Sponsored by the Grayling Youth Booster Club

Dharma Music: Noon – 7pm
Karaoke: 1pm – Children 12 and under
2pm – teens to adults
Karaoke Master Final:
5pm – Children 12 and under
6pm – teens to adults

Parade 11am

Kids Free Fishing: 12pm – 1:30 pm
5-12 years old – bring own pole and bait
Prizes awarded for 1st fish boy and 1st fish girl; Other prizes awarded

Kids games and attractions: 2pm – 4:30 pm
Inflatables, Humvees, Sand Pit, Carnival Games, Balloons, Prize drawings every 15 minutes

Free Watermelon: 6pm

Booster Club Concession: Noon – dark
Hot Dogs, Polish Sausage, Popcorn/Chips, Nachos,Ice Cold Drinks,Candy

Fireworks at dark

Sponsored by:
Grayling Youth Booster Club Concession Stand
City of Grayling
Crawford County Townships
Local Businesses
Local Organizations

Hartwick Happenings, July 2009

Summer Closure Days
Summer Schedule
Independence Day Holiday
Hartwick Pines Base Ball Club Swampers
2009 Schedule of Events
Hunting and Fishing Licenses available
Hartwick Pines on Facebook
Join the Friends of Hartwick Pines
Internet Contacts

Summer Closure Days
Due to the Temporary Layoff Days of State Employees, the Michigan Forest Visitor Center and the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum will be closed and no programs will be offered on Friday June 19, Monday July 6, Friday July 24, Friday August 7, Friday August 21 and Friday September 4. The rest of the park will be open on these days. For further information, please call (989) 348-2537 or (989) 348-7068.

Summer Schedule
The Park is now on our summer hours, which is 10am-6pm for the Michigan Forest Visitor Center and the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum. Day-use hours remain 8am-10pm. Our summer schedule of tours and programs will begin on Friday, June 12 as well. The Natural history staff will be presenting a number of naturalist tours and programs on a daily and weekly basis as will the logging museum staff be presenting historical logging programs at the museum and throughout the park. There will be campground programs on Thursday-Saturday evenings, except when we have a special event or special guest pre-empting them. The summer schedule
will run to Labor Day, September 7. For more information, please contact the Visitor Center at (989) 348-2537.

Independence Day Holiday
Come celebrate our Nation’s Independence with a number of activities from July 3-5. On Friday, July 3, come down to the Logging Museum for the “A Day in the Life of the Shantyboys” program from 11am-5pm. Come help make some “Beanhole Beans” and Boiled coffee on the “camboose”, help with laundry, log sawing and learn how the “shantyboys” lived in the logging camps. Afterwards, head to the
campground for Jim McGrath’s Turtle program at 8pm. Jim is a naturalist who does a number of wildlife programs. Saturday will include a bog walk at 11am and at the Logging Museum, the annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence at 2pm. Jim McGrath returns for a Michigan Snakes program at 3pm at the Visitor Center. Not up for fireworks? Then come to the campground amphitheater at 9pm for a Night Hike to learn what is moving around our park at night. Sunday will have
a Vintage Base Ball game where Visitors can play at 1pm and a “Tall Tales of the Bunkhouse” program at 8pm at the campground. For more information, call (989) 348-2537.

Hartwick Pines Base Ball Club “Swampers”
The Hartwick Pines Base Ball Club’s Swampers, our vintage baseball team playing and interpreting baseball from the year 1860 is looking for interested ballplayers and other volunteers for the 2009 season. We will be playing a full season this year with teams from through out the state including Walker Tavern (near Brooklyn, MI), Northville, Ludington and Petoskey. The season schedule will be from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend and we will be playing 9 games. The only requirement to play is to be in reasonably good health and enjoy baseball. Practices
are every Thursday at 5:30 on the field at the park’s picnic area. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Rob Burg, the club manager, at (989) 348-2537 or email at burgr@michigan.gov. The Hartwick Pines Swampers have a new website at
www.michigan.gov/swampersbaseball that has the schedule, team roster
and rules posted on it. There is also a Swampers Facebook group page at
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=125230260526.

2009 Special Events and Programs Schedule
July
July 4: Independence Day. Historical Celebration at the Logging Museum.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence at 2pm.
July 4: Jim McGrath’s Michigan Snakes program. 3pm at the Visitor
Center.
July 5: Vintage Base Ball: PLAY vintage base ball with the Hartwick
Pines Swampers. HOME 1pm.
July 6: State Furlough Day. Visitor Center and Logging Museum CLOSED.
July 12: Vintage Base Ball on the Road: Support the Hartwick Pines
Swampers vs. the Wheels of Walker Tavern at the Walker Tavern Historic
Site, Brooklyn, MI. AWAY. Time TBA.
July 18-19: Wood Shaving Days. 10am-4pm both days.
July 18: Jan VanHoesen’s Wild Animal Program. 3pm Michigan Forest
Visitor Center.
July 19: Vintage Base Ball: Hartwick Pines Swampers vs. the Petoskey
Mossbacks. HOME, 1pm. (Wood Shaving Days)
July 24: State Furlough Day. Visitor Center and Logging Museum CLOSED.
July 26: Vintage Base Ball on the Road: Support the Hartwick Pines
Swampers vs. the Petoskey Mossbacks. AWAY. 1pm.
August
August 2: Vintage Base Ball: Hartwick Pines Swampers vs. the Ludington
Mariners. HOME, 1pm.
August 7: State Furlough Day. Visitor Center and Logging Museum
CLOSED.
August 8: Forest Fest. 10am-4pm.
August 8: Jan VanHoesen’s Wild Animal Program. 1pm. Michigan Forest
Visitor Center.
August 8: Bill Jamerson’s “Songs of the Lumberjacks” program. 7pm
at the Logging Museum.
August 21: State Furlough Day. Visitor Center and Logging Museum
CLOSED.
August 22-23: Black Iron Days. 10am-4pm.
September
September 4: State Furlough Day. Visitor Center and Logging Museum
CLOSED.
September 6: Vintage Base Ball: Hartwick Pines Swampers vs. the Eclipse
of Northville. HOME 1pm.
September 7: Labor Day. The Labor of Logging-at the Logging Museum.
2pm.
September 19: “An Evening in the Logging Camp” Lantern program.
7-9pm.
October
October 17: “Critters in the Moonlight” Halloween program. Time to
be announced.
October 31: Logging Museum closes for the season.
December
December 12-13: Snowshoe Building Workshop. 9am-4pm both days. Fee and
registration required. At the Visitor Center.
(Outdoor events in winter will be weather-dependent.) Program schedule subject to change; call the Michigan Forest Visitor Center at (989) 348-2537 for more information.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses Available at the Visitor Center
Are you planning on hunting or fishing at Hartwick Pines? Now you can purchase your licenses at the Visitor Center. The machinery is now up and running and Visitor Center staff Craig Kasmer and Tina McFalda are trained and authorized to sell licenses. For more information, please call (989) 348-2537 or email kasmerc@michigan.gov.


