Boyne City, MI - Day Eight

Departure 

I woke up around 7:30 and realized home was only 2.5 hours away from home. I didn’t want to leave but I did. I can only handle a campsite for so long before I get bored of the area and want to try somewhere new. But it was the end of my vacation. I thought about Torch again. Puzzled and confused at their lack of parking or their set up. I traveled back. I went to the boat launch in Aiden. I browsed a few other areas to make sure I wasn’t looking hard enough the first time and decided on the launch at Archie Valleau Landing. A place with only two parking spots. And today they were empty. I get on the water and peruse around the south end of the lake. I felt it was a lot prettier than the North end but the North end had easier access. There were or seemed to be less houses but still no scenic value of any kind compared to the other dozen lakes I have been on. Even Lake Charlevoix with its massive body and multiple houses had places to pull off to the side and beach just about anywhere. I really was trying to persuade myself Torch was good and I just don’t think it’s a lake for me. Not unless I were there with a group of friends or family having fun, picnicking, boating and or drinking. But just for some leisurely kayaking it doesn’t seek any interest to me. I would however return to Elk or Lake Charlevoix.  

I have been on so many lakes, I feel I have a better right to judge on what’s a decent lake and what’s not, in comparison to what a person is seeking for enjoyment.

I left my site without coffee and breakfast this morning because I was planning to stop at Rare Bird tavern in Traverse City after I checked out Torch one last time. But I was done kayaking early, I only paddled for about 45 mins and floated for a few minutes, while I reported to my mom and sent her my usual morning photos. 

I realized that the restaurant wouldn’t be open for another hour after I arrived. I looked on google maps trying to find places to eat but most places that served hot food didn’t open until noon or 4pm. Well I am definitely not walking around to wait. So I headed home while keeping restaurants on the way checked. I arrived in Cadillac and saw Blue Heron Cafe & Bakery. Yes! I am in. I traveled into downtown Cadillac and just is as small and quiet as the rest of the towns, I walked over to the Cafe. 

A beautiful hole in the wall restaurant with take out bakery or sit down eating. A hot menu, and plain breakfast coffee! Just what I was looking for! They had a few wonderful things I wanted to try. I went for the Smoked Salmon Scrambler and it was divine! The breakfast and coffee hit the spot. The people were amazing and it was such a small and lovely place to eat. It was peaceful and quiet and I am so glad I stumbled across this cafe. 

I headed home and was excited to see my dog and give her the bones I had bought her from Ruff Life Pet Outfitters.

Well this is it! Until Next time!

I am Thinking Port Sheldon or Hocking Hills Next Year!

Boyne City, MI - Day Seven

I actually don’t know what to do today. Being a go,go,go person I don’t know how to handle not doing anything. I shouldn’t spend anymore money. The amount of money I spent on gas is outrageous. And ice. At least $30 in wood. And drinking water. In a way I am ready to go home but I am not ready to get back to everything I temporarily left behind. Work. I am not ready. 

I traveled my way over to Young park. I made a pit stop at a mini park with 5 parking spots. I unloaded my kayak and Perused around Lake Charlevoix for a little bit while drinking my coffee and looking at all the beautiful homes that surrounded the shoreline. She was a hell of a lot calmer today than yesterday. Her beastly waves and being the third largest body of water in Michigan (not counting the Great Lakes) I was almost confident I would not touch her. But today was another story. Such beauty and grace as the waves traveled from edge to edge rocking my kayaking gently from side to side. But I really needed ice and water. So after an hour, I paddled my kayak back to my jeep, loaded up and headed back down the road. I stopped at a gas station and got what was needed. I realized I was smack in the middle of Downtown Boyne City. I found a place to park right across the street so I could walk around. 

The town was small yet quaint. The one thing I liked most about this small little town was the available parking just about anywhere and no parking meters. It’s probably my favorite part of a small town. I was drawn to Lake Charlevoix Coffee Company. I love stopping into local coffee shops and buying a cup of coffee. Of course I found a cool t-shirt as well. Ha. So much for not liking tourist shirts, but they are inspiring to the work I am trying to create for my own business. 

