While we were there, we were introduced to "Yooperlites" which are rocks that glow a vibrant teal-yellow under UV light due to the presence of sodalite. They are commonly found on the shores of Lake Superior, particularly in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, hence the nickname "Yooper". Here is what they look like with no ultraviolet light. Unfortunately I did not get a picture with them illuminated with the UV flashlight, but they are amazing!
After breakfast the Ellis's and us loaded up in the big ol' brown truck and headed south and west to Traverse City. Mike was looking for some specific whiskeys for a relative and so we visited a couple distilleries, the Traverse City Whiskey Company and the Grand Traverse Distillery. Each has it's own distinct liquors, but they also have similar whiskeys featuring cherries. Both distilleries were dog-friendly so Liberty tagged along and took in all the sights. I took a rain-check on the whiskey flights since I was driving. A few pictures:
An example of how a Yooperlite looks under UV light (right)
Photo credit: https://www.reddit.com/r/rockhounds/comments/ytfx7x/help_me_id_uv_glowing_rock_found_in_backyard/
After breakfast the Ellis's and us loaded up in the big ol' brown truck and headed south and west to Traverse City. Mike was looking for some specific whiskeys for a relative and so we visited a couple distilleries, the Traverse City Whiskey Company and the Grand Traverse Distillery. Each has it's own distinct liquors, but they also have similar whiskeys featuring cherries. Both distilleries were dog-friendly so Liberty tagged along and took in all the sights. I took a rain-check on the whiskey flights since I was driving. A few pictures:
The Traverse City Whiskey Company
A "flight" sampling five different whiskeys
The Grand Traverse Distillery
Another "flight" along with a cherry whiskey sour and a cherry lemonade slushy
Lunchtime arrived so we drove a few blocks to the Silver Spruce Brewing Company where we ordered lunch from their food truck and sampled some great beers. Doreen is not a beer drinker so she had an apple cider. Again, another dog-friendly business so Liberty was welcome.
We finished up at Traverse City and then returned to the campground just in time for our final group meal which included brats and burgers with salads. The weather had really been awesome and today was no different. Shirtsleeve weather with plenty of sunshine!
Rachel, Doreen and Mike
After the meal they took an aerial photo / video of the entire group with our rally shirts on. 
They held a drawing for a 50/50 winning ticket. The winner received half of the winnings and they donated the other half to FamAlly Cares Inc!
Non-winning tuckets!
We had a great time here at Mancelona at the 2025 Michigan Summer FamAlly Rally, and especially with our dear friends Mike and Rachel Ellis. Our goodbyes are sad as we all depart here tomorrow and head out in various directions, but we will surely see most of these great Allies in the future at another rally or out on the road. A huge thank you to Gina & Paul Grote, Tim & Yvonne Mills, and everyone who was involved with making this rally such a great success!
Tomorrow we pull chocks and head up over the Mackinac Bridge to the U.P. (Upper Peninsula) and westbound to our next destination, Marquette MI.
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