Thunder Bay Resort

Country Pearls

2010-09-04T19:17:00.002-04:00

Country Pearls . . .

Don't name a pig you plan to eat.

Country fences need to be horse high, pig tight and bull strong.

Life is not about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how
well you bounce.

Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.

Life is simpler when you plow around the stumps.

Mortgaging a future crop is saddling a wobbly colt.

A bumble bee is faster than a John Deere tractor.

Trouble with a milk cow is she won't stay milked.

Don't skinny dip with snapping turtles.

Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.

Meanness don't happen overnight.

To know how country folks are doing, look at their barns,
not their houses.

Never lay an angry hand on a kid or an animal, it just ain't helpful.

Teachers, bankers, and hoot owls sleep with one eye open.

Forgive your enemies. It messes with their heads.

Overlooked treasure trove

2010-08-27T11:41:00.001-04:00

There are many overlooked treasures here at Thunder Bay and one of them is the reservoir. It is filled with fossil rocks and you needn't look long to find one. Butch and I stopped for a bit on our walk today and found many fossil rocks. I left most of them there in a pile so I can go visit them again. I did bring this one home and went online to identify it if I could and found it to be a Horn Coral Fossil. So come on down to the rock pile. There is plenty of room for everybody to go rock hunting.

Thunder Bay Resort Featured on M-Live

2010-08-25T10:02:00.000-04:00

Thunder Bay Resort has been featured on M-Live. Everyone is getting excited about the oncoming fall colors and Elk bugling. See the article here. I am excited too. My camera is fired up and ready.

Campfire and Music

2010-08-25T08:45:00.000-04:00

A group with Alpine Pleasure Tours arrived at Thunder Bay Resort and after a tasty meal in the grill made their way to the RV park for a bonfire and flute music by Silverfox.

General manager Melanie and her daughter Emma makes S'mores.

Michigan Wine Country

2010-08-23T12:39:00.000-04:00

The reason I post this is because many people do have a mistaken image of Michigan and this website points this out. We too at Thunder Bay Resort are an overlooked jewel of Michigan. Here is the article.
http://longlonghoneymoon.com/2010/07/02/video-michigan-wine-is-fine/ I think most of us can relate to it.

Carriage Ride

2010-08-22T08:08:00.000-04:00

When we returned from Alpena yesterday we happened to be getting out of the car when one of the carriages went by. These fine folks were just beginning their special treat -carriage ride-elk viewing and gourmet meal.

I love the sound the horse hooves make as they pass by the campground.

Evergreen

2010-08-20T07:59:00.000-04:00

It has been my contention for many years that the world around us contains many things that we walk by everyday without taking notice. There are two trees outside our RV, almost within arms reach, that caught my attention recently due to the seeds that have appeared on the branches. I knew they were cedar trees but never gave it a second thought till a friend was here and we were discussing the seeds because they were so different and we had never seen them before. And that is for good reason. We are not from the area but the trees are. They are indigenous to northeast Michigan and do not grow in areas that would be familiar to those of us from warmer climes.

I have owned a book for over 30 years that I go to automatically when I want to identify an unknown plant or animal. So this tree is a Northern White Cedar.

Click on it to read the info.

Music tonight in The Barn

2010-08-14T10:46:00.000-04:00

We will be enjoying music in The Barn tonight. Michael Lee Seiler will be the performer. Be sure to stop by and listen to some great music. All donations are given to the performer.

Knapweed

2010-08-11T11:34:00.000-04:00

The knapweeds are named for their thistlelike flowerheads, in which tubular disk flowers emerge from a knobby cup of bracts. (Knap is from the Old English word for "knob") Germany's national flower, the cornflower,or Bachelors Button is the groups most popular garden plant.

Alan's Favorite Picture

2010-08-10T12:18:00.000-04:00

Alan told me his favorite picture is this one. He said you do not see these big guys in a picture like this very often.

Rally for the Cure

2010-08-09T09:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the Rally for the Cure golf tournament and there was a sea of pink mostly covered by rain coats early on. But later the clouds cleared and we all played in very warm and humid sunshine. After the tournament we enjoyed a delicious meal in The Barn followed by awarding of prizes and a silent auction. A fun day for a worthy cause enjoyed by many.

August 14th-Saturday Music in "The Barn"

2010-08-08T16:03:00.000-04:00

The 45th Parallel Music & Arts Association

Summer Concert Series

With Blues & Folk Singer / Songwriter

MICHAEL LEE SEILER

Saturday August 14th at 2:00 pm ~

www.michaelleeseiler.com

Michael Lee is a Singer-Songwriter, Guitarist, Blues Artist and Folk Singer.

