We arrived at the River Ridge RV Resort, just south of Big Rapids on Michigan's west side, around 8:45 pm on Wednesday. Thinking we'd have just enough daylight left to get set up, we checked in and went quickly to our site. Although the site was big enough (they're all the same size), it was on a narrow inner road with the site across from it occupied, so Tom could not maneuver this big rig onto the site. After consultation with the Resort Director and a "security" guy, they determined that we would be better off on a site on the main raod which had more room for negotiating the trailer onto the site. They found us one that was available for the week we're staying here, and with 3 "helpers" we got it parked. Here's our site from the road,
and from behind.
We back up to a common area that leads up to the bathhouse, shown here with the west Michigan sunset in the background.
The sites are not huge, but they are roomy enough, and nicely landscaped. That's one thing that this place really has going for it -- it's very clean, and the sites are all immaculate! We have full hookup, including cable, on a paved site. WI-FI is available, although not free ($3 per day), and not always very reliable -- the reason why I'm still not doing daily postings. I'm beginning to seriously doubt the full-timer's ablility to rely on campground WI-FI for internet connection. I think when we go on the road, we'll definitely get an aircard, especially if the boys are doing any online coursework.
We haven't done much while we've been here -- it's been in the upper eighties, with the humidity increasing each day. The pool is nice, and we've spent much of each day there, as well as biking, walking and playing pool.
The resort also offers a clubhouse (by the pool),
a marina on the Muskegon River with a restaurant and store,
tennis courts, shuffleboard, and basketball,
and a playground and volleyball court.
They have scheduled activities on Saturdays, but if this weekend's "Beach Party Weekend" was any indication, they are kindof lame. Nice for families with small children, though, as they tend to cater to the younger ones. The majority of the staff and workkampers we have met here have been very nice, but a few of them were pretty abrasive, and one in particular didn't seem to be too fond of "non-seasonal" campers.
The boys are getting alittle bored with the pool, so today we went several miles downstream to the Hardy Dam, where there's a county park with a beach. It was a small beach -- not too bad, but the water had quite a bit of leaves and weeds floating around, so we didn't do much swimming. On the way back we found an ice cream shop -- Udderly Delicious -- and enjoyed some of the biggest ice cream cones we've ever had! I wanted to get a picture of Nicolas', but while I was getting my camera from the truck, he put his cone into a cup -- you'll have to take my word for it that it was HUGE!
That's about it so far. There may be some rain coming through tonight -- hopefully it will bring down the humidity -- and we're not sure what we'll do for our last 2 days, but I'm sure it'll be enjoyable! I'll let you know about the rest of the trip once we get home!
