $7.50.

This one still had its original box.

This one has built-in storage for its marbles by sliding a metal lever.

I'm afraid, I'm starting to run out of wall space for my collection.

♥


August 13, 2011

KITCH-ITI-KIPI (Big Spring) UP Day 4

On our travels back home, we traveled to KITCH-ITI-KIPI to visit the Big Springs. You can find this attraction in Palms Book State Park which is located at the northern part of state highway M-149, a fifteen minute drive north of US-2 at Thompson.






KITCH-ITI-KIP is hundred feet across and forty foot deep. It's Michigan's largest spring. This crystal clear attraction is absolutely amazing and almost prehistoric looking.

The flow continues throughout the year at a constant 45 degree fahrenheit. We were able to enjoy the attraction with self-operated & tethered glass bottomed observation raft.

Ancient tree trunks, lime covered branches and fat trout appear in the crystal waters far below.

Like many of the attractions that we visited, this was free with a state park pass. It was one of my favorite spots this past week. If you are heading to the upper peninsula, be sure to pack a cooler with snacks.

There are dozens of scenic turnouts perfect for picnics.

We're definitely looking forward to our next visit to the upper peninsula.

Such a beautiful state.


XOXO
♥



August 11, 2011

UP day 3

The winds (and temperatures) were dramatically different this morning and we were able to enjoy the glass bottom shipwreck tour.

We were able to view three different wrecks on the 2.5 hour cruise.

We spent the rest of the day traveling west to Marquette.
Along the way, we stopped at roadside beaches
to admire the view of Lake Superior.



One of the highlights of our day was watching a freighter
come into dock in Marquette.
The size of the ship was amazing.


We'll be heading back south tomorrow.
It's been a beautiful trip.


XOXO
♥


August 10, 2011

UP day 2

We left Newberry and followed M58 towards Munising today. Along the way, we stopped to admire the powerful Lake Superior. As you can tell by the pictures, the wind was very strong and the waves were breathtaking.

The Upper Peninsula is so beautiful.

Sable Falls

Miners Castle

As long as the winds behave, we're touring several shipwrecks on a glass bottomed boat tomorrow morning. The girls are excited (and a tiny bit afraid).

More fun awaits on Thursday!

XOXO
♥