There is definitely something magical about Leelanau. Standing upon the hills that are the remains of long ago glaciers, we get a sense of calm that we have yet to find elsewhere. Miles of orchards, vineyards, shorelines, trees, and meadows continue to pull us in. In reading that, one would think that the question at the end of our last post would be answered…will we be back next year? It turns out that we indeed will be, and it will definitely be different than it has been in years past. More on that in a minute.
I’m happy to announce that the rope project is complete!
This is the last piece they asked me to do; a rudimentary barrier across a set of concrete stairs outside the Cannery. Out of 200 feet of rope, I ended the project with a foot to spare.
Also, we had a nice surprise when a couple walked into the Cannery and asked “Are you exploRVistas?”
It was long time blog followers Kathy and John, who came all the way from Delaware to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes! It was fun to visit with them for a bit and we wish them well in their travels.
So, back to the future. Over the past several years, I’ve had a habit of browsing on Zillow, the real estate website. Those sessions always ended with a ‘maybe someday’. Well, someday has arrived. We found some land with a view, a hill, a driveway, a building site, deer tracks, trillium, and bunch of maple trees. Seeing that it is a glacial moraine composed of sand and gravel, it passed the perc test with flying colors. We mulled it over, sorted out the initial details, and closed on it this past week. Will this take us off the road as fulltime RVers? Not for several years, as we are going to build in phases. We intend this to be a summer home, as we plan to continue to winter in Florida, sprinkling spring and fall travel into the mix. We will change our status at the national lakeshore to community volunteers, once we complete our upcoming project.
Here is our building site, looking south. We have room for a small home, a large garage, and an RV or two. A few of the trees will come out to open up a long view of the surrounding area.
This view is looking north. There are lots of possibilities as to what we will do with the space. We will be doing most of the work ourselves, so plan on us taking a few years until our heads hit the pillows in our new home.
One of the first things we wanted was a shed to store a few things in. We’ll attempt to get that built in the time we have before we head to the UK.
If it doesn’t get totally done, we will finish it when we get back.
Diana is making sure the site doesn’t get reclaimed by the forest.
She is making quick work mowing the ground cover the previous owner put in. Our new to us string trimmer is perfect for the job.
A few of the leaves have started to turn color, so we should be in for quite a show when we get back from our trip. Our trees are about 90-plus percent maples.
Be sure to stay tuned over the next several years as we turn our little slice of heaven into a place to call home. This next week will be a busy one, so look for our next post to come from somewhere in London. Until then, safe and happy travels to all!
Good on you two! I’m happy the future is taking on a new-ish face!
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Thanks, Peter! It’s going to be fun! 😊
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Congratulations! Wishing you you many happy years enjoying your new property!
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Thank you Beth and Henry!
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Welcome to the RV fulltimers land association club. We are getting new members all of the time. Your land looks great. Enjoy!
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Thanks, Dino! I’ll let you know when construction begins. 😉
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Congratulations, we cannot wait to see it someday!
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Can’t wait for you to see it!
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Wow! You two continue to live large. Keep us posted.
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Will do, Frank!
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Wow! Congrats on joining the ranks of new landowners! Good for you guys! One more reason for us to come visit that area!
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Most definitely, Kelly!
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So happy for you to have found this beautiful property. I am looking forward to visiting, next year I hope!
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Looking forward to you and David seeing it, Nancy!
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Congrats on the new land! I know it will be an exciting time building your future home! Be sure to put on FHU for your friends!! 🙂
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It’s in the plans, Linda! 😊
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Congrats on getting your own little piece of paradise! Safe travels on your UK trip. Looking forward to the blog.
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Thanks, Dianne and Steve!
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Oh it’s wonderful you two!! Having the site cleared with a driveway is such a good start. Makes me more excited to find our winter spot in Tombstone next month!!
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Can’t wait to see that, Jodee!
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Isn’t it so exciting to find that next place to settle! Love your property and that area. It is a very different feeling to have that place to go when one needs a rest from the road. Congratulations! Have a wonderful time across the pond!
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Thanks, Pam! We are super excited! 😊
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Congratulations on your purchase. What a fun adventure to plan and build your new place.
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Thanks, Linda!
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What exciting news!!! We wish you much happiness in such a beautiful location. Safe Travels and can’t wait to see the future as you build it;o))
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Remember, if you get out this way, give us a shout!
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Absolutely and we will see you this winter!!
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It’s a plan!
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Oh, how exciting! That’s what happens when you “browse” Zillow, LOL! Seriously, it looks like a beautiful piece of property, and how cool that it’s in a location that you know and love. It looks like we’ll definitely get to meet up with you in Michigan one of these days! Hey, maybe even Florida this winter??
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That would be fantastic, Laurel and Eric!
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Congratulations! I’m so excited for you. I understand that pull to a location … a place that calls to and just feels like home. I can’t wait to see what you plan on building. Have a great time across the pond.
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Thanks, Ingrid!
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Congratulations! Have a great trip and look forward to your next post.
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Thanks!
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Hey Congratulations! I think you guys will love it there. Keep us in the loop. If we’re in the area at the right time, I swing a mean hammer!
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I am chuckling, Bob, as I do also…you should see my thumb! Ouch!
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Never a dull moment with the two of you ! CONGRATS 🎉🎈
See you both in Florida , CHEERS 🥂
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Thanks, Michaelena! 😊
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Congrats on the new property! Variety is the spice of life!
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Thanks, Jonell!
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Wow! Congratulations! you found your piece of paradise. We ar so jealous, for here we are still uncertain and still looking for own piece of heaven.
Can’t wait for your stories from across the pond. Have a safe trip and stay safe.
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Thanks, Mona Liza and Steve! We are pretty excited about it all!
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Wow! Congrats on the land! Michigan, right? Many upcoming years of fun! We have ideS if places but still not close to naming that decision. Good for you guys!
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Yup, Leelanau County, northwest of Traverse City, Debbie. 😊
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Wow! That looks like quite a project to me, yet you seemed very laid-back about it! Look forward to hearing/seeing how it goes. Meanwhile – enjoy your travels in the UK!
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We are so looking forward to visiting your slice of heaven, Mike!
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Have fun. Drop me a line if you think I can help with anything; I’m meant to know a bit about it – just a bit, though. And don’t forget to stay on the right side of the road, which is of course the left 🙂
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