Saturday, June 30, 2018

Sunday Post #252


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews
It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Book Date 
  
I'm home from vacation! It was a fun week but it's always good to be home too- especially since I was at a campground and camping is NOT my thing. I mean it's okay, I like a good fire and some downtime, but I'm not like, a natural camper, you know? I need my amenities. I was hardly on this week so I'll catch up over the weekend (or I may just binge stuff - 50/50 chance of either really). I finished some books and took some pics, I thought I'd share a few here as well as over on Instagram. There's a couple of bookstores in Traverse that I always make sure to check in on, and this year was no exception. It was nice to escape the heat and just browse books in the air conditioning for a while. Of course I bought some as well. :) 

This week Movies That Suck looked at The Valley of Gwangi. And this week will be Against All Odds. That was fun. Meanwhile I'm taking suggestions again. Otherwise I'm still watching the 100 and 12 Monkeys.  

Vacation highlights (skip if you wanna but this is the fun part)

Okay- vacation highlights. I spent some time at the Sleeping Bear dunes, which is one of my favorite places to be. It's been a few years since I've been there, and many of the areas have changed. The grand Scenic Overlook, for one, always experiences erosion since some people feel the need to race down the 450 foot bluff and then re-climb it. Which by the way is extremely exhausting, as well as not being good for the dunes. The scenic drive, as always, is amazing and really gives one a chance to experience this national lakeshore. If you ever get a chance to take this drive, you really should. 

I also revisited another favorite spot- Old Mission Peninsula. Specifically the tip of the peninsula where the lighthouse is. This place changes a lot too, with lake levels. The Great Lakes are up and so areas that I hiked to a few years ago are underwater now.  The farthest point you can go (and still be on land) is amazing cause you can sit on a pile of boulders and you're in the middle of the bay- literally- with waves coming in from three different directions. It's like another world. Well, this year- that's all underwater. But it's still a beautiful place to visit, and in a few years I may be out there again, sitting on rocks, with the only sounds being the wind, the waves, and the occasional seagull.       
This is how it looked a few years ago. 





This is the very tip of the land- you could walk to this point. Now the whole approach is underwater. 



This is the sand dune scenic overlook. Lake Michigan is 450 feet down. In spite of the posted warning there are always people trying to climb up. Some have to be rescued. 

These pics are a few years old. For some reason my images wouldn't transfer to my computer from my iPhone, so I put em on Instagram. You can see em here for pics from this week. 



Blackfish CityThe Lies They TellStrange New World (Brave New Girl, #2)Exile (The Extinction Trials #2)Girls' Night Out


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My writing prompt for the week. 

The insects hummed and the water burbled underfoot, with the crash of the falls a backdrop to everything else. Ferns swayed gently in the breeze as the trooper surveyed his surroundings. Find the crash site, they'd been told. Secure a perimeter and keep the pilot alive, if possible. Sure, not a problem. The hostile wildlife and trigger happy oppo forces would be so cooperative, surely. Still, it was beautiful here. Beautiful and deadly. What was the name of that old song...? So Beautiful and So...

A rustling in the trees interrupted his reverie. He brought his weapon at the ready, but whatever it was had gone. He sighed and lowered it again. You could never let your guard down here. There was a high pitched whine from some insect as he crossed the fallen log over the stream. He wanted nothing more than to sit and dip his feet in the stream, stare at the waterfalls for a time, and drift away into this green and deadly paradise. 

99 comments:

  1. Why did you go camping if you don't like camping, haha. I am very much NOT a camping person. Glad it was an enjoyable trip though, even if you are glad to be home! And that's great you even got to visit some bookstores! That comic you're gonna be reviewing sounds cool, I like that idea about the creative teams!

    Bummer that some of the places were underwater, but awesome photos! They seem like pretty places to visit.

    I was just looking at that werewolf artist's art again today! I really want some art and was considering buying a small print. Although, I was literally wondering this earlier (so great timing lol), this one is titled "Shepherd and His Faithful Dog," but there's no man in the pic, so does that mean the shepherd is the werewolf?

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    1. It was sorta an invited to go, couldn't really say no kinda thing? Or I could have but it would have hurt some feelings. So I... went. Awesome (except for the camping part). And having to walk half a mile to the bathrooms- but anyways, moving on. :)

      Thanks! It was nice to go back to some places I haven't visited in a while.

