All Good Things Come to An End

I thought being gone for 17-days would just seem like forever, but here we are at our last stop in Michigan at Bewabic State Park. We were only here for a couple of days before we headed to Wisconsin. Site 44 was huge and surrounded by trees. The park was fairly empty during the week but we could tell it slowly started filling up as we got closer to the 4th of July holiday weekend. 

Bewabic State Park • Site 44

Great bonfire weather

A man and his Pod!

Since we were in a waterfall groove from our last stop, we figured since we were in Crystal Falls, MI, there had to be a waterfall, right? We found Chicagon Falls located not far from the State Park. I wasn't ready for what we stumbled across. The road started out as a normal dirt road. As we wound our way back to the waterfall, the road turned into more of a two-track. The last bit of the two-track got very dicey to the point that Jimmy stopped the truck and got it to make sure we would make it. His truck doesn't have 4-wheel drive but it handled pretty well. I should have videoed the experience but I seriously needed to hold on for dear life. I've never been off-roading before but I think this trip changed that. We finally made it to the parking area and it was only a short-walk to the fall. Our return trip up the two-track wasn't much better and even more stressful, but Jimmy and his truck climbed us out of there without any damage. It was worth the off-roading to the falls, but I wouldn't advise it in a car. You definitely need a truck!

Chicagon Falls 

Chicagon Falls

Chicagon Falls

Chicagon Falls

Chicagon Falls

Chicagon Falls

We had worked up an appetite after our off-roading and settled on The Curious Pig. It was another gorgeous day and we were able to eat outside.  Jim had the brisket chili to start that was out of this world. I had the the Pigs Grilled Cheese Sandwich which was pulled pork topped with macaroni and cheese, BBQ sauce and pimiento cheese spread on Texas toast that was toasted and grilled. It came with a side of homemade Cole Slaw and Pickles. The sandwich was literally to die for and the cole slaw and pickles were different. It was a different combination of sweet and spicy. It was an outstanding lunch all around set on a beautiful front porch on the perfect day.

The Curious Pig

Brisket Chili -- O---M----G!

The Pigs Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This concludes our road trip around the upper peninsula of Michigan. We hit all the destinations that we set out to see and then some. We had some wind and rain to contend with but that's part of camping. Our weather ranged from hoodies and coats to shorts and t-shirts with everything in between. More memories were made and bucket list items were achieved!

We came home through the beautiful state of Wisconsin and around Chicago. We (ok.....Jimmy) had never pulled the camper through Chicago and we (ok...Jimmy) was a tad nervous about it. Google sent us right through downtown Chicago on I-94. We are super glad that we asked around and took the outer loop around the city. It was a little hairy and slow in spots but we made it just fine. 

Thanks for following our trip across the upper peninsula. We really do live in a beautiful state! 

Stay safe and happy camping! 

The Porkies, Lake of the Clouds and Waterfalls...Oh My!

The next stop on our road trip is Lake Gogebic State Park in Marensico, MI. We did good at selecting another home base to visiting all of the attractions that were on our list. So many people had highly recommended this state park and I see why. Our campsite rolled right down into Lake Gogebic. Even though the site was super small, and once again we were greeted by giant mosquitos, the lake breeze, waves and view were totally worth it. 

Lake Gogebic State Park • Site 51

Lake Gogebic from our campsite

Such a great view

Right before the rain at Lake Gogebic

I was super excited to check off one of my bucket list items by visiting the Porcupine Mountains (commonly referred to as The Porkies) and Lake of the Clouds. We visited on a super cloudy day and my pictures aren't the best,  but it was still spectacular. 

Truly God's Country!

A river runs through it.

Lake of the Clouds

Jimmy at Lake of the Clouds

We were so high up. It was awesome!

The uphill climb at Porcuppine
Mountains to the summit.
I definitely got my steps and workout in
and another hundred mosquito bits!

They next day we really didn't have plans and just wanted to wing it. As much as I love to plan, I also like to just go with the flow and be spontaneous. It was forecasted to rain so we really weren't sure what the day would bring. 

We decided to head over to Bond Falls in Paulding, MI. Rain or not, we decided it wouldn't matter. These falls are a must see if you are ever in the area. They had a great boardwalk and sitting area to take in the view (even in the rain). 

The boardwalk at Bond Falls

Jimmy always supports Siena on our travels

Bond Falls

Bond Falls

Since we were in a waterfall groove, we continued our day and visited Agate Falls. This wasn't as spectacular as Bond Falls, but it was easy to get to.  It was right off the road on MI-28 but the views of the actual waterfalls were hard to see. 

Ontonagon River

Agate Falls

After our waterfall adventure, we finally were able to stop for an early dinner at JW's BBQ and Brew and I'm certainly glad we did. I had some of the best brisket ever! It melted in my mouth. They also had 3 different kinds of homemade BBQ sauces that were all outstanding. Our waitress was adorable and talked to use all about the winters in the upper peninsula. I think it takes a special type of person to endure all that snow and cold, but the summertime is absolutely gorgeous (minus those darn mosquitoes of course!)

