travel

Michigan Summer with Poppy, Family, & Friends

/ marniesteve / 1 Comment

We’ve neglected our regular blog posts in favor of enjoying the summer here in Northern Michigan. Between our new puppy Poppy and a slew of visiting family and friends, it’s been a busy few months. Now that we are on the back side of Labor Day and beginning preparations for fall travels, we thought it was about time to provide an update on our summer fun.

Poppy
When we last posted we had just returned from a two-week exploration of Italian highlights with our niece Brynn. Within 24 hours of arriving to the USA, we picked up our new 10-week old baby Poppy.

A smiling couple holds a small toy poodle puppy in a cozy indoor setting.
Picking up the new baby
A close-up of a small toy poodle puppy with curly fur, being held in a person's hands. The puppy has big, dark eyes and a playful expression.
Sweet face

She is a sweet toy poodle that is ALL puppy. Much of our summer revolved around introducing her to new toys, places, friends, and adventures. You can see from the photos how much she changed just over a few months.

A playful toy poodle puppy named Poppy lounging on a sofa with a blue blanket.
Happy girl
A toy poodle puppy sitting on a rug, looking out of a doorway, with a blue toy and a rock nearby.
Watching the world
A fluffy toy poodle puppy sitting next to a small white poodle on a couch, with greenery in the background.
With brother Bob
A woman sitting on a chair outside, holding a small toy poodle puppy in her arms, smiling at the camera.
First haircut
A toy poodle puppy named Poppy lounging in a lavender field with purple flowers in the background.
Sunning at the Secret Garden
A woman sitting at a restaurant, happily holding her toy poodle puppy, both enjoying their time together.
First brewery visit
A small toy poodle puppy with a curly coat, lying on light-colored flooring, wearing a blue harness.
Growing up

Family visits
This summer we were lucky to receive numerous visitors to our lovely, adopted city of Traverse City, Michigan. First to visit was Steve’s brother Brian and his entire family (plus partners) plus Steve’s parents, Judy and Larry. In total there were 14 of us together for the 4th of July week.

A young couple sitting by a campfire in a forested area, one wearing a black shirt and the other in a brown hoodie, with colorful adirondack chairs in the background.
Elise & Jarrot
A man and a teenager sitting on a couch with two small dogs, one of which is being held by the man. The couch is covered with an orange blanket, and there are soft drinks on a nearby table.
Steve & Nate
A group of four people sitting on a deck in front of a house, enjoying a summer day. One person holds a puppy, while others relax on chairs and chat.
With Judy and Larry
Two men standing side by side in a living room, both wearing matching shirts featuring an American flag. One man is wearing a white bucket hat and camouflage shorts, while the other is wearing a grey cap and light-colored shorts.
Brian & Steve
A family photo celebrating togetherness and patriotism, featuring adults and children dressed in red, white, and blue, with some wearing hats and holding a small dog.
Brian’s clan: Lydia, Hannah, Chanel,Nate, Heidi, Brian, Elise, and Zach with Larry, Charlie & Judy
A family photo with four members posing outdoors on a wooden deck, wearing red shirts with patriotic themes and holding small American flags, accompanied by a toy poodle in the man's arms and a small dog on the woman's lap.
Happy 4th!
A family gathered together outdoors, wearing matching patriotic clothing with American flag designs, smiling and posing with two small dogs.
With the Green 5 Grandkids
An elderly woman with gray hair and glasses, wearing a red shirt with an American flag, stands next to a teenage girl in a blue shirt with 'USA' printed on it. The girl is wearing a red hat with white stars and is holding a small dog. They are outdoors, smiling, with trees in the background.
Lydia and Grandma
A woman and a man sitting together, smiling, against a wooden wall. The woman wears a shirt with an American flag design, while the man wears a cap and a dark shirt.
Brian & Heidi
A large family gathering celebrating the 4th of July, with individuals holding small American flags and smiling, surrounded by a rustic wooden structure.
The whole gang

Our time with Brian’s clan included the usual excursions like golf, lighthouses, farm markets, dune climbing, and wine tasting.