Hartwick Pines on Facebook
For the ever-growing population using social networks, the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum has its own Facebook fan page. This site keeps the “fans” of the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum and the rest of the park updated on various activities at the park. Photos and video of park and museum programs are being posted and fans can post their own photos and videos as well. To become a friend, please go to
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grayling-MI/Hartwick-Pines-Logging-Museum/49684397831?sid=77f2a231e5ec178a739713dad77ef8d0&ref=s.
If you are not on Facebook and would like to join, go to www.facebook.com and you can set up a free account. There is also a Hartwick Pines Logging Museum group page as well at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=49022634512.


The Friends of Hartwick Pines State Park
The Friends of Hartwick Pines State Park is a non-profit organization that works with the park and museum to help present programs and special events and to raise money to fund these programs. The Friends of Hartwick Pines sponsors two annual festivals each summer: Wood Shaving Days in July and Black Iron Days in August. The Friends Group also operates the bookstore inside the Michigan Forest Visitor Center. Many of the programs that we provide to our park guests would not happen
without the support of the Friends of Hartwick Pines State Park. Some of the benefits of being a member of the Friends Group include a 10% discount in the Michigan Forest Visitor Center bookstore and a Hartwick Pines patch each year (usually designed by a member of the Friends Group). If you want more information about the Friends of Hartwick Pines or would like to become a member, please send an email to friends@hartwickpines.org. The Friends of Hartwick Pines is developing a new website: www.hartwickpines.org that will have
information on the group and its programs added to as they become available.

Internet Contacts
Hartwick Pines State Park and Logging Museum are jointly operated by two agencies of the State of Michigan: The Department of Natural Resources and the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Each department has a website for Hartwick Pines. Visit these websites for more information on the park and museum and also for other offerings by our two departments.
Hartwick Pines State Park: www.michigan.gov/hartwickpines
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum: www.michigan.gov/loggingmuseum
DNR: www.michigan.gov/dnr
HAL: www.michigan.gov/hal

517.348.5187
howard@i2k.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2009

A “Super Saturday event” will take place at Wellington Farm, USA on Saturday, July 18 and will feature the Summer Kitchen with farm ladies baking sticky-buns, bread and rolls. Take a tour of the park's Grist Mill, Carpenter Shop, Blacksmith Shop and Summer Kitchen - all portraying life as it was during the Great Depression.

Park officials say that “Super Saturdays” at the farm are special when the interpreters concentrate on one specific subject. The first product to be taken out of the oven of the old Kalamazoo wood stove is the delectable sticky-buns. The flour used in the baking is ground in the Grist Mill located at the farm. To the flour are added raisins, walnuts, sugar, molasses, and butter. The mix is divided in small portions, baked and doled out to the audience while still warm.

An interpreter pointed out that it is easy for us to take something for granted when it is as common as bread or rolls; now it comes from the supermarket or the bakery. She said that life in the 1930’s during the depression was life of dependence on oneself for food. If there was no money it was necessary to bake your own bread.

People who have attended previous sticky bun Saturdays say that there is nothing better than the smell of bread baking in the oven of a wood stove or the taste of a sticky bun along with a good cup of coffee.

A visit to Wellington Farm USA is a great full day outing for the entire family. The complex, located near Grayling, Michigan, is a 60-acre living history farm depicting life during the Great Depression. Gates to the farm open at 10 a.m. and tractor drawn shuttles are waiting to provide transportation from the Visitor Center to the heart of the agricultural complex where activities are happening all day long.

Wellington Farm Park is located on Military Road between North Higgins Lake State Park and the Michigan National Guard Camp. Admission to the farm is $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for students and seniors. For a map, or more information, call 888.653.3276 or visit the farm’s website at www.wellingtonfarmpark.org

The idea for Trout Unlimited was "born" on July 18, 1959 at George Griffith’s cabin on the banks of the AuSable River, near Grayling Michigan, when Mr. Griffith assembled fifteen likeminded sportsmen to form our beloved organization. Convinced that Michigan's trout streams could turn out far superior fish if left to their own devices, this prestigious group of anglers sought to ensure that wild and native trout populations would be allowed to thrive as nature intended. Fifty years later, TU remains dedicated to the protection of coldwater fisheries across America. America's largest coldwater conservation organization, Trout Unlimited boasts 140,000 members nationally, including almost 7,000 in Michigan alone.

On July 18, 2009, the Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited is holding a party to celebrate the first 50 years of Trout Unlimited in Michigan. The “Michigan Celebration” will be held at the DNR Rayburn property on the banks of the AuSable River, which is located about two miles east of Grayling, Michigan. The event is free and open to the public. Trout Unlimited members will receive special recognition and other surprises. Canoeists, tubers, kayakers and other river users are also encouraged to attend as the Rayburn site is located right on the river.

The Michigan Celebration will include food, contests, raffles, displays, games, entertainment, auctions, kid’s activities; fly casting & fly tying demonstrations and much more. There will be music, art and special presentations. Everyone is invited to come and learn about conservation efforts from numerous Trout Unlimited partners. We expect the event to be fun, interactive, informative and an all around special day. The Michigan Celebration website, www.celebratetu.org, will be updated on a regular basis.

Reserve July 18th and be a part of this very special event. Michigan Trout will continue to work to conserve, protect and restore our coldwater resources. For more information, or to help with the Celebration, please visit the Michigan Celebration website: www.celebratetu.org or call Bob Thorsen at (248) 267-3277 or Ron Peckens at (248) 721-2596.

