Houghton Lake, Michigan

Hello from Northern Michigan!  We're in Houghton Lake after a good but long trip of about 250 miles today. We pulled out of Shipshewana,  about 10 AM and arrived here at West Houghton Lake Campground about 3:30. Houghton Lake is the  largest inland lake in Michigan (other than the Great Lakes)  and is in northern Michigan.  It's a popular area for  water activities and fishing. In fact there are as many boats in the campground as there are campers. The trip was under gray skies with on and off showers. I just washed the rig  and truck a couple of days before we left , so I knew it had to rain! Traffic was surprisingly light except around Lansing where it got a little challenging.
            Once we started getting into Northern Michigan, I was surprised to see how much the area and terrain reminded me of Maine. We saw many Aspen and Fir trees that are common to higher elevations or to a colder climate. In fact, we observed just a hint of color in a few of the aspen's. I'm sure this area is quite scenic in the fall when all the leaves are turning. 
             We plan to pull out in the morning and make the final 100 miles to Mackinaw City and  will be staying at the Tee Pee Campground on the shore of Lake Huron. We're staying there for five days and can't wait to explore the area.

Map of our trip today.

Very nice welcome center on I-69.

Another nice welcome center on 127. Notice the metal sculpture in middle left of photo.

Closeup of that sculpture.

Lighthouse mockup behind the same welcome center.

Black Eyed Susan's.