This morning at 8:15 AM it was 54 degrees when we left Suttons Bay northbound only 12 miles to Northport.  The  scenic anchorage is next to the Northport  Municipal Marina and this historic little town is within easy walking distance.  Although free tie-ups for the day are available along the bulkhead wall, there is no assigned dinghy dock.  We found a small dock between two boat launch ramps and tied up there.

 

I loved the walk through town. On the recommendation of friends we stopped in Barb's Bakery.  Everything about this busy shop is a step back in time.  The bakery cases are oak-trimmed glass, the walls are covered with historic photographs and vintage prints, and the ceiling fixtures are leaded glass.  The pastry cases are full of all sorts of delicious treats and their specialty is cinnamon twists which are scrumptious. 

 

We took a walk up the hill to the Mill Pond where a commemorative fishing bridge was recently dedicated to the memory of Captain Warren Stowe, who was a local avid fisherman.  Just beyond the pond is the Mill Pond Inn which is now a B&B.  I liked the mixture of old and new architecture and the profusion of wildflowers in this lovely town.

There are many fine shops downtown, including Nature Gems which has beautiful stones for sale, and in particular, interesting Petoskey Stones.  Petoskey stones are a variety of Calcita formed by the fossilization of ancient coral.  These stones are indigenous to the area and found on beaches along Lake Michigan and Lake Huron as well as in rock quarries near Traverse City.  I was so happy to find these special stones and bought some for Christmas gifts.  Below are a few photos:

 

Striper is the "con" -- Ralph is the "mark" sharing blueberries

I noticed how my tanned hands ends at my knuckles -- fingertips have no tan at all -- what's that all about???

Nature Gems

Barb's Bakery

Inside Barb's Bakery

Enjoying cinnamon twists and coffee

How special to honor a local fisherman by building a fishing dock in his honor

The overflow of the Mill Pond

The Old Mill Pond B&B

A huge geode in Nature Gems