Here is a link to the new county ordinance.The county also has a map that will show what roads are open. The Ordinance addresses only riding on the shoulder of certain county roads. State roads (such as M93 and I75) will not be open, nor will any of the two-tracks under DNR jurisdiction. This ordinance will probably be amended again, so please keep an eye on the above website to catch any changes.

19th Annual Historic Artillery Match
On July 11 & 12, Range 35 at Camp Grayling will echo with the sights, sounds, and smells of historic ordnance, in use once again. For the 19th year, a long range competition with historic ordnance is sponsored by Loomis’ Battery of Michigan light artillery at Camp Grayling and the public is invited to observe the activities.
Approximately twenty Civil War and Spanish American War field guns are expected to take part in the competition, as well as a dozen Civil War mortars. The use of historic cannon in modern recreational competition began back in the 1950’s and continues in various organizations, most notably in the North – South Skirmish Association east of the Mississippi, and the Civil War Skirmish Association, from there to the West Coast. Since most all of the completions are tied to private civilian ranges the historic cannon have rarely been fired beyond 200 yards, until the Camp Grayling matches began in 1990. Now the historic guns are firing at realistic ranges up to 1200 yards, and their real potential can be appreciated.
The Civil War saw the first use of rifled cannon and they predominate at the 1200 yard event, but bronze smoothbores also attend, firing at a realistic 500 yard range. Also attending in significant numbers are the smaller class “mountain rifles” as used in the 1860-1898 period. Most are early breechloaders of 1.65 inch caliber.
All ammunition is inert, but impacts are easily observed, making it interesting for spectators. Targeting is both “bullseye” and simulated counter-battery. Field guns fire 15 shots for score and five at replica field guns built as targets.
Spectators get an extra thrill out of the mortar match since the balls are quite large—from six to eight inches—and are easily seen throughout their slow trajectory. Mortars fire at a downrange flag and the winner is the one with the aggregate of closest hits, computed as the re-useable balls are recovered after the match.
The event is sponsored by Loomis’ Battery of Michigan Light Artillery, which was founded in 1960 to study and interpret the light artillery of the Civil War. Spectators with any interest in the big guns of the past will find the program on Saturday, July 11th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. very interesting. A cash trophy rematch will also be fired the following day, simulating a documented event in January 1862 when the original Loomis’ Battery fired at a single newspaper sheet at 1000 yards. Also on Sunday, July 12th, a brief mortar match will be fired as well as a match for smaller mountain-class artillery. The Sunday program will end by noon.
The range can be accessed from the I-75 Business Loop to North Down River Road and follow the signs. The event is located on Camp Grayling's Range 35, located off of North Down River Road. Hearing protection, binoculars or spotting scopes and lawn chairs are recommended. There is parking at the site; the area is not paved and is very sandy. Concessions are available. Be prepared for lots of smoke and loud explosions; get a feel for what a Civil War battlefield might have been like. Competitors are willing to answer questions and talk about their various units. Ear protection and binoculars or spotting scopes are strongly recommended!

For additional press or competitor information, contact Matt Switlik, Adjutant, LOOMIS BATTERY 38 E. Elm Ave. Monroe, MI 48162. For spectator information, contact the Grayling Visitors Bureau at 800-937-8837

Project Status Report:
June 16, 2009

I75 BR Grayling Status Update

The M72 West/M93/Lake/Fig intersection will be shutdown at or about 8:00 Monday, June 15, 2009. Water main connections, remaining removals, sand grade, gravel placement, curb and gutter, and paving are planned to occur this week in the intersection. The intersection may be open to traffic in the evenings based on progress and work operations. This will be discussed in detail with the project engineer - the opening and closing may lead to greater traffic confusion. M & M is trying to complete the work during day time hours to avoid affecting neighboring homes and residents as well as to alleviate safety concerns.

Martin J. Concrete is scheduled to pour curb and gutter from the AuSable Bridge northerly starting Monday then progress into the intersection. There is also a possibility of sidewalk installation to begin this week.

M & M pipe crews will be performing water main connections at the M72 West/M93/Lake/Fig intersection on Monday assuming all associated tests are approved. The crews will then move to south of the AuSable Bridge to install sanitary sewer and storm sewer.

Please note that the aforementioned dates and operations are subject to change based on weather, variable events or situations, etc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Florence Hough
Beyond the Garden Wall Garden Club
Grayling, MI 49738
Phone: 989-348-8519
Email: fahough@yahoo.com

Grayling Plein Air Garden & Art Walk

Grayling, MI - Beyond the Garden Wall Garden Club and the Watershed Art Project have teamed up this year and are excited to present its 2009 Plein Air Garden Walk on Saturday July 18, 2009, from 10 AM to 4 PM. (En plein air is a French expression which means "in the open air", and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors.)This has become a favorite annual event celebrating gardens of Northern Michigan. Extraordinary gardens abound, providing inspirations for the novice and garden enthusiast alike. New this year, local artisans will join forces where a juried art display and demonstrations will be taking place at each of the gardens in addition to down town.

This year’s gardens feature a diverse mix, from lake and riverside retreats, to forest hideaways, small space and city gardens. The homes on the tour offer a variety of unique sites with water features, extensive perennial gardens, eclectic garden art, bountiful containers, luscious vegetable gardens, rock and Zen gardens and even a Labyrinth! Annuals, perennials, evergreen and native plantings abound. Do not be surprised if you catch a glimpse of hummingbirds, butterflies and other native wildlife, making this garden walk a photographer’s paradise.

In addition to the visual inspirations, you will have the opportunity to speak to fellow gardeners and glean tips from deer-proofing your garden, to encouraging plants to grow in the sandy dry soil so common to the area. After a day of strolling the gardens you will be equipped with many ideas in which to emulate some of these great garden secrets in your own yard!

This year’s garden walk will prove to provide something for everyone. Whether you want to go for a leisurely stroll, garner ideas for your next garden project, or are just curious about some of the gardens that flank the cottages, log cabins, and city homes, you are sure to enjoy this event.

