September was passing us by much faster than we hoped. October was knocking on the door promising cooler weather and shorter days. You might remember, I don’t like the cold very much, actually not at all. I was fairly ready to join the southern migration!
One thing we hadn’t taken the time for yet, was another one of those “Michigan things”. We had to go to Cops & Doughnuts! The first Cops & Doughnuts opened in Clare, Michigan. The site had been a bakery since 1896. It was within weeks of closing when all nine members of the Clare Police Department decided to come to the rescue. According to their website, the business plan was written on the back of an empty pizza box. (I’ll bet they didn’t take that to the SBA) It didn’t take long for Cops & Doughnuts to become “a Michigan thing” We didn’t want to drive all the way to Clare, but lucky for us, the business has been so successful, they have opened up several other precincts, including Jay’s Precinct in Gaylord, MI.
Unfortunately, I was caught up in smells so good they aught to be illegal that I forgot to take any more pictures. The interior is decorated with police memorabilia and branded souvenirs. I ordered what they call a “Long John” It is their version of an eclair and Steve had a maple glazed cinnamon bun.You’ll just have to take my word for it, they were huge and delicious!
Only a few miles away was the other reason we had gone to Gaylord. The city maintains an 80 acre park for a herd of Elk. The city has been the caretaker of this herd since the 1980’s. There are several viewing areas where you can sit comfortably (aka warm) in your vehicle and watch the elk. Late September is mating season and we watched the dominant bull strive to defend his breeding rights. All of the cows were lazing up near the feeding area, every so often a bold young bull would walk up the hill to take his chances. Every time, the dominant bull would bugle and charge after him. Chasing him back down the hill to join the rest of the bulls. If one of the cows would wander to far, he would round her up and return her to the feeding area…
I really enjoyed watching the elk, but it was time to head back to Bambi Lake. We would be caravan-ning with Mike and Dawn to our next location and there was still plenty to pack up before we left.
Now, we were ready to say goodbye to Michigan (until next time)…
Up Next…
In a southwesterly direction
The Wandering RVer 
Those are some great photos of the elk! It’s awesome that you were able to safely get close and watch them for a bit. The antlers on Mr. “Thinks He’s All That” ARE pretty impressive, I must say! And Cops and Donuts sounds like a fantastic – and delicious – business idea.
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I actually went a couple times to see the elk. It is really cool to be that close to them. I agree those antlers are incredible. The young bucks have some catching up to do!
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Great video of the elk mating call Laura. We drove through an elk/bison habitat at Land Between the Lakes in Western KY and it was very cool. It was mating season for us as well, but most of the horny males were too far away for a good video. It’s such a strange and eerie sound.
All is going well here in KY as we continue to work to avoid “The Covid.” We’re vaxxed of course, but are still being careful. All the best to you and Steve for a happy and healthy 2022. ~James
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Thank you James. All the best to you and Teri as well.
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