A New Site for The Northern Angler

Stepping it up in time for The Holidays!

Our good friends at The Northern Angler Fly Shop in Traverse City just launched their new site and are looking forward to moving into their new location on West Front Street in Traverse City just after the first of the year. If you're looking to buy something for the angler in your life or want to give the spouse some good gift ideas, stop in at The Northern Angler Online and check out their complete selection of gifts, gear, books and other fly fishing goodies. Tell Kirk, the owner, that Homewaters sent you and receive $10 off a purchase of $100 or more!!!

Tolerance during the holidays

In recent years, and during the holidays in particular, there tends to be a little more tolerance among groups of individuals that may otherwise not see eye to eye. I just wanted to take this opportunity to offer holiday cheer to those who may think we, in Northern Michigan, would rather not have to deal with those from out of the area.

That's right, we actually love not only "fudgies", but "trunk slammers" (especially late Friday evenings when you wake us up) and "flat landers" (not too many hills downstate)! They are absolutely an integral part of life up north. While there are "townies" (those born and raised in small Northern Michigan towns) who would rather have the ski hills and groomed snowmobile trails to themselves, most "trolls" (those that live just below The Mackinaw Bridge) are more than happy to share the area with the "hourlies" (union factory workers) and even "248's" (area code for Ann Arbor and surroundings) and "586's" (one of the suburban Detroit area codes).

We completely understand your envy for us. It's the same way we feel about "yoopers" (people who live in Michigan's Upper Peninsula). They get to enjoy such a laid back lifestyle and some spectacular scenery just not available below the bridge. If we work hard enough, save a few pennies and have the courage to make that next step, we can aspire to become "troopers" (people who were "townies" but moved to the U.P.) and culminate the progression of life in Michigan! The lure of pastys alone is enough to make me envious!

So as you're out and about over the holidays, try very hard to appreciate what you have and not to look down on those who may not be as fortunate. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, eh?!

"The best thing that could happen to the U.P. would be for someone to bomb the bridge".---John Voelker, former Michigan Supreme Court Justice and the author of Anatomy of a Murder and Yooper resident---

"In winter we shovel snow and in summer we swat mosquitoes. During the spring and fall we rest up for swatting and shoveling".---Peter Oikarinen's reply to the often-asked question of Yoopers, "What do you people do up there?" 1987---

Winter Wonderland

What a great day at "The Office"!

On Wednesday, Lance Weyeneth and I had the opportunity to view two great new parcels that will be coming up for sale on The AuSable. One is a 27 acres parcel that is truly spectacular. All the fresh snow made the forest seem almost surreal. If we were more than 20' away from each other we'd lose track of where the other was. Even sound would not carry for more than 40' or so through the heavy snow and pines. It was such a great day to really appreciate the beauty of the areas we get to service. There is no more beautiful time on the river than during the winter months. You'll rarely see another person, the wildlife gathers along the river corridor for warmth and the magnitude of the silence is something rarely experienced. Enjoy the holiday season and try to get up north if you get a chance. The early snow has really made for some breathtaking scenery!

Winter Fun Properties!

With a huge blast of fresh snow, it looks like we're on our way to a terrific year for the winter sports enthusiast. It would be a great time to pick up that property in the heart of Northern Michigan's snowmobiling country or near one of the wonderful ski resorts up North. We can help find the best property for your needs and budget! Here are a couple of suggestions from our inventory of fine properties;

This large home on Kalkaska County's Bear Lake, is right around the corner from The Blue Bear snowmobile trail which offers some of the best snow in Northern Lower Michigan and regularly groomed trails. The house has a three car attached garage and overlooks terrific sandy frontage on the lake. Ice fish trout out front for just $399,900! Click the photo for more details or e-mail mary@homewaters.net for more information.

A little farther east in Grayling is this classic Northern Michigan Log Cabin. A glass front wood stove adds character and heat on those cold winter nights. The AuSable River in this area is open to year round fly fishing! With National Forest across the street, snowmobiling and cross country skiing are within easy reach! A barn provides a place to work on the sleds. Only $166,000!!! Click the photo for more info or e-mail chad@homewaters.net

Just down the road from The Lovell's Tavern is this great cottage with shared access to KP Lake. Once again, it has a large garage for all the toys and is in a terrific area for lots of snow and great trails. Tons of State and National Forest in the area provides wonderful winter recreation opportunities. It's also within easy reach of Gaylord for skiing and Garland Resort for wonderful cross country trails. Priced at just $110,000, it's a great way to get up north on a budget. e-mail bear@homewaters.net for more details.

If you're looking for something a little farther south, this wonderful cottage overlooks The Little Manistee River and is not far from Crystal Mountain Resort for downhill and cross country skiing. A great snowmobiling area, this property has a large garage and natural wood burning fireplace making it a great winter time spot for only $159,500. e-mail brian@homewaters.net for more information.