The North Woods

Friday, July 24, 2009
Colwell Lake Campground
Hiawatha National Forest

We love the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In both '07 and '08, we spent nearly a month enjoying the cooler summer and the isolation that comes with the territory. This year our visit will be much shorter -- 6 days. Because we've scheduled the EAA Airventure Convention, which is next week in Oshkosh, WI, and because we're heading west earlier this year, we're trying to cram a months worth of enjoyment into less than a week.

The mosquitoes aren't making it easy though. And the weather has been less than perfect. Being chased by swarms of the little black biters while dodging rain showers can dampen your enthusiasm for a place. And it's been cool too. I was told by a local fellow that this is the coolest summer up here in 25 years. I can't attest to that but he seemed to know. There have been some very nice stretches too -- I don't want to leave the impression that this has been pure misery. As fulltimers we've learned to adapt to conditions, to take what comes, to find things to do regardless of the weather. All in all, we're enjoying our stay in the north woods.

A couple days ago we explored the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore which extends from Munising to Grand Marais on Lake Superior. It's a gorgeous and dramatic lakeshore with high exposed cliffs and exposed colorful rock walls that form the shoreline. The colors come from different minerals seeping from above. A couple years ago we explored the PRNL from a tour boat out of Munising -- which is the best way to see those cliffs and rock walls. This year we explored parts of the area by land, and found hiking trails, waterfalls, and incredible vistas of Lake Superior from the tops of those cliffs. It seems that wherever we go there are things like this to see and experience. I don't think a fulltime nomad would see it all in a lifetime.

If I get this entry posted today, Friday, there probably won't be another update until Sunday or Monday. In some ways I'm enjoying being away from instant access to the internet. One of these days I'll write more about that.

T