September 24th 2022

I really wanted to do Torch Lake while in Michigan but the next few days are going to be all rain. And we don't have a boat, lol. 

So we drove the Tunnel of Trees instead. This is a small scenic road on M119 that has trees forming a tunnel from Cross Village to Harbor Springs. The leaves are slowly changing here, nothing like in the UP. The drive was nice and the houses were really nice. There's lake views along the way as well. I'm sure the tunnel looks ten times better when the leaves are changed. Harbor Springs is a town out of a fairy tale. Gorgeous. Old time-y. We got Mexican food while here. The restaurant was called Rodrigo's. This was better than Cozumel or any Ohio Mexican place that we've been to. I'd recommend if you're ever in the area!

We went to Petoskey State Park to look for Petoskey stones. This was only seven minutes away, so why not. We actually found some! A lot. The locals asked if we were having any luck and we showed them all the ones we found. They didn't find any, told us we hit the jackpot for the day 😂

On the way back through the Tunnel of Trees we stopped at Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. This is someone's house. They have a huge parking lot, a nature center, trails, gardens, and a beach. Which everyone on this road has basically the same. I looked up pricing on Zillow and just for lots they start at $950,000. This place was gorgeous. Wooded trails, bridges, dune observation platform, pond observation platform, pavilion, beach, and amphitheater. I wish I took more pictures here but the nature really took me in. They take great care of this place. Something I'll really miss about Michigan is being in a pine forest one second and the next you're on a sandy beach with gorgeous rocks and clear water.

Watched Happy Feet before bed. I've never seen it. Cute movie lol.

Even the plates were cute! 10/10

Petoskey State Park

Petoskey stones!

Only picture taken at Thorne Swift

This is Cherry sitting in front of the hot air vent 😂