Day 50: Cruising-Harbor Springs
RV Retrofit. Tunnel of Trees. Neighborhood Stroll.
The day started with Ralph and me plotting our strategy to replace their inefficient DC to DC charger (onboard their Leisure Travel Van) with a brand new Kisae, high output, 50-Amp charger. Ralph and Sheryl had purchased all the necessary equipment for our morning install; it was time for action! The two of us studied the great tutorial written by our good friend Sandy Johnson (she is an RV Electric Power Wizard who produced a thorough installation guide) while having our morning coffee (see Ralph studying it on his iPad).
A few hours later, the new charger was installed, the software was updated, the settings adjusted, and it smoothly produced beautiful charging power to the lithium coach battery. This install was essential because next week, they are leaving for a 1,500-mile tour across Canada on their way to visit Newfoundland (fully charged, lithium battery-powered, electricity on the road is always necessary).
WooHoo! It is remarkable when a plan comes together, and stuff works as it should.
The next part of the day was also fabulous.
Ralph drove Sheryl and me through a 20-mile, single-lane road, windy, curvy, up, down, and through the famous M119 (that’s Michigan Hwy 119), Tunnel of Trees. It was gorgeous!
We ended up at a tiny one-street spot called Cross Village,
where the renowned Legs Inn sits perched on a bluff, high above Lake Michigan.
Named the 2nd most iconic restaurant in the State of Michigan, this is a unique, hard-to-describe establishment built by Polish immigrant Stanley Smolak in the 1930s. After 90 years, the Smolak family still owns and operates the eclectic establishment.
The only thing that surpasses the fantastic gardens outside and views of Lake Michigan is the authentic, homestyle Polish menu. The food was terrific.
On the way back, Ralph took a dirt road detour so we could visit a perfectly restored mission church in the Middle Village, an old Native American settlement.
The Middle Village was a Jesuit mission established in 1741; the first structure was built by the Native American Odawa tribe in 1823 and rebuilt again in 1889 after a fire destroyed it. It is now known as St. Ignatius Church. It, too, sits high on a ridge with access to a scenic overlook and beach on Lake Michigan.
Once we returned to Harbor Springs, it was time for a walk through the local neighborhood to get a first-hand look at the crystal clear springs that run throughout the town and many of the exquisite lawns (and homes) in the residential area.
I hope you enjoyed the day’s activities and scenery.
BTW, after two days of moochdocking at the Kittrell’s, Cousin Eddie feels like it must be time to pack up the rig and head south.
Rather weird.
No one had ever waved goodbye to me with such vigor and big smiles as Sheryl and Ralph as I was leaving. I guess they like me. Kind of embarrassing, especially since I don’t think they knew about my storm drain pump out [just kidding].
You are too gracious....we know the REAL story between the lines, especially how smoothly the retrofit went. ;-) And, did it ever occur to you that we were waving so vigorously because we were so happy to see you leaving? .....OBVIOUSLY just kidding....we loved having you with us and showing off our beautiful little town!
Oh you guys had a marvelous time!! Can’t wait to Moochdock at the Kittrell’s😂