Fourth of July Weekend, 2009 - Northern Michigan

Alissa and I recently took a trip up to Northern Michigan for the 4th of July weekend with a bunch of our close friends.  We did a lot up there so I will just hit the highlights.  

We were lucky enough to be invited to stay with Ty and Alex, Molly's sister and brother-in-law. It's always nice to go on vacation and not have to stay in a hotel...so thanks to Ty and Alex for their warm hospitality!

The first day we went to the beach.  Bruce (the pup) was very excited to be at the beach. Jamie and I braved the chilly 68 degree temperatures and went for a swim.  Nothing like swimming in the Lake Michigan...some 300 miles north of Chicago!  

On the afternoon of the 4th we went for a wine tasting at Chateau Chantal.  We toured the entire winery and topped it off with a bunch of wine and cheese.  Our personal favorite was the Malbec, a very dark red wine paired nicely with a nice steak.

After a day of walking around the Cherry Fest and an evening of fireworks we were exhausted! The next day I golfed with the fellas in the Duckbutter Open -- an annual 4th of July Burden Family tradition.  Taylor, Jamie, and I came in a respectable third place.  After the golf Alissa and I headed up to Northport which is about 45 minutes north of Traverse City.  Our great friend Caroline was nice enough to invite us to stay at her cottage...which she affectionately refers to as a little slice of heaven.

We had a blast there and I got to waterski for the first time in at least 5 years!  It was nice to know that I still had it in me to get up on the skis behind the boat...but I paid for it for the next week. My body was sore in every way imaginable.  Even more fun was watertubing. Alissa was very nervous yet excited to try it.  She did great and had an awesome time.  That's Caroline on the left and Alissa on the right both holding on for dear life -- I was driving the boat so I had a little fun :)

After the watersports we had a great dinner and then sat around the campfire while Caroline played her guitar.  She is a great musician and is in the midst of launching her country music band, Ragtop Rodeo. Check out her website here.

Thanks to everybody for such a great time in Northern Michigan!