There are a lot of treasures you could miss visiting the Northern Michigan area. You'll find free maps, senior savings, and some sage wisdom.
If you've got a travel tip to add email it to the Geezer (geezer@lifeinnorthernmichigan.com).
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With vacation time upon us and gas prices are through the roof. Here are several tips on how you can increase your gas mileage and still keep your summer adventures affordable.
- Slow Down - You can significantly increase your gas mileage by reducing your speed. Drive 55-65 not 75 and save big time.
- Eazy On The Gas Peddle - When you see thelight turn green, go easy on the gas peddle, slowly increase your speed.
- Park The Car & Walk In - Quit useing the drive-thru. You waste gas letting your car idle while you wait. Park the car & walk in. The exercise will do you good.
- Don't Leave It Run - When you stop for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Waiting for a train or kid wastes gas if you let it run.
- Slow Down Gradually - As you approach a stop, plan ahead. Take your foot off the gas and coast to the stop sign. You will save on gas and your breaks.
- Combine The Trips - Multi-trip! Don't make a trip for one thing. Plan your day and cover all the stops for the day in the same trip.
- Plan Your Route - Take the shortest route, not the fastest. The fewer the miles, the fewer the gallons.
Have a safe driving season and enjoy your vacation.
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March And It's Still Winter!! |
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Here we are in March and thinking about spring but we are still in the grips of Old Man Winter. Locally we set two records this recently. My outdoor temperature recording device first set a new low of -10.6 F on February 28, 2008 and then we busted that record on March 7, 2008 when the temperature dipped to -19.5 F during the night. For this winter we have enjoyed 124 inches of snow. The entire area has gotten more snow this year than in the previous two winters. The experts are saying that all the snow this winter should bring the Great Lakes water levels up by as much as 6-12" this summer. This is great because we have set record low levels in the past few years. Maybe we will have a wet spring which should help even more. The bountiful snows should also help inland lakes and streams. All in all it's been a great winter for all the winter sports. There are still plenty of snow machines racing around and some ATVs out on the lake. I even saw a truck several times on our lake which is reported to be 20" thick with ice. I sure wouldn't advise doing this however. The water is way to cold for swimming! Most of the locals are looking forward to the big thaw and springtime weather....ehenever it comes. Drive & Play Safe!
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February 2008 - Winter Sets In |
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We are enjoying a great winter this year. Our snows came early this year in November and we have seen little bare ground since. We had a brief January thaw in early January with a ton of rain. This took away quite a bit of our snow accumulation. In a few days, however, winter returned. In one night the temperature fell through the bottom and dropped 50 degrees in one night. Locally our low was - 6 degrees below with blowing snow. It stayed below zero for three or four days and our snow returned. This has been a great winter so far for all the winter sports. There is still six more weeks of winter according to the groundhog. It's a great time to both be outside and to snuggle up next to the fire with a hot mug of chocolate and a good book. Rent some movies or work a puzzle. It's a great time to kick back and relax. Enjoy every day and all it has to offer.
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We begin a New Year with a more traditional winter. Last year at this time the lakes were still unsafe to venture out on the ice. This year the freeze up came much earlier and locals and visitors alike have been enjoying ice fishing, 4-wheeling, and snowmobiling on and around the lake. I can't speak for larger lakes so be sure to inquire from locals before going out on any frozen body of water. On our little lake, the ice is between 6-8" thick at this time.
Snow trails and ski hills are enjoying great snow pack and many visitors. It's a great time to enjoy all the outdoor winter sports. Ice fishing has been spotty but good for the most part with perch, walleye and northern pike being taken. Come on up to Northern Michigan and join the fun.
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Where Did Summer Go - Welcome Fall |
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Fall Has Arrived in Northern Michigan
The colors are not at their peak yet but they are relly getting rich. If you haven't planned a trip to Northern Michigan you really should. The Maples, Oaks and Birch are getting very colorful. The weather is still warm and swimming is still an option. This is a beautiful and quiet time of the year. Ducks are gathering for their migration South. The hummingbirds have already left and the kids are back in school. It's not crowded in any of the State Parks or Campgrounds. We hope you had a good summer and can squeeze in a weekend or week in October or November.
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