He was voted as one of the Best Acoustic Blues Artists in Northern Michigan,

per the Northern Express News. Michael Lee makes his home in Antrim County.

His November 2008 win at the Mid North Michigan Blues Challenge secured him a

spot to compete at the 2009 International Blues Challenge, where he performed

at Mr. Handy's Blues Hall, on Beale Street, in Memphis TN

Saturday August 14th at “The Barn”

(Thunder Bay Resort)

Hillman MI

7-9 PM

No cover charge

and

ALL DONATIONS go to the Performers

Cattails

2010-08-02T12:52:00.000-04:00

You do not need to look very far to find cattails around Thunder Bay Resort or the surrounding area. They are indeed plentiful. So what's for dinner??

"One need never starve where cattails grow. In fall and winter, the starchy rhizomes can be peeled and cooked like potatoes or dried and pounded into flour. The dormant sprouts that grow from them are tastiest steamed, a dish known as Russian asparagus. In spring and early summer, the young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, and the immature flower spikes can be boiled and eaten like miniature ears of corn. Later on, the abundant pollen produced by the male flowers that make up the top half of the flowering spike can be used without grinding as a fine textured flour. The leaves are not edible, but they have been woven into mats, chair seats, baskets and even roofs. The fluffy white fruits have been used to stuff pillows, and campers have found them a good emergency replacement for down in sleeping bags and jackets."

I am guessing these are the Narrowleaf Cattails

Queen Anne's Lace

2010-07-31T13:35:00.001-04:00

(Carrots) The garden carrot is a large-rooted variety of Queen Anne's Lace. The wild variety is also edible, but there is a danger of confusing it with any of several poisonous plants, such as poison Hemlock and Water Hemlock. Look for the dark flower that is usually found in the center of the lacy, white umbel of Queen Anne's Lace.

You can see the tiny dark flower in the center of Queen Anne's Lace. Click on the pictures to make them larger. The Fern underneath the Queen Anne's Lace is more difficult to identify. I think it might be Lady Fern but I am not certain as many Ferns look very similar.

This is a Queen Anne's Lace seed head.

Do you see why I think wildflowers are fascinating?

Staghorn Sumac

2010-07-31T13:24:00.000-04:00

A nice group of people enjoyed Butch Runyon's performance last night in "The Barn". Free Popcorn and music- can't beat it with a stick!
And now for the lesson of the day.
Staghorn Sumac
Although these small trees and shrubs belong to the same family as Poison Sumac and Poison Ivy, they are not poisonous. In fact the fruits of Staghorn Sumac and Lemonade Sumac, a California shrub, can be brewed into a lemony tea. I doubt that I would try it however.

Wildflowers-Common Tansy

2010-07-30T09:01:00.001-04:00

As you are well aware wildflowers are abundant at Thunder Bay Resort. I have always had a penchant for identifying different wildflowers. I would go for a walk, find a flower I did not know and look it up when I returned home. So the flower of the day is Common Tansy. The flowerheads are yellow and button like. I am sure you have seen tansy lots of times. The leaves and flowerheads have been used medicinally since ancient times, but always with great care, for an overdose can be fatal. The leaves contain an effective insect repellent; it was once common practice to rub raw meat with them in order to ward off flies. They were also used in burial rites.
Now was that more than you wanted to know?

This tansy was found on West Riverside Drive near the turnaround on the north side of the street but I am certain it is abundant enough to find most anywhere.

Hillman Royalty

2010-07-28T11:15:00.000-04:00

These girls were crowned last year during V-J Days in Hillman and those days are nearly here for 2010. August 14th I believe. These girls stopped by to visit with Thunder Bay Resort about the upcoming event. And since they were in their finery we decided pretty girls always make for a nice picture.

Silverfox -performs Tuesday at 4:30 to 6 PM

2010-07-27T07:53:00.000-04:00

Silverfox will be performing in The Grill at Thunder Bay Resort at 4:30 PM TODAY!!!!

