Departure
I woke up around 7:30 and realized home was only 2.5 hours away from home. I didn’t want to leave but I did. I can only handle a campsite for so long before I get bored of the area and want to try somewhere new. But it was the end of my vacation. I thought about Torch again. Puzzled and confused at their lack of parking or their set up. I traveled back. I went to the boat launch in Aiden. I browsed a few other areas to make sure I wasn’t looking hard enough the first time and decided on the launch at Archie Valleau Landing. A place with only two parking spots. And today they were empty. I get on the water and peruse around the south end of the lake. I felt it was a lot prettier than the North end but the North end had easier access. There were or seemed to be less houses but still no scenic value of any kind compared to the other dozen lakes I have been on. Even Lake Charlevoix with its massive body and multiple houses had places to pull off to the side and beach just about anywhere. I really was trying to persuade myself Torch was good and I just don’t think it’s a lake for me. Not unless I were there with a group of friends or family having fun, picnicking, boating and or drinking. But just for some leisurely kayaking it doesn’t seek any interest to me. I would however return to Elk or Lake Charlevoix.
I have been on so many lakes, I feel I have a better right to judge on what’s a decent lake and what’s not, in comparison to what a person is seeking for enjoyment.
I left my site without coffee and breakfast this morning because I was planning to stop at Rare Bird tavern in Traverse City after I checked out Torch one last time. But I was done kayaking early, I only paddled for about 45 mins and floated for a few minutes, while I reported to my mom and sent her my usual morning photos.
I realized that the restaurant wouldn’t be open for another hour after I arrived. I looked on google maps trying to find places to eat but most places that served hot food didn’t open until noon or 4pm. Well I am definitely not walking around to wait. So I headed home while keeping restaurants on the way checked. I arrived in Cadillac and saw Blue Heron Cafe & Bakery. Yes! I am in. I traveled into downtown Cadillac and just is as small and quiet as the rest of the towns, I walked over to the Cafe.
A beautiful hole in the wall restaurant with take out bakery or sit down eating. A hot menu, and plain breakfast coffee! Just what I was looking for! They had a few wonderful things I wanted to try. I went for the Smoked Salmon Scrambler and it was divine! The breakfast and coffee hit the spot. The people were amazing and it was such a small and lovely place to eat. It was peaceful and quiet and I am so glad I stumbled across this cafe.
I headed home and was excited to see my dog and give her the bones I had bought her from Ruff Life Pet Outfitters.
Well this is it! Until Next time!
I am Thinking Port Sheldon or Hocking Hills Next Year!