Picture-perfect gardens are all but assured as local artists set up easels and begin to paint. Each garden on this years exciting walk will be host to an artist who will be working on site to complete an “en plein air” painting. This on location competitive event is sponsored by the Watershed Art Project. Artist will begin at 10 AM and must complete their entry by the time the garden walk ends at 4 PM. The completed work will be displayed at the Winners Circle Art Gallery at 203 Michigan Avenue (formerly known as Fanny Finns). There will be a silent auction during the week and on Friday, July 24th an art reception will be hosted at the gallery where the award winning works will be announced. The En Plein Air competition is open to all interested artists.

This event is co-sponsored by Beyond the Garden Wall Garden Club and the Watershed Art Project. The Garden Club provides educational and inspirational events for its members and the community. Additionally, the Garden Club sponsors several gardens within the Grayling community. Proceeds from the event go to these community gardens and events. The Watershed Art Project was organized in the fall of 2007 and sponsors four art events each year beginning with the Spring Art Walk in April and ending at the Christmas Walk Exhibition in November. Combining the En Plein Air competition with the annual Garden Walk creates the kind of synergy that brings excitement and interest to the days events.

Advance tickets sales start at the end of June and will be available for just $6 at the following Grayling businesses. Your ticket will be accompanied by directions to each of the gardens.
Flower’s by Josie
Grayling Restaurant
JDAP
Riverland

For more information, contact Florence Hough at 989-348-8519

NEWS FROM: GRAYLING AREA VISITORS BUREAU FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P.O. BOX 217 March 10, 2006
GRAYLING, MI 49738

CONTACT: ILENE GEISS-WILSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(800) 937-8837
WEBSITE: WWW.GRAYLING-MI.COM

Grayling-area welcomes back trout anglers for another season

For the dedicated fly fisherman, trout season is the equivalent of opening day at Detroit’s Comerica Park, the Super Bowl, the NCAA basketball tournament and the World Series, combined.

“Armed with the essentials, thousands of anglers head to Grayling, Michigan trout angling’s nirvana, to experience the magic of fishing the Au Sable and Manistee Rivers, two of the most storied trout streams in the Eastern United States,” says Ilene Geiss-Wilson, Grayling Visitors Bureau Executive Director.

Often, anglers come armed with hundreds of fly patterns to try to “match the hatch,” by using trout flies that imitate the mayflies, caddis flies and stone flies that the brown, brook and rainbows of the rivers feed on. However, with a little knowledge of entomology, they can zero in on some basic patterns and lighten their loads.

First, a little bit on trout fly nomenclature for the neophyte angler. A nymph is the underwater stage of a mayfly. Nymphs can live on stream bottoms or vegetation up to two years. A “dun,” in troutspeak, refers to the mayfly just-hatched from its nymph stage. They float on the river’s surface usually with blue-gray wings that appear like sails before flying into the trees. In the “spinner” stage, flies return to the water to lay their eggs and die to complete their life cycles. Caddis and stoneflies live under water as well. Caddis larvae build tiny homes out of sticks, stones and other flotsam. Stonefly nymphs live on the river
bottom.

Caddis emerge like mayflies, but their wings are folded against their bodies like a tent. Stoneflies crawl out of the water onto stones, trees or pilings to emerge as winged insects and also have folded wings. All three are harmless to humans.

One common trait to remember, Geiss-Wilson says, is that flies usually hatch and trout usually surface feed most actively during the most pleasant time of the day—or night. However, trout consume a majority of their food as it drifts by as nymphs or emerging mayflies, caddis and stone flies. Armed with that knowledge, here’s a brief timeline of major Grayling-area fly hatches.

Now-mid-May—Hendrickson fly. Created to imitate the first major mayfly hatch of the season. When water temperature reaches the mid-50s in late April to mid-May, flies generally emerge in afternoon with the egg-laying “spinner” stage falling on the water around 5 p.m. and tied in hook size 14 to 16. Try the Au Sable’s Main Branch and the Manistee.

Emerging at the same time is the mahogany dun or blue dun, a larger (size 12 to 14) fly that often hatches into June, along with gray-black-bodies caddis flies in sizes 16 to 18, and dark-bodied stone flies.

Late-May-early June—Smaller “sulphur” mayflies predominate in afternoon and evenings, so named because of their greenish-yellowish bodies, usually in hook sizes 16 to 18. Early- to mid-June also starts the height of the season with the emergence of the brown drake mayfly, usually on hook size 10 to 12. Along with the mahogany, this is the first major evening hatch, often from dusk to late evening. Best rivers include the Au Sable’s North and South Branches and the
Manistee.

Also emerging is the green-bodied caddis fly and “yellow sally” stonefly, with a yellowish body, generally in sizes 18 to 16.

Mid- June to mid-July—Along with an appearance by flies with common angler names as the ginger quill and light cahill, the king of Michigan’s mayflies arrives on the scene. The giant Michigan mayfly (hook sizes 4 to 8, usually on a longer-shanked version) is the largest to hatch on the Au Sable. Living for two years in muddy banks, it finally emerges and the river’s largest trout lose all abandon to gorge on these flies. Often, you’ll hear big fish actually slurping or sipping in flies as they float by or gather at log jams, which make great trout feeding stations. Also called fish flies in some parts of Michigan, they both hatch and lay eggs in late evening to early morning.

Flies usually emerge from late evening to early morning and anglers often look like miners going to work because of the lights they wear to find their way.

Best rivers for the “hex” hatch include the Manistee and the Au Sable’s South Branch. Also emerging in mid-morning is the blue-winged olive in hook size 16-18.

July and August—Flies will be active in both early morning and evening. In the morning, look for the tiniest flies to emerge, in hook size 22-28, and known as tiny white-winged blacks, or “tricos.” Emerging in evening is the pseudocloeon or tiny olive, in hook size 24, along with mahogany, snow and gray drakes mayfly.

Caddis and stoneflies to emerge in the afternoon and evenings include cream and yellow varieties in hook sizes 12 to 16.

Along with the right flies, many anglers head for their favorite retreats, from riverside bed and breakfasts to motels, which pepper the region. Here are just two.