I love coffee shops way more than shopping, going out to eat or even a brewery. Although I love visiting local breweries, I don’t because I am alone and I am responsible for my own driving. Plus drinking in the middle of the day really is not my forte. If I want to try a pub or brewery it has to be a dinner thing with a damn good meal to go with. 

Boyne city shops were nice because not one was much like the other. I really enjoyed the variety each store had to offer. Unlike Ludington where all 6 shops are exactly the same. After I finished walking Boyne city and exploring all the shops had to offer I decided I needed to get back on the water. I made my way to Young Park where I kayaked along the wilderness shoreline before I pulled to shore, caught some sun and did a little swimming and a little reading. 

Kayaking, hiking, beaches and coffee. Just a few of my favorite things. 

I was on Lake Charlevoix reading, swimming or floating around for the better half of my day. And let’s say, I forgot my aloe! And boy do I need it. I am fried. 

I found a small hiking trail called Avalanche Park. A local ski hill. I climbed the 462 stairs to the overlook where you could see most of Lake Charlevoix. I could even see the area I was kayaking around. I then finished the 2.2 mike loop back to my car. That was my last hike as well as my last kayak of my Vacation.

 Tomorrow I depart. I might stop into Traverse City for lunch at that one restaurant but other than that it’s back to my life. I am just about clean out of food. Some had to be tossed before finishing. I am almost out of propane and I am tired of washing dishes without a sink and buying gallons of water. And I probably have enough firewood to have a 40 minute fire. Haaa! I feel if I would have bought at least 2 or 3 more bundles of wood, my fires at night would have been a little bit more enjoyable but I tried to make due with what I had because I was too stubborn to keep buying more. I also burn as much of my trash that I can possibly burn to help with litter waste of our environment. 

Boyne City, MI - Day Six

7/20/2021

I woke up to the most beautiful sunset on the lake. A view I looked forward to most. A view I thought I was receiving on Green Lake. Well, the Sunset from my tent. 

As for last night, my campground not being like a normal campground felt weird to me. My neighbors are loud and I swear they never slept. But we are camping. People like to enjoy their moments. But this allowed for a peaceful morning for me because I am a morning person versus a night owl. Since they all were up past midnight, means they will all sleep well until noon. Leaving me with the peace and quiet I enjoy. I am not surrounded by wonderful old people that I like, so there are no conversations here and meeting new people. Yet. 

So I am allowing myself to rest, because I have three trails to hike, if I get to them, great if not I have tomorrow; I think. I went through my phone and all my texts. Perplexed at the things that they felt needed to be said. Work. And a file? I sent an updated file to the Hudsonville chambers for the mailer and they still posted the old outdated one. How did this happen? Why? Among the list of other things I need to take care of when I get back, this one bothered me. And the one word, texts from my best friend. Okay. Like I know I didn’t leave on vacation on the best of terms but a little conversation would be nice. No. This is why I am here. To escape work. To escape friends. To escape my ever winding mind of why did I say this, think this, do this. Did I complete this? Complete that? Am I missing anything else!  Who cares? In the end it will always be me against the world so what a conversation had gone sour. A work file went wrong and a ton of things needed changing. World I'm not there, it’s your turn. Otherwise wait until I get back like I patiently wait for others when they’re away.

I stare down at my awesome camping grill accessory kit I bought off Amazon and I enjoy it Thoroughly. My cast iron pans. I don’t know how to store them. They’re getting rust all over my car where they lay. This everything bagel seasoning- jalapeño style is an absolutely amazing add on to all my wonderful dishes. I can’t store my onions in a ziplock bag….why did I store them in a ziplock bag!? 

This is honestly the first time I am actually thinking. About everything. I think it’s time to finish breakfast and hike. And I just saw a plane fly close to the water as it’s underbody brushed the tip of the water. I’m in awe. 

