Roscommon, MI
Friday morning (the 20th) Bobbi and Lew got up late as usual, but nevertheless were on the road by 11. The routing was unexciting: down MI-77 to US-2, which we took east through the pines. Almost nothing relieved the constant vista of trees on the left with Lake Michigan on our right, until we approached the bridge. Suddenly a KOA, a few gas stations and assorted eateries appeared just before we took the ramp to I-75 south.

The bridge was its usual architectural beauty set in the fabulous natural beauty where the lakes meet. We went over a bit faster than we prefer because we could not find a truck to follow (the truck speed limit is 20 mph). Still, a gorgeous sight to behold and we took it in avidly.

After the bridge, I-75 passed through the minimal community at the tip of lower Michigan -- then off into the forests again. Occasional interchanges hinted of small communities beyond, but the first real "civilization" was at Gaylord, where we pulled off long enough to restock at "Wally World", lunch at Subway, and refuel.

The exit for the Higgins Lake Family Campground was only a few miles further. We pulled off, made a couple of turns, and found the campground without difficulty. It turned out to be a gem: a variety of campsites (concrete pads, gravel, grass, with electricity, some with water, some with sewer, some with telephone -- and perhaps some with other services that I missed) set within 30 acres of forest. The bathhouse was scrupulously clean -- which is the Bobbi's basis for judging a campground. Part of the 30 acres was undisturbed except for some pleasant short trails -- perfect for long walks with the dogs. The site was level enough we did not need to unhitch. After supper, we decided to act on the Verizon technician's promise that we would have data service along I-75. But we still couldn't get a data connection on Bobbi's phone. An hour of working with some more technicians finally disclosed that there was no data service in the northern half of the lower peninsula either, even along I-75. So we would have to wait another couple of days before we have internet.

Saturday (21st) morning Lew wanted to go to the CCC Museum nearby, remembering the reputation that organization had when he was a child, and having been struck by the campground at Germfask being built on the site of one of the CCC camps. A sign on the door announced that the museum would be unable to keep regular summer hours because of the state's budget crunch -- fortunately the door was open and Lew leisurely browsed the contents -- alone.

After visiting the museum, much to Bobbi's surprise when she opted to search for a place to eat lunch, we circumnavigated Higgins Lake and found ourselves back at the campground, where we whiled away the rest of the afternoon until supper: Lew took long walks with the dogs, while Bobbi read her chick-lit. Evening was more of the same, and so to bed.