Silverfox is seen lifting his flutes as if to call upon the Great Spirit! His sensational extraordinary talents in music certainly are a great and awesome gift to us all. This thrilling musical experience presented by Silverfox is more than a feeling as his sacred sounds fill the very core of what we feel as we drift into his delightful performance. Silverfox is known for his talents as a flute master! Silverfox became a local legend profiled by his rare and unique mystical sounds. His family, fans and friends starting at a very young age love him as a local hero Silverfox reaching above his teenage years moves his performances beyond his home lands as an Abaachii (Apache). Throughout the past years as a meditative musical experience this featured performer is proudly introduced throughout the Nations in every venue as a celebrated musical achievement. The sight and sounds of Silverfox in full attire as a Human Spiritual Native American flute master, has stirred the hearts of so many around the Southern to Northern States he has created a following that will last eternally. Silverfox celebrated as the featured event, an experience that sends his listeners back into a time of greatness and spiritual altruism leans into the notes like no other can. He remains close to his fans in applause as he finds ways to interact with all who attend. One of the most extraordinary performers of our current times Silverfox inspires the crowds to feel the Sacred Winds, exciting every listener to become a part of the sound. Using a wide and varied assortment of custom hand crafted flutes enjoys teaching the young and old through his dynamic sounds the art of his culture. This must see performer venturing throughout the Nations fills the hearts and spirits of the young and old inspiring everyone! Silverfox will be moving his sounds into your area soon. Don’t miss out! Kicknbear, Drummer for Silverfox & the Red - X Band........ Silverfox is married and resides in Houston, Texas in the winter months and in Northern Michigan in the summer.

http://www.myspace.com/silverfoxflutes

Playing in The Barn from 7-9 PM Friday evening July 30th

2010-07-27T07:34:00.000-04:00

Butch Runyon

www.myspace.com/butchrunyon

Butch Runyon was born and raised in the poverty stricken hollows of West Virginia. Migrating to Michigan in the late 60's for the job market. He tells the stories of the hard times of his ancestry and true tales of his inheritance. He also serves up some very popular country, folk, and light rock songs that are real crowd pleasers. A real veteran of the acoustic experience, Butch has played publicly for over 40 years.

Playing in The Barn from 7-9 PM Friday evening July 30th

There is nothing on TV worth watching so lets all go to the Barn Friday night!!!

Around the Resort

2010-07-26T09:17:00.001-04:00

It has been a bustling place around here. Lots of folks here for a variety of reasons, some playing golf, some for family reunions, some for the music in The Barn on Saturday night.
Chet's Habit were here to entertain once again and entertain they did. Workamper Linda Payne joined them and gave us all goosebumps with her rendition of Unchained Melody. She can really belt out a tune.

The Animal Shelter sponsored a charity golf event on Sunday so the course was full and busy. The participants were treated to a fine meal as well.
And now it is Monday morning and as I look at the golf course it is loaded with players.
I have long held a theory about the differences between the north and south that is reflected in many ways. One aspect of it is that the warm weather doesn't last too long in the north so all the warm weather activities must be crammed into a short period of time whereas in the south they have all year to do so. Thus they have a different attitude about everything. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may ye northern golfers!
We are certainly being blessed with superb weather.

Mackinac Island Trip

2010-07-24T08:33:00.001-04:00

Four workampers went to Mackinac island. If you would like to read about our trip you are welcome to go to www.brooker3.blogspot.com. We had a great time but happy to return to Thunder Bay Resort and our quiet home.

The Boys Day off

2010-07-21T11:39:00.002-04:00

Free photo slideshow created with Smilebox

2010-07-21T10:24:00.000-04:00

“Chet’s Habit”

Chet's Habit is a group of three talented musicians.

They play a wide variety of music favorites.

Classic 60's & 70's

Saturday, July 24 th at “The Barn”

(Thunder Bay Resort)

Hillman MI

7-10 PM

No cover charge

and

ALL DONATIONS go to the Performers

Local News

2010-07-20T08:53:00.000-04:00

We had a good weekend – lodging nearly full, RV park nearly full, small ride went well, music went over well. People were having a good time!

( Jack & Jan's grandson) Gunnar’s Little League Team dominated Alpena – much more than the 4 to 2 score would indicate. So they won the regional playoffs and advance to State playoffs in Gaylord – with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If they win 2 out of 3 – they advance to state ¼ finals on Monday, semi’s would be Tuesday and finals on Wednesday. I don’t think we have the pitching depth required to play that many games in a row and win, but it is fun to have gone this far.-Jack

[I remember the Little League days of my boys now nearly 40 years ago and it was so much fun. Our summers were spent at the ball fields. Butch played Softball as well so many nights were straight from one ball field to another. And often the adrenaline would be so great that none of us could sleep when we came home. Of course, that was only on the BIG games...and the ones we won. Barb B.]