I see clouds coming. Wind is picking up and it’s chill hugs my shoulders teasing the goosebumps to come out and play. I grab my hoodie and make my way. 

I made my way to my first hike on the list. Fisherman’s point state park. After long detours and closed roads, what was supposed to be a 15 minute drive turned into 40. Passing through a little downtown of East Jordan, with the skies low and grey, empty on an early Tuesday morning; made the town seem almost ghost-like. 

When it comes to entering into parks, I say having the state park pass, Recreational pass and a bunch of camping registrations in my dash have been useful into getting into just about anywhere with a friendly wave 👋🏼 from a ranger. 

I drove along the road a bit before finding a perfect spot to park. I walked through a small path to find myself on Bells Bay of Lake Michigan and her waves stretched out far from the shore. The sound of her magnificent waves crashed onto her pebbled beach, with a roaring sound as she echoed through the sky dancing in her wild winds. The clouds were letting up and the sun struggled to make her appearance. I walked up along the edge of the water and it wrapped itself around my legs. Searching for rocks created in the water's beauty, I admired all I could see and hear. A deceivingly endless stretch of beach. In the woods behind me, campgrounds scattered about. To camp right on Lake Michigan, just tucked quietly behind a few trees and steps away from sandy ground must be an amazing experience. To hear Lake Michigan crash itself along the shoreline as you sleep is just as peaceful as sleeping to the loons songs under the stars. 

I made my way to Susan’s Nature Preserve, but I wasn’t just ready. I saw something on the map so I decided to travel a touch further and found myself at Big Rock Point Roadside park. Another beautiful sight worth seeing. To sit out here on the rocky shoreline watching the waves crash with the winds is the most beautiful and tranquil feeling. I could stay here forever. But I must get back to my path of Susan Nature Preserve. No. I found something better in Petoskey. Only 20 minutes from here. A waterfall. I’ll hit Susan’s Preserve on my way back to camp or go tomorrow. 

As I fixed myself lunch I realized I lost all my lettuce, most of my eggs are starting to crack. My tomatoes are going bad. And I lost half my cheese. I’m still melting it on my nachos tonight but it’s one big blob of goo. My fruit is also next to being deceased. Oh and I really don’t like Vegan mayonnaise. So making a tuna salad is out of the question. I’ve been using my hummus for my sandwiches. 

I make my way to Petoskey. I visited yet another beautiful site to see. A little waterfall off a park of Lake Michigan at Little Traverse Bay, or what google calls it…Waterfall Area. But I can’t help but hear what appears to be thunder in the distance. I move closer to the sound, moved by its deep dark clashes. Giant grey rocks board the shoreline of the body of Michigan waters. Her waves are ever more fiercely crashing into the rocks making noises of the thunder Gods. Even though I am only 20mins north of where I was just at. Clouds are here again too.

I spent a good hour walking around Petoskey city. I found it felt and looked a lot like Holland, as Charlevoix resembled Saint Joseph. As far as the city goes, Holland and Petoskey are my favorite areas to walk around downtown aimlessly. I favored the coffee shops, dog stores and the unique gift shops and food stores where I could find unique dry rubs, bbq and seasoning. I bought my dog some treats as I cannot come home empty handed. And I enjoyed a cup of iced almond honey latte at Populace Coffee. It’s almost 3 and I think I’ll go hiking at Susan’s Nature’s Preserve and maybe tomorrow on my last day find local places to kayak one last time. Of course as I find places I enjoy and get settled in, that’s when my vacation comes to a close. 

Petoskey also comes in second place for places of scenic value. Ludington - Petoskey - U.P - Holland. 

Downtown shopping Petoskey - Holland - Saugatuck - Saint Joseph- Charlevoix 

I passed by Susan’s Natural Preserve again! Almost as if I really didn’t want to go! I found myself over at North Point Natures Preserve where I hiked a trail that led me to the dunes. Climbed over those which led me straight to the wicked shoreline of Lake Michigan. A few were parasailing these wild waves as I watched them in amusement. I had a glimpse of cell service so I facebook video chatted with my mom. Talked to my dog, which confused her and took my mom along the beach shores allowing her to see the waves in all their glory and the pebble beach sand. 

