Summer in the North - Enjoy!

I had an enjoyable experience on the ORV trails in St. Helen this month. Besides being a lot of fun (as a passenger), I was impressed with the off-road drivers themselves. Oh, their turns, whoops and all-around talent was great fun to watch, but it was their respect for each other and other drivers - whether ORV, ATV or two-wheelers, that caught my attention.

Driving on the trails can be as hazardous as you want to make it, but for the most part, it was safe. There were smiles, hand signals, and lots of patient riders out there, signalling for safety's sake to others on the trail and waiting their turn to go by.
As I sit in the tourism bureau office today with barely a break in the traffic going by on M55, my wish is for everyone to be enjoying their visit this holiday weekend. It would be good to adopt the courtesy rules of the trail riders as we are making our way around Michigan's Other Great Lakes this weekend.
If we live here, give our visitors a break as they are not as familiar with the roadways as we are. And if you are visiting, ask directions of any of us to help you get around. Of course, you may be more use to the traffic than we are, but cool heads and patience will pay off in the long run.
We are only a couple of hours from the city, and yet our ways may seem strange to you. Don't be caught off guard by our smiles and friendly manner - we are glad you are here and want you to return. If we look you in the eye, hold a door for you, say hello - well, that is our way.
It is nice to have company - we want to show you everything that is so special about Roscommon County. Enjoy the celebrations, the picnics, parades and fireworks. The weather looks great. The lakes are sparkling. Beaches are beckoning.
Stay, play and return another day.
The Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July!
www.visithoughtonlake.com