Kel and I traveled via car and Hugh via motorcycle. We arrived in Charlevoix and parked in a grocery store parking lot. We thought we could just parked there and walk around. Boy, weren't we wrong! There was this creepy guy stalking the parking lot. It seems as though people must try to park there and not go into either the grocery or any number of other establishments. As if we needed an excuse to buy alcohol, we proceeded into the store to make it look like we were there on purpose. We bought Absolute and the other ingredients for the Jungle Juice for later. Anyway, we came out of the store and he was still there walking back and forth! It was really creepy. Hugh walked off across the road but Kel and I stayed near our car trying to figure out what to do. As soon as he turned his back, we raced across the road! We found Hugh sitting outside one of the stores.
Kel, Hugh and I took a tour around the town to see if we could find another place to park. Kel and I were worried that our car would be towed. Well, it could happen! We did a little tour around town, then proceeded back to the car and motorcycle. We eventually found free parking (everything else on the street had parking meters) at the local bank.
The downtown reminds me of a cross between Boothbay Harbor and Bar Harbor with all the little galleries, restaurants, marinas and bars. It was a spectacular views. It was a little windy but the sun was peeking out and finally came full on with that sunshine!
Our first stop was a little cafe where Kel and I bought mocha lattes and a huge chocolate cookie! We found a little spot overlooking the marina on a huge picnic table and enjoyed soaking up the sun!
The draw bridge came up several times to allow the ferry and sailboats pass under the bridge during our sedentary period on this outing. This gave us the inspiration to go on a boat cruise. This inspiration came shortly after 3:00 p.m. so we missed the sailboat cruise into the harbor. The next cruise was at 7:15 p.m. to watch the sunset. We decided to take a raincheck until the next day as it might have been too cold to venture out at that time of night.
After walking around the marina for sometime, we headed to some of the local shops to peruse the merchandise and see if we could stimulate the economy. One of the unique shops was called Elements that had these great metal works! However, we did not buy anything there. As you might expect, we decided to proceed to one of the local bars for a beer or two! The Townhouse Bar was a quaint little place with sports on most of the television sets except one that had CNN and Sarah Palin resigning as Governor of Alaska. We didn't get to hear why she was resigning but it really didn't matter. Wimbledon was on the other channels. This was more interesting to watch (as well as all the other people in the bar)! However, we did hear the bartender tells some patrons that she has a rule not to talk politics or religion while working. It was most likely a good call on her part. You just never know when you are going to upset someone and not get a tip!
We finally left the bar and headed back towards Elk Rapids with a few detours along the way! This was called our pub crawl/bar hoping adventure! Hugh was in the lead so we followed like sheep (or like thirsty comrads)! Our next stop was a restaurant/bar called Petersen's. Well, it was not real cozy or even quaint - just a place on the side of the road! We had a beer and left. It smelled musty and no one was there even though it was around 5:30 p.m.
Our next stop was to go to East Torch Lake to find our next thirst-gratifying stop. Well, let me tell so that this place was spectacular! Dockside was without saying on the water! The deck was full so we sat inside and ordered drinks and dinner. Well, we had to eat if we were going to continue to drink! Hugh ordered fried Walleye with fries (and a bloody Mary), Kel ordered a burger and onion rings (and a Painkiller) and I ordered a quesadilla (and a Painkiller)! The food and drinks were fabulous! What is a Painkiller? Rum, Rum, Rum and OJ! Kel loved the glasses they came in so she bought two of them! Our next stop? Well, it was actually the deck outside! We ordered the same as we had before but enjoyed soaking up the sun and had a great people-watching experience. Kel took photos with her cell phone and uploaded them to Facebook. The place was just packed! People were always waiting in line to get outside. They were envious and were appreciative when we finally left only so that they could have our table!
What was our next stop you ask? Well, I thought we were heading back to the campground but Hugh pulled into the Alden Bar in Alden. How original! Anyway, we all ordered another beer and played Keno! Of course, I didn't win anything this time but Kel won some. It was not a total wash! However, I must say that Hugh did win a lot bigger last night waiting for us at the Oasis than we did on Wednesday night! When we were ready to go, I just couldn't finish my beer so I left it. Is that called alcohol abuse? I think I have heard that term several times over the years. I guess they are right but oh well. I was done for awhile.
We headed back to the campground for more adventures! This wasn't the end of the bar hopping. There is a tikki bar down near the water! Kel made us Jungle Juices and we headed to the Tikki Bar. The bar was actually park of a couple's campsite. It was so cute! Lights, signs and music! It was a really fun time with the few people that were there!
It's around midnight so were headed to bed.
Kelly
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