Hard by the banks of the Au Sable’s North Branch, Fuller’s North Branch Outing Club has been catering to trout anglers since the early 20th century. It’s been given a rebirth under the loving care of the five-member Fuller family. Todd Fuller escaped the corporate sales world to help run the bed and breakfast. “It took about two years to restore it to where we were comfortable to have guests,” says Fuller.

The fly shop originally was a general store built by local lumberman T.E. Douglas, who arrived here in the 1890s to make his fortune. As lumbering waned, he looked for a new business and looked at the trout-filled North Branch. “In 1903 Douglas added six rooms off the back of the store and began promoting the Au Sable as a fishing destination,” Fuller says. Douglas opened the Douglas Hotel in 1916, welcoming anglers from across the world. Henry Ford, Thomas Edison,
Nash, the Dodge brothers, Harvey Firestone and other famous Americans were frequent guests. The hotel closed in the 1960s, and the Fullers bought it in 1996.

Today, Fuller’s features 12 guest rooms. The common area has 8,000 square feet of maple floors accented by sugar pine molding. Windows are original hand-blown glass. Exterior is all original pine clapboard, left the way T.E. Douglas intended. “The only television is in one sitting room. There are no phones, so it’s a step back in time, a getaway from the buzz,” Fuller says.

“Of the rooms, the Douglas Suite is one of the most popular. The Douglas family lived there,” Fuller explains. The room with private bath features a porch overlooking the river. Each room is decorated differently and in a different theme, from hunting and fishing, to one even featuring old license plates and auto names to honor the auto magnates who stayed here.

Guided fishing trips are available aboard traditional Au Sable River drift boats, and there’s a full-service fly shop selling custom-built North Branch as well as Sage rods. Instruction and rental equipment for never-ever fly anglers also is available. Non-anglers can try canoeing, or renting a mountain bike. For more information, call Fuller’s at (989) 348-7951, or go to www.fullersnboc.com.

If there ever was a quintessential trout angler’s riverside motel, Gates Au Sable Lodge is it. Founded in 1970 by the late Calvin Gates Sr., and now run by son Rusty Gates Lodge is just six miles east of Grayling. “We’re off the beaten path. It’s nice to sit down to dinner and watch the river go by, and kids love trying to feed the fish in the bread hole,” says Rusty. The “bread hole,” got its name from kids tossing crumbs into the whirlpool, where huge trout slurp them up.

Seventeen rooms feature TV and two double beds. A front door on each leads to a mini-patio and the river a few false casts away. There are benches, picnic tables and fire pit on the grounds. Rusty’s wife, Julie runs the knotty pine Hungry Fisherman Restaurant, which serves homemade meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Guest enjoy meals looking at the river and bird feeders visited by multiple species including hummingbirds. There’s also a full-service fly shop with guide service and instruction available and a meeting room.

Gates Au Sable Lodge is six miles east of Grayling. Take M-72 east. Go north on Stephan Bridge Road to the riverside. The lodge is on the right. For information, call (989) 348-8462, or go to www.gateslodge.com.

For more on accommodations and other things to see and do in the Grayling area, contact the Grayling Visitors Bureau, (800) 937-8837, or www.grayling-mi.com.

Make It Grayling for the North’s Best Casual Adventures!

NEWS FROM: GRAYLING VISITORS BUREAU FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P.O. BOX 217 April 3, 2006
GRAYLING, MI 49738

CONTACT: ILENE GEISS-WILSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(800) 937-8837
WEBSITE: http://www.grayling-mi.com

An Au Sable Canoe Trip Can be Magical
Two side-by-side liveries offer paddling and lodging

The soft sound as a paddle dips into rippling water, and the mini-whirlpool it fleetingly leaves as it lifts, before you once more plunge the blade.

The soft breath of a cool morning breeze creeping from under ancient cedars sweeping over the water. The scent of pine and cedar perfuming the air. The sight of ducks, mink, bald eagles, deer, seemingly oblivious to your quiet passing. The laughter and company of good friends and family, and the discoveries that always await around the next bend.

Those images, and more, are what canoeing on Michigan’s favorite paddling stream, the Au Sable River near Grayling, is all about.

Whether it’s a 2 ½-hour jaunt, a five-hour day trip, or an overnight riverside campground stay, it’s an experience you, your friends, and family will remember and want to repeat, like so many do annually.

Two liveries have anchored the banks of this storied stream for more than 60 years. They are almost side-by-side: Borchers Canoeing and Bed and Breakfast, and Penrod’s Au Sable River Resort, on the city’s east side.

Borchers was founded in 1932 by Ernie Borchers—who also originated the Borchers trout fly—and has been owned and operated the last 15 years by Cheri and Mark Hunter. Penrod’s, begun by the Penrod family in 1939, has been operated by the Humes family since 1969, and is currently overseen by Jim Humes. He welcomes the generations of canoeists who come here each season for good family fun.

“You leave your life behind and listen to the water, see the ducks, watch a fish jump out of the water and feel the sun on your face. It’s a magical way to share an outing with the family,” says Cheri Hunter of Borchers.

“We will have three generations of one family standing in our office and the grandfather will tell us ‘I went years ago and now my son and grandson are coming with me.’ People come to have a good family experience and that’s what we provide,” she says.

“The nice thing about this trip,” Humes adds, “is that this river is very forgiving. It’s about a four- to five-mile-per-hour current and most of the stream is from 2 to 4 feet deep so it’s good for novices and families.”

Borchers operates a medium size fleet of canoes and open kayaks. Kayaks are fast becoming a popular way to tour the stream. Penrod’s has a similar number. Hunter and Humes described a typical trip down the river.

After shoving off from the dock, the Au Sable turns gently as Grayling disappears from your stern and you glide past riverfront cabins. About 90 minutes downstream, stop for a picnic lunch after you slip under the bridge announcing the old Rayburn estate, now owned by the State of Michigan. The lodge is gone but a climb via stairs to the top rewards with a great view of the river and use the picnic tables for lunch. There also are portable restroom facilities placed there each summer as a courtesy to paddlers. Near the Rayburn property, you’ll pass the entrance to Mud Creek. Keep to the right to avoid backtracking out of
the Mud Creek wetland.

