up north

Looking out over Long Lake in Hale MI

 

 Harley spent most of the weekend searching for fish :)

 A view of the cabin we stayed at for the weekend

I assume many times that when I say "up north" everyone knows what I am talking about forgetting that this term is second nature to only Michiganders. Northern Michigan is known for it's plethora of lakes, rivers, beautiful forests, sandy beaches, quaint artsy touristy towns, sand dunes, waterfalls, lighthouses and wildlife. But it is an escape or get away for all who live in Michigan. Many people own cabins "up north" and travel every weekend to their piece of paradise. Some have campers and tote it "up north" to experience different destinations of the great outdoors and then there are some that either have friends/family that live in northern Michigan or they simply stay at a beautiful resort or hotel........but what I can tell you is that it is a must for all Michiganders at least once in the summer to make the 2-4 hour trip "up north".

And that is exactly what we did this past weekend. We were invited by dear friends to stay at their cabin for the weekend and the highlight was a Saturday afternoon canoe trip.....of 47 people!!! (17 at the cabin pictured above and 30 at another cabin nearby) We floated down the Ausable River stopping several times to swim, eat and just visit while taking in nature's beauty. It was a gorgeous sunny day in the 80s...perfect. 

I didn't take many pictures as I didn't want to risk taking my camera on the water but the few I posted gives you an idea of the beauty that surrounded us. If you ever get a chance to visit northern Michigan, it will be an experience you won't soon forget.

I found this description of Michigan and thought it was beautifully written:

About Michigan

The State of Michigan is a state blessed with the riches of unspoiled nature: the world's longest freshwater coastline, lakes that feel like oceans, shimmering beaches, miles and miles of cherry orchards, glorious sunrises and sunsets, daytime skies of the deepest blue, nighttime skies scattered with stars.

Home to more than 100 public beaches, some of the highest freshwater sand dunes in the world, stunning multi-colored sandstone cliffs, two National Lakeshores and the only national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes--the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. More than 100 lighthouses, numerous maritime museums, ten shipwreck-diving preserves and historic military fortifications rim Michigan's Great Lakes shoreline.

Lakes, campgrounds, wildlife refuges and 99 Michigan state parks and recreation areas create a wide variety of recreational pursuits. Rivers for water sports, and thousands of miles of hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails thread their way among some 100 species of trees.

Long days, relaxing weather and more than 800 pristine Michigan courses make for the perfect tee time. Because being able to play all day is Pure Michigan.

Hundreds of islands dot Michigan waters. Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness retreat in Lake Superior where wolves and moose roam free. Mackinac Island, located in the Straits of Mackinac, is a lush 19th-century resort community fixed firmly in the Victorian era, a car-free island dominated by an 18th-century fort and the more than a century-old Grand Hotel, America's largest summer resort hotel.

The Upper Peninsula, which is 90 percent forested, retains its aura of accessible wilderness. Vast wildlife and waterfowl refuges, 150 waterfalls, iron and copper mines, the Soo Locks (where ocean-going freighters make the 21-foot leap from Lake Superior to Lake Huron) are within an easy drive of one another.

The State of Michigan offers a near infinite array of moments that live forever in memory. Come find out what Pure Michigan feels like.