General Information
Smoking/Pet Policy
There is no smoking in the cottage. Smoking is allowed outdoors, but don’t litter. Pets are not allowed.
Overnight Guests
The cottage will sleep four people comfortably in its two bedrooms. One bedroom has a queen-size bed and the other bedroom has two twin size beds. An additional two people can sleep in the living room on the pull-out couch. However, the maximum sleeping capacity for overnight guests is six individuals. This small cottage with its septic tank is not designed for family re-unions or large family gatherings, so please limit the number of guests at one time during your stay. Also, overnight tenting or recreational camping vehicles are not permitted, because of Krakow township regulations and space limitations.
Parking
You should be able to park your vehicle(s) on the blacktopped driveway. Your boat trailer(s) can be parked on the lawn near the trees, but never drive over the top of or on the raised septic field. The septic field is the raised portion of the lot next to the carport. Excessive weight on the field could crack the pipes and result in costly repairs.
Fire Pit
A fire pit and firewood are provided. Please be considerate of others and observe a quite time of 11:00 PM. Make sure that the fire is totally extinguished when unattended and after use. A water bucket is provided to put out your fire.
Fishing Boat
An aluminum boat with oars is available for your use. Life preservers and seat cushions can be found in the bathroom. Feel free to use the white dock bumpers to protect your boat while docked. Make sure that the enough life preservers are in the boat before using it. Life preservers can be found in the bathroom cabinet. Be sure that children under eight years of age wear them. It is the law in Michigan.
Your Own Boat
You can land your boat at the public launch at the curve down from the cottage on Black Bass Bay Road or at the public landing near Sand Bay Marina on County Road 638 East. Of course, if you belong to the Presque Isle Harbor Association, they have a wonderful launch site at the PIHA Grand Lake access and beach area on McCreery Highway.
Pontoon and Small Motor Rentals
Daily and weekly rentals of small boat engines and pontoons are available from the Sand Bay Marina, 14313 County Road 638E, Presque Isle, MI 49777. Please call Bonnie or Jeff Latz at 989.595.2502 for prices and availability. Fishing bait is also available there.
Restaurants
The Portage Restaurant located at the Presque Isle Harbor is a full-service restaurant, but the dress and atmosphere is casual. Pizza, hot dogs, and ice cream are also sold in a small shop behind the Portage Restaurant.
The Grand Lake Daily Limit is located on US 23 and Grand Lake Highway, if you want a beer and typical bar food. The buffalo burgers are very good along with their perch and whitefish dinners.
The historic Fireside Inn originally built in 1909 serves family-style dinners and is located near the south end of the Grand Lake. However, daily reservations are required in advance. See the Notebook in the cottage for more information about their menu.
At the southern end of the lake at US 23 and East Grand Lake Highway is the Hide-A-Way, a local bar and grill with a full menu and weekend entertainment. They are noted for their barbeque ribs and pizza. If you venture to Alpena, a variety of family, specialty, and chain restaurants can be found.
Swimming
Grand Lake is a pristine, crystal clear, spring-fed lake for swimming. However, Black Bass Bay tends to be fairly mucky on the bottom. Public swimming can be found off on the north end of Grand Lake at the park off of US 23. If you have you’re your own boat, you can anchor at the sand bar near Applegate Island or the “sandies” at the far southern end of Grand Lake. Public swimming is also available on Lake Huron adjacent to Presque Isle Harbor at the portage.
If you belong to the Presque Isle Harbor Association, (www.presqueisleharbor.org) you can use their lake toys and beach on Grand Lake. Also, on those “not so sunny days”, you can go to the Clubhouse for a dip in their pool and a whirlpool.
Lastly, ask your children or grandchildren not to throw rocks or stones into the lake in front of the cottage. Have them walk with you on the Lake Huron shore, if they really want to show you how far they can “skip stones” over water.
TV Cable and DVD Video Rentals
The cottage is equipped with basic and expanded cable TV Service. Available stations are identified on a sheet near the TV. DVD video rentals are available from the Portage Store in the Presque Isle Harbor or the E & T’s party store in the village of Posen. Instructions for using the DVD player are posted near the TV in the living room.
Utility Room
There is a combination dryer and washing machine in the utility room. Since the cottage has a septic system, please limit your clothes washing and try to avoid daily use of the unit.
There is also a water softener in the cottage. It is normal when recharging, that water empties into the wash tub. This activity is normal and will quit when the water softener has been re-charged.
Groceries, Gas, and Post Office
Last minute food items, snacks, and beverages can be found at the Portage Store in the Presque Isle Harbor or the party store in the village of Presque Isle. Gas is available at the Sand Bay Marina and the store in the village of Presque Isle. A post office is adjacent to the store in the village of Presque Isle.
Garbage
The Krakow Township transfer station is located at the intersection of 638 and US 23. If you need to get rid of excess garbage and trash, the summer hours are:
(Memorial Day – Labor Day)
Wednesday 1PM-4PM
Saturday 10AM-4PM
Sunday 10AM-2PM
Plastic containers, tin cans, newspapers, and glass can be re-cycled for free. There is a small charge for disposing of garbage bags. We encourage you to re-cycle, as much as possible. Because of the septic field, the cottage does not have a garbage disposal unit.
Housekeeping
Please leave the cottage, as you found it. Therefore, please:1. Take all refundable beer and pop bottles and cans with you;
2. Wash all dishes, pots, pans, and silverware. Place them where
you found them;
3. Vacuum the cottage. Vacuum can be found in utility room;
4. Leave sheets and towels in the utility room. You can leave one
bag of trash in the trash container, upon departure; and,
5. Please leave a note if, anything was broken or needs repairs.
If everything is in order, we will return your damage deposit within the week.
Questions/concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Carl Woloszyk on his cell phone at 989.370.4189. On most days during the summer months, he is also available at his cottage at 7321 McCreery about a ½ mile down the road from the rental cottage.