Between Rayburn and Canoe Camp access, cedar trees, named “sweepers” by the locals because they stretch over the river from both banks, providing shade for the river’s trout and other wildlife and for their ability to knock unsuspecting canoeists into the river. Here the river’s bottom turns gravely and the current picks up a bit. Watch for mink scurrying along the river banks along with beaver, deer, and overhead, bald eagles, kingfishers and ducks.

Burton’s Landing marks the start of the famed “holy water” stretch, so-named by fly fishermen because it is revered as holding some of the top trout fishing in the United States. Here, Hunter says, is where canoeists can practice the river etiquette they learned at the dock prior to their trip: share the river, particularly when approaching fishermen.

From there to the take-out point immediately below Stephan Bridge, you’ll pass islands, more homes, riverside campgrounds and more incomparable Au Sable scenery.

That's as far as most weekend paddlers get before landing and meeting their shuttle for the ride back to town. However, both Penrod’s and Borchers can arrange longer trips, including five-day camping adventures the length of the river to Oscoda. Many river runners now prefer kayaks, she added. “They are very maneuverable and it’s very relaxing to be in your own watercraft and go wherever you want.”

Trips start at $25 and up on weekdays, $30 and up on Saturdays in July and August. Kayaks start at $18 per craft. Rates vary by trip length and there are volume discounts. Reservations are wise in July and August. Canoes come with cushions, a Coast Guard-approved PFD and paddles, but Hunter says, life jackets are encouraged, especially for non-swimmers, and are required for children age 6 and under and recommended for those 12 and under.

“We encourage the use of life jackets,” she adds. As at all Grayling-area liveries, an alcohol policy is strictly enforced. One-six-pack of beer is allowed per canoe, and no glass containers or Styrofoam coolers are allowed.

Once your trip is over, you can enjoy a bed and breakfast experience at Borchers or a night in classic riverfront cottages at Penrod’s. Borchers has six guest rooms, with a full breakfast that often features Borcher Pie, a puff pastry with eggs and cheese and served with ham and mini-cinnamon rolls. Penrod’s offers 12 cabins, including some with two bedrooms and fireplace. Penrod’s also rents mountain bikes.

For more information, call Borchers at (989) 348-4921, or (800) 762-8756, or go to http://www.canoeborchers.com. For Penrod’s, call (989) 348-2910 or (888) GO-RIVER, or go to http://www.penrodscanoe.com. For more on the Grayling area, contact the Grayling Visitors Bureau, (800) 937-8837, or http://www.grayling-mi.com.

Make It Grayling for the North’s Best Casual Adventures!

Old U.S. 27 may soon be designated as a Heritage Route, the first step in including the old road in the National Scenic Byways program.
The old road was first designated as U.S. 27 in 1926. At its longest, U.S. 27 stretched from St. Ignace to Miami. The expressway from Lansing to Grayling was called U.S. 27 until 2001, when it was renamed U.S. 127.
The project is the brainchild of car enthusiast Craig Parrish of Lansing. He has been involved with the preservation of the former U.S. 66, which once stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Today, parts of the road in Illinois, New Mexico and Arizona, designated as Historic Route 66, are designated as National Scenic Byways. ”We‘re trying to get 27 the same status,“ Parrish said. ”Old 27, the north-south road, was like Route 66 in its heyday.“
Parrish said he now has the endorsement of every city and county except one that Old 27 passes through in Michigan, and he‘s expecting a resolution endorsing the project to come from that county (Cheboygan County), shortly.
Once he has that, he said, he‘s hoping the Michigan Legislature will endorse the designation. Parrish said State Representative Joan Bauer has introduced the resolution, with State Senators Michelle McManus, R-Lake Leelanau, and Tony Stamas, R-Midland, co-sponsoring.
He said he‘s convinced that car enthusiasts would love to have a clearly marked, historic route to travel, much as they do on Historic Route 66. Parrish believes that could boost tourism.
He‘s organizing the second classic car tour of Old 27 for August 18-23, 2009. Participants in this event can travel from Coldwater to Cheboygan, or join for only portions of the tour.

NEWS FROM: GRAYLING VISITORS BUREAU FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P.O. BOX 217 September 2008
GRAYLING, MI 49738

CONTACT: ILENE GEISS-WILSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(800) 937-8837
WEBSITE: WWW.GRAYLING-MI.COM


Birders Flock to Grayling For Spring Viewing

The Kirtland’s Warbler. Bald Eagles. Trumpeter Swans. Woodpeckers and whippoorwills. Hawks and hummingbirds. They’re all part of the natural beauty of Grayling and Crawford County, which is making the county the focal point for northern Michigan birding from spring through fall.
“Birding is considered the most popular outdoor pursuit in America, and Grayling is birder-central for Michigan,” says Ilene Geiss-Wilson, Executive Director of the Grayling Visitors Bureau. “From Michigan’s rarest bird to the majestic bald eagle, the Crawford County area has loads of species as well as locations to see them.”

The Grayling Experience
Birding in the Grayling area and entire Au Sable valley can be a hugely rewarding experience for birders looking to add to their life-lists, says Peg Ridgway, past president of the Michigan Audubon Society. Since Grayling is the heart of Au Sable River Country, and the Au Sable Valley harbors some of the best bird viewing opportunities in the state, it’s only a natural choice to make the city a key role in developing future northern Michigan birding opportunities.
Here’s a sampling of the current opportunities awaiting birders on a visit to the area this spring:

Kirtland’s Is King
Michigan’s rarest songbird, the Kirtland’s Warbler, calls more than 150,000 acres of state and federal forestland home near Grayling in one of the most pioneering and successful endangered species management stories in the United States.

