Zig Zagging across Michigan

What a weekend. The winds were howling, the 50mph gusts were so close together I would call it 50mph sustained. We traveled to Midland for the Michigan Antiques & Collectible Festival. The event was held at the Midland County Fairgrounds and we were able to camp on the grounds. The campground was very nice and only a couple hundred yards from the festival so it was nice to be able to go back to the home to check on Rigley and rest every few hours. Friday, the winds made it difficult for the vendors to set up but Saturday was a great day for poking. This show was like a mini Brimfield. There were close to a thousand vendors with some very different and unique items for sale. We enjoyed seeing what another part of the country could put together.

The Harley parts sculpture, pitchfork birdhouses, neon signs and a great farmers market, all mixed in with a classic car show, that was set up in an area of car parts of every shape and size. Fenders, hubcaps, and engines, with tractors and antique bikes. Food vendors and lots of musical entertainment all packaged to make for a fun weekend.

This week also bought us to the Northwest corner of Michigan. Checked out Point Betsie Light Station and then spent the good part of a day in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We hiked a couple dune trails and drove a scenic ride thru the park. Rigley felt like he was at Sandy Neck until we came to a viewing point on the dunes that was 450 feet above Lake Michigan. The caution signs said , Beware of sand slides, rescues will be costly to you.

Spent time exploring and stumbled on Antique Apples at Kilcherman's Christmas Cove Farm. What a fun place this turned out to be. Thought we were just stopping for cider and apples was surprised when there were over 50 varieties to pick from. Most of which have origins that date back in time from the 1600's, 1700's, 1800's and early 1900's. Each display had a label describing them like,


WINTER BANANA
Origin: 1876, Cass County, Indiana. It is possible the first fruit was brought to the New World from Holland. This apple has excellent dessert quality; it is a beauty for centerpieces and table decorations. We consider this apple to be a prize winner.

HUBBARDSTON
Origin: Sometime before 1832, in Hubbardston, Massachussetts. An excellent dessert apple that at one time was widely planted and considered a good commercial variety. It varies a lot in size, color and shape, depending on growing conditions

STRAWBERRY CHENANGO
Origin: 1850 New York or Connecticut. The Strawberry has firm, tender, juicy flesh. The flavor has a hint of strawberries, and the apple is aromatic. It is not certain whether it originated in New York's Chenango County or was brought there from Connecticut. Always a favorite in the farm market.

Just to name a few. The other interesting display in this barn was the apple farmers collection of soda pop bottles, 10,000 of them lining the walls. Mr. Kilcherman had a duplicate "Foster's" bottle and I bought it, just cause.