The Barn Entertainment

2010-07-18T16:59:00.000-04:00

Saturday night Still on the Hill performed at Thunder Bay Resorts entertainment place 'The Barn'. They were warmly received and greatly appreciated. Their songs and entertainment were a breath of fresh air. Well worth the price of a donation. You can click on the link to find more info about this wonderful duo. www.stillonthehill.com

This is a snippet of one of their songs "I Don't Want to Grow Old Gracefully"

If you have the opportunity to see this duo, do not pass it up.

Walking the Cat

2010-07-18T16:52:00.000-04:00

A guest in the RV park takes her kitty for a walk. When you walk a cat, it more closely resembles a meander.

Little League Update and Rafting

2010-07-16T08:13:00.000-04:00

Greetings;

Did our first customer rafting trip – 5 adults and 5 kids – believe it was well received. I guided and had the logging and river system info down pretty well – but am not much on birding and plants. It will take a pretty well versed person to master it all. Didn’t have any raft control issues – had a couple of able bodied paddlers which helps.

Hillman’s Little League team – the 11 and 12 year olds, beat Boyne City 12 to 10 to advance to the District Finals in Traverse City on Saturday at about 1 PM. We will play Alpena again – they beat us in pool play and we are looking to take some revenge. This is an exact replay so far of two years ago when we beat them the second game and went on to the State Quarter finals – same groups of boys – just 2 years older.

Team includes our grandson Gunnar – who had a fabulous game defensively and as the relief pitcher. He walked twice and scored and flied out twice. He is among the smallest players and one of two 11 year olds. So we were very surprised when the coach put him in instead of a couple of the bigger, stronger and faster pitchers. Next to the last inning leading the game 12 to 9, but the previous pitcher had loaded the bases – the potential winning run was at the plate – 2 out and Gunnar struck him out. Wow! We were worried he wasn’t ready for that kind of pressure.

Last inning – single put one man on base, a poorly fielded ball advanced, a couple of strike outs, a run scores, a hit batter who was crowding the plate and their best hitter, who had already homered twice came up. Deliberately walked him to load the bases again. Full count on the next batter and he throws a slider that drops at the plate and he goes down swinging out for the victory. Too much excitement! Our Hero!!!

Jack E. Matthias

Ready for a river trip?

2010-07-15T08:24:00.002-04:00

Tee # 8

2010-07-15T08:20:00.001-04:00

Loved the way the light plays in the trees. The golf course is a beauty!

Workamper Ronni working on a flower barrel near the lobby.

Cruisin'

2010-07-13T07:28:00.000-04:00

A group from the RV park were 'cruising down the river on a Monday before noon'. It was my first experience rafting down a river so I do not have a point of reference for comparison. I enjoyed the experience, especially the quiet. There are no sounds of civilization except from your fellow passengers. Isn't it amazing that the sounds of motors invade nearly every minute of our life. If not from outside our home consider inside with refrigerators, air conditioners, washers and dryers, computers, fans and even the ticking of clocks. It was a special treat to have all that missing, leaving only the sounds of moving water, birds and rain drops hitting the water. Yes, it rained. But not for long and it was warm enough that hypothermia was not an issue and it was a light enough rain to make it not all that unpleasant.

From another song..."you don't know what you've got till it's gone". Where are the 'Sounds of Silence'?

Rafting trips are now being offered at Thunder Bay and I will post the particulars a bit later.

Last Few

2010-07-10T07:09:00.000-04:00

Every now and then a person has to stop and catch up on the mundane things in life like laundry and cleaning house. Speaking of cleaning house...We have stayed in many places the last 7 years of full time living in our RV and Thunder Bay RV Park ranks as the cleanest place of all. I have battled dust, wind and mud in most places we have stayed but our home on wheels has stayed the cleanest here. I appreciate that fact very much. When the wind blows here it is a moderate wind...more like a breeze really. And I have not seen any swirls of dust blowing hither and yon. And when it rains we are not sitting in a quagmire. So Hillman and the Thunder Bay RV Park get an A+ for cleanliness.

We visited the Brush Creek Mill in Hillman a while back. Very pretty place.

When I was in 6th grade this is exactly the kind of desk I had. Mine was a beige color though. You know you are getting old when things that are familiar to you show up in museums!

Busy

2010-07-08T09:16:00.000-04:00

It has been a busy place around here this past week. The RV park has been filled nearly to capacity and the golf course has had lots of play. Summer time fun is in full bloom. It is also feeling like summer, hot and humid! But that is the type of weather that helps things grow. So we grin and bear it knowing that those fresh tomatoes and other produce will tickle our taste buds and make it all worthwhile.
In a few minutes I will be going down to the barn for another beading class. Linda Payne is teaching it and I want to make sure I soak up as much of her knowledge as possible. Her bracelets are quite spectacular and she is very generous with her time and expertise in teaching us how to do it too. Thanks Linda!

