Visit the area's mystery spot. It's not marked in any way, so unless someone gives you directions there is no way to find this gravity defying experience (hint: cars roll up hill, picking up speed as they climb). Lots of theories, no explanation

FISHING     CHARTERS     GOLF

When the weather warms, Michigan fishing enthusiasts will be out chasing the "Big One". Spring brings lots of opportunities for Michigan's anglers. Although fishing does not stop in winter, if you're a fly caster, winter means steelhead on the rivers. But its spring that we dream about all winter. Well, time to stop dreaming.

Did you know...?

...The King Salmon fishing in Lake Michigan has been incredibly great lately? Wildlife experts believe the fish have actually packed up and migrated from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan, stopping only briefly in Mackinaw City for fudge. I'm not making this up! Well ok, I made up the fudge thing, but the fish really have left for Lake Michigan. Of course, real estate prices on the Lake Michigan side of the state are considerably higher than on Lake Huron. Yes, its true...these fish actually have good taste and taste good.

...The Bay Area Transportation Authority provides bus service throughout Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties. To make reservations for a ride, passengers should call 941-2324 by 4 p.m. the day prior to their trip...now, grandma and the kids can travel without you!

According to an Article by Jeff Selser from the web site, http://www.flymartonline.com/article307.html as the water temperatures in the rivers rise from the arrival of warm air and sunshine, shore ice will break free and steelhead will start their migration to the gravel rich and fertile streams of Michigan and surrounding waters. Long frozen paths will become well tracked and muddied as anglers look to intercept them as they head up the rivers to the spawning grounds.

The action for steelhead usually starts on the west side of the State. Rivers like the Manistee and the Pere Marquette have action all year long but by late February and March, things start to really get going.

Many of these steelhead are called holdovers, steelhead that come into the system in fall and stay through winter. Sometimes these fish will drop back to the lake when things get too cold. As the water warms they get active and are joined by fresh fish heading to the rivers.

This is a great time to get into the action. The crowds are thinner and the fish will eagerly take a fly as the water warms above 40 degrees. Guides are already out working the deeper holes and holding water. Smart clients will book this pre spawn period to get into great action with lots of open water to work without the crowds.

Spring rains trigger the spawning instinct and fresh chrome steelhead are sure to follow. Watch the water level tables at this time of year to time your trips. It does not take much rain for them to run the river.

Fishing in Glen Arbor                   City            Miles
Hawkins Outfitters                           Glen Arbor   0 miles from cottage
Homestead Resort                           Glen Arbor   0 miles away cottage
Sleeping Bear Fishing Adventures     Glen Arbor   0 miles away cottage
Watta Bite Charter Fishing               Glen Arbor  0 miles away cottage
Sleeping Bear Fishing Adventures     Glen Haven 3 miles away cottage
Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore       Empire       4 miles away cottage
Sleeping Bear Fishing Adventures     Empire        4 miles away cottage
Watta Bite Charter Fishing                Empire        4 miles away cottage
Platte River State Forest                   Honor          9 miles away cottage

A word of caution, Poison Ivy (pictured here) is all over Northern Michigan. Everyone, including pets, should stay on paths and roads. Your dog won't get poison ivy...but you might, if you touch your dog after the dog has had contact with it.

Ten Great Places to Golf within 30 minutes of our Arcadia cottages:

Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club: One of the most beautiful courses in northern Michigan, Arcadia Bluffs opened last fall. Situated 150 feet above the Lake Michigan shoreline, it offers spectacular views from virtually every vantage point. The 18-hole, par-72 course has no water hazards, making it look like a seaside course. (231) 889-3001.(ManCounty)

Bear Lake Golf Association: One of the best public courses in northern Michigan, this little-known jewel doesn't publicize itself much. The well-maintained course plays to 6,500 yards from the men's tees. Even though the course isn't long, it demands precision shots. Water on eight holes. 231-864-3817..(ManCounty)

Chestnut Hills: This 9-hole course was designed by owner Doug Carter. It features fesque fairways. 231-864-2458..(ManCounty)

Champion Hill: Located on 350 acres of the highest land in Benzie County, this new course offers scenic, open, rolling and heather-lined fairways, and picturesque views of four lakes. The 18-hole, par-72 course plays to 6,887 yards. Located 2 1/2 miles south of U.S. 31 on Marshall Road, just west of Honor. 231-882-9200. (BenCounty)

Crystal Downs: This private course is recognized as one of the finest in the United States. Located near Frankfort.(BenCounty)

Crystal Lake Golf Club: The 18-hole layout takes golfers through heather, orchards and hardwoods. It overlooks Crystal Lake and features a new practice facility. Located 1/2 mile north of Beulah on U.S. 31. 231-882-4061.(BenCounty)

Crystal Mountain: Offers 72 championship holes cut out of Benzie County woods. Crystal features the Mountain Ridge course and the Betsie Valley course. Driving range available. 231-378-2911.(BenCounty) 

Frankfort Golf Course: The nine-hole course plays to 2,552 yards with a par of 34. Located 2 miles north of Frankfort on M-22. 231-352-4101.(BenCounty)

Manistee National: Formerly Cobi Golf Club, this resort features two 18-hole courses including the original Canthooke Valley and the new Cutters' Ridge. Designed by Jerry Matthews, Cutters' Ridge is more challenging, with unique short holes and wetlands to navigate. It plays to 6,700 yards. 231-723-8874..(ManCounty)

Pinecroft: This 18-hole championship course was awarded a 3 1/2 star rating by Golf Digest's 1998-99 Places To Play. Located 1/2 mile east of Beulah off U.S. 31 on Narrow Gauge Road. 231-882-9100.(BenCounty