You know, since I started thinking about doing this, I have been half heartedly thinking 'well, maybe we could have it at the Twp. Park in Lovells' (that is he place that would be plan B. I can see some pro's and con't to both places. The biggest pro to the second place is that there is a really nice campground just down the road from the Twp. I am still having trouble finding somewhere near the place in grayling for everyone to stay at. Most of what I am finding is rustic (I mean REALLY rustic, lol). I also know the director of the campground in Lovells and I know that if anyone gave us a hard time about the birds there, I could call her and get things straightened out. Not that I am expecting a problem, but I always plan for the worst so that if only a few things go wrong, then I can say "well, at least _____ didnt happen" Lol!
Some other fantastic features of Lovells.....
*Some of the most wonderfully friendly and welcoming locals you have ever met.
*AWESOME fishing opportunities. North Branch of the AuSable (fly fishing only) is right there, also Shupac lake is where the campground is and that is a really good trout lake with some of the biggest bluegill and rockbass I have ever seen. Also, fantastic bird watching and there are a couple of families of loons that nest there
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*For those who are not the camping types, there is lodging right near there and the price is VERY reasonable.
*For those who are not all that big on cooking over a campfire, Lovells tavern has some of the best food there is.
*Lots of super fun two-tracks to explore.
I have been vacationing in Lovells my entire life (usually a month at a time). This is a really neat town with some really neat people. Something that I really enjoy about the place is the sense of humor. As an example, every year they have "The Lovells Bridge Walk". This was inspired by the Mackinaw Bridge Walk. The big difference is that the Lovells bridge is only big enough to span the North Branch of the AuSable (Maybe 50 feet at best). Now this bridge walk has turned into a HUGE event over the last 20 some years. It's just one of those things that's kinda silly and fun, but now it's one of those things that people come from all over for. Now, here is what I am thinking.... If we went with Lovells as our gathering place, who knows, could turn into a Bridge Walk kinda thing. Sure would be cool to know we would have a guaranteed venue every year, not to mention be able to have a small town behind us, lol. Crawford county (where Grayling and Lovells are) no longer has a county fair. Maybe something like this could spread the good word about chickens to a whole new group of people. I realize that I am kinda putting the cart before the horse, but if we have this first gathering at the right place, there could be infinite possibilities for where this could go.
Also, as far as camping goes, if anybody wants to camp but doesnt have the gear for it (tents, cookware, etc, etc,), let me know. I have lots of extras that I would not mind sharing
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Any input that anyone has on the Lovells idea, please let me know. It might just be a better idea than Grayling.