      Yes his art is amazing! I like the alt take on the European and... I think the dog might BE the shepherd? Seems like I saw an alt of that pic where the dog was changing INTO that form? But not entirely sure.

      Delete
  2. Now I want to go to the beach, but I want to go to the seashore. I've been jonesing for New Jersey. Ha ha. I don't even know if Wildwood is a decent spot anymore. I saw your pics on IG. Beautiful. 🌅

    I almost missed the hovercraft in that image with the two blue moons. Of course I love those night time city scenes. 🌃

    I loved your little writing prompt snippet. ✒

    Have a great weekend and a wonderful week. 🌞

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    1. Right? I hope you get a chance. :)

      I'm a sucker for night time scenes, and if they're cyberpunkish, so much the better!

      THank you! I didn't think it was very good, but I wanted something and that pic...

      Delete
  3. Camping is not for me! I'd be thinking too much about The Hills Have Eyes and Deliverance I think!

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  4. Your vacation sounds so great! It's interesting to go the same places and see how they've changed. We camped a lot when I was a teenager, but as an adult, I'm more into comfort, I'd need a cabin at least! And yeah, it's always nice to come home.

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    1. It was nice. And we actually stayed in a cabin, I should have clarified that, but it was a mini- cabin. Short on amenities but better than in a tent! And yes I love revisiting some of the familiar places, especially ones that mean a lot.

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  5. Glad you had a good vacation. Camping definitely isn't my thing!! Love the pictures. Hope you have a great week!!

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    1. Thanks Grace! Ya camping is not my favorite- give me a hotel anytimes!

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  6. Beautiful pics of Michigan. I saw them on IG too. I am sad to say that I haven't spent much time up in Michigan. My husband went to Calvin College for a year and says it is a beautiful state. Thanks for sharing your vacation with us.

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    1. Thank you! Did he? Wow that's right in our area. It is beautiful here, especially in the north.

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  7. I'm not a camper either, I'm scared of bugs😁 But I love your photos. My family is going to a beachy area in a couple of weeks (but staying in a motel!) and I can't wait😊

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    1. Ugh bugs. I like nature but the bugs part... no. Motels or hotels are much preferable to camping, I would agree!

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  8. I don't mind camping. It is fun. And at least it is a good way to really take a break from all that stress at home. It does sound like you enjoyed it. :D

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    1. I'm not a huge fan of camping but I will say it was nice to be under the trees and have campfires... and the campground was IN the city, unlike a lot of them, so you could leave and there were all kinds of things t odo right around.

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  9. My family never went camping when I was young and it just isn't something that I have done much of as an adult. I have went with friends a handful of times and had fun. I think camping would make my husband miserable which wouldn't be fun for anyone.

    It sounds like you were in a very scenic area and it is really neat how much it has changed. Have a great week, Greg!

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    1. Mine didn't either, we had a place up north but sold it eventually. And yes if spouses are not onboard it can be less than fun. :)

      Thanks Carole- have a super week!

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  10. Thanks for sharing your vacation pics and tidbits about the place. Interesting to see how landscapes change over time. I like that cyberpunk 2am video - soothing. Happy reading.

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    1. Sure, thanks for coming by. :) I liked that video too!

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  11. I don't do camping. If hubby wants me to go camping he better rent a cabin with running water and indoor plumbing. Great pictures though.

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    1. I don't normally either, and hopefully won't have to soon!

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  12. The pictures look awesome but yeah I am not what youre calling a natural camper. lol I want a cabin and then I'm on board ;)

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    1. Yes a cabin at the least... or a hotel!!

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  13. Thanks for sharing your vacation pictures. I remember jumping down the slopes of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Makes me feel all nostalgic. I miss Michigan in the warmer months but not at all in the winter. LOL As far as camping, I remember those horseflies. Ouch! And we even camped in tents to go ice fishing. Crazy right.

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    1. I love the dunes, and it's amazing how in some ways they're the same but in subtle ways they've changed too. Pretty amazing. And I am NOT a camping person lol.

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  14. I enjoy camping for one night, but it's definitely not my thing! haha Glad to hear you enjoyed your vacation!

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    1. Yeah I had to bite the bullet. It was nice though!

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  15. Camping is rough when you aren't a camper! I haven't been camping in a long time as my hubs is very much an indoor kind of guy.

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  16. I don't mind camping itself, but I just hate the bugs! When we go camping my husband is also all about doing it in tents, so no cabins and amenities for us either, lol.