After an hour or so I decided to make my way back to camp where I made food and to hopefully do some more reading along the shoreline of Lake Charlevoix. I’ve Contemplated about kayaking her but her waves are just as wicked and wild as Lake Michigan. It’s not a lake to mess with. At least not in these conditions. So I shall read.

When I arrived back at camp, some very nice people left their leftover wood on my site. I was very pleased with their gesture. Now to get a fire lit in these windy conditions

And success. These winds are surprisingly very helpful in holding a fire. Best fire I’ve started yet. 

Boyne City, MI - Day Five

7/19/2021

I knew that today was going to be a tight schedule. I got up at 5:30am. Had breakfast and coffee and packed up camp. I left by 7:30 and made my way to Platte River canoes. I have been looking forward to kayak Platte River. Having my own kayak was extremely nice. I arrived upon opening. I unloaded my kayak down at the Bay and paid $12 for a shuttle service in which I then drove down to Lake Michigan beach and waited a few minutes for the shuttle to arrive. There were only a few other girls doing the same. Shuttle came and took us back to the main office. I looked around the shop, nope, no more tourist things for me! But I always still look. I got in my kayak by 8:45 and away I went. 

side note, I will miss hearing the loons at night

Platte River is the most beautiful River and being on it as early as I was, was a great choice. I saw a Red herring. A Blue herring. Huge snapper. Lots of large fish. I am not sure if they were trout, bass and well I know one was a carp. I also saw a beautiful spotted doe. The River was filled with large sized perch. I made my way peacefully and alone down the River which led me into Loon Lake. Another lake I wish I had time to explore. Being in a time crunch I only pursued around for about 20minutes before following back into the river. Some of the other folks on canoes and paddle boards caught up to me. 

Our paddle came up to one of the first tube entrances on the lower river. A huge group got in. There goes my peace? I paddled quickly around and past them. Peace is back. This happened at two more launches. Despite the tubers getting on, Platte river is divine grace. And the water is clear throughout most of the way. Taking my time I searched through the water for life. Watching small and big fish pass under me. Looking at the homes of these animals as I float atop them. I couldn’t have asked for a better morning to start my day. I paddled right out onto Lake Michigan and docked my yak on its sandy dune beaches. I walked around with my toes in it’s white sand and the morning sun resting upon my face. I had 10 minutes to spare before I started my long journey to the next camp. 

Platte river is rated one of my favorite rivers I have traveled on. Such grace and beauty and the end trip is even better. Views from a far of dunes that reached for the sky. 

I begin my two hour trip to Boyne City to my final destination at Whiting Park Campground on Lake Charlevoix. As I was leaving I passed through Traverse City and saw the sign welcome to downtown Traverse City. I realized where I was before, by the state park. That was not downtown Traverse City. And they had some better looking side beach parks too. A City I thought I disliked, because I was not in the right part to begin with. Needless to say, I am coming back with my brother for a late bday present for a Beer tour. So I’ll have another judgment of the City then. I am curious to explore where I haven’t seen.  

I am 45mins out from my destination and I am getting hungry on the drive and extremely tired. I’ve been awake since 5:30 and breakfast at 6:00am. All I’ve had since then were granola bars. I always bring trail mix with me, and I try not to bring ones with chocolate. I reach back for my mixed bag, reach in, famished only to find my fingers surrounded by gooeyness. I didn’t look down because I thought it was warm raisins. Excited to take the handful, I pull up to my mouth at see my fingers covered in melted chocolate while bits of sunflower seeds stuck to my palm. I look around for a napkin, too far for my arm to reach and no way to pull off to the side of the road I decided I only had one choice. I had to lick my fingers clean. Not my finest moment. I proceeded the rest of the way without eating.

