Weekend

It's been rather a relaxing weekend. Yesterday husband and I went to the flea market (a cross between a boot sale and market). It's been years since we've been. I thought it would be something different to do and have a little look around. We lasted about half of it before we both agreed it was too hot, and we left.  We'd like to go back perhaps when it's a little cooler. We wouldn't want to go there all the time, but we agreed it was rather fun to have a look around!

This morning we got up really early (I was up at 4.30am, husband even earlier) as we had decided to drive across the state to go to the National Wildlife Refuge drive and see what we could see. It was a fun day. We walked just a bit (still hot and humid) on the trails but had a good time seeing what we could see. The wildlife refuge is basically just an unspoiled green space that wildlife and birdlife tend to gather close to as there are a lot of waterways. We say loads and loads of egrets and herons, a couple of eagles and lots of other birds. We both had an enjoyable time. 

Later, when we were home, middle son and his girlfriend came over and ate with us. A nice ending to the long weekend. 

Some phone photos from today. 

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend and a good start to the week! What are your plans this week?

Sunday Adventure

We got up really early so we could drive the 2+ hours to the only National Wildlife Refuge in the lower part of Michigan - Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. The drive is only open from June to October and we haven't been yet this year. I wanted to go there before I left for England and I'm running out of time. 

I'm glad we got there early, as when it started to get later in the day and get hotter there were less birds to be seen. My favourite thing of the day had to be seeing all the Egrets gathered in one spot. I took a short video. I never knew they made such grunting sounds lol. I imagine they weren't happy having to compete with one another for fish. 

I took quite a few photos with my camera that I have to sort through. I also took a few phone photos of the lovely scenery. 

There were lots of lovely reflections. I love the waterways there. I wish we lived closer so we could visit more often, but I suppose it wouldn't be a treat then!

It was extremely hot again today. I think tomorrow is supposed to be a little cooler and then cooler still on Tuesday (when it is supposed to rain all day). I must admit that I'm looking forward to the cooler weather. I need to start getting things organised this week. I leave on the 15th!

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Camping Weekend

We had a nice weekend away. The cabin was...well, it wasn't as nice as the last one! It was a bit primitive. Comfortable but certainly needs some upgrading. The door was like a garden shed door complete with a padlock! Usually there is a keypad that has a code so it's easy for all occupants to use. This one, well, with only one key it wasn't the greatest. 

That being said, the campground was nice. It was near a lake (not one of the Great Lakes) but pretty. The campground had a shop. There were a few trails. Admittedly, we didn't spend a lot of time at the campground. We were mainly there in the evenings. It was quite busy with children, but it did quieten down at night and there wasn't a lot of noise. 

The weather actually stayed good. It was forecast to rain all day Saturday. We had one shower when we were out just as we were finishing up our walk and one in the evening. We'd already lit the campfire. We ducked inside the cabin to wait it out and the fire stayed lit through the rain. So after the showers we went back out and sat and enjoyed the rest of the night. 

On Saturday we went to check out Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. 

It is Michigan's Oldest Lighthouse, the second oldest on the Great Lakes. Here's a little blurb of history

Fort Gratiot was built in 1814 during the War of 1812 to guard the juncture of the St. Clair River and Lake Huron. Named after the engineer who supervised construction, Charles Gratiot, Fort Gratiot would be occupied on and off  by the United States Army until 1879.  With a surge of vessel traffic on Lake Huron in the early 1800s, the need for a Light Station to guide vessels through the water way became very important. In 1823 Congress approved the funds to build the first lighthouse in Michigan and the second oldest on the Great Lakes.

A view from the beach (below)

Mostly stoney beach. 

Lots of boats in the water - and Canada just across Lake Huron (a phone photo)

On our way back we stopped at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. It's basically a huge area of wild land. There is a drive through some of the waterways.  We saw lots including this Eagle.

Now to get moving on house things!