    ~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum

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    1. Yeah no bugs. Wouldn't it be AMAZING w/o bugs? A whole different experience. :)

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  17. I don't think that I've ever been camping before, and I don't want to try it. lol I'd rather stay home and watch Netflix with the pup. Though my brother is really into backpacking.

    I love all the pictures you found, and I love the song! Very relaxing, perfect for studying. Have a good week! :)

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    1. Oh my gosh you are missing NOTHING, let me assure you. Okay campfires are nice, and the wind in the trees- it can be relaxing- but yes I would take a good Netflix binge any day!

      Glad you liked the song, I did too. and of course I lost half an hour down the rabbit hole listening to MORe of them...

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  18. I am low-key jealous of the camping :) camping can be great when it's like a week long. Unfortunately, I never get to go! Glad you got to enjoy it :)

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    1. Aww I hope you get to camp at some point!

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  19. I'm with you, and not a serious camper these days, but I was as a kid. How very kind to go along to avoid hurting a friend's feelings. What a wonderful spirit you have. I adored the pics over at Instagram, and hereas well. So glad you had a chance to relax and kick back, and hope you're feeling the best ever! Hugs...RO

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    1. Aw thanks! And thank u about Instagram also! I am feeling pretty good, and I hope you're having a wonderful start to the week!

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  20. I love the picture of the cabin tucked away in the woods! What a great place for a retreat - provided there are no paranormal creatures around. LOL

    I love camping! We went a lot when I was younger, and if we went anywhere that had any power hookups at all, we were high-end camping! LOL

    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I like that one too. And I agree- keep the paranormals at bay!!

      That's awesome, and it is nice to get to the woods. Electricity definitely helps!

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  21. I've never camped out. Where i love i would be worried we'd be eaten by a bear, soo. Lol Glad y'all had such a good time in vacation. The pics are great!

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    1. Never? We never camped much either, we had a place up north for a while, but my dad sold it eventually. And yeah some places bears might be a concern! We have 'em too although I haven't seen one.

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  22. Camping with a group is fun, but I never sleep very well. Love your bit of writing from the prompt this week.

    Here's my Sunday Review

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    1. I do think camping is more fun in a group. And it can be hard to sleep depending on the conditions. I didn't sleep great but I survived. :) And thanks!

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  23. Glad you enjoyed your time off even if it was camping, I am not a camper either unless we are somewhere where there is wifi and I am in a fifth wheel camper...lol.

    Have you ever watched Big Trouble in Little China? I love that movie but it's not great, fun but not great...lol. :)

    Have a great day and happy reading!
    Stormi
    Week in Review

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    1. Absolutely- wifi and a 5th wheel would make it much better!

      I have only seen parts of Big Trouble, not the whole thing, but it sounds PERFECT.

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  24. I'm with you -- give me my amenities. I was a Girl Scout leader for like 7 years, and I remember getting my camper certification. It was brutally hot and we had one of those freak summer storms with hail and everything. Needless to say, when I approached my troop about camping, they were horrified that I even suggested sleeping outdoors. So, I guess they wanted their amenities too.

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    1. Yes- amenities please. Ha that's a funny story, but so true- you are at the mercy of the elements, especially if tent camping. No tents for me!

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  25. Your vacation sounds great! I like the pictures. I know what you mean though, I need my everyday things too. I can't see myself ever sleeping out in a tent. I want to go camping one day but with an RV.
    Enjoy your week!

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    1. An RV would be nice! I camped in a tent once, and said never again!

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  26. I'm glad you had a great vacation. Your pictures are wonderful! I'm not much of a camper, though. I need room service :)

    Have a great week!

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  27. Oh man, I feel you on camping! I did go with my daughter's girl scout troop last year, but they went to these cabins that had a full kitchen and bathroom. THAT was nice. (Found out the price later and it's a bit expensive. O_O)

    Lovely pictures!

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  28. I totally feel you on the camping issue. I enjoy it for about 30 minutes and then I'm ready to get home to the air conditioning and wifi! XD I'm glad you still had a good time though! Blackfish City looks awesome - off to check that out now! Have a great week :D

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  29. I used to go camping with my dad years ago and altho I liked it a lot. Haven't gone since he passed away. My kids (17/13) have never been. I just don't do it anymore. It was a dad thing and my hubby isn't into it either we just don't do it. Have a wonderful week. I love the pictures!

    Mary my #SundayRoundup #25!

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  30. The photos are amazing...and the trip sounds like fun...except for the camping part. LOL. I loved camping when I was a kid, with those campfires and spooky stories.