I finally got to my campsite , unloaded and looked at the dozen missed messages. One from my best friend. Excited to see the text I soon realized it was a business question. One that could have waited like the rest.  I was not amused. I needed a shower since I haven’t showered since Friday night upon Leaving Camp Cartier back in Ludington. 

After my shower I needed food, like badly. I googled the place I wanted to visit. Trattoria Stella. I had the restaurant listed under my Charlevoix list and when I googled it I realized it was back in Traverse City. I was pissed. I put it on the wrong list. I broke. Hungry, tired, annoyed with unwanted texts and a campground with a weird unfamiliarity. I broke. It seemed to be a trend because when I went to the U.P I broke down on day five as well. 

So I found a top rated restaurant 20minutes away. I thought it was in Charlevoix City but I was soon to find it was not. But it was close. The Landing Restaurant. I pull up and there was a Ferry!! What the heck!?! What is going on!? I watched a couple cars get on then I decided to turn around. I’ll find another way. Google maps clocks it’s at 45minutes to get into town. I look back and see that restaurant is right there. Right across the bay. What am I waiting for? Am I really this scared? What if it’s expensive?!! Screw it.  I pulled closer only to see it was only three dollars. I loaded onto the ferry. Creeped and excited. My car was up front and a car behind me. And two cars to the side. Lady walks up to my car as they’re locking the gates to the ferry. $3 please. I hand her my card and she’s like sorry we don’t accept cards. Um…😳😧😬….oh wait!!! I have $4 in my wallet. Omg 😱 😆 what would have happened if I didn’t have the money?? I couldn't get off! We already started moving! Ey! As we moved across the waterway I saw a mobile app where you can pay via mobile. Oh thank the good graces! I downloaded the app because I would need the ticket to get back. There’s no way I am driving an hour back to camp when using the ferry cuts that time more than half. 

The restaurant was lovely. Absolutely amazing. Food was divine. I’ve always wanted to try a restaurant located right on the water and one where you can just pull your boat up to and eat at the dock of your boat!  Amazing. Just amazing. An accidental experience of a lifetime. But I still was not in Charlevoix just yet. I googled how far it was from me. 9 minute drive. Score! This Ferry business is no joke for cutting corners of driving time. I stopped at a cafe. Even did my usual window shopping and by jolly I actually bought some things. Never would I have thought! Nothing I bought says Charlevoix but they’re things I would utilize and put to good use. Okay they were 2 graphic shirts half off, and camping stickers for my water bottle with a simplistic vintage line drawn design. I found myself by the beachside to watch the waves before heading back to camp. Normally I would read. Reading on vacation is the only thing I look forward to. It’s honestly the only time I read. But I wanted to start a blog. I would write in it 10 days a year. Unless I start to take more vacations. Maybe change up my writing layout. 🤔 we will see how this goes. 

by the way the moon is bloodshot red and beautiful tonight!

Interlochen, MI- Day Four

7/18/2021

I woke up with the mindset of Torch Lake. I made a fabulous breakfast. Egg bagel and a side hash. My favorite seasoning was the everything bagel - jalapeño flavor. I Topped the sandwich with tomato, one leaf lettuce, and avocado. I was going to start my day right. I text the mom good morning and a picture of my breakfast s as I’ve been doing since day one. 

