The great Monarch butterfly migration

The Monarch butterfly migration is underway. The swallows departed several weeks ago and they are being followed by the butterflies.

Getting photos of the Monarch's isn't easy. They don't travel when it is raining. They don't travel when the wind is blowing in the wrong direction. These cold blooded, fragile creatures persevere. So when the wind shifts and the air warms, they travel by us in a steady stream.

The storms left the area early this morning and by noon the butterflies were travelling. By sunset there was a steady stream, fluttering by and buffeted by the wind currents.

When the visitors are away, the turkeys party

It is the end of the season and there are few visitors to the state park early in the morning. So the turkeys are out en mass.  Some are concerned about us and are on the fence.

They decide to flee.

The end of the season for Dan the Shaved Ice Man

It's the end of the season at the dunes and Dan the Shaved Ice Man is closing down, The State of Michigan dragged its feet so there was no soda, ice cream or hot dogs at the Dunes until the end of the July 4 weekend, A lot of visitors didn't know this because there was no signage.

So, on Memorial Day weekend and beyond visitors would drive in only to find the kiosk demolished. Then they would have to drive into the camping area or drive out of the park to get ice, etc. The confusion was obvious and there wasn't even signage to tell visitors. Just the fee collectors.

Hopefully Dan will be back next year. We walk in most of the time and carry our refreshments with us. But Dan's shady spot with refreshing ice is appreciated by quite a few.

Fourth of July Picnic

The Fourth of July was a success. Our contribution to the pot luck picnic was a colorful fruit salad with pound cake. Simple and refreshing.

 The weekend also included a short parade. There is always a lot of fun and we avoided the nearby State Park which was packed with visitors.

There was ample time for grilling,partying and many picnics. We donned festive colors and also went dining with friends.

Fourth of July Picnic - Part I

The Fourth of July was a success. Our contribution to the pot luck picnic was a colorful fruit salad with pound cake. Simple and refreshing.

 The weekend also included a short parade. There is always a lot of fun and we avoided the nearby State Park which was packed with visitors.

Green Heron

A heron visited the pond today. I think it is a juvenile green heron. It really enjoyed a meal of frogs and tadpoles. I decided to settle in and stalk it with a camera while it stalked its prey. My camera was my usual Lumix DMC-ZS50. This has the small viewfinder in addition to the rear LCD screen. Shooting across the pond while handheld is a bit of a challenge.

The heron is a very skillful, patient hunter.

Oops, Had an exterior hinge latch failure and repair.

Discounting the shakedown issues, after 19,000+ miles we experienced a Roadtrek failure.

One of the door catches which holds a rear compartment door in the open position wouldn't spring shut. The catch is apparently SS, but this spring was a lower grade of steel. Interesting, because the failure only occurred on one of two hinges. This highlights the problems all companies face with suppliers. On the failed catch the spring rusted through.

I was able to do some research on the internet and found what appeared to be the identical hinge. I purchased two for $7.49 plus shipping and tax. [Current price is $7.69 per pair]. On receipt the new hinge looked to be a perfect fit, with identical dimensions. I drilled out the pop rivets that held it in place. I was pleased to see that RT had installed a thin layer of silicone seal behind the hinge. Great detail, guys! I applied a thin layer of 30 year silicone and attached the new hinge with 3/16 inch dia. aluminum pop-rivets, which matched the old. Voila' all good! And, I've got a spare hinge for the other side of my 210P.

New Latch, Closed

New Latch, Open

Old Latch after removal, showing rusted spring