Again next year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Michigan Audubon Society will offer birders a chance to see these tiny singers up close and personal on daily tours. Tours will take place starting at 7 and 11 a.m. May 15-July 4 from the Grayling Ramada Inn. You’ll first see a movie about the tiny
endangered songbirds, which live only in five- to 15-year-old jack pines in the sandy plains surrounding Grayling. Led by a FWS/Audubon guide, birders will then travel to sites known to have warblers, says FWS spokesperson Chris Mensing. Tour-goers will hike more than a mile over uneven sandy ground, which can be
challenging for those with trouble walking. No special provisions are made for photographers, and no attractors can be used to disturb the nesting birds.
At last count, there were an estimated 1,697 singing males. Thanks to wise habitat management, which includes a vigorous cowbird-trapping program, the number of warblers has increased ten-fold since only 167 males were counted in 1987 and 1974. Cowbirds are enemies of Kirtland’s and other species, laying eggs in their nests that when hatched, displace Kirtland’s young.
Habitat has been increased over the decades by appropriate use of controlled burns and more recently, clear-cutting and re-planting. Currently there are 153,000 acres in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, neighboring state forests and Fish and Wildlife Service lands managed on a rotating 50-year cycle to cut and replace swaths of trees so the birds will always find suitable nesting. Each year about 2,700 acres are developed into nesting habitat so 38,000 acres are available to birds at any time. For tour information, call (517) 351-2555, or go
to http://midwest.fws.gov/EastLansing/tour.html.

Other Birding Opportunities
The tiny Kirtland’s Warbler isn’t the only species to attract thousands of bird-watchers to Grayling. Check out this list of places to go and birds to add to your life list on a visit to the area:

Hartwick Pines State Park--Located just north of town, it is a top destination, says park interpreter Craig Kasmer. “One of the simplest and easiest ways to birdwatch here is along the Old Growth Trail,” he said. Walking amongst the majestic old-growth white pines along the trail is not only akin to meditating on foot. It’s also home to more than 40 bird species, mainly songbirds. Expect to see warblers such as the Nashville warbler, black-throated green, pine, black burnian and northern parula. Other species commonly seen include evening grosbeaks, juncos, pileated woodpeckers, vireos, flycatchers, tanagers and others that call the 10,000-acre park home. Other great birding trails include the Mertz Grade and Au Sable Trails. The latter meanders through dense forest, crossing the Au Sable River’s East Branch twice. For more information,call the park at (989) 348-2537.

Au Sable and Manistee Rivers—These twin streams that rise from the highlands north of Grayling also are excellent birding choices. There are numerous public access sites to visit, and great opportunities on both rivers for canoe or kayak trips from a few hours to a few days. Along the way, expect to view herons, geese and several duck species, kestrels, woodcock, bald eagles and others that call the river valley home.

Deward Watchable Wildlife Site—This relatively undiscovered natural viewing area is near the headwaters of the Manistee River. It was named for 19th century lumberman and innovator David Ward, who besides operating a lumber camp here, maintained what was then reportedly the world’s second largest orchard.
There are several fisherman paths that lead from the parking area to the river, varying from one-eighth- to ¼-mile long. Glimpse views of bald eagles, redtail and broadwing hawks, in addition to loons, geese, grouse and woodcock. The area can also be canoed via the Manistee. From Grayling, go north on Old U.S. 27 to County Road 612. Head west to Manistee River Road. Go north to the Cameron Bridge area and the site.

Dyer Red Pine Natural Area—Originally spared from lumbering to collect seeds for state nursery programs, it is a 20-acre tract of red pine, jack pine and oak. More migratory birds make their home here, and birders can walk throughout the tract that also is close to Kirtland’s Warbler habitat. To find the area, take I-75 Business Route through Grayling to North Downriver Road. Head east to Wakeley Bridge Road.Turn left and continue on the paved portion east about 1½-miles
where the road makes a 90-degree turn north. The unpaved two-track road leading straight ahead is Dyer Truck Trail. Drive in, park, and enjoy.

Mason Tract Pathway—This more than 12-mile pathway through the dense valley floor of the South Branch of the Au Sable leads from just north of a parking area at the river’s banks at Chase Bridge to end near Canoe Harbor Campground. The trail is for hiking only and provides beautiful views of the river and birds that range from waterfowl to woodpeckers, both downy and pileated, whippoorwills,
grouse, hummingbirds and many others.

W.J. Beal Plantation—This area was named after a Michigan State University botany professor and was an 1888 experiment to reforest the region with a variety of trees. More than 40 types exist in this small setting. “Supercanopy” birds including warblers also make the red pine, spruce, dogwood, birch and other species home. To find the plantation, head east from Grayling on M-72 to Industrial Drive, and head south, or right, to the plantation area.

Rayburn Estate—Willed to the State Department of Natural Resources Forest Management Division by its former owners, this prime example of river habitat offers great views of the Au Sable River’s Main Stream, a picnic area, and a bridge across the river. Multiple canopy birds are common here, from river kingfishers, ducks and other water birds, to tree-dwellers like warblers. To find the Rayburn, lead east on M-72 from Industrial Drive and the Beal Plantation about one mile. Look for a stone arched driveway on the north side of the road. Turn in and follow it to the parking lot.

Wakeley Lake Quiet Area—This unique area surrounds one of the best catch and release panfish lakes in the state. Federally managed, it’s reached via a trail from a parking area just north of M-72 near Canoe Harbor Campground on the Au Sable’s South Branch between Grayling and Luzerne. A five-mile hiking and bike trail winds around the lake, including a portion on a boardwalk over wetlands. Loons, eagles, ducks, geese and at the lake’s north end, a heron rookery, are just a few of the species birders will see, along with lakeside animals that include wood and painted turtles.
There is limited walk-in lakeside camping. For more information, call the U.S. Forest Service Mio Office, (989) 826-3252.

Hanson Hills Recreation Area—Operated by the Grayling Recreation Authority within a 20,000-acre forest tract, the area features 1,000 acres and more than 35 kilometers of hiking and biking trails meandering through the pine and oak hills on the city’s western edge. Numerous songbird species also are present, says Director Justin Andre. For general information on the recreation area, call (989)
348-9266, (888) 876-2196, or www.hansonhills.org.

Still more birding opportunities are available along the Crawford County Pathway, a paved biking and hiking route from Grayling to Hartwick Pines State Park.

Make It Grayling for the North’s Best Casual Adventures!

For more information on the river and how to see it and its wildlife, plus other fun in Crawford County, contact the Grayling Visitors Bureau, (800) 937-8837, or www.grayling-mi.com.