Torch was an hour and a half away from camp so I started the drive at 8:30

From reading Facebook pages, I hear the North End was the dock to go to because it was quieter and easier to deal with. So I started there. It takes 30 minutes from bottom to top of Torch Lake. And by the time I get there, I really had to…💩. I didn’t see an out house at first so I decided to turn around and use another dock. $5 entry fee….okay? So I drove all the way back down, which took longer than 30 mins because of all the road bikers, which frustrated me. I had to go to the bathroom. No gas station or restaurant. This side of the lake was all homes. I get to another dock. No parking lot. No out house. Where the 🦆 is all the boat trailers for those who launch here!?! I step out of my vehicle and see them scattered throughout town. If I didn’t have to 💩 sure. But nope. Drive to the sandbar. Scenic area. At this point it is 11am. And the crowd was gathering. I couldn’t get onto the lake because none of the docks had parking. And I don’t want to park and carry my kayak around town or leave it at the dock. And when leaving the lake I would have to Walk back to my car only to wait hours ( exaggerate) to get back into the dock just to pick up my kayak. Absurd. How can a popular lake have such shitty boat docks/launches with no reasonable parking? Put a large lot across the street damn it! Something!  I started traveling and ready to give up, I saw a truck with a boat turn down a street in my review mirror. I wanted to follow. Maybe he knew something I didn’t. As I did the U turn, there was a launch sign! How the 🦆 are you going to put a launch sign on one side of the road and not the other! I was led down a dirt road which soon led me to a private drive. A DNR boat launch tucked off to the side. I knew this lake was no longer Torch. Yes I have a sense for direction. Could this be Elk? Please be Elk! Yes it was Elk Lake! 

And they had an outhouse! Hallelujah. And a map of Elk and Torch where I noticed there were two…TWO! kayak launches near the sand bar on Torch! Why…why are these not properly marked on their lake! I just don’t understand. The most popular lake in Michigan and the most poorly marked and least amount of parking. Where are these secrets I don’t know to be found!?
but furthermore…

Elk lake was massive and beautiful and full of glory. There were not many homes around the lake and it had about 85% less boaters. I was surrounded by divine beauty, crystal clear water where I could see straight to the bottom and beautiful rock shores with substantial space in between houses of just land and shores. I spent 3 or more hours swimming and kayaking that massive beauty. Elk Lake moved up to my favorite Lake. 

But I still wanted to know what the hype was about Torch. I drove back to the North end boat launch and sure enough tucked away in front of the entrance hidden with trees was the outhouse. And so far I was glad I didn’t see it. I unloaded my Yak and got onto torch and realized that this lake scored lower than Gun Lake in lakes I Dislike. Houses everywhere, no shoreline to park. Yes crystal waters but Elk was more beautiful and less congested with human life. I can’t image what the south end of the lake looked like. I remember when I drove by the main boat dock near the rental place, the sandbar was packed around 11. All I could think was gross! My party beach days are over. I enjoy quiet peaceful trips where I am wrapped in the arms of nature’s beauty. Torch Lake I will not visit you ever again unless I rent a boat to what…drive around the lake drunk to park and drink? Pass. Been there and done that. 

Next I decided to see what Traverse City had to offer. It was bumper to bumper. Nope, I guess I am not visiting the town. But like I said before, I don’t need another tourist shirt, or shot glass or nicknack. I am good with not walking around the town. I went to the state beach and I barely got in. Only to stick my toes in the water and decide…. I don’t like Traverse City. 

I decided to hike one of the two trails on my list. It was 5pm, I was hungry so I picked the one closer to camp. Lost Lake Pathway. 

I lathered up in Poison Ivy block and bug spray. But man oh man. Those bugs were awful. Spinning around my head and diving into my face. I had to sprint a couple of times just to get away. I came across a few lookouts into Dumont Lake. Absolutely beautiful and I wish I had time to explore the wonders of that lake. The trail nearly side by side the entire time while the hike- in camping sites of the state forest were on the other side of the trail. I soon realized that camping out here would be rough because of all the Ivy and those damn bugs who like to circle my head! Lost lake trailhead was supposed to lead you to a hidden lake called Christmas lake but the one and only view spot was kind of awful. Guarded by large trees and overgrown bushes I could barely see and as I started to explore more I got swarmed with three large flies which practically chased me out and off the trail back to my jeep. That’s enough for one day I said. 

Sunday was the most disappointing and stressful day. But I bottled it back only to explode later. 

Interlochen, MI - Day three

7/17/2021

I kayaked more parts of Lincoln lake after I packed and was getting ready to leave for Interlochen. I also stopped at the off road beach and killed a little time in the sun before I left for my hour or so journey. 

