It’s hard really to grasp that yesterday we were frantically, frenetically finishing our packing and today we’re sitting in a motel in Central Michigan. The kids were great today as we put on nearly 400 miles, which should be our second-longest driving day of the whole trip. We didn’t get out of Niagara Falls until about 11am, but booked through southern Ontario without stopping, crossing back into the US at Sarnia. Actually, our only stop between Niagara Falls and Houghton Lake, MI, where we’re holed up for the evening, was for gas. We had planned to walk around Sarnia, checking out the river and lake, but it was 94 and later than we had planned.
In the car, we listened to Roald Dahl read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach. Marina read a key chapter from The Goblet of Fire to us all and Izzy and Marina played an imagination game together. At one point, they took a break from it and Izzy was pleading with Marina to play with her. Point is: spirits are good, still.
We stopped for gas in a town known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, but didn’t realize it until we were ten miles past and weren’t going to go back. The temperature had risen to 96, but the AC was working, as is our new car fridge.
We had dinner in a fine family restaurant and came back to the hotel to go swimming in the skanky pool. I tried to work out for a little while, but managed only about ten minutes on the treadmill before relenting to Izzy’s demands that I get in the pool to play catch with him. Good thing he got me; I would have collapsed if I went much longer.
Michigan music: Iggy, Gil Scott-Heron, Sufjan Stevens, and course these smoothies.
OK also The Gories covering a great disco (yes, I said that) tune from the artist also known as Kid Creole, who has nothing to do with Michigan. (Here’s the original.)
July 1st, 2012 at 8:55 am Wow! You are all in Michigan already … that’s fast. So are the trees the perfect height?
July 1st, 2012 at 11:32 am Don’t forget the MC5 in your Michigan music mix! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEi1-FSec24 (Their only song the kids have a 5% chance of liking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbVdrnRm4R4 ) and The Amboy Dukes (before Ted Nugent had shot his first bear): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN2VNFpiGWo
July 1st, 2012 at 1:26 pm Good suggestions. I had the MC5 in my list, originally. There’s a lot of good music from Michigan. Next state: Wisconsin. Violent Femmes? We’ll be in Minnesota soon enough, with more choices.
July 1st, 2012 at 1:32 pm And Aretha http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp1k3Y7IPZk The Capitols http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNCWhdYmPoE ? and the Mysterians http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAakG3UVc14 and most of the Motown artists and lots more. Michigan is one of the music-rich states.
July 1st, 2012 at 7:38 pm No internet in our hotel tonight. We’ll post tomorrow, but it will be a long drive, so it might be late.
September 15th, 2025 at 9:28 am Taipan78 provides an excellent service. The information is well-presented and easy to understand. I’ve found it very useful and trustworthy. Great job!
September 15th, 2025 at 9:28 am I am impressed with Taipan78 platform. It delivers accurate and valuable insights, with a user-friendly interface that enhances the overall experience. The dedication to quality content is evident, and it truly stands out as a reliable resource.
September 15th, 2025 at 9:37 am The world of digital entertainment continues to grow rapidly, and one of the most popular trends today is online gaming. Losari88 emerges as a platform that brings a fresh experience for gamers seeking modern, interactive, and accessible entertainment.
September 15th, 2025 at 9:54 am Losari88 Games is quickly becoming a favorite platform for gamers seeking excitement, reliability, and a wide range of games. Known for its user-friendly interface and high-quality game selection, Losari88 has set itself apart as a top destination for entertainment in 2025.