Boyne City, MI - Day Five

7/19/2021

I knew that today was going to be a tight schedule. I got up at 5:30am. Had breakfast and coffee and packed up camp. I left by 7:30 and made my way to Platte River canoes. I have been looking forward to kayak Platte River. Having my own kayak was extremely nice. I arrived upon opening. I unloaded my kayak down at the Bay and paid $12 for a shuttle service in which I then drove down to Lake Michigan beach and waited a few minutes for the shuttle to arrive. There were only a few other girls doing the same. Shuttle came and took us back to the main office. I looked around the shop, nope, no more tourist things for me! But I always still look. I got in my kayak by 8:45 and away I went. 

side note, I will miss hearing the loons at night

Platte River is the most beautiful River and being on it as early as I was, was a great choice. I saw a Red herring. A Blue herring. Huge snapper. Lots of large fish. I am not sure if they were trout, bass and well I know one was a carp. I also saw a beautiful spotted doe. The River was filled with large sized perch. I made my way peacefully and alone down the River which led me into Loon Lake. Another lake I wish I had time to explore. Being in a time crunch I only pursued around for about 20minutes before following back into the river. Some of the other folks on canoes and paddle boards caught up to me. 


Our paddle came up to one of the first tube entrances on the lower river. A huge group got in. There goes my peace? I paddled quickly around and past them. Peace is back. This happened at two more launches. Despite the tubers getting on, Platte river is divine grace. And the water is clear throughout most of the way. Taking my time I searched through the water for life. Watching small and big fish pass under me. Looking at the homes of these animals as I float atop them. I couldn’t have asked for a better morning to start my day. I paddled right out onto Lake Michigan and docked my yak on its sandy dune beaches. I walked around with my toes in it’s white sand and the morning sun resting upon my face. I had 10 minutes to spare before I started my long journey to the next camp. 

Platte river is rated one of my favorite rivers I have traveled on. Such grace and beauty and the end trip is even better. Views from a far of dunes that reached for the sky. 


I begin my two hour trip to Boyne City to my final destination at Whiting Park Campground on Lake Charlevoix. As I was leaving I passed through Traverse City and saw the sign welcome to downtown Traverse City. I realized where I was before, by the state park. That was not downtown Traverse City. And they had some better looking side beach parks too. A City I thought I disliked, because I was not in the right part to begin with. Needless to say, I am coming back with my brother for a late bday present for a Beer tour. So I’ll have another judgment of the City then. I am curious to explore where I haven’t seen.  


I am 45mins out from my destination and I am getting hungry on the drive and extremely tired. I’ve been awake since 5:30 and breakfast at 6:00am. All I’ve had since then were granola bars. I always bring trail mix with me, and I try not to bring ones with chocolate. I reach back for my mixed bag, reach in, famished only to find my fingers surrounded by gooeyness. I didn’t look down because I thought it was warm raisins. Excited to take the handful, I pull up to my mouth at see my fingers covered in melted chocolate while bits of sunflower seeds stuck to my palm. I look around for a napkin, too far for my arm to reach and no way to pull off to the side of the road I decided I only had one choice. I had to lick my fingers clean. Not my finest moment. I proceeded the rest of the way without eating.

I finally got to my campsite , unloaded and looked at the dozen missed messages. One from my best friend. Excited to see the text I soon realized it was a business question. One that could have waited like the rest.  I was not amused. I needed a shower since I haven’t showered since Friday night upon Leaving Camp Cartier back in Ludington. 

After my shower I needed food, like badly. I googled the place I wanted to visit. Trattoria Stella. I had the restaurant listed under my Charlevoix list and when I googled it I realized it was back in Traverse City. I was pissed. I put it on the wrong list. I broke. Hungry, tired, annoyed with unwanted texts and a campground with a weird unfamiliarity. I broke. It seemed to be a trend because when I went to the U.P I broke down on day five as well. 


So I found a top rated restaurant 20minutes away. I thought it was in Charlevoix City but I was soon to find it was not. But it was close. The Landing Restaurant. I pull up and there was a Ferry!! What the heck!?! What is going on!? I watched a couple cars get on then I decided to turn around. I’ll find another way. Google maps clocks it’s at 45minutes to get into town. I look back and see that restaurant is right there. Right across the bay. What am I waiting for? Am I really this scared? What if it’s expensive?!! Screw it.  I pulled closer only to see it was only three dollars. I loaded onto the ferry. Creeped and excited. My car was up front and a car behind me. And two cars to the side. Lady walks up to my car as they’re locking the gates to the ferry. $3 please. I hand her my card and she’s like sorry we don’t accept cards. Um…😳😧😬….oh wait!!! I have $4 in my wallet. Omg 😱 😆 what would have happened if I didn’t have the money?? I couldn't get off! We already started moving! Ey! As we moved across the waterway I saw a mobile app where you can pay via mobile. Oh thank the good graces! I downloaded the app because I would need the ticket to get back. There’s no way I am driving an hour back to camp when using the ferry cuts that time more than half. 


The restaurant was lovely. Absolutely amazing. Food was divine. I’ve always wanted to try a restaurant located right on the water and one where you can just pull your boat up to and eat at the dock of your boat!  Amazing. Just amazing. An accidental experience of a lifetime. But I still was not in Charlevoix just yet. I googled how far it was from me. 9 minute drive. Score! This Ferry business is no joke for cutting corners of driving time. I stopped at a cafe. Even did my usual window shopping and by jolly I actually bought some things. Never would I have thought! Nothing I bought says Charlevoix but they’re things I would utilize and put to good use. Okay they were 2 graphic shirts half off, and camping stickers for my water bottle with a simplistic vintage line drawn design. I found myself by the beachside to watch the waves before heading back to camp. Normally I would read. Reading on vacation is the only thing I look forward to. It’s honestly the only time I read. But I wanted to start a blog. I would write in it 10 days a year. Unless I start to take more vacations. Maybe change up my writing layout. 🤔 we will see how this goes. 

by the way the moon is bloodshot red and beautiful tonight!