Upper Peninsula, MI

 

We stayed at a campground in the Hiawatha National Forest, halfway between Manistique and Munising.  The campground was spacious with tall pines and low ferns, lovely for quiet mornings sitting out in the 50-60 degree weather.  Loved that I could pick tiny blueberries right at the site under the ferns. From these I made whole wheat blueberry pancakes. Too easy to get healthy and delicious at the same time!  Outside, our friend, the tiny chipmunk, did sprints back and forth across under the RV and through the fire pit and back.  Fast little guy.  Both a hummingbird and a robin did similar flutters across the fire pit. Also had grouse hanging out outside the front door.  They aren't too frilled by much.  The days still can get very hot.  If it's 75, it might still feed like 89 and humid.  Love just sitting out in the mornings and working from the computer.  This is such a nice place to rest and catch up and feel the 'fresh' air.  Still feels mostly fresh even with the air dense from The Canadian fires.  Just can't see the star at night like we did in Wisconsin.

Took a little jaunt over to Taquamenon Falls.  First the Upper Falls, then a short drive to the Lower Falls.  Just an hour and a half drive and they were more stunning than I remember.  I guess last time I had just seen Niagra Falls just before.  But I had forgotten that these were some powerfull falls.  The walk is short and has many points to see the falls from a distance, or right in the mist.  I love that there are signs with details about trees that you can actually spot right in front of you.  At the Lower falls, many children were playing right there with no fear.  They had a bridge over to the island and it was lovely on that side.  Quieter past where children were playing.  The other side had your quieter sorts walking across the long wide creek before the falls.  I walked around in the water here a bit, probably because my feet were hot and tired.  A family of four was also walking around, the young blond haired shirtless girl had no fears of the water while her brother stayed back.

A shorter favorite trip was visiting Colwell Lake, 5 miles north of here.  Love this piece of nature.  The trail is just over 2 miles around and mostly on gravel or pine needles. The sun was out and the trail shady with a gentle breeze across the water.  Found little spot to sit and and just be still and explore.  Tiny pine cones along with large pinecones, tall grasses blowing in the water, lily pads on the water,  and that perfect breeze.  So we biked here too and it was just as beautiful.  Only a few people out enjoying water activities.  The path had RV sites that backed right into water front locations where they could have their own little beach and set up their kayaks, paddleboards and small boats.

We took a day trip to Kitch-iti-kipi, Fayette, and Manistique.  Kitch-iti-kipi was wonderful as usual.  I love the short path through the green lush trees to get in line.  Could see the fish shadows on the bottom as well as water from the spring pushing up from the bottom.  Very pretty morning.  We then drove towards Fayette for a historical visit but stopped on the way at Dock Grill and Bar for fresh whitefish and chips.  Was a nice lunch right on the water of Lake Michigan.  We then arrived at Fayette, which is part of the Michigan state park system.  The town had been know for it's iron smelting operation.  The buildings were there on display and artifacts being dug to find out more about the time.  Was a very pretty cove,  After this visit, we walked to the lighthouse in Manistique, we visiting the brick water tower and then he

We took another day trip to Munising to see the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  We did a cheese try picnic at the harbor and then did the Spray Falls Cruise at 1 pm.  We got to see the best on the hour coming back.  Loved seeing 'battleship' site and also the tree that just kept living.  Next we drove to Miner's beach to sit in the sun by the beautiful baby blue Lake Superior.  Water was cold, but sun was warm and inviting.  Also visited this beach a couple more times.  Both times, rain came, sand flies swarmed and stung, but we did get waist high in the water, and it was just something one has to get the all the senses coming alive.  On our last beach trip, the rain came so we drove the 1/2 mile up to see Miner's Castle. It was especially beautiful given the light storm passing through. 

Overall, Lake Superior was our highlight in the area and if we came back, we'd stay more north near this lake. Just need a way to keep those sand flies away!