Since you don’t hear from me very often, you may be thinking that the excitement and novelty of this adventure have worn off – NOPE! I’ve just spent the last few weeks living a somewhat normal life and I didn’t have a moment to myself. I’ll do a quick update on the last few weeks in the next blog, for now, let’s go WAY back to my last 5 days in the UP.

My next stop was Carney, MI for no particular reason except that there was an available Harvest Host stop there. I am so glad I went!! This is where I stayed

Rambling Rose – home of my new ‘Big Sis’ Allison. I did nothing touristy for two days! Allison was having Cousins Week and I joined right in! It was so nice and relaxing, and I found a new friend. I was even invited back to Cousins Week next year! I can’t believe I didn’t get a picture of us together.

I never knew the great lakes had actual nice, sandy beaches. When I think of a beach, my mind goes to the ocean, but there are plenty of nice beaches along Lake Michigan. This is Esplanade Beach in Green Bay.

My next stop was Germfask, MI because I liked the name, I found a campsite AND it was close to sites to see.

Pictured Rocks State Park. I guess the best way to see this is from a boat, but these pictures aren’t too bad.

It was pretty here above the cliffs – look at that water! . I also went for a hike at Beaver Lake in the park. There was nobody around and the lake was very inviting. I was just thinking about jumping in when I got attacked by killer flies – ouch! They bite hard! I ran back to the car. Enough of that!

The next day I went to Tahquemenon Falls State Park – everyone said I needed to go. It was OK, but I’ve seen way too many gorgeous falls on this trip. Let me know what you think.

Anticlimatic, right? I had to add the picture of me because non-selfies are so rare.

On the way back, I drove through Seney Wildlife Refuge. It was a nice drive, but I didn’t see much except for some Trumpeter Swans,

and there was no place to hike! I learned later that I was nowhere near the hiking area and they have some nice hikes there, oh well. Next time.

That same day, right after the Refuge, I decided to head into the little town to get gas. Right after I went over a tiny bump, my car started screeching! I was so loud and scary! Of course the nearest building was a bar. Here I am – single woman – helpless – about to head inside and look pitiful – when this nice looking couple walked up. Paul & Nancy, so I asked them for help. It was 5 minutes after 5, and of course Paul had the local garage owner on speed dial. Even though they were closed, he told me to drive it in – Paul put off Taco Tuesday for a bit to lead the way because he didn’t want me to get lost – Dakota comes out and in 5 minutes he has my tire off and found the culprit – a tiny little pebble got wedged in the brakes! All fixed! Of course nobody wanted anything for helping me, but I at least went back to the bar and bought them a drink. Lucky for me because I met a wonderful couple and had a great conversation! I swear I have the sweetest angels looking after me.

I went up Wisconsin on the west side of Lake Michigan, and down through Michigan on the east side, and before you ask, NO, I did not go to Mackinaw Island. It was a costly ferry ride and just seemed too touristy. I stopped to work at a local coffee shop, took a picture of the island for you and made myself a human sundial!

Odd picture below, but it reminded me of Bailey. Do humongous hot dogs travel?

I did like Mackinac Bridge. I had to share pictures and statistics with my son, Cameron. One of his science projects was about bridges. He was always building stuff, and has chosen a career where he can still design projects. Anyway, if you are in the area, drive the bridge and stop at the visitor center. It is very interesting.

I have now seen quite a few of the Great Lakes – Superior, Eerie, Michigan and Huron – very impressive (and I still think a pipeline should be built to fill up the reservoirs out west).

Cliff was hilarious in the UP. Not only did he continuously get himself turned around, he insisted on mapping a 12 hour drive going back west (instead of the 5 hour drive down the east coast) just to avoid paying the bridge toll! When I tried to re-route, he suggested I go straight across to Green Bay by driving on the water!!! What a nut. He knew I prefer to avoid toll roads, so I would say he had some true dedication to the task!!

If you are looking for a gem of America to explore, I would suggest the UP. It was a great week!

Tip of the day: There are very few grocery stores in the UP. I didn’t see one after I left the Keweenaw Peninsula! Thank God I have the skill of keeping a kitchen stocked and can usually whip up a meal at any time, so I survived! Plan your groceries ahead of time.