Post #764661 by uncle trav on Sun, Jun 5, 2016 4:39 AM

I have been collecting classic vintage tiki for well over a decade now. The urge for the hunt is still as strong now as it was after I found my first tiki mug at a garage sale. Michigan has never been a hotbed for finding these treasures but I have been fortunate enough to make many rare finds over the years. With my local hunting grounds apparently running dry I decided to cast a wider net. My wife and I traveled two hundred miles north for the weekend to the largest antique and collectibles show in Michigan this weekend. Hopes were high as the show has over a thousand dealers and acres of stalls and buildings. After walking for over seven miles total and getting sunburned and spending twenty bucks on a corn dog and a four inch long cheese steak and a pop we left empty handed. Next we drove to one of the largest antique malls in Michigan and spent another couple of hours scouring the booths there. No luck. I consider myself a pretty good hunter but the hunting grounds seemed barren. The backup plan was good though. We had reservations at a beautiful casino for a room for the night and even toured a Cold War era U.S. Navy destroyer. Even though we didn't find any treasures and spent time, money and gas the trip was worth all the expense and effort just for the memories. Sometimes I forget that the thrill of the hunt is often worth as much as a good find and this is one of those times. So is this dedication or just plain nuts? Either way it's a great time. I know many other folks have gone to greater lengths for collecting and it's always great to here those stories. Sorry I ramble on.