October 2, 2025 (Thu.) - Travel to Birch Run, MI.
Today marked another travel day as we made our way to Birch Run, Michigan—just a stone’s throw from Frankenmuth, a town we’ve heard is a must-see for its rich German heritage and charming Bavarian architecture.
The morning felt a little quieter than usual. Our departure tradition—snapping a photo before hitting the road—was missing someone special. Otis’s absence was deeply felt. 
We rolled out around 10:30 AM for a relatively short drive of just over 150 miles. The scenery was stunning, with autumn colors painting the trees in vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. By 1:30 PM, we pulled into Pine Ridge Campground. It’s a sprawling place, thick with towering pine trees. Our site (#62) was long and shaded, tucked nicely between the trees. The only hiccup? The electrical hookup was oddly placed at the opposite side of all the other hookups—too far for our cords to reach. So, off to Camping World we went for a longer extension. Luckily, it was right in town and easy to find.
The campground is teeming with squirrels—no surprise given the forested surroundings. Otis would’ve had a blast trying to chase them around.
We hadn’t eaten yet, so we stopped at Tony’s Restaurant before grabbing the cord. Kirk’s club sandwich was massive—easily enough for two meals. Good thing we split it, along with a fresh salad that hit the spot.
By 4 PM, we were fully set up and settled in. We raised a beer in Otis’s honor, still feeling the ache of missing him. 
Not many photos today—just a few roadside snapshots from the drive and the campground.
Weather – High 77*, Low 47*. Winds 6-13 mph. No rain, no humidity.
Traffic – None.
Food – Tony’s Restaurant.
Notable – A beautiful drive.