    Enjoy your reading and movie watching. I remember enjoying Against All Odds.

    Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.

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  31. Sounds like a fab vacation. I am glad the Lakes are up. I grew up around them and every time I see a pic now it makes me so sad at how low they are. I never did make it to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and that is definitely my loss.
    sherry @ fundinmental Sunday Memes

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  32. I'm not a camping girl either so I get you. The pictures of the lake are beautiful!

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    1. it's still impressive to see the hange of level

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  33. Yeah I'm not a camper either. Bugs, tents, etc....just not my thing. I like AC, running water, microwaves, and TV! But, it looks pretty!

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  34. Oh my gosh, what gorgeous pictures! I have family in Muskegon, so that's the furthest north I've ever been when I fly back there, but the beaches are just so pretty. I'm glad you got to see so many beautiful sights but I feel ya, camping isn't my thing either. You know what I like better? Hotel camping lol! That's my choice now a days ha!
    Jen @ Star-Crossed Book Blog

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  35. Yay for vacations! Glad you had a great time. I totally understand the camping part though, I need amenities. So we usually do the RV thing.

    Hope you enjoy all the new books you bought and have a great week!

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  36. The lakeshore looks beautiful! I've only ever seen the Great Lakes from Chicago, so very little natural splendor on display :P

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    1. Thanks! Oh if you ever get a chance to experience the Great Lakes, especially northwest lower Michigan, there are some amazing sights!

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  37. I love Shepard and his Grateful Master - such a cool piece of art. Sounds like you had a nice time and neat comparison picks. I'm noyt much of a camper. My idea of camping is a cabin in the woods, with AC and cable!

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    1. I like that one too. Quite the standoff. :)

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  38. I’m glad you had a good vacation. I badly need one of those. I love the photos. I hope you have a good week!

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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  39. Sleeping Bear Dunes are an awesome place to visit! Glad you had a nice vacation, Greg!

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  40. I love all the photographs! We need to go on a vacation, but it's hard when the kids are so little and we have dogs at home. They're great to travel with (the dogs, lol), but it seems like fewer and fewer places are accommodating to animals. Our plan is to get an RV in the future, so it won't matter as much.

    Glad it was a relaxing trip! It looks beautiful. <3
    L @ Do You Dog-ear?

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  41. Glad you had a lovely vacation! Love your vacation photos!

    Here’s my Sunday Post!

    Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays and Cover Spotlight!

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  42. Camping isn’t my thing either but as a kid we had a RV equipped with a mini black & white tv. We also had a rice cooker, so I need the amenities lol. You’re vacation pictures are great and I’m following you now on Instagram (which I need to try to use more often lol). Have a great week!

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  43. I'm glad you had a nice vacation. I don't think I've camped since I was young - it's not really my thing either, though a friend of mine loves it. If I had an RV, then it might not be so bad!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  44. I really adore those minimalist Tintin covers. Especially the Blue Lotus. I found Strange New World at ALA- the booth display copy actually that they gave away on Monday yay! So I hope it is good.

    And the vacation stuff DOES sound nice, aside from the actual camping. The real question is: Was the good stuff good enough to outweigh the horrors of camping??

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  45. I haven't been camping in forever! Seems like a lot of us were on vacation this past week. I was at ALA in New Orleans. Your pictures from camping do look very peaceful! Hope you had a good time!
    Check out my Wrap-Up Post

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  46. Glad to hear you had a nice vacation! I love camping, but only for a couple of days. I just like tv and hot showers and good restaurants. It's definitely fun for a couple of days, though. Happy reading!

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  47. What a cool place to vacation. Glad you had fun even if you don't love camping. I'm a camping fiend and go all the time. I like to just go by myself for a day or two sometimes even.

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    1. It is beautiful. Do you? That's cool, I imagine it's nice to get away like that!

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  48. I love camping but I don't like camping if that makes sense. I like being outdoors, and I like the whole view, fire, basic needs idea, but then I'm also on the hard floor, showering is not the best and there's bugs. I love the pictures you posted, though, and as usual I really enjoy all your graphics :) very inspiring. Thank you for stopping by my blog, I was chuffed, you liked my flash piece :)

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    1. I understand! It's nice to get out and enjoy nature, but there are downsides too. :) I'm not a fan of camping showers! And thanks! I loved your flash fic, and hope you post more!

