It’s hard to believe it’s already been 12 days since we left Sitka, but at the same time it seems like weeks ago. We clearly needed some recovery time after all the craziness of last month – and we are deeply grateful for this haven in Michigan where we can rest and regroup. Turns out our bodies took a beating doing all that work last month – especially our hands and wrists – so the ability to heal has been wonderful. Sunshine, fresh produce, and full nights of sleep have been our daily vitamins. We’re having fun exploring the area, meeting the neighbors, and figuring out shelving/storage for all our stuff. We can drive for miles and miles (at 70+ MPH!!) and get to other towns! Plus we finally have a PO Box!
We had originally thought we’d set off on a 6-8 week road trip starting next weekend, but that’s a bit up in the air now … largely due to not knowing the ETA of the stuff we shipped from Sitka. Obviously we need to be here when it arrives, but also – all of our camping gear is in that shipment, so we’re a little limited in our abilities to explore far and wide until we have some of those things. But no big deal – we’re having a delightful time, the weather is perfect, and there are so many hikes/paddles/bike rides around here! We should know more later this week and be able to figure out when we’re heading out and in which direction …
…but in the meantime, here’s a few photos of what’s been going on.
In Hollland, we stumbled upon the weekly sailing regatta … 
… and checked out Holland State Park, with its vast amounts of sand and sky. 
Oh my, the sky! 
I mean, I love Sitka, but this forecast comparison kind of says it all. 
On Labor Day, Matthew smoked some country-style pork ribs … nom nom nom 
There’s an awesome farm-to-table restaurant in Fennville with an amazing bar! 
Speaking of drinks … we clearly have some work to do in visiting West Michigan breweries. There’s over 50 in our 40-mile radius! 
Our closest brewery is Waypost – just a few miles up the road, with good beer and free-ranging chickens. 
My sister’s sweet lake house gets some pretty nice sunset views. 
Aside from resting up and exploring the area, our big project has been to help harvest my sister’s garden and preserve the produce. 
The featured garden items are two dozen heirloom tomato plants, including these delicious San Marzanos. 
We harvested 175 pounds of produce during our first weekend! 
And this is the haul from Weekend Two — approx. 70 pounds. 
Peppers are also a hot item (pun intended) .. like these pepperoncinis, which have now been pickled. 
A stovetop in full production mode! 
Peeled tomatoes … 
…get cooked down with some onions (this is a before and after of the same pot – look how much they cooked down!) … 
And then put through a food mill and mixed with spices to become bloody mary mix! 
Colorful marinated peppers will definitely put a smile on your face! 
Beautiful canned tomatoes! 
We canned 47 quarts of stuff in the first weekend, and another 30 quarts this weekend. Next weekend we plan to do tomato jam and possibly experiment with a sweet & spicy sauce.
Hot damn, great photos and report, well done. Bike Friday is put together and went for a ride, now to try get it back in the suitcase to see if i can do that. Hitting the road 22 Oct. Aloha ha, Jeff B Latest Sitka news, the town has finally agreed to repaint anything gray.
So glad you got your bike together! Hopefully taking it apart is a piece of cake. I want to know more about this repainting scheme …
Thanks for the update. Great photos!
Thanks Scott! Wish we could beam you over here for an evening on the porch!
Whoaa! That’s a lot of tomatoes and peppers! Seesters, and Matthew, you rock! And so does west Michigan – ooo-lala!!!
West Michigan is amazing – especially this time of year! We feel SO lucky to be able to land here! Love you seester!
I made a big pot of venison chili the other day using one of last years jars of your sister’s tomatoes. Yum!! I love all the colors in your new batch!
YUMMY!! I wish we could taste some of that stew! There’s a bison meat seller up the road we’re going to check out today … maybe bison burgers for dinner?! Miss you Cleo!
You are obviously „Jack of all Trades“.After removing, building, painting, a.s.o. now harvesting and preserving. Chapeau!🎩Lovely pictures. Also nice to catch a glimpse of Cousin Iris. Lots of love to all of you from the German Part of the Family🇩🇪❤️🙋♀️
Thank you, Eike! Big hugs to you!!
Wait wait wait. Mind blown, and I’m a food preservation-y kind of person… I must have your Bloody Mary mix recipe for canning! Pretty please
Ohhh, Sarah – it’s so good! I will definitely send the recipe to you.
Holy cow. I’ve not been to Michigan, but after seeing your photos I know I need to get there! So beautiful. And – Bloody Mary mix? I mean…if there’s any extra that could be shared… 😁
There WILL be extra! I think I see a Bloody Mary brunch in our future, Sarah …
I love the photos. Amazing tomatoes and peppers. You’ve landed at a great spot. We are just leaving the plains of Montana and hopefully will take 2 days to play.
I’m sorry I never replied to this, Grace! Thanks for following along with our story! Big hugs to you.
Ermahgerd! We love our jar of ‘maters! Sunkissed by the Midwest sun and canned with lurv! Can’t wait to try the elixir! Hope it brings back youth and virility. Thank you!