Don't Play With Fire

My friend Dave called recently to tell me that he had had a chimney fire. Like many of us living in the north woods, Dave has a wood stove and relies on it to provide supplemental heat to his home. His stove is connected to a masonry chimney and evidently had accumulated a buildup of creosote. When this happens, it impedes the draft and eventually the creosote can ignite. When it does, it can sound like a jet engine taking off in your chimney with flames shooting out from the stack. Scary? You bet! Fortunately, Dave was able to get it shut down and out before anything catastrophic happened to his home. A subsequent inspection by a heating  professional showed that there was a crack in the chimney. Whether this was an existing defect or occurred as a result of the chimney fire was questionable. One thing for sure... it was now going to be a costly repair.

Wood stoves or wood heaters need their flues cleaned at least twice during the heating season if they are used daily. Cleaning the chimney is a simple process that takes very little equipment or time. If you are unable to perform the task yourself, find a service that can provide it. A clean flue is a major safety priority in operating your wood stove.

How To Clean

• Measure the circumference of your flue and purchase the correct size chimney brush at your local hardware store. Ask the store employee for help if you have trouble determining which brush to get. 

• Purchase connecting rod handles for the brush. Attach the rods to the brush and set against the side of the house near the chimney. Set the ladder in place. 

• Climb on the roof and lower the brush into the chimney. With the rod push the brush to the bottom of the chimney. Pull up and repeat the process several times or until you no longer hear build up falling from the chimney. 

• Wear heavy gloves & face mask and remove all debris from the clean out on your chimney. If your chimney does not have a clean out, remove the lower section of flue pipe and clean the pipe.

A clean system will provide additional safety and be more efficient. If you're considering buying a home, cabin or cottage with wood stove or fireplace, remember to have a thorough inspection done for potential defects or problems.

Grayling Today

This picture of the Crawford County Courthouse in Grayling could have easily been taken on a day just like today. Mid November, with barely a leaf on the tree and sunny skies defying Old Man Winter his arrival. As the seasons have come and gone, many changes have occurred in this northern Michigan town. The courthouse eventually moved to the west end of Michigan Avenue and currently is going through a renovation and face-lift.

Michigan Avenue, the heart of downtown Grayling has seen recent improvements as well. Not too long ago, the street was widened and new walkways, lighting and landscaping were put in place to enhance the environment. This along with the recent roadwork that was done on the I-75 business loop establishes a turning point in this historical town's attempt to revitalize it's downtown. It was a difficult summer and fall for area retailers having to adjust with the ongoing road construction. Traffic could be tedious at times and I'm sure that drivers are relieved as well that this period has come to an end. All that remains are the final touches of landscaping that will be installed in the Spring.

Grayling, once famous for lumbering, is located in river country and boasts being the home of two splendid trout streams. The Manistee and Au Sable rivers along with the vast public lands offer a multitude of recreational opportunities to residents and visitors alike. Fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, biking, hiking, camping and canoing are just some of the many activities that one can enjoy in Crawford County.  Some great business' in town that specialize in these activities are places like The Old Au Sable Fly Shop, The Bicycle Shop, Cross Country Ski Shop, just to name a few.

When it comes to shopping, check out the Icehouse Quilt Shop, Riverland Gear, North Country Corner and House of Jerky. Hungry? Breakfast at the Grayling Restaurant, burgers at Spike's are a must. There are so many more places in town and the area to mention and I hope there will be many more in the future. Want to know more about Grayling today and yesteryear? Visit the Visitor's Bureau and Crawford County Historical Society.

For Grayling Real Estate, contact Home Waters ~ Mark Bear

Photo: Courtesy of CCHS

Deer Season!

This weekend marks the middle of November and that means its deer season! Hunters are busy opening their cabins and setting up camps in preparation for this annual event. For many, its an opportunity to connect with family and friends. For some, it will be the first time in the blind. A youngster being introduced to the sport by a parent and the anticipation of buck fever. Early mornings, late nights and lots of tall tales being told around campfires or by the warmth of the fireplace.

Unlike last year, the weather here in Grayling has been mild for a November. Hunters will not have snow this year to assist in tracking deer. Temperatures will be in the forties during the day with much cooler temps at night. Local weather forecasters say some showers are in the picture for the weekend.

Whether hunting, fishing or just enjoying the scenery...its a great time to be visiting Grayling! Be safe and enjoy your weekend!

Big Creek & Big Creek

Sometimes a customer will call and refer to a property by the water that its located on. So when they want to know more about the house on Big Creek, I need to ask them which Big Creek. Usually the response is; "there's more than one?" Yes, there is and although somewhat similar, they are located in neighboring counties miles apart. Both provide drainage to the Au Sable River but from different directions. One is located in Crawford county with its southward flowing headwaters originating south of Lewiston and east of Lovells. The three branches of this river come together below Lovells and eventually drain into the North Branch Au Sable River. 

The other Big Creek is located in the Luzerne area west of Mio and south of the Main Branch Au Sable. The northward flowing river is made up of two arteries that drain into the big waters of the Au Sable. Both the Big Creek river systems are delightfully intimate and can provide numerous activities for the outdoor enthusiast. I have listings on each of these pretty rivers that offer intimate settings with privacy and up north charm. Learn more at:

Home Waters Recreational Real Estate

Visual Pollution

Now that our Michigan DNR and Michigan DEQ have come under the same branch of government, maybe they can address their visual pollution as it effects natural resources in our Michigan State Forest campgrounds.

All kidding aside, how many different signs do we need to communicate to campers? Given the close proximity of these signs and the at least four more that were to my side and back...wouldn't one nice big sign with all these messages suffice? With time, these sign posts could outnumber the tree trunks!

Keep it Clean! Keep it Green!

What do you think? Leave a comment!

Greetings from Grayling

Simple Fare

After a long day, I suddenly realized I hadn't eaten since early morning when I had stopped at Goodale's Bakery in downtown Grayling for a pastry and coffee. While there I picked up a loaf of this French Vienna covered with poppy seeds. I'm glad I did because it sure was welcomed fare as I cruised my kitchen in the late evening.

Sometimes a simple meal can be the most satisfying. Earlier in the week I had prepared a paste of blended butter and baked garlic.  It would not go wasted and made a perfect spread on this tasty bread. That, along with a light salad and a cold beer was all that I needed to chase away the hunger demons.

Goodale's Bakery is a must go for baked goods and deli needs. Whether you hang out to enjoy a Bear Claw or get an order to go, you'll delight in what this hometown bakery has to offer. Next time you're in downtown Grayling, make sure you stop by and see what Goodale's Bakery has to offer.