A selfie of two men in a golf cart, smiling. One man is wearing glasses and a gray cap, while the other has a short beard and is wearing sunglasses and a patterned shirt.
Larry & Brian on the course
Four men standing together on a golf course near a commemorative stone plaque, with a pond and trees in the background.
Brian, Larry, Nate & Jarrot
A woman standing in shallow water at the beach, smiling while holding a pair of black shoes and a tote bag.
Judy on the beach
Two people, a man and a woman, holding baskets of strawberries at a farm store with fresh produce visible in the background.
Steve & Judy at the farm market
Three young women posing together on a rock in shallow water, wearing swimsuits, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Green girls: Hannah, Lydia & Elise
A group of five young adults enjoying a sunny day in a grassy area, sitting on chairs. One person is holding a bag of donuts while others are relaxed and smiling.
At Shady Lane with John, Hannah, Gibson, Zach, & Jarrot
Group of friends and family sitting outdoors at a vineyard, raising glasses in a toast, with green trees and a rustic building in the background.
Drinking with Grandma
A group of four people enjoying drinks outdoors, with a mix of glasses on a table in front of them. They are seated on chairs in a grassy area, with trees and a building in the background.
Toasting her 80th
Group of friends and family enjoying drinks outdoors at a vineyard in Northern Michigan.
The wine tasters at Shady Lane
Two young women relaxing together in a hammock, smiling happily. One wears sunglasses and a crocheted top, while the other is dressed in a white halter top.
Elise & Hannah
Three young adults pose together outdoors against a blue sky with clouds. They are dressed in casual summer outfits and smiling, with a lush green field in the background.
The big ‘uns: Hannah, Zach & Elise
A person performing a handstand on a sandy surface with a scenic view of trees and blue sky in the background.
Lydia conquering the dunes
Two individuals stand on a sandy dune with steep slopes in the background, under a clear blue sky.
Lydia & Jarrot at the bottom of the dune climb (not pictured: Steve)

It was fun to have everyone together, especially since we got to celebrate Judy’s 80th birthday!

Three women sitting at a table in a restaurant, each holding a drink and smiling at the camera. The interior features wooden accents and stone walls.
Toasting Judy: Elise, Lydia & me
A group of people enjoying a meal together at a restaurant, sitting around a wooden table with drinks and menus.
The birthday celebration
A woman sitting on a couch, holding a drink, surrounded by two young men who are also toasting with their drinks in a cozy living room setting.
Zach & Gibson having mimosas with Grandma

On the heels of Brian’s visit we welcomed my sister Mickie and my niece Lauren and her “boyfriend” Caleb. Together we hit many of the same spots (dunes, wine, shopping). It was a fun, busy few days.

Three people posing in front of a colorful mural in Traverse City, Michigan, showcasing the city's name and cherry imagery.
Welcome to TC!
Three women sitting on a bench in front of a colorful mural that says 'Greetings from Traverse City.' The mural features vibrant colors and cherry motifs, representing the local culture.
The blondes: Lauren, me, & Mickie
A woman playfully poses with a vintage cartoon character statue while holding a piece of candy, showcasing a fun moment in a colorful store.
Mandatory stop at Rocket Fizz
A couple stands together in a lavender field, smiling and embracing each other, surrounded by blooming lavender plants.
Lauren & Caleb at the Secret Garden
Three women smiling together in a lavender field, with purple lavender plants stretching behind them under a blue sky.
Me, Lauren & Mickie at the Secret Garden
A couple kissing inside a photo frame that reads '45th Parallel Old Mission Peninsula Michigan' against a backdrop of a beach and water.
Old Mission Lighthouse
A young couple posing together in front of a vineyard sign, with a scenic landscape of vineyards and rolling hills in the background.
Mandatory stop at Chantal
A group of three people sitting at a wooden table on a sunny day, enjoying drinks at a winery. The background features trees and a building.
Wine on the deck
Two women smiling for a selfie outdoors, wearing sunglasses. They are seated on a patio with grass and trees in the background.
Lauren & Mickie
Two women enjoy wine tasting at a vineyard, holding a sign that reads 'Wine + Gossip are best with you'. The background features a chalkboard with wine-related text.
Me & Lauren at Peninsula Cellars
A young couple enjoying ice cream together at an outdoor setting, smiling and posing for the photo.
Mandatory stop at Moomers
A couple standing on a sandy dune on a sunny day, with a slope leading up behind them where people are climbing.
Bottom of the dune climb with Lauren & Caleb (Steve not pictured)
Three women smiling and enjoying a sunny day on a boat, with a lake in the background.
Sailing Lake Charlevoix
Three individuals smiling together on a boat, enjoying a sunny day by the water.
Caleb, Lauren & Mickie sailing into Lake Michigan

What we didn’t know was that Lauren and Caleb had a secret. A few weeks after returning home to AZ, they surprised us all and got married! So, unbeknownst to us, we kinda celebrated their honeymoon here in Traverse City! Congrats kids!

