After a cold, snowy winter and a dreary, cool spring, it felt like we needed a group event during which we could enjoy new places to eat and a series of roads that would allow us to exercise our Corvettes. So, on Friday morning June 5 th, 60 members of ACC in 31 Corvettes ventured north.

Our first gathering point was the Starbucks Coffee Shop in Northville Township. Several Corvettes, including Pete and Ann Motichka’s new Will Cooksey Z06, departed the Starbucks promptly at 7:30 a.m. and proceeded west on I-96. After we fought our way through the construction traffic in Novi, Wixom, and Lyon Township, our line of Corvettes worked our way west to the Okemos exit. Just off the Okemos exit we pulled into a familiar McDonald’s. Already waiting in Mickey D’s were more ACC Corvettes. After relieving the pressure from the Starbuck’s coffee, back onto westbound I-96 our 30 Corvette’s merged.

We merged onto northbound U.S-127 and followed it north to the Ithaca exit and the Beacon and Bridges gas station. Here, the Werhun’s joined our caravan bringing the number of Corvettes to 31. Several ACC members were observed purchasing strange colored mixtures of adult-beverages. Back onto northbound 127. North of Clare we turned off onto northbound M-115. Finally, at 11:40 a.m. we pulled into McGuire’s Resort in Cadillac. McGuire’s had reserved parking places for us, so we quickly moved into the Terrace Room Restaurant and enjoyed a great lunch.

After lunch we merged onto northbound U.S.-131 and followed it north to the Petoskey - Harbor Springs area. Finally, at 2:45 p.m., we pulled into the Best Western of Harbor Springs. General Manager Mike Erxleben, was waiting for us with our room keys in hand. Check-in was smooth and without any problems.

At 5:30 p.m., our 31 Corvettes departed the Best Western and followed two-lane twisty roads for 40+ miles to dinner in Pellston at the Dam Site Inn. Owner and host - Ray East, had his 98 C5 convertible parked out front as we drove into the parking lot. The Dam Site Inn is noted for its Friday night, all-you-can-eat perch dinners. Well, ACC members proved that they could eat perch with the best of them. The meal was family-style and delicious. After dinner, it was a short 10mile drive back to the Best Western.

Now, the evening didn’t end with dinner. It seems that a certain group of ACC members gathered with chairs, a table, snacks, and adult-beverages outside of Pete and Ann Motichka’s room. There was much conversation, storytelling, including something from Chris Riley about ‘The Trip from Hell’. As the evening passed, more adult-beverages were consumed. The highlight of the evening was when Pete Motichka removed his bra and took it into his room.

On Saturday, the ACC members scattered around the Petoskey - Harbor Springs - Bay Harbor - Charlevoix area. Much shopping was done in the four towns. A small group of the ACC members also took a tour of a $1.5 million condo that is for sale in Bay Harbor.

By 4:50 p.m., we had cleaned up our Corvettes and we departed on our 45-mile drive to dinner. This twisty road drive was highlighted by following the Tunnel-of-Trees from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. At the end of our ride, we arrived at the Country Club of Boyne, where Club Manager - Wendy Waha, was there to great us. Wendy has arranged it so we could park our 31 Corvettes around the circle drive that leads to the Club House. When we entered the Club House, we were escorted to the Members Only dining room and bar. Wendy had a beautiful setup of appetizers that we enjoyed before dinner. The Members Only dining room overlooks the 18 th green. In the back of the room is a beautiful stone fireplace. Our meals were wonderful! It was difficult to leave the table. Finally, we walked to our Corvettes and took the five mile drive back to the hotel.

Again, as had happened on Friday night, there was a gathering of ACC members after dinner. This time, Ray Nawara and Martha Wheaton’s room was the gathering place. At one time in the evening it was noted that John Kubik was on the bed with five or six ladies. Also, Jim Riley found himself sitting in the Jacuzzi in a lawn chair. Martha entertained the group with her videos of our Corvettes and other highlights of our trip. A great time was had by all!

On Sunday morning we said good-bye to Mike Erxleben and the Best Western and enjoyed another twisty road drive to southbound I-75. I-75 took us to Gaylord where we passed through town and found our way to the TreeTops Resort and its Legends Restaurant. Again, we had another great lunch.

After lunch the majority of our group made their way back to southbound I-75 and home. A small group, led by Jim and Chris Riley took some back roads down to Pinconning. Those eight Corvettes and their occupants stopped at the Wilson Cheese Shop, where they purchased some of the famous Pinconning cheese.

The next ACC weekend trip is our Fall Color Tour that will be announced at the August membership meeting. Join us! You will have a great time.

 

Click on the images to see more pictures!

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