When I’m not working at the hospital my favorite thing to do is be outside. I recently came home from Alaska, worked three 12’s and packed my bags for the opportunity to explore the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I belong to a group called American Daughters of Conservation (ADC) which is a group of like minded huntresses, and fishers who love the outdoors and getting women and kids involved in the outdoors. This past weekend a group of us came together from five different states to adventure Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on a kayaking trip. Growing up in Michigan my whole life I tend to forget the true beauty of the state and what it has to offer. It always ceases to amaze me when I take in these views that I am still in my home state.
It was a full itinerary for the weekend! We started by taking a detour to Petoskey to look for Petoskey stones at Little Traverse Bay, which comes off of Lake Michigan. It was a huge success, many of us found petoskey stones and even rocks with fossils buried in them. Once it hit about lunch thirty we made our way up to Mackinaw City for some freshly cooked meals at Nona Lisa’s. We snapped a quick group picture under the bridge and made our way across the bridge heading north to Munising.
If you have never stayed in a yurt or tepee in a campground you are missing out. It is such an extraordinary experience. The best ones are at the Au Train Beach Campground with views of the lake right across the street.
I woke up naturally to the sound of rain ricocheting from the sunroof. That immediately was a red flag for kayaking the lake. Being that the weather was not good they had cancelled our eight hour kayak tour. Instead we bounced back to plan B to hike the Chapel Loop in Pictured Rocks National Park. This trail was full of picture perfect views, water as blue as the sky in the spring. The rock formations were amazing! The kind of scenery where I could hang my hammock and appreciate God’s art all day. It's crazy how a rainy morning can turn into a beautiful day of hiking.
If you ever get the chance to be one with nature and live off the grid for a couple of days… DO IT! What are you waiting for? If there is anything that I have learned in life, it is that life is short and tomorrow is never promised. So take that trip you’ve been thinking about taking and step out of your comfort zone. Believe me you will be happy with your decision.
Commentaires