Sorry about yesterday and no post. I will try to make sure that doesn't happen again.
So till next time...

Bird Blind

2010-07-06T08:19:00.000-04:00

I stopped in the bird blind yesterday thinking there might be plenty of action because of the weather. Not so. It seems the birds were not at all concerned.

Click on these for a closer view.

Gathering on the 4th

2010-07-05T08:07:00.000-04:00

The group gathers in the pavilion for a fine 4th of July meal.

Ted grills while Jan, John and Howard look on. To answer your question, Yes we have giants among us! Two of them. Can you find John's twin brother Jim in the next pictures?

Butch and Rob

Pavilion

2010-07-04T10:53:00.001-04:00

Anytime you see us gathered in the Pavilion you are welcome to join us. We are not a private party. This gathering took place last evening before the fireworks started. And a fine fireworks performance it was. Thank you Hillman!

I have uploaded all the pictures I have taken since we arrived at Thunder Bay Resort onto my Webshots. I am a longtime member of Webshots as you can probably tell if you look around much while on the website. I have over 4,000 pictures there. You can look around and find out what Butch and I looked like in our youth. Oh, we were a good looking pair, I must say! So why am I telling you this? If you have an interest in having any of these pictures feel free. Thunder Bay Resort on Webshots

And you can acquire them in whatever manner you like. I sure like that little Snipping tool that comes with Windows Vista and Windows 7. I used to use FastCapture for purloining of pictures but they are no longer free, besides Snipping Tool comes already loaded on my new computer.

The Work Goes On

2010-07-03T15:53:00.000-04:00

These two did not even know we were anywhere around. Dan & Ray were very focused on their work. The chalets are looking very nice! Those two colors fit so well in their surroundings. Good job guys!!

It is July Already!!

2010-07-03T15:36:00.000-04:00

There was a car show in Hillman last evening. Part of the festivities was a cruise through the Thunder Bay Resort including the RV park. I did not catch all of them by a long shot but here are few of the cars in the procession.

Click on the picture for a close up.

Fish & Rocks

2010-07-02T12:30:00.000-04:00

   Butch and I stopped at the reservoir on our walk to see how the fish feeder was working. It is. We watched as the time neared to see if the fish would know it was about time to kick out some food. They do. We watched them gather near the shore waiting for the food to spray out over the water. AND THEN I said to Butch here comes a snake! It was a small snake but it was making its way toward us none the less. AND THEN a sizable fish came along and glopped down that little snake in one big bite! That was exciting!

   Last Wednesday evening when we were playing couples golf Diane asked me if I were a rock hound. When you live in a motorhome you cannot develop a huge interest in gathering rocks! I do enjoy them and my rock collection is more like a pebble collection but I do have one. Diane was telling me that the reservoir here at Thunder Bay Resort is a great source for fossil rocks. Something I perhaps would never have thought of. Now the list keeps getting longer of the varied and interesting things you can do here.
Enjoy! We do.

Chet's Habit Last Saturday Night

2010-07-02T09:49:00.000-04:00

Last Weekend

2010-07-02T07:21:00.001-04:00

Last Weekend Chet's Habit performed here and it was a real good time. We left too early it seems because it became quite lively with audience participation later in the evening. When the band stays for over two hours past the posted time you are sure that EVERYONE was having fun. Chet's Habit will be here next on July 10th, 7 pm in 'The Barn'. Below is a youtube link for a snippet of music enjoyed on June 26th .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVKl8FsVawQ

Hillman MI

2010-07-02T07:15:00.000-04:00

When we arrived in Hillman a month ago now we noticed that construction was in full swing on a new bridge and streets. We wondered if it would all be done before we left in the fall. I must say the progress this past month has been remarkable. We were told by people in town the deadline was July 4th and we could not see how that could possibly happen and as it turns out that is correct. But August 4th seems possible if they do as much in the next month as they have in the last. It will be a very nice downtown for Hillman once completed.

2010-06-30T08:59:00.000-04:00

These motorcoaches arrive quite regularly loaded with folks ready to have a good time at Thunder Bay Resort.

They depart the bus and go to their rooms for a short rest before being picked up by horse drawn carriages for the Elk viewing ride followed by a stop at the cabin for a top notch gourmet meal.

