One last hurrah!

I have to say it's been a fun summer in the Ochs' household when it comes to travel. We've been to some pretty neat destinations (which I'll write about soon) and I believe we saved the best for last.

This past weekend, we spent 4 days (including a Monday so as not to get stuck in that Sunday afternoon dash south) at a little cabin resort in Lupton, Michigan. The place is called "Birchwood Resort" and it was a gem of a find! Five small, simple cabins, right out of the 1950's (which is when they were built) and it looks as though very little has changed since then! While they held an old rustic, musty-scented charm, they were quite clean and pleasant. Each had 2 bedrooms, a bath, ample kitchen and living room with a wood-burning fireplace. And for those of us who still need a little bit of the comforts of home, cable television (only 4 channels at a time, but really, you're not here to stare at the tv!)

Birchwood Resort is on quiet little East Twin Lake...it's a no wake lake so you can actually enjoy the sounds of nature! You can even talk to whoever is standing on the shore while you're in the middle of the lake fishing in your rowboat. That part "wasn't" so cool as I tried to ignore my children who stood on the banks shouting, "mom, come get me, I want to get in the boat now!"

The things that really pleased me were the nice little sandy shallow beach and the complimentary firewood and rowboat available during our stay AND the "pets allowed" policy. Fishing wasn't too bad either! They were biting, no matter the time of day or the weather, which consisted of one rainy day, two cloudy and one sunny and warm day. Bluegill, crappie and a few small perch made up most of the catch.

Owners, Patty and Todd Barrett tell me they have a lot of repeat business so there's never been a huge need to advertise. Just a simple web site, http://birchwoodresort.net/ gives you a small taste of the pleasant surroundings you'll encounter. Rates aren't listed but this summer the charge was $79 per night. And "that" is pretty good bargain in my book!