Chapter 35- The Second Big Trip
On Wednesday, Saul called Jed and they made the arrangements for the trip that weekend. They talked about where they wanted to stay and who would pay for what. It was decided that Jed would get the hotel rooms and Saul would get the rental car. Jed reminded him that he would have to rent something the size of a Tahoe or larger so that their luggage and stuff would fit. They agreed to meet at Jed’s house at eight in the morning on Saturday and go to the airport from there.
Miranda and Steve came over for dinner Thursday night. They talked about how their week had went and of their plans for the weekend. Jed told Miranda and Steve about Saul and how they met and then became reacquainted. Steve was amazed at how Jed, Charlotte, and Saul had meet by accident and how now, they were all friends. They played cards for a while and then Miranda and Steve went home.
Friday night, they went over to Jed’s mom’s house for dinner. Jed told his mom that Charlotte had moved in with him. Mom asked if he had finally fixed up the house. Charlotte volunteered that she had helped Jed get it straightened out, and that she would love the place now. Charlotte and Jed then went back home and went to bed. They had an early day Saturday.
Saturday morning, Jed and Charlotte got up early and started packing for the trip. A little while later, Saul and Gail showed up. They loaded up the Tahoe and headed to the airport. Jed pulled in to the hanger and the men unloaded the Tahoe. Saul helped Jed load the plane. They all climbed in and Jed again taxied to the runway.
The plane took off and they were in the air. Gail shrieked with excitement. Jed let Charlotte fly the plane once again. He turned around and talked to Gail and Saul for a little while. Then he turned to face the controls and check the progress they were making. He told Charlotte that she was doing very well and that she should just keep flying straight. When they got almost there, Jed took over the controls and landed the plane in Traverse City.
While Jed unloaded the plane, Saul went and picked up the rental car. He chose a Tahoe also. Together, they loaded up the Tahoe and headed to the hotel. Jed chose a different hotel this time. It was over on the opposite side of Traverse City, closer to the wineries. It was a beautiful hotel, but not quite as nice as the one they stayed in before. They pulled up to the lobby and unloaded the Tahoe. Saul went to park it and then joined them in the lobby. Charlotte could tell immediately that this hotel was older than the other one. The carpet was worn a little. The paint on the walls was not quite so bright. It was not bad, it just was not as new. They checked in and got their keys and then headed to the elevator. They got to their floor, stepped out, and headed for their rooms after agreeing on a time to go to lunch.
They had about an hour, so Jed and Charlotte unpacked. Then, they sat and talked for a little while until it was time to go. They met Saul and Gail in the hall and together went down to the hotel’s restaurant for lunch. They talked at lunch about driving up to the wineries to do some wine tasting and there were a few condos that Jed and Charlotte wanted to check on. Lunch was good. They went back to their rooms to get ready to go on their excursion to the wineries.
They meet in the hall, and then headed down to the lobby. They all piled into the rented Tahoe and Saul drove off to the wineries, with Jed providing navigation. Gail and Charlotte talked in the back seat, while Jed and Saul chatted up front. There was fresh snowfall during the week and everything glistened in the bright sunlight. They drove to several wineries before they started looking for the condos that Jed and Charlotte wanted to check out.
The first one they stopped at was not what Jed had expected. It was no where near as nice as the Tamarack Lodge. The second one was not too bad either. They continued looking. At the next one, which was very comparable to the Tamarack Lodge, Charlotte was impressed. They asked to see one of the condos and was shown inside. The place was immaculate. There was not a drop of dust anywhere. Everything was clean and neatly put away. It was very inviting. Jed liked the place too, and asked for more information on it. The sales person told Jed what he needed to know and handed them a map of the area. He told them about the amenities they offered and the costs involved. Jed told him that they would have to think about it and would get back with them. They headed back to the hotel.
They decided to go back to their rooms for an hour or so before dinner. Jed and Charlotte discussed the different options they were offered for condos. Jed was leaning toward the Tamarack Lodge. Charlotte finally agreed with him, that that was the best option. It was newer and closer to the local attractions. They decide to go over to the Tamarack Lodge and do some further checking with them on Sunday. They meet Saul and Gail out in the hall. They decided to go out to Capone’s Cafe to eat and then do a little dancing. Charlotte told Saul and Gail how much fun they had there the last time they were up. They got their coats and headed to the restaurant.
They were seated at the restaurant and ordered their food. The four of them sat there talking about how nice it was up here. Jed told Saul that him and Gail needed to go look at the Tamarack Lodge tomorrow with them. Charlotte and Jed explained to Gail and Saul how great the place was. They described at length, what the place looked like and how it felt to be there. They agreed to all go together. Dinner went real well.
When they were done with dinner Jed led them over to Lil’ Jo’s. The four of them had a good time dancing and talking the night away. A couple of times, Jed reminded Saul that he was supposed to take it easy because of his surgery. Saul would just laugh and then sit down for a little bit. Around midnight, they headed back to the hotel they were staying in.
The next day they all went to breakfast and then over to the Tamarack Lodge. The salesperson there showed them several of the condos that were open. Saul and Gail were truly impressed with what they saw. Jed and Charlotte chose one of the larger condos. Jed put down a deposit and signed the purchase agreement. He commented to Charlotte that this will be a good place to go during the summer on the weekends. It is right near the airport, and the center of town. She agreed. The four of them went to lunch and then back to the hotel to check out. They headed for the airport and Jed flew them home.
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