17 July 2023 – Saturday

Today we had lunch with some Elk and checked out firefighting airplanes in Gaylord, Michigan.

1140  57,294  66°  Gaylord Elk’s Club

Gaylord’s little secret is that the Elk’s Club has real Elks.

If you’re lucky, the Elk come right up to the fence.

Elk are the second largest species in the deer family, second only to Moose. 

 We weren’t the only ones visiting, but there was still lots of room to see these pretty animals up close.

I wondered what the velvet on his antlers feels like, but not enough to risk being on the Bull’s side of the fence.

The herd had grown since our last visit.  

If you are passing near Gaylord at mile 282 of Interstate 75, it is easy, and free, to visit the Elks.

On the west side of town, we noticed some different looking planes at the local airport, and did a U-turn to see what they might be.

Looking these up later, we learned they are called Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Bosses.

The planes were on standby here, ready to head out, if called, to fight a forest fire. They can scoop water out of a lake and drop it, repeatedly, for about four hours before needing to refuel.

Each plane had a dedicated support vehicle.

For more info, check out the Dauntless Air web site.

The Gaylord Regional Airport also had support vehicles. Whoever designed their truck graphics has a sense of humor.

Did you notice the Ejection Seat warning?

1350  57,307  69°  Back “moochdocking” at Beth’s sister and brother-in-law’s cottage. They even have 30 amp service for us! We really appreciate them both.

Today’s Map

The easiest place to park for elk viewing is next to the Elk’s Lodge.

Bonus Elk Video…