Up North!

Hi Everyone,

For New Year's weekend, Theo and I went "Up North" to Traverse City. That's what Michiganians call anything in the northern part of the lower peninsula of the state. Did you know that Michigan is made up of two large peninsulas. The peninsulas are surrounded by 4 of the 5 Great Lakes - Michigan, Superior, Huron and Erie. There is so much coastline, other than the lack of salty air, it would remind you a lot of some of the coastal areas of New England. In fact, Michigan has more coastline than any other state except Alaska!

Another fun fact about Michigan is that the lower peninsula is shaped like a mitten. People here hold up their right hand, palm facing out, and show others where they live by pointing to it on their hand. Lansing is about in the middle of the palm. Traverse City is near the tip of the ring finger.

The pictures you see were taken at Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City. Traverse City calls itself the Cherry Capital of the World. Because of the warm breezes coming off Lake Michigan, the west coast of the state is ideal for orchards. In addition to cherries, there are many apple orchards and berry farms all along the that side of the state. Every year more than 500,000 people come to Traverse City during the first week of July to celebrate the Cherry Festival. There are parades and a fair-like atmosphere to celebrate this important local crop.

There weren't any cherries on the trees in late December, but there was plenty of snow for us to play in. We had a great time and got to see a really neat part of the state.

I'll write again soon!

Millie