Weekend Trip: Savanna & Galena, IL

Yesterday morning Frank and I headed out west. - destination: Mississippi Palisades State Park, in Savanna, IL, for views of the Mississippi River from the bluffs above. After we got in a couple miles of hiking on the only two trails NOT closed for turkey hunting, we headed out to the former Savanna Army Depot, which is an odd abandoned area with lots of defunct buildings and barracks now being converted into a wildlife refuge site. More views of the river before heading north via Blackjack Road to Galena.

Susan & Frank at Mississippi Palisades State Park, IL

 

View of Mississippi at Black Oak Dune Overlook, near Savanna, IL

Galena was much bigger than I expected with a quiet river trail and a bustling downtown, which sort of reminded me of Harper's Ferry (except much bigger) and Annapolis (for period architecture). We had a lovely low key dinner at the Galena Brewing Company, where I got the two best beers I've had in a long time, a Honey Bock and a Barley wine (the Dementor). A great weekend day.

Belvedere Mansion (far right), Park Avenue, Galena, IL

Campaign Charlevoix, July 22-29

Sailing, lounging on the beach, swimming, canoeing, biking, roller blading, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, stunning sunsets and views…what’s not to love.

Photos to entice you.

Frank and his cousin, Nancy, preparing to sail off the dock at Polecat (the house) 

Sunset on Lake Charlevoix from the beach and dock at Polecat

View from Chateau Chantal Winery, near Traverse City, MI (about an hour away)

  

View from the Little Traverse Wheelway (great biking, running, roller blading) of the Little Traverse Bay near Petoskey, MI (less than 30 minutes away)

Distance from Baltimore to Polecat/Charlevoix, MI: 11 hours, 47 minutes; stop part way there in Ann Arbor at Zingerman’s Deli.

Digital Scrapbook

Frank and I have been spring cleaning recently, and we have continued to update our digital scapbook. Some favorite images are posted below.

 

Frank's knitting and childhood animal figurines

Letters to/from Frank & Susan

Post cards to commenmorate Susan's summer in Death Valley National Park, 1998