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Camping Day 3

July 1, 2014

Today we left behind Betsie River Campsite headed to the UP.  We timed our drive so that we would arrive in Mackinaw City when the USA World Cup game would start.  Unfortunately, we could not find a good location to watch.  Instead, we ate quickly and got back on the road so that we could at least listen while driving.  Once again we crossed the Mackinac Straits on the Mackinac Bridge
Not the best picture in the world, with all the bug splatters on the windshield, but still a nice piece of engineering.

Last summer we drove east.  This year we ventured west to Munising.  The Lake Michigan shore was quite impressive and reminded me of my home coast of North Carolina.
During the drive we had to stop for a restroom break.  It was at that time that the USA was in extra time.  Belgium had scored twice and Julian Green had just come on the field.  As I am exiting the restroom, Brendan comes to tell me the great news that Julian Green had scored.  Excited, I rush back to the car.  It was an exciting finish but not in our favor.  New rule, no more road trips during the World Cup.  I guess we have to wait four more years.  

The drive now continues further north and west.  The sky darkens and rain clouds appear.  We drive through patches of rain before finally reaching Otter Lake Campground in the Hiawatha National Forest.  When we arrive, the rain has stopped, but the sky is still threatening.  The first thing I notice is the mosquitoes.  As I remember from last year, the UP mosquitoes are the worst I have ever encountered.  After applying insect repellent, we start to set up tents.  About half way through, the rain continues.  We eventually get the tents up and decide to drive around town.  We make a phone call to the rest of our camping party we left behind at Betsie River.  They have already arrived and are at a family members house nearby.  We decide to meet them there for dinner.  Eventually, we all end up sleeping on the floor for the night.


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