Ready for a real good time!

Smiling faces now with even more to smile about yet to come.

Bird Blind is Built!

2010-06-29T09:39:00.000-04:00

Butch, Howard and Linda worked on the bird blind yesterday and it is near completion. It needs a coat of paint and a bit of cleanup and then it will be done. It is already usable so stop by and be sure to bring your binoculars and/or camera. With even a simple camera you will be able to get excellent pictures.

View through one of the portals.

Male Grosbeak

Within minutes of my arrival there were a variety of species.

SOUNDS OF SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

2010-06-28T15:15:00.002-04:00

North Woods Coffee House of Atlanta and
Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman are pleased to
be hosting a series of performances by trav-
eling and local musicians sponsored by the
‘45th Parallel Music and Arts Association.’
The concept is often called “House or Coffee
House Concerts.” It is increasingly difﬁcult for art-
ists to make a living as performers for a variety of
reasons, including the sharp economic downturn,
and stricter enforcement of liquor laws that have
reduced the number of venues that can afford to
hire musicians. Having several venues on succes-
sive days will help offset travel costs for the artists.
There will be no ticket price or cover charge. Mu-
sic lovers will be asked to support the program
with donations when “the hat is passed” and by
buying the artist’s CDs, if they enjoyed them.
One or two acts will be featured and the perfor-
mances will generally last from 2 to 3 hours.
The 45th Parallel Music and Art Association’s
part time, unpaid music lovers will assist the
program by providing “public service announce-
ments,” and biographical information about the
performers to the media and by using the In-
ternet. A web site is being developed. Business
and foundation sponsors will also be sought to
help expand the program and promotional efforts.
Additional sites are needed in other communities
and could be a business, community or church lo-
cation capable of holding 50 or more people. The lo-
cations will be providing a service to the musicians,
their communities, their members and/or guests. It
is not likely to be proﬁtable for the venue, but some
expenses may be offset by providing refreshments.
To help, please contact John Zollars at
785-4650 or john@northwoodscoffeehouse.com
PLEASE COME OUT - HAVE A GREAT TIME
AND HELP SUPPORT MUSIC, THE ARTS
AND MUSICIANS IN OUR COMMUNITIES!

Workamper Wanda

2010-06-27T07:10:00.000-04:00

Workamper Wanda loves to mow but she doesn't want her picture taken.

This weeks quilt retreat

2010-06-25T21:35:00.000-04:00

The ladies at the quilt retreat are always so focused. It takes that kind of dedication to get the outstanding results that they do.

Bird Blind Building

2010-06-25T21:33:00.000-04:00

The building is coming right along and will soon be a reality.

Ray and Butch are shingling the roof. They haven't seen a bird all morning!

This will be the view when all is finished and in place

Schedule for Little League Allstar Games in Hillman

2010-06-25T09:57:00.000-04:00

Little League Allstar time is always exciting. This is really what baseball is all about. Jack's grandson Gunnar will be playing shortstop,2nd base and pitcher and that makes it even more fun to watch!

Hillman has one of the smaller programs in the State in terms of number of players – so the competition gets tougher against the bigger downstate programs as the tournaments progress.

Tournament Park (just across the river)

July 2 @ 4 PM against Alcona County

July 3 @ Noon against Alpena

July 6 @ 4 PM against Oscoda County

July 11 @ 1 PM & approx 3 PM Quarter Finals – again in Hillman (Hopefully Hillman will advance)

July 14 @ 4 PM Semi Finals in Lewiston

July 17 Finals in Traverse City

Thursday Afternoon

2010-06-25T09:47:00.000-04:00

Thursday afternoon Butch and I returned to our project of changing the lights on the lodges to yellow to discourage the bugs. It seems the little pesties are attracted to white light and do not give a hoot about yellow. It does have a very good affect according to the housekeeping staff so we will continue on our quest of casting a yellow hue and taking down the welcome sign for bugs and spiders.

Thursday Morning

2010-06-25T09:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we workamping women met at the grill for a treat and conversation. We decided to do this as the men of the workampers have their own little golf outing on Thursday morning. We had a great time with lively conversation and became better acquainted with each other as a result.

Afterwards Linda of the workampers offered a lesson in beading. Now do not mistake this for the usual beading this is definitely a big step above the ordinary. It is beautiful and I found out very fun to do. A bit of a physical and mental challenge to begin with but we all need to stretch ourselves regularly so it was a welcome change.

Jan Foster has finished one bracelet and these are the colors she has chosen for her next one. Love those southwest colors!