A couple smiling and embracing each other in a sunlit outdoor setting, captured in black and white.
Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Next to swing through town was Steve’s brother Gary and his two kids Brynn and Hudson. We were sorry sister-in-law Kristy couldn’t make it to share in the fun. The group went fishing one morning and caught a bunch of lake trout and Brynn and I spent another day shopping in downtown Traverse City. The kids also did the dune climb with Steve, which was his third time in three weeks.

A group of four people, two adults and two children, posing together outdoors with trees and parked vehicles in the background.
Brynn, Gary, Hudson & Steve
Two men sitting on a fishing boat with fishing rods in the background, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
The fishermen: Steve & Gary (not pictured: Hudson & Brynn)
Two men posing together inside a decorative frame that reads '45th Parallel Old Mission Peninsula Michigan' with a beach and water in the background.
Gary & Hudson
A young woman holding a small brown puppy, posing in front of a sign reading '45th Parallel, Old Mission Peninsula' with a scenic view of the lake in the background.
Brynn & Poppy
Three people stand in front of a sign for Chateau Chantal winery, surrounded by colorful flowers on a sunny day.
Mandatory stop at Chantal
A man and a boy grilling fish outdoors next to a camper, with a lush green background.
Hudson & Steve cooking up their catch of lake trout
Two young people smiling and standing together on a beach covered with pebbles, with a scenic view of the water and shoreline in the background.
Brynn & Hudson at the bottom of the dune climb (not pictured: Steve)
A family poses together in a wooden photo frame at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with two small dogs in their arms and a scenic view in the background.
Exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

We had a quick visit from my cousin Red and Judy. He was in town to watch his granddaughter McKenna compete at Flintfields, the world-class equestrian center that’s right next to our resort. We didn’t get photos of the group but McKenna was a big winner, which was fun to see.

A young equestrian stands between two horses, proudly displaying ribbons on their halters after a competition.

Mitch made his second visit to Traverse City in early August and stayed with us for a week. We kept busy with visits to farmers markets, a distillery, wineries, and a day on a pontoon in Torch Lake with our neighbors Norb and Linda. Mitch got to know the neighbors and a good time was had by all!

A group of six friends sitting together under a covered porch, enjoying drinks and snacks, with a recreational vehicle parked in the background.
Happy hour with neighbors
A selfie of three people smiling at a market, with food stalls and tents in the background.
Interlochen Farmers Market
A group selfie inside a distillery or brewery, with three individuals holding drinks and smiling. Wooden barrels stacked in the background create a rustic atmosphere.
Iron Fish Distillery tour
A group of five people enjoying a day on a pontoon boat in a serene setting with green foliage in the background.
Exploring the Chain of Lakes
A group of five people enjoying a day on a boat in a scenic lake, with trees and hills visible in the background.
Mitch, me, Linda, Norb & Steve
Two people standing in shallow water at a lake, enjoying summer drinks. A boat is anchored nearby with more people in the background.
Mitch & Linda at the Torch Lake sandbar

Mitch was also helpful around the house, helping Steve with the installation of new furniture and a few other projects.

For the fourth summer our dear friends Dave and Peggy Armstrong joined us as part of their summer vacation. We were excited to show them a few of our favorite parts of Traverse city. The guys caught lake Michigan salmon, Peggy and I hiked, and of course we visited the wineries with Kunio and Michelle.

A man on a boat holding a large fish, with a cloudy sky and water in the background.
Early rising fisherman
A smiling man holding a freshly caught fish while standing on a fishing boat. The water is calm and the sky is overcast.
The big catch! Lake Michigan salmon
Two women smiling for a selfie on a wooded trail surrounded by greenery.
Hiking at Grass River
A smiling couple seated at an outdoor table in front of a winery, surrounded by green vines and greenery.
Wine at Left Foot Charlie’s
A group of six friends posing for a selfie in a vineyard, smiling and enjoying a sunny day with fields of grapevines in the background.
Kunio, Michelle, Peggy, Dave, Steve & me at Brys Estate
A group of four people enjoying drinks at a table outdoors, surrounded by umbrellas and a coastal setting.
Chocolate and Cheese wine tasting at Brys Estate
A couple stands smiling in front of the Chateau Chantal vineyard sign, with lush green vineyards and a clear blue sky in the background.
Mandatory stop at Chateau Chantal for wine

Our summer was also dotted with fun social events here at the Traverse Bay RV Resort including a fun progressive dinner and numerous happy hours. We also made two trips to Shipshewana, IN. Once to have a new refrigerator installed and once for the National Grand Design Rally where we had additional repairs made to our home on wheels.

