After heading across the Mackinaw Bridge, back into the upper peninsula of Michigan we stayed the night in a rented cabin (like 3,000 sq ft cabin) with Pete's son, his new bride, and baby. Had much fun playing cards, taking a boat ride and visiting. The following night we headed more north on Rt. 123 all the way up to Paradise. We found a small mom and pop grocery store and picked up some supplies (a good amount of Michigan made goods) then continued onto our campground. We found a small state forest CG for inexpensive on a small lake. We made a fire, had a Founders All Day IPA, and cooked our Koegel hotdogs (we're not huge dog fans, and we hadn't eaten them the whole entire trip until getting back into the Midwest, imagine that!) over the fire as we watched the sunset.
The next morning, we woke up and made a leftover beans and wieners breakfast. We had to eat right to get plenty of energy for our days hike at Taquamenon Falls. ;-)
In 2009 we hiked from the lower falls to the upper falls, this year we weren't sure if Mandy (the dog) could make that long of a trip, so we decided to do half of it. We parked the truck at the upper falls (where the just so happens to be a restaurant and brewery) and hiked the 2 miles the the halfway point and another 2 miles back. It was a nice, relaxing hike.
There's a wooden bench at the halfway point where we gave the dogs a break.
The falls.
We, of course, went into have an early dinner and try some of their beer after our hike. Both food and beer were unfortunately average at best. I also find it ironic that in a state park (where they do not allow alcohol) they have a brewery. Hmm...I'm not complaining.
Back in '09 we stayed at a small little state forest campground at the mouth of the Two Heart River and Lake Superior. When we stayed before it was empty but had great views of the lake. We decided to try to find that again. It was challenging, being up in the UP not around any towns there is limited cell service and the dirt roads are not well marked at all. We ended up stopping at a house that had a vehicle in the driveway (I guess signifying someone was home) and Pete went up to ask for directions. After disappearing into the house for 15 minutes, right as I was starting to worry a bit, he emerged and had a hand drawn map.
A few miles and turns later, we arrived. Nothing looked familiar, a fire had swept through late last spring and much of the surrounding blackened forest had been logged. Also, the campground wasn't empty as it had been years before, it was full, to the brim! With only a couple of spots to choose from, we chose ours and set up right onto he Two Hearted River. Across from our spot was a suspended bridge. It seemed like a good time to take a walk and watch the sun go down.
It was calm and cool.
Pete walking away from his art work...
The mouth of the Two Hearted River, opening into Lake Superior.
Everyone having fun as the sun goes down a little more.
Some of the remnants of the fire.
Crossing back over the bridge to our campsite. Can you spot the truck?
After a beautiful night under the stars with a fabulous campfire and great company, we decided to visit the neighbors in the morning to view their agate collection. It had been such an enchanting evening and morning that we agreed to stay another night. Walking the beach in search of agates (this takes patience and a keen eye.), although many colorful, interesting rocks were found, no agates.
After staying another night (which was spent in the camper reading most of the time due to rain) we packed up, said our goodbyes to the folks we met and headed to Whitefish Point. There's a shipwreck museum there which we walked around.
It was that time that we needed showers. So next stop for the night would be a state park. Probably would've been my least favorite park of the trip due to the amount of tight, small spots, but it was mostly empty. We found a spot with a small buffer of trees in between us and the lake.
With a quick stop in Sault St. Marie for breakfast, we shot down I-75 and again, crossed over the Mackinaw Bridge and got off at Rt. 31, then took C66 to Cross Village and headed south on 119 along Lake Michigan. We had taken this route before and it's gorgeous. We both really enjoy it on Pete's motorcycle too. First order of go was to stop at Leggs Inn for a quick beer. After driving down 119 we went into Petoskey and went to Petoskey Brewing Co. For another good microbrew. Very good Minds EyePA and the Dark Knight (brewed mix of a stout and IPA). Sushi for dinner, then off to Fisherman's Island State Park to put up for the night right on Lake Michigan. Nothing like having the sound of rolling waves to fall asleep to.
After a nice sit down breakfast in Charlevoix the next morning, we headed to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. First stopping at the visitors center in Empire, then driving the Pierce Stocking Scenic drive. Unfortunately another overcast day, but that made it a bit cooler temperature wise at least.
These pictures show how steep the dunes are.
Then we went to the coast guard station maritime museum. It was pretty neat to see.
Stayed in D.H. Day campground, outside of Glen Arbor for the night, beforehand we went into town and had a fabulous meal at Western Avenue Grill. The CG is very nicely spread out with wooded sites and a short walk to the lake. We awoke to these guys behind out spot.
Went back into Glen Arbor for breakfast at Art's Tavern. Great breakfast and lots of history at this place. Afterwards, walked down the street with the dogs and purchased some produce and handmade soaps at the local farmers market.
We drove down the coast a bit more and found a national forest campground south of Manistee that was practically empty. After eating dinner we sat, listened to music, and watched a group of youths (about 15-20 junior high aged kids) set up camp with their tents. They were normal, loud kids, but entertaining and eventually quieted down for the night.
Awaking in the morning, I think we both felt it was time to go home. We had been all up and down the Lake Michigan coast in the years past many times and were only about 4 hours away from home at this point....we had one more stop to make. Bells Brewery in Kalamazoo. Our favorite beer is Two Hearted Ale by Bells, and they have so many great others....it's a must try for anyone anywhere in the country!
After a few great beers, what better way to end this once in a lifetime trip than go to one of our favorite restaurants? Chelsea, Michigan has many shops and experiences to offer. I have fond memories of going to dinners here with fellow horseback riders while up riding at shows that the hunt club presented. The Common Grill offers an array of choices to eat and drink, and they NEVER disappoint.
With full bellies, we drove down Rt. 52 and entered into Ohio. Not much more than 15 minutes and we were pulling into our driveway. It was surreal to be home. We had made everywhere else home the past 108 nights....
The one neighbor that we do have (we live out in a rural area surrounded by crops and dairy farms) saw us pull in and they added icing to our cake by running out and excitedly greeting us! What a way to come home!
We've been home a bit over a month now and can't wait for the next adventure....
Thanks for following us around the country! :-)
