What to Expect
The following are suggestions of things you may want to bring to make your stay more enjoyable.
Prints to Share – Please feel free to bring a selection of your work to share. There will be plenty of surface space available inside and away from the elements to display and discuss your work. There will also be the annual Print Exchange. Bring one, signed print to give away and you will go home with an original signed print from someone else!
Food, Snacks, Beverages, etc If you have any special dietary needs, be sure to bring them with you as the nearby selection might not provide what you require.
Cooler and Ice There is plenty of ice to replenish your supply in nearby Harbor Springs or Cross Village.
Comfortable Folding Chair There are a few chairs provided on the patio at the Birchwood, but if you want a seat, it is best to bring your favorite camp chair to be certain you have a comfortable place to sit down and take a load off.
Tent and Bedding If you plan to camp at the State Park, be sure to bring a good tent, sleeping mat and bedding. If a camper, you don’t need me telling you this… read on.
Bug Spray Although we are high and dry, there are the usual mosquitoes and other creepy-crawlies. If these things bug you, it is recommended you bring along a good repellant. Mosquitoes aren’t a huge problem though due to the lack of standing water nearby.
Flashlight It gets REALLY dark in the woods. The grounds of the hotel and campground are minimally lit at night, it can get pretty black in-between. We don’t go anywhere at night without the flashlight. It lets the Coyotes know you are coming.
Rain Gear Although it is not going to rain, it is good to have the usual rain gear just in case.
Cash Even in these days of debit cards and plastic, it is always good to keep a few bucks in your pocket while touring about.
Maps It is always good to have a county map book, but in this day and age, your smart phone, tablet or GPS will do the trick. I highly recommend the Michigan County Map book. Especially if you are planning to continue on your own during or after the gathering. Nice to know where all these dirt roads and logging tracks go. Another option is the interactive, Google Map that has been created for the event at the following link. Save the link for future reference and to plane your trip to Photostock. Lodging, eateries and even favorite photo spots are included. – Photostock Map
Swim Gear If you like the beach, this is the place. Some of the most pristine shoreline in the lower peninsula. The big lake is usually getting pretty warm by late June and the swimming is incredible. Hard sand bottoms and cool, clear water.. The best part of the summers. The hotel also has a pool, so don’t be left wishing you had brought your suit.
Musical Instrument There are those among us that are pretty good musicians. Photography and music always seem to go well together, so bring your axe if you got one.
Photo Gear Last but not least…. There is a lot of photography that goes on here. Be sure to bring your toys to play with and share. From wet platers to digital purists, we all love our gear, so bring it along and let it shine.
Eateries:
There are several favorites for Photostock visitors in the area . All are very fine in my mind and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with any of them.