A smiling man in a floral shirt cooking on a grill outdoors, surrounded by colorful platters of food, including snacks and fresh fruit. In the background, an RV is parked.
Grilling pineapple for the progressive dinner
Three adults enjoying drinks while chatting in front of a recreational vehicle, with one person seated and two standing.
Progressive dinner cocktails with Steve McKelvy
A smiling woman wearing a blue apron and a colorful floral dress stands at the doorway of a home, holding a container in her right hand, with a table set outside adorned with a colorful flower lei and a bottle.
Working the progressive dinner
Two men holding drinks while standing on a patio, with a small dog at their feet.
Paul & Steve celebrating their work at the progressive dinner
A woman sitting on a couch holding a colorful drink in a festive glass, wearing sunglasses, a yellow top, and floral shorts, with a person beside her.
Happy hour with Mary
A man sitting in a camping chair outside a trailer, waving and smiling, with a book and a cup on the ground beside him.
Hanging out at the National Grand Design Rally in Goshen, IN
A man wearing a colorful apron stands in a kitchen, holding a drink while preparing a pancake on a griddle.
Making his last pancake of the season

The summer fun is not quite over, but we are winding down and getting ready to head east for the fall marathon season. More blog posts are forthcoming, so please stay tuned!

Brynn’s Italy – Part One

/ marniesteve / 2 Comments

As DINKS, we didn’t have the normal expenses that accompany children. And, as you know, we value travel as an educational experience. As such, we have offered all of our nieces and nephews a trip of their choosing when they turn 16. Our latest adventures are with Brynn, Steve’s brother Gary’s sweet daughter.

Sweet Brynn

Brynn told us several years ago that Italy was her choice. Our two week trip takes us to Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast. This post will cover our first week.

KC Airport
Ready to fly
Airport conversations
We made it to Rome

We flew from Kansas City to Rome with no delays or issues. Our driver was waiting for us in Rome and took us directly to our hotel in the Trastevere neighborhood. From there we wandered a bit, trying to shake off the overnight flight.

Theatre of Pompey
Wandering past Julius Caesar’s assignation site
Pantheon
All’Antico Vinao sandwiches
First of many gelatos
On the banks of the Tiber
Steve drinking from one of Rome’s many fountains

Though we were jet-lagged we booked a golf cart tour for our first afternoon to give us an overview of the key sites. We’ll return for a more in depth look at Rome at the end of our trip.

The golf cart was a perfect way to get oriented and see the major sites. From the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum and from the Vatican to the Spanish Steps, we caught glimpses of the most famous of Rome’s landmarks.

Piazza Navona
Fountains at Piazza Navona
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain
Top of the Spanish Steps
First look at the Colosseum
St Peter’s Basilica

The next morning we took the train to Levanto, a small city on the northern border of Cinque Terre National Park.

Rome Train Station
Long train ride
Figuring out the trains
We made it to Levanto

The next morning our wonderful guide, Stefano, led us back to the train station and through the two of the five quaint, picturesque, seaside towns that make up Cinque Terre. Our first stop was Vernazza, with its small, protected harbor and its church dating to the 11th century .

Stefano guiding us in Vernazza
Vineyards above Vernazza
High above Vernazza
Vernazza was our favorite
Vernazza
Vernazza
Vernazza harbor

After a walking tour up and down the steps of the town, we took the train to the village of Monterosso. Here we wandered the narrow lanes and ancient landmarks until we came to our lunch restaurant.

Catching the train
Monterosso al Mare

Pesto is a specialty in this region of Italy, so we took a lesson in pesto making before being served lunch. Steve got the sauce started by crushing fresh basil and pine nuts. Brynn finished, using her muscles to create a fine sauce.

Using the mortar to crush the fresh basil
Working in the local olive oil
Enjoying a special lunch

Stefano left us after lunch and we explored two of the remaining three villages on our own. By the end of the day we had walked over 20,000 steps and climbed over 40 flights of stairs. We felt like we earned our gelato!

