Onaway State Park - June 27-30

After an absolutely outstanding few days in the upper peninsula, it was time to move down to the "tip of the mitt." We had reservations for the rest of our week at Onaway State Park in Onaway, Michigan. Our original reservation was for campsite #2 on the shores of Black Lake. We had high hopes that this was going to be as nice as our spot in the upper peninsula. Sadly, it didn't even compare. We couldn't even fit our 20 foot trailer into the spot. After Jim did some careful surveying of the site, we decided to go back to the office to see if they had any other spots available. We were lucky enough to have our pick of about a dozen available locations. We ended up in the upper campground, off the lake in site 69. It was a nice corner lot with lots of room (and lots of mosquitos too)!

There really wasn't much to do in Onaway. We did take a road trip over to Cheboygan on Thursday evening. That was a really nice lake town with a pretty cute downtown area. On Friday, we drove over to Rogers City which is on the shores of Lake Huron. It rained for most of the day so we didn't get to experience the lake, but we did stumble across the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse was open for tours and has been very well kept by the society. The entire site has been preserved and restored and is open year round. On the drive back from Rogers City we stopped at the Ocqueoc Falls. It was a very remote area down a small, county road, but once we got there there were several families playing in the river. My cousins from Kalkaska came over on Saturday and visited with us and had dinner. It was really nice to catch up with them. My cousin kept referring to Onaway as "its on-the-way to someplace else." And boy, he was right!

We are spending the month of July at home but will hit the road again in August. I need to start planning our fall camping trips too. Here's a few photos from the "tip of the mitt."

Onaway State Park

Black Lake at Onaway State Park

40 Mile Point Lighthouse

Ocqueoc Fall in Onaway, MI

Muskallonge Lake State Park - June 23-27, 2013

With the month of June coming to a close, we had one final week of camping planned. We left on Sunday, June 23 and had a very nice travel day. We took our time and really didn't push it. According to Google maps we had a good 8 hour trip ahead of us, but in reality it took 9.5. It was well worth the drive to Muskallonge Lake State Park in Newberry, MI.

Crossing the Mighty Mac with my eyes open!

My first goal was to cross the Mighty Mac with my eyes open. I have a terrible fear of bridges and this one especially. I've crossed it at least a half dozen times in my life and just cannot bare to look. This time I was determined and it had to the first time we were towing a camper behind us (LOL!) Mission accomplished!!!!!! I did it. The view was amazing, even though it was a little hazy. I really didn't appreciate the construction and slow down at the very top of the bridge but I was able to deal.

The minute we got across the bridge, we lost all cell phone service. It was like we stepped into another world. For four complete days, my cell phone was turned off and put away. It was so nice to just disconnect from everything and be in the moment enjoying whatever we were doing.

Here's a quick rundown of the highlights...

• Pictured Rock National Lakeshore Boat Tour
• Tahquamenon Fall State Park 
• Crisp Point Lighthouse
  
  
  

  

  Pictured Rock National Lakeshore

  
  

  

  Pictured Rock National Lakeshore

  
  

  

  Pictured Rock National Lakeshore

The Upper Falls - Tahquamenon State Park

The Lower Falls - Tahquamenon State Park

Crisp Point Light House in Paradise, Michigan

Campsite #23 - by far the best spot in the whole place

We had just the best weather ever even though I heard it was raining buckets at home. I actually could have used a light jacket at night, but really we had perfect bonfire weather. My husband says he really doesn't care to travel back to places once we have visited, but we both agreed that this was one of the best trips yet and we would definitely go back to this same spot again.

And the rambling continues...next stop....Onaway State Park in Onaway, Michigan.