Vacation Part 2 - Camping in Gaylord

The second leg of our vacation landed us camping in Otsego County park with Mother Nature screaming at us almost the entire week! We had a tee time set for 9:30 Monday morning, and wouldn't you know it? We woke up to cold and rain! When it wasn't raining, it continued to "mist", never really giving us a break. Since neither of us brought much in the lines of warm clothing, we trekked to K-Mart to pick up some long pants for golfing. People it was in the 90s when we left! And no sign of rain... Ahhh, but we should have known better! It's Michigan!

We loved our campsite in Gaylord and being that it was mid-week, we had our pick of sites, bonus! Coby and I brought that tree limb back from one of our walks. Okay it got stuck in his leash and I thought it would be good kindling wood. And yes, I did carry it back myself. I wouldn't have left it stuck on him!

The rain and the weather never got any better on Monday so we skipped golfing and headed down to the pavilion in the campground to cook breakfast. Scott made these killer omelets, and I couldn't resist a picture! I was starting to wonder if I'd be able to take any pictures at all on this trip with the weather the way it was. But you know I worked it out!

You should have seen the sight we were. Pulling up the pavilion, unloading 3 coolers filled with food and 3 camping tubs! We literally took up half the pavilion with just us! We had a huge storm hit our neighborhood before we left and had no power. I couldn't see letting the food go to waste, so I packed up everything that we didn't take to Scott's moms.

The pavilion had wireless internet access so I was able to catch up on some e-mails, blog, and of course jump on facebook and catch up with all my peeps! It also had electricity so we could have iTunes rockin out our breakfast. And so cool, we got to watch this mamma robin feed her little ones too! After breakfast we ventured to Gaylord and found a little pub to sit and play keno. At least we weren't in the rain anymore!

On Tuesday the forecast called for more rain and we decided to take a little road trip and visit Castle Farms, the venue of an upcoming wedding. It is amazing and I cannot wait to shoot Jen & Jake's wedding there! Scott was my own personal tour guide as we walked around scoping it out.

Seriously? Can't you just picture a bride and groom up here? The wedding party too?

The Butterfly Gardens view from the King's terrace. Gorgeous! Jen, you are going to have some amazing pictures lady!

Scott and I were in mid conversation over the history of the castle. It's originally an old Dairy Farm built in 1918 by the then president of Sears-Roebuck. We had just passed some vintage carriages when I walked into this room. I stopped mid sentence and barely breathed "Oh my God". It is absolutely breath-taking. It used to be the stables back in the day and Scott and I both secretly hoped this was where the reception would be held. And wouldn't ya know it? It is! Sa-Weet!

Back in the 80's and early 90's, the previous owner held concerts here. Big named bands including Aerosmith and Metallica, among others rocked the court yard of the castle! So cool to have seen a concert here!

Something a little fun. It's a stairway leading down to Lake Michigan at a roadside park.

This was the first time we'd seen blue skies in days, I couldn't resist pulling my camera out. Thankfully we were on the golf course!

On Wednesday we decided to take our chances and head to the golf course. The Natural was right down the street from the campground and it wasn't raining just yet so we headed over. I love the golf courses up north. So picturesque and challenging! This picture was actually taken at Marsh Ridge. The day started off a little chilly so I was layered up with 2 pairs of socks and pants, and 3 shirts and a jacket! Thankfully the day warmed up and I was able to loose some of the layers!

I.am.the.best.wife.EVER. hehehe

We finished up at The Natural pretty early considering there weren't many others on the course, so I suggested heading over to Marsh Ridge for a second 18. Scott thought I was teasing him, but really what else did we have to do? I had just golfed my best game ever, a 103, no laughing, and was totally down for some more.

No, he wasn't throwing a fit here, his iron head actually flew off first and he's always wanted to break a club over his knee. I've wanted to throw clubs before and actually did throw one once, but never have I wanted to break one in half. Hmmm, maybe I am not a true golfer yet.

Turns out 36 holes was a bit much for me, but I can proudly say I finished 32 holes before giving up! So I got to chill in the cart while Scott finished the last 4 holes.
Part 3 of vacation will be up soon, we're headed away again this weekend to visit my dear friend Andrea in Chicago! Quite the travelers we are these days!