Riomaggiore
Manarola
Riomaggiore
Well deserved gelato stop
Tired travelers in Vernazza

Our second day in Levanto was just as active. In the morning we borrowed bikes from the hotel and rode north on an old, seaside, rail trail to the villages of Bonassola and Framura. We couldn’t pass up a stop on the beach for a little dip.

View from the trail
Old railway trail
Stopping to enjoy the view
Ocean views along the way
Fun along the trail
Thank goodness for the lights in the tunnel
A little beach stop
And a dip in the Med Sea
Incredible views

After our picturesque ride, we met up with our guide Luca for a paddling trip down the Ligurian coast. The cliffs that make these ancient villages so pretty also make for a scenic paddle. Since the water is still a bit cool in late May, our wetsuits were appreciated. This was Brynn’s first time paddling in the open ocean and she did great!

Wetsuits 💕
Paddling partners
Along the coast
Incredible rock cliffs
A happy girl
Three happy paddlers

We moved on from the beautiful Cinque Terre for a quick stop in Florence. We only had a day and a half in the city, but we crammed in as much as we could.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Piazza della Repubblica
Ponte Vecchio
Sunset in Florence
Inside Palazzo Vecchio

Even though we are early in the season the crowds in Florence can be overwhelming. Our museum guide, Fillipo, made it easy to skip the lines and the crowds at the Accademia. He guided us through the galleries, providing just enough detail and background to understand the most important works. Of course, we were most interested to see Michelangelo’s David. Considered one of the most important works of art on the planet, it truly takes your breath away.

Brynn with a prisoner
First look at The David
She saw him!

After our museum visit we spent most of the rest of the day wandering the streets and alleyways of Florence, stopping frequently to shop, eat, or check out a market.

Pastries at the Mercato Centrale
Affogato from the wine window at Vivoli
Milkshake break
Affogato & lemon gelato
Ponte Vecchio
Anniversary dinner

We found our way across the Arno River to the Piazzelle. Michelangelo where Steve, my mom, and I visited in 1999. It was fun to recreate our photo of mom in her honor. Steve gets credit for both photos.

2025 — 1999

We celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary while in Florence with a great meal and a bottle of wine. Thanks to Brynn for being our photographer!

We’re heading south and will post a recap of the second half of Brynn’s Italian adventure next week.

New River Gorge National Park

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New River Gorge National Park is America’s newest national park, established in 2021. However, the river is not new at all. In fact, it’s one of the oldest rivers on the planet. We spent three days exploring the area and learning about this beautiful area of West Virginia. 

New River Gorge Bridge
The Gorge

We based ourselves right outside the park boundaries at The Outpost, a cool RV, music, adventure hub. In a short hike we were able to reach the famed New River Gorge bridge. 

Home Sweet Home
Bob’s Site at The Outpost
Music Stage
Tent Platforms
Hike from The Outpost

The park’s visitor center offers great views of the bridge and a fun hike down to see the bridge up close. 

Visitors Center
Gorge Overlook
Walking the Visitor Center boardwalk
The bridge is huge
First views

Waterfalls are a major draw to New River Gorge area. Throughout our time here we couldn’t avoid the beautiful cascades. They even have an official waterfall trail. 

So. Many. Waterfalls.

While the area abounds with natural beauty, it wasn’t always this way. For over 80 years, railroads carried coal out of the area to fuel the Industrial Revolution. Over 50 coal communities were linked by rail in the New River Gorge. Today, the town of Thurmond is one of the few towns that still exists and is preserved by the National Park Service.

Bridge to Thurmond
Thurmond Station
Falls on the way to Thurmond

We explored the town’s structures including the old coal tower that fed the rail cars that carried the coal out of the gorge. 

Coal Towe
Thurmond’s industrial history
Downtown Thurmond
Coal Tower

The Endless Wall Trail is one of the park’s most popular. After about a mile we reached the Diamond Point Overlook where we watched whitewater kayakers and rafters way below. And what views!! 

Trailhead. Bob’s ready!
Views forever
Bob made it!
On the edge
Bridge views from the wall
Climbers love this area
Endless Wall

New River Gorge National Park is worth it for the winding country roads and sweeping views. With this we crossed one more national park off our map and it was a good one!

Country roads
New River Bridge