The title does not in fact refer to Gary, Indiana although many may make that mistake–that is, however, where our Independence Day story begins…

Between Chicago and Torch Lake (the actual referred-to slice of the Caribbean) we had an overnight pit stop in Gary, Indiana. When you say this name you get a lot of looks from people with one overriding theme–Gary is…not so scenic. In our experience, Gary was in fact like another world. We pulled in very late to what turned out to just be a trailer park and we parked pretty much in someone’s front “yard”. We took off pretty much as soon as the sun was up but were delayed by the golf cart parade. For real.

Then we stopped by a permanent Bonaire fireworks superstore which was both overwhelming and exhilarating.

Luckily we kept our heads about us

But of course the actual exciting event of the 4th was our arrival at Torch Lake in northern Michigan, often compared to a “slice of the Caribbean” for it’s crystal clear blue water.

After lake experiences at Almanor (brr) and Grapevine (“why is the sand at the bottom of the lake so squishy?”) the kids were STOKED to be in warm, clear, blue freshwater. Kayaks, boat, trampoline, peddle board to entertain us

But to me the hosts were the real treasure

We left Torch Lake with full bellies and full hearts and all of our fingers intact