A new 60th Anniversary book commemorating 60 years of the AuSable River International Canoe Marathon is now available for purchase at The AuSable River International Canoe Marathon website

We Are Volunteers for Better Trails!!
www.GoSledGrayling.org

Well, our snowmobile season has finally come to an end. We had a great winter with lots of snow and great riding conditions. Our total miles groomed this year by our dedicated group of drivers came to 8044 miles!!! This is the most miles that the AVSA has groomed since it came into existence. The time logged to do this came to about 1200 hours. Once again, we can not say THANK YOU enough to the guys for all their long hours, late nights, and hard work. Not only do they drive the groomers, but they spend time performing maintenance on the tractors as well. We would also like to take time to say THANK YOU to Keith Miles for doing such a great job of co-coordinating our grooming efforts throughout the season.

Attention All Members! We are asking all of our club members to please consider taking on the position of Secretary for the club. This position entails keeping track of the membership list, taking minutes at the monthly meetings, as well as getting out the newsletter during the snowmobile season. If anyone is interested or would like more information, contact Tom Everly at 989-745-3861.

Our Final Meeting of the season will be on April 2nd at 7:00pm and our first meeting of next season will be held on September 3rd. Meetings are held upstairs at the Ramada Inn. We encourage everyone to attend to get the latest information on snowmobiling issues.

AVSA Board of Directors
Pres.-Rich Filley V.P.-Tom Everly Secretary-Tom Everly Grooming-Keith Miles
Safety-Art Fissette B.O.D.-Bill Weaver & Bob Smith Web & Treas.-Rob Tomlinson

Please Frequent our Business Sponsors Whenever Possible!!
Airway Automation, Frederic Inn, Ramada Inn of Grayling,
Charter West Mortgage, Gates AuSable Lodge, Rich’s Cycle Service,
Chemical Bank, Grayling Chiropractic Center, River Country Motor Lodge,
Days Inn of Grayling, Grayling Generating Station, Scheer Motors, Inc.,
Diane's Car Wash, Grayling Restaurant, Spicer’s Boat City,
Dubois Lumber, Grayling Visitors Bureau, Spikes Keg O’ Nails,
Swamp 2, Fay’s Motel & Cottages, Jack Milliken, Inc., The Medicine Shoppe,
Ferris Farms, McLean’s Ace Hardware, Woodland Motor Lodge,
Forward's Shell, Pointe North Motel, Wyandotte Lodge

Affordable Vacation Destination in Northern Michigan: Hartwick Pines
February 18, 2009 by
Kristy Martz-Burmeister
Who wouldn't enjoy a vacation that is affordable, educational, and enjoyable? Visitors to Hartwick Pines State Park in northern Michigan get to have all three!

Hartwick Pines State Park is a real bargain vacation spot. The state park is located just outside of Grayling. Hartwick Pines is only a short one hour drive from Traverse City, but visitors won't be thinking of cities at all once they are surrounded by the beauty of one of northern Michigan’s largest state parks.

All you need to start your northern Michigan vacation adventure is a Michigan State Parks motor-vehicle permit. The current cost of an annual permit for a Michigan resident is $24. Imagine! An entire year's worth of vacation enjoyment for just $24!

Within Hartwick Pine's 9,672 acres visitors can find a variety of activities and amusements. This state park has more to offer than just camping and fishing. Hartwick Pines has many exciting and educational activities that are easy on your vacation budget.

Logging Museum

Turn your vacation into an educational experience for the entire family. Transport yourself and your family back in time to an 1880's northern Michigan logging camp. Michigan once experienced a booming logging economy. At Hartwick Pine's Logging Museum, visitors can immerse themselves in 19th century logging tradition.

Children and adults alike can learn what life was really like for area loggers "back in the olden days". The Hartwick Pines Logging Museum includes period rooms which are outfitted exactly as they would have been during the 19th century. View the bunks where these men would have slept as well as the mess hall where they would have eaten. Best of all, it is free to visit the Hartwick Pines museum!

Virgin Pine Forest

As the logging industry spread across Michigan, many trees were cut down. However, a few untouched forests still remain. Visitors can gaze upon one of these rare virgin forests at Harwick Pines. The trees in park's virgin forest have been alive for hundreds upon hundreds of years.

Hartwick Pines contains 49 acres of old growth pine. The state park possesses one of the largest virgin pine forests in the state of Michigan. While visiting Hartwick Pines, make sure you pay your respects to the 300 year old Monarch pine.

Chapel in the Pines

Whether looking for a distinctive spot for a wedding or just a place for quiet reflection, visitors will enjoy the beautiful Chapel in the Pines at Hartwick Pines. Nature meets architecture in this picuresque log chapel.

The chapel is surrounded by Hartwick Pine's famous virgin pine forest. The Chapel in the Pines is open to all visitors. Take a break from your hike, or offer a prayer of thanks for the beautiful setting that surrounds the building. The beauty of the Hartwick Pines chapel will surely renew your soul.

Hiking / Cross-Country Skiing / Biking Trails

Four hiking trails criss-cross through the state park for some spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing. When my husband and I visited Hartwick Pines, we spotted a variety of small and large wildlife. A deer actually ran across the trail right in front of us. Talk about a true northern Michigan experience!

There are also three trails dedicated to cross-country skiing or mountain biking. Bring your binoculars and bird watch during the summer, or pack your cross-country skis for some beautiful snow covered scenery during the winter. Visitors can enjoy Hartwick Pines year round.

Camping, Hunting and Fishing

Bring your camping gear and vacation overnight in Hartwick Pines' modern campground. You don't even have to bring food! Visitors can catch their own supper in one of Hartwick Pine's lakes.

There are two lakes within Hartwick Pines open to fishing. Bright and Glory lakes have blue gill, panfish, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout just waiting to bite. Both lakes have boat ramps to make your fishing outing even easier.

Looking to bag a monster buck? Portions of Hartwick Pines State Park is open to both small game and big game hunting. Just check in at the visitor center to find out which areas are available.

Plan Your "Up North" Vacation

Hartwick Pines State Park doesn't have to be your only stop in northern Michigan. Take a canoe trip down the nearby AuSable River. Or take an hour drive and visit the beaches of Lake Michigan. Hartwick Pines' location, just minutes from I-75, makes it easy to enjoy the rest of northern Michigan during your vacation.

Whether you are a northern Michigan resident or just passing through the state, make sure you pay a visit to Hartwick Pines State Park and enjoy surrounding yourself with nature and Michigan's rich logging history during your vacation.