Anywhoo, as Shirley used to say, I had made reservations that August at P.H. Hoeft State Park in Rogers City for just over a week, and Keith, Elaine, and Donovan were joining us there for part of the time. We couldn't wait. I remember that summer so well (plus I keep a journal)—Mr. Rochester was getting older, and it was a difficult time for Mark's family.
It's a long drive from Brooklyn to Rogers City hauling a trailer. In fact, we were reminded of our friend Eric—he tried to never drive for more than 3 hours a day. They have a much bigger motorhome than us, but the concept is similar. When we arrived, late in the day, Keith and Elaine were all set up, which was awesome, but it meant Mark had to maneuver the trailer in around a tent and screened room, with all the sites around us already full, so he couldn't use them to back in. He did a fabulous job, though it was a bit stressful. And a few people stopped, one woman saying "we want to watch!" I think she was disappointed by the overall lack of arguing. People can be great, and they can also be addicted to a reality show mentality that I find gross in the extreme. And where has that gotten us as a country? But I digress.
I had scored what I think is the nicest site in the park:
Our site was next to the path to the beach, with a view of the water through the trees.
Here are Mark and Keith admiring the tripod that's holding
dinner the second night we were there.
Elaine's Lasagna! So, so good.
We had Mr. Rochester with us, of course, and this was the trip where he started letting it be known when he wanted to be in the trailer, which was usually by 9 p.m, or earlier if it was a hot day. He would get up and go to the steps (he could usually get up on his own at this point, especially if he was on grass or dirt) of the trailer and bark. We'd help him up the steps and he would sprawl out in air conditioned comfort. After Keith, Elaine, and Donovan went home, we stayed an extra couple of days. That meant we didn't have Elaine to stay at the site reading with Rochester, which she greatly enjoyed, so we would help Mr. R. into the trailer, he'd fall asleep in the cool living room, and we'd sneak out the bedroom trailer door and go to the beach. He never even knew we were gone, sweet boy.
One of the things that Mark loves to do when we're camping is find EXCELLENT FIREWOOD DEALS. He found this one for $20. TWENTY BUCKS! (I originally published this post thinking it was $40, but I checked with Mark this evening, and it was a MUCH better deal! He still sounded excited, all these years later).
A whole Yukon load full!
I love this shot. It was before Donovan stacked the wood, but the contrast with the fire and Lake Huron through the trees . . . such a pretty view.
I love the jewel tone colors in this picture. Elaine is reading on the right.
The beach! You can see our cabana.
The patch back from the beach. You can see Mr. Rochester watching for me.
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Sunsest.
We had a fabulous week, and the fact that we were with our favorite camping companions made it even better. Keith and I have camped together, well, all our lives!
So that was our first full-fledging camping trip. P.H. Hoeft is a lovely state park, and is generally not very crowded. It's on the Huron side, and it's just far enough from Mackinaw City that it doesn't get the same crowds as the parks a bit closer. I've also long been partial to the Huron side of Michigan. At any rate, we loved it. A very good week!
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