Vassar, MI
We packed up and left before 11, going down county roads 100 and 103 to the interchange at I-75. As we drove south the trees thinned out and the traffic increased uncomfortably. We experienced culture shock. We had been spoiled by northern Michigan, and once again appreciated all that the CCC had accomplished many years ago.

At the first Bay City exit, we stopped to eat lunch and refuel. Then we resumed down I-75 to the east side of Saginaw, where we exited to MI-46 and went over 20 miles east to get to the Ber-Wa-Ga-Na campground.

This campground was a big step down from all the campgrounds we had gotten used to since leaving Toledo. Most of the lots (nearly all of the shaded ones) were taken by "seasonal campers" -- that is, the trailers were fixed in place, underskirted, and never moved. Indeed, some were mobile homes. The few lots available for transients like us were in the front, in the sun, and wired with 20 amp service only. But we were lucky someone was just pulling out of a lot under a tree and with 30 amp service as we arrived, so we were able replace them on the lot. A great many children were running around, taking advantage of the pond and the extensive playground equipment. The transient lots were far from the bathhouse, which was old and in need of both cleaning (goes with the multitude of kids) and repair.

After supper we did our telephoning. Son Scott's family was visiting with his mother-in-law in the town, so on impulse he decided to come out to the campground to visit with us. The adults talked until visitors had to leave the campground (11 PM), while the children amused themselves with the dogs and the playground equipment.