Today was the day to start scouting locations for the Michigan CDC 2019 spring camp. We had a kinda-sorta plan on what we wanted to accomplish with time built in for screwing around, if the opportunity struck. We pulled out about 7:15.

We made it as far as Six Lakes before we pulled into a local bait and tackle, partly to look at his wares and partly to shake the county cop that had been following me for 15 miles. Not that we were doing anything wrong, I just don't like having them follow me. The next stop was at the Beats-a Tent for a bathroom break and wellness check. Everything A-OK.

Our trip continued north through Big Rapids, Reed City and Cadillac, then west on Boon Road to the Boon store where we bought 1/2 pound of the famous Boon sharp colby cheese for a mid morning snack. Next stop was on 15 Road to visit the cabin that my grandpa used to own. I still vividly remember hopping out of the home made bunk beds and trying to avoid the teeth and claws of his bear skin rug, I was certain the beast was playing possum and was laying in wait to devour me before I knew what had happened.

Next was a stop at the Harrietta Fish Hatchery. We were lucky enough to run into an employee who had been working there for 30 years and he gave us a VIP tour explaining how the hatchery operates today as well as how it operated in the past. We were taken into the inner sanctum where he showed us the entire process of hatching, raising and stocking rainbow trout and brown trout. One thing I never realized is that well water can be too "bubbly" and can give the young fish the "bends". They run it through a series of waterfalls to make the water flat then re-oxygenate it.

The rest of the day was pretty ho-hum with stops at a number of campgrounds. talking with campground employees and campers and one final stop at Holland Lake to check my sisters property and pontoon, again A-OK. We have eliminated several campgrounds and have a couple that stood out, having everything our group needs, private launch, fish house, cabins, large pull through lots, camp store and pavilion. And hopefully good fishing. Stay tuned for further details.

Jeff has a few pictures of the day.