We have spent the last couple weeks in an area that is close, but new to us. There were two National Parks in the north for us to visit…..Isle Royale and Voyagers, and there was so much to explore in Upper Peninsula of Michigan. So, we headed out for some adventuring.
We were in love with the pristine, raw, beauty of this area of the US. The slowness of the pace, the lack of people and tourists, the ability to be hidden in broad daylight because of the vastness of the spaces we were in. It is kind of like all those people that are out visiting all the National Parks across the US are just not going to bother to make their way here – it’s too far and too complicated. And that suits us just fine.
It has been easy to boondock. Plenty of beautiful rest areas off highways that are quiet and full of trees, and some of the more common places to stay (like a Wal-Mart) still invite overnighters with open arms. It hasn’t been ruined by overcrowding and bad behavior. The downside is no Planet Fitness to be found, so showering in the van has become mainstream.
You meet people up here that like to explore the wilderness. Several people we met either have already or were on their way to Alaska. Many are on the road full time, in fact we met a guy today that has been on the road in his van for 5 years.
We were able to get a lot of hiking in while in Tahquamenon Falls, Hungarian Falls, the Porcupine Mountains, and Picture Rocks. We also got out in the water in Isle Royale, Voyagers, Picture Rocks, and Mackinaw Island. We made time for cycling on Mackinaw Island and the Sleeping Bear Dunes Seashore. Just day after day of nature. The views were breathtaking, everywhere we went the water was completely clear, and it is so fun to be totally amazed by somewhere completely new. Pine trees and lupines everywhere and Lake Superior is definitely Superior.
We are ending our trip with a stay through the 4th in Grayling with the kids. Sitting on a screened porch by the Au Sable listening to birds, ducks, and the beautiful trickle of the water. Life is so, so good.
Happy Fourth Everyone!