Our adventure will continue as we travel to Bewabic State Park in Crystal Falls, MI. 

In the meantime, stay safe and happy camping!

On the Road Again

Our journey continues northwest to Hancock, MI and McLain State Park. We had a pretty decent travel day and seemed to dodge the rain and storms with every turn. I'd highly recommend this park for anyone wanting to cover numerous destinations across the western, upper peninsula of Michigan. It was a great basecamp for all the places we wanted to visit.

The park sits right on the shoreline of Lake Superior and the sunsets were fantastic. Even though our campsite wasn't right on the water (site 65), we could still hear the waves crashing on the shoreline every night. My only complaint were the black flies and mosquitoes. They sure do grow them big in the UP. We had three different kinds of repellent and nothing seemed to work. 

We visited the towns of Hancock, Houghton, Calumet, and Copper Harbor, MI. On the way back from Copper Harbor we took the scenic drive of M-26 (Lakeshore Drive) to take in the many different beaches and small towns of the Keweenaw Peninsula. We ran across a roadside waterfall, Jacob's Falls, and the Eagle Harbor Lifesaving Station. These two attractions were an added bonus to our day up to Copper Harbor. 

I have so many photos from our trip, I'll let them speak for themselves. 

McLain State Park • Site 65

McLain State Park • Site 65
Loved the shaded site and trees all the way around!

Lake Superior

Started my mornings with coffee and Harry Potter

Covered road in Freda, MI
The forest overtakes the road and creates
a tunnel of trees. Simply gorgeous!

Houghton, MI
A great college town with a beautiful riverwalk
and super cute downtown shops

Jimmy walking on the shores of Lake Superior

Lake Superior Sunset

Lake Superior Sunset

Historical Fort Wilkins State Park
in Cooper Harbor, MI

Beautiful flowers of Cooper Harbor, MI.
I love purple!

And I love orange!

Jacob's Falls

Eagle Harbor Lifesaving Station

Driftwood on Lake Superior

The rock pier at McLain State Park

The water is just so clear and the boulders 
are HUGE!

The sunset on our last night at McLain 
State Park. My favorite! 

A great way to end our time at McLain 
State Park!

Simply the BEST!

Our adventure will continue as we travel to Lake Gogebic State Park in Marensico, MI. In the meantime, stay safe and happy camping!

Oh Michigan!

We hit the road again on Saturday, June 19 for a 17-day road trip to the upper peninsula of Michigan and then home through Wisconsin. Last year, we had this trip planned, but Covid happened and we had to cancel.

Thankfully, we were able to get into all the same state parks that we wanted. We figured we probably won't make it back to the western upper peninsula for a while so we were happy that we could go to all the  places we wanted. 

We did a quick stop at my brother's property in Clare, MI overnight. We were greeted by his new security guard and found some new decorations at the property. They are always adding new and fun things around. 

The new security at my Brother's property.

Looks like Barbie is having a great time and
so does everyone else when they visit!

The next morning we were back on the road and heading for the upper peninsula. Many of you know my fear of bridges, so I was already anticipating the drive across "The Mighty Mac!" It was a gorgeous day with very little wind, so I was very thankful for that. I'm happy to report that this was the second time in my 47 years that I kept my eyes open as we crossed. Jimmy asked me to take some pictures along the way, so that kept my occupied. 

The Mighty Mac

The view is pretty spectacular!

Super proud that I kept my eyes open!

Our second stop on our 17-day trip was at Indian Lake State Park in Manistique, MI. Our campsite was right on Indian Lake and it was just beautiful until Monday morning when the temperatures dipped to 39 DEGREES (Oh Michigan!) and we had driving rain with a very sharp 40 mph wind off the lake. I can't even begin to tell you that I'm glad this wind wasn't on Sunday as we were crossing the Mackinaw Bridge. I would have been freaking out for sure! I'm super glad that I packed for almost every season. My coat came in handy!

Indian Lake

Indian Lake 

Indian Lake State Park • Site 62

The wind finally calmed down and the sun came out so we quickly ventured out to one of the upper peninsula's biggest attractions, The Big Springs, otherwise know as Kitch-iti-kipi. This freshwater spring has a self-operated observation deck that takes visitors across the spring. The water is so clear that you can see the fish and the actual springs themselves bubbling up. It is a must if you are ever in the area!

The self-operated platform at Kitch-iti-kipi.

Looking down into the crystal clear water.

Our captain!

Kitch-iti-kipi

Another highlight of this stop was getting our first (and only) pasty. We were really looking forward to this treat and it didn't disappoint. 

Our one and only pasty. 

Our adventure will continue as we travel to McLain State Park in Hancock, MI. In the meantime, stay safe and happy camping!