This is my first project. It measures at 2 1/4 inches at this point. Fun Fun

You really have to check out all the nooks and crannies of Thunder Bay Resort to find the abundance of fun happenings here.

This and that

2010-06-23T20:37:00.000-04:00

I was asked to take a picture of one of the RV spaces. Believe me, they are very spacious and can handle even the largest (45 ft.) of RV's.

These little chipmunks, ground squirrels? or what-have-you's are certainly not opposed to climbing trees to get the goodies. A nearby robin took exception however and dived at the little critter repeatedly.

Time for our evening stroll...

http://musiconthe45th.blogspot.com/

2010-06-22T09:55:00.000-04:00

Music on the 45th Parallel is a new blog set up to feature musicians of the area and where and when they will be playing. It is still in the infant stages but check back on it now and then for new content. You may also want to check out the links section of this blog. We can keep you busy all morning long!

A Bright and Shiny Day

2010-06-21T11:59:00.000-04:00

This place is so much more than a golf course or an RV park. It is a complex in the most basic meaning of the word. Want to go fishing? The Thunder Bay River runs through it. Want to buy, build or rent a house? That too is possible. Want to be close to nature? It is all around you every day and the variety of it will amaze you. You can see elk and an amazing array of different bird species.

On this mornings walk I was spotted by a deer. He kept a close eye on me.

Mowing of the greens

2010-06-19T09:41:00.000-04:00

Butch Brooker finished up on green number three this morning.

This little guy was watching until I took his photo.

Answer:On Kissing Trees

2010-06-19T09:15:00.000-04:00

The kissing trees are located near the Hot Tub. We see things all the time without really seeing them. Take note of our "kissers" the next time you are in the area.

Whole lot of kissing going on

2010-06-18T10:55:00.000-04:00

These two have been at this for a very long time. Do you know where they are located? I will give you some time to think about it.

Silverfox at Thunder Bay Resort

2010-06-17T15:30:00.000-04:00

A few of us met with Silverfox and his wife with the idea of finding musical talent to be featured here. Silverfox is a Native American, Mescalero Abaachii(Apache), who spreads peace and serenity with his flute music. Not only is he a very talented musician he is also a talented promoter. That became very apparent as the discussion progressed. The result was he offered to demonstrate his talent for us after the scheduled events of the day had concluded. We enjoyed over an hour of his beautiful and haunting music.
He will be performing at several events and festivals throughout the area this summer and if Jack and Silverfox can work things out he may be performing here again too.
Below is a link to a Youtube performance of his from 2007.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqHm-cdDSKw

From John in the Pro Shop

2010-06-16T15:53:00.000-04:00

One highlight I’d like to report is member Ray Moore’s Hole in One on #3. This was Ray’s 3^rd Hole in One at Thunder Bay. Congratulations Ray!

Finally, I’d like to close with a quick golf tip for everyone. The U.S. Open is starting this week. Anyone watching will see some of the fastest greens the pros play all year. As your watching pay attention to how many putts are missed on the low side of the hole (not enough speed). The next time you are on the course play more break on your putts. It’s no coincidence that 90% of putts are missed on the low side of the hole. Whatever you read the break to be, add a couple inches more. You just may be surprised by the results

Through My Eyes

2010-06-16T09:33:00.000-04:00

Paul & Mary are newly retired and are thinking of taking up the full time lifestyle. We enjoyed a nice long visit. They are enjoying their stay here at Thunder Bay Resort so much they decided to extend their stay.

I admired these orchids and herb garden belonging to hosts Jan & Ted Foster.

Some seniors playing Tennis.

Workkamper Dan Mikles working on the clubhouse.

Waiting to aid the golfers with their golf clubs

A goldfinch trying to get lunch from a hummingbird feeder.

And that concludes a bit of time through my eyes.

Touching base

2010-06-15T09:21:00.000-04:00

Research is being done on getting some Saturday night musical entertainment at Thunder Bay Resort. More on that later.
There are 6 workkamping couples in the RV Park with one more coming July 1st. We are all enjoying our stay here and getting acquainted with Thunder Bay Resort, Hillman and the surrounding area.
When I make entries on the blog I occasionally get a bit of writers block and when I do I revert to what I know and what pops into my mind...
There are quilting retreats her and I am not a quilter but I do have great respect for the art. I recently read a series of books by Sandra Dallas and her books often have a quilting theme. I greatly enjoyed them. Hubby did as well so that tells you that quilting is not a prerequisite for reading them. Hubby's favorite was The Chili Queen. I cannot say that one stood out above the rest for me but I do know that I was always ready to pick up the next one. The first one I read was Buster Midnight's Cafe. The Persian Pickle Club was another one.
Give one a try and if you are like me you will seek out the remainder of her books. They are all good and I think quilters would especially enjoy them.

