Especially in Michigan

"Life is my friend 
Rake it up to take it in 
Wrap me in your cinnamon 
Especially in Michigan 
Well I could be your friend"
~RHCP

We’d heard so much about the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We were not disappointed.

We first camped near my brother Patrick’s hometown in Sterling Heights and enjoyed dinner with Pat & Denyse. Also forgot to take a picture even after reminding myself to do just that as we traveled there. Wonderful evening. So great to see family, even if so briefly.

We got a nice hike in the following day and then headed up to Sleeping Bear Dunes (as suggested by Pat-who knew there were sand dunes in MI?!?) on MI Lower Peninsula. Super nice campsite at Indigo Bluffs. Absolutely spectacular. First day did a beautiful looong hike on the Alligator Hill Trail.

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Next day, we killed the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive on our bikes (accidentally stopped our trail recorder though – so fail to have documentary evidence we did this ride). At a stop along the way, a park volunteer seemed surprised and impressed that we’d biked it. The elevation gain was demanding – so maybe he was more surprised we were still alive. I admit, downhill was much better. Of course we had to see the Dunes, but no way were we making it the entire 3.6 miles out and back. Sufficient enough to do the first .5!

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That evening we saw the most beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan – photos don’t do it justice. And on the way back, full, low harvest moon…amazing palette mother nature painted on that day.

Off to the Upper Peninsula where the mosquitos outnumber the people easily 100:1. Chilly but pleasant – our KOA site in Pictured Rocks area was passable; we got some great tips from the staff there. Went hiking on various short trails to take in multitudes of waterfalls. In the evening we took a cruise on Lake Superior to see the Pictured Rocks – staff told us to sit up top on the right for best views, and indeed was so. BUT so chilly, we headed down once we started the return trip.

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Next day, we did a 9.5 mile single track mountain bike trail. Ok, so I have never done this before – it was like a roller coaster without the safety gear. We made it without serious injury and I have to admit it was fun. I hope my granddaughter will some day appreciate her badass g’ma did her first ride at age 55. Never too late!

We had to try the local fare & beer. Pasties we tried and enjoyed, East Channel brewery IPA was excellent (according to BG) and our favorite find was Trenary Toast. We have to find an importer when we get home. So, so good.

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