PLATTE RIVER - NORTH WEST MICHIGAN
Whenever Marge and I go north we (maybe just me and she puts up with it) like to explore the different rivers and check out the real estate thats available. Something I have done since childhood when my family took its annual vacation. I used to make my dad stop at the real estate offices and I would run in an get a "Stout" real estate listing book that had everything form lake frontage to 1,000,000 acre ranches out west. It was always fun to dream about what could be done with each individual property

TRAVERSE CITY STATE HOSPITAL
One of the more interesting places in Traverse City relative to architectural style is the old State Hospital that is now out of use but you can see just from the cupola's what classic structures they are. The hospital grounds and buildings are being developed into condominiums and shops along with some office space. There the dairy barns and farm buildings are still standing but from the looks of things they may not survive the development. This area is just blocks from downtown Traverse City and Traverse Bay. Over the years there has been a lot of development in that area but this might be something to look into for retirement as Traverse City and certainly become quite the sophisticated quaint "little" town.

A SPECIAL COW?

Sometimes when exploring you find some of the unique and unusual things in this world like the grave marker for this animal that we found while poking around the Traverse City State Hospital.

OBOY RAILROAD STUFF

As you may be aware, I tend to find lots of interesting things associated with railroads. This old coach dating back to the very early 1900's or before was sitting in an out of the way place behind some warehouses in Traverse City. I am not sure what can be done with it other than have some museum restore it, although I have to say its pretty far gone. It is kind of neat though!