"I love the smell of napalm in the morning...smells like victory." Apocalypse Now

Research before giving. Here are two reputable sources on the effectiveness and efficiency of major charities:

https://www.forbes.com/lists/top-charities/?sh=1203cb375f50

https://www.charitywatch.org/top-rated-charities

The chart is not a fair or accurate complete representation of the organizations listed.

Call Abe's for an RMA. Confirm request with an email the describes the problem. If no response in a few days, send another email that you are returning the defective item and insist on full credit. Keep copies of everything. Alert your credit card company and dispute the charge. At the end of the day Abe's will most likely claim the item was not defective and credit you less 10% restocking and all shipping and handling.

Airlines allow a carry-on and another small bag. Anymore I leave my FF at home and take a Lumix and laptop in a small bag, clothing in a carry-on back pack. I would never put anything I wasn't willing to lose in a checked bag.

Some years ago I was reluctant to take my Nikon D750 on an extensive tour of Peru and purchased a Panasonic Lumix ZS100. I was completely satisfied with performance and appreciated the simplicity of carrying one small item. I recently opted to take the Lumix on a trip from Prague to Budapest via Vienna. Consider downsizing.

My primary camera is a Nikon D750. I shoot mostly with 28-300 and 70-210 Nikon zooms, although I do have other lenses. I did not want to pack heavy for a trip to Perú so I bought a Panasonic ZS100. I was very pleased by the quality of the photos. It performed well even in low light. At under $400 today it is a bargain.

After twenty years as a Dell user I bought an HP Omen laptop. Specs as good or better than a comparable Dell for $100 less. The graphics and sound are phenomenal. A friend also left Dell for Lenovo, he is happy as well. I encourage you to shop carefully. Dell's major advantage in the electronics world is their marketing department.

Pretty sure the Silversides is in Muskegon, west side of the Mitten, not the UP. In addition to the other MI UP suggestions, I would add a stop to the Lumberjack Inn in Big Bay. It is the site of the actual event that spawned the classic 1959 movie "Anatomy of a Murder." Get a burger and ask to see their scrapbook. Also check out the Pine Mountain Ski Jump near Iron Mountain.

I live in Grand Haven. There are two lights on the south pier, and one across the Grand Rive Channel on the north pier. Easy parking and walking at both locations. Here is a link to North Pier.

https://visitgrandhaven.com/listing/north-pier/

Over the years light pollution has intensified, I am not certain you will see the Milky Way.

You will have a tough time dealing with light pollution anywhere along the shores of the mitten. If you have the time I highly recommend going to the UP If you can, there is a lighthouse in Big Bay where the keepers' house has been converted to a B&B.

Doc, I also resisted the move to digital. Shot for years with a Nikon F4S. Several years ago I bought a refurbished D750. It took a little while to get used to the controls and the menus, but I am very satisfied. All my legacy lenses work fine. I would not use any older flash unless Nikon clearly states compatibility. There are many good used flashes available from reputable sources.

Aston Martin has been in the car business since 1913, and has lost money almost every year. Where there is a market, there is a way.

Back in the day of vinyl the phrase "for the truly discerning audiophiles" was used to separate the final 1% of high end equipment. People who knock the 28-300 are like that. It is my walk around; I use it on a D-750 and occasionally on my film D4S. It is more than capable of satisfying my needs.

Interesting article. The major thrust is that fewer competitors will lead to higher prices and better margins. I don't see how this helps the consumer. I suppose one could argue that higher profits might lead to more innovation, but one could also argue that the business would be looked at as a cash cow with less competition.
As an aside, the vast majority if readers who responded to the accompanying survey said Nikon should stay. Time will tell. For now I will continue to use and enjoy my Nikon gear which more than meets my needs. Until someone comes along with a truly better mousetrap I doubt I will be investing in another system.

While I shoot 90% digital, I do love my trusty F4S and enjoy using it from time to time. If I don't have capacity restrictions when traveling it always comes along.