There are plenty of things happening at Thunder Bay Resort besides golf.

Chet's Habit

2010-06-13T11:19:00.000-04:00

We searched for something by this group on the Internet and could not find a thing. They performed here (Thunder Bay Resort) last night and I thought they deserved a bit of recognition. They will be preforming here again so watch this space and others for when they will be here. The song they are performing is "30 Years of Farming".
They have a wide range of music pleasing to all palates.

2010-06-12T08:31:00.000-04:00

Couples waiting for the rain to end last Wednesday were disappointed. Perhaps we will have better luck next Wednesday.

It did make for a pretty picture though. Doesn't this look like something Monet might have done?

Golf Events to sign up for

2010-06-11T21:44:00.000-04:00

New Beginnings Ministries Scramble Sat June 26
80 – 100 players 18 holes 9am shotgun

Sr. Men Mid Season Scramble Wed July 14
40 – 50 players 18 holes 8am shotgun

Medilodge Sat July 17
70 – 90 players 18 holes 9am shotgun

Elk Country Animal Shelter Sun July 25
100 – 140 players 18 holes 9am shotgun

Atlanta Athletic Tournament Sat Aug 14
80 – 100 players 18 holes 9am shotgun

Fire and EMS Tournament Sun Aug 22
100 – 120 players 18 holes 9am shotgun

Club Championship (2 days) Sat Aug 28
30 – 40 players 18 holes Sat 9am tee times
Sun Aug 29
Sun 10am shotgun

Last evening

2010-06-11T09:23:00.000-04:00

Last evening the workkampers and one camping couple gathered at the fire ring for a beautiful fire built by our master fire builder Tom. Wanda brought giant marshmallows she had purchased in Mexico and they were quite the sensation. They made very large S'Mores with giant globs of marshmallow oozing out of all four sides.
Paul and Mary are staying in the RV park now. They are from Winnemucca NV and when they arrived in Michigan their reaction was to the "greeness" of the state. They said it is almost so green it hurts your eyes! I suppose that might be a natural reaction after the deserts of the western states.
When the workkampers gather everyone is free to join us. So stop by and get acquainted and let us get acquainted with you.
Barb ( workkamper too)

Album from 6/7/2010

2010-06-10T13:05:00.000-04:00

New Posts

2010-06-10T10:49:00.000-04:00

We will now be enjoying new posts on a regular basis to this blog. We will start off with a picture of Alan on the ride last Monday evening. He is looking fine, don't you think?
Bill and Prince were looking fine too. It is so much fun watching those big boys do their work.

Great Northern Michigan Getaway!

2008-07-17T11:00:00.000-04:00

Hello, Welcome to Thunder Bay Resort, famous for challenging golf, deluxe lodging, our Memorable Elk Viewing Carriage/Sleigh Ride, Gourmet Dinner & Wine Tasting Event, and our friendly staff!

You might have seen us on Michigan Magazine, Great Getaways or read about us in the Detroit Free Press where Ellen Creager, Travel Editor wrote, "Well... I can't get it out of my mind." Maybe it was in USA Today where they stated we were one of the "10 Great Places To Ride Into A Currier & Ives". And then it just might have been from your neighbor who said it was absolutely wonderful and keeps telling you that you just have to do it!

Wherever you heard about us or even if you haven't heard about us until now, don't wait any longer to call and make a reservation to come and see for yourself what everyone is talking about. I guarantee you will be satisfied with every detail.

Our rides take place all year so you can see the Elk in the Summer when they are in their velvet, hear them bugling and see them sparring in the Fall or, in Winter, aboard our charming sleigh when the big snowflakes fall down around them.

May through September join us for challenging golf at exceptional rates. Our condo style suites, villas and chalets are roomy and all include a kitchen and a living room with a fireplace overlooking the golf course by summer or the cross country ski trails by winter. Add our friendly, professional service and you know your guests will have an enjoyable stay.

Let us help plan a great getaway to Northern Michigan, call 800.729.9375. You will be glad you did! Annette, Sharon, Sherry and the entire Thunder Bay Resort Staff would love to host your next vacation.

Melanie Libby
General Manager
Thunder Bay Resort

Visit us at our website www.Thunder Bay Resort.com