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  49. Haha I am not a natural camper either, yes down time is nice but I like my home comforts too. The places you visited though look very worth it.

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  50. Ugh, I'm not a natural camper either. I can pretty much sleep anywhere and do love the idea of being away from smoggy cities and towns but insects creep me out to much and I'm allergic to pollen and am just a wuss. Hahaha. I never understood how people in the Americas could go camping - I'd be too terrified of bears and mountain lions. Hahaha

    I love the pics from your vacation. They're making me want to get away for a bit now. Especially to the beach or a lake somewhere.

    Oooh, I have Adrift on my Amazon wishlist. Eagerly awaiting your review. :D

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    1. Ha ha yeah camping is an acquired taste I think for some, and I have never acquired it! I mean I like being outside and exploring, but the actual rustic nature of a campground is not always my favorite thing? So I definitely hear you! And supposedly we have cougars in that dune area I talked about, but they're pretty elusive.

      Thank you! I hope you get a fun beach holiday soon. And Adrift looks awesome!!

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  51. Looks like a really cool place. I am completely on board with you. Camping always sounds like a fun idea until I'm out there dealing with deflating air mattresses, peeing in the woods, and obnoxious mosquitoes.

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  52. Great bunch of pictures. I'm with you about camping. I prefer to do something else. The scenery is great though. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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  53. I'm not really a camper either but we ended up with an RV and that's not so bad. It's much easier to be one with nature if there is A/C and plumbing and hot water and solid walls between me and the outdoors if needed! Love all the pictures. I never remember that Michigan has so much water so it's always a surprise to see the pictures but it's gorgeous! Have a great week!

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  54. I'm not much of a camper either - not my thing. I like camping if I am in a cabin, if that counts. Lol. I do love northern Michigan though! We are bound and determined to get to Mission Point this year while we in the area. We have never been and it will be nice to see something different and new along with our favorites. :)

    Have a great week!

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  55. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed your vacation! I leave on Thursday, very excited! Have a wonderful week!

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  56. I loved following all your vacation pictures on Instagram. Looked beautiful.

    I can't imagine why anyone would want to climb those dunes though!

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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  57. I used to love camping, but now I'm longer in the tooth - I prefer my creature comforts! Lovely pics, though Greg and many thanks for sharing them:)). I hope you enjoy rebonding with all those home-based luxuries...

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  58. I like the idea of camping and being out in nature, until I actually do then. Then I think "Nah, not for me." The views in your photos look lovely though. It is a shame about the erosion. I'm glad you had a good time on your trip and hope this week is a good one for you too!

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  59. The difference between your Lake Michigan photos are startling. We had a similar thing here with Lake Shasta, although after last year's rains, it has filled back up (for now). My weekly updates

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  60. Traverse City is lovely! I've been there but it was a long time ago. I'm also NOT a camper. Hotels all the way. Lol. I missed that you're on Instagram. I need to find you there.

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  61. Love, love the places you visited, especially Fishtown! Glad you had a great time away. Hope you have been keeping cool.

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  62. Thank you for the pictures.
    I am not a camper too. I like my amenities.

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  63. I enjoy nature to look at and listen to, but I find actually being in it is another story. Anyway, love the pics, glad you enjoyed...

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  64. Ooooo, I hate camping! I'm glad you made it out alive!

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  65. I'm not big on tent camping. I can handle no amenities if there's a bed (like a really rustic, tiny cabin is okay---we've stayed in some that basically JUST have beds and nothing else), but I can't stand to sleep on the ground. (And I don't want to go TOO long without a shower.)

    My kids and I went to the Indiana Dunes one year and took a trail and somehow accidentally going off of it into a REALLY steep area. I don't even know how we managed it. (It looked sort of like a trail still but the very low tree that we had to basically duck under should have been a good clue). I had the hardest time getting back up and thought I was going to end up with heat stroke!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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  66. Ugh, camping. Too many bugs! But it can be good for getting in some quiet reading time, in my experience...

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  67. I don't do camping... I'm not an outdoorsy type and I hate beasties!
    I'm constantly paranoid that something is going to crawl in my ears or nest under my skin or something *shivers*.
    The pictures are gorgeous though. :)

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  68. I think you would like our style of camping. We rent a cabin with many of the modern amenities. I'm not sure it counts as "real" camping the way my dad would see it, but it's as close as I want to get these days. Haha I loved the photos you shared. I am about to kick my vacation off soon. We are headed up north to visit my mom. Have a great week, Greg!

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