When I arrived I could see lakes on both sides of me. Duck lake to the Right where the main campground lays. To the left, where I stayed, Green Lake. I check in at the main office over in duck lake, I turn around and head to my site. All excited that I’m going to be right on the lake, only to find out I was not. I eventually toured both campgrounds only to find all campgrounds were above water. And a stairway lead you down into the water. I was deeply saddened. Disappointed and thrown off. I did not read the map the way it showed. And the boat dock I thought I was by, was a road down. 

I set up my tent, and had a quick lunch, as I ate in disappointment, I stared at the ground only to witness wasps digging holes into the ground. Omg. What did I sign up for? I realized that two of them were digging next to my tent so slowly I walked over and moved my tent more so under the tree and under to pine bedding. I sprayed myself and my tent with bug spray and left for my next hike. 

I had to tell myself that it’s okay not to like a site because I’m only sleeping there. I have plans for my day to be out kayaking and hiking. I am only at the tent when I’m eating dinner and sleeping. Everything will be okay. 

I will soon realize that I  never allow myself to rest or enjoy time by the fire at my site. It’s up at 7am and go, go, go until 7pm. 

My first trip from Interlochen was Empire Bluff and I walked past the lookout. I thought it was called Royal bluffs but honestly I can’t remember nor find it on the map. But I went pretty far through the trail. It was a breathtaking and beautiful trail. Now I didn’t do Sleeping Bear Dunes because I was there a year or so ago with my dad and once I’ve been to one place, I like to have a nice three or more year gap before I visit again. Especially if it is just scenic. Maybe if it was kayaking a place I’d go back?. It seems more likely than sight seeing.

After my return from Empire Bluff, I drove over to check out Duck lake, the lake from the other side of the road from my campground. Let’s just say, it was not worthy of my approval to kayak. It was very busy lake and there were a ton of boaters. I turned back and headed back to my campground lake; Green Lake. And what a beauty it was. I could see right down to the bottom. Crystal clear and full of wildlife. There were 80% less boaters on that lake than the other. And that is fine, we don’t need a congestion of people to ruin nature’s beauty. Starving and tired, for I don’t even think I had lunch that day, I headed back to camp to make dinner after only after less than an hour on the water.

Ludington MI - day two

7/16/2021

I got up early and was excited to cook once again! After making my hearty breakfast I decided to kayak the lake our campground sat on. Lincoln lake. I went as far out as I dared, being a rather large and heavily earthy lake; I didn't want to paddle too far, so I let myself float with the current while I drank my coffee and read a book. 

Next I walked around the town. Now camping, I am not a shopper. Who am I trying to fool? I hate shopping all together. Food and accessories. I’m not a materialistic gal. I guess that’s one thing that separates me from most women. I spend so much money on gas, Ice and firewood, when it comes to leisure spending it’s extremely hard too. Same with going out to eat. I have to drag myself and the tooth and nail to go out and enjoy food. Harder when I know I make damn good food myself. You think being on vacation it would be easier to go out to eat, but it’s not. Not a shopper or out to eater.

When rating Ludington for it’s scenery, it is top notch. You can drive a few miles to the state park, and park off the side of the road to climb a dune and get into the beach before even reaching the state beach. Or on the other side of the road, climb the endless sea of dunes. The amount of lakes,  dunes, and hikes are endless and absolutely beyond its beauty. I have yet to find a town to surpass its supreme outdoor activities. Everywhere you turn there is something fun and worthwhile. 

When rating the town of Ludington, as far as shopping I would give it a low 2. There are not many shops, and there is almost really just one road of shops and they all have the same things. I don’t need another tourist shirt in my closet. I don’t need another shot glass, keychain, stickers or nicknacks. I don’t really need anything at all. This purchase has to benefit me as a camper and out in my daily life. Either that it has to be cool enough and resonate with me in someway for me to buy and that can be hard to come by. I’ll go into every shop and not buy one thing. 

When rating food in Ludington, we’ll I can’t say much because I’ve only been to one restaurant and that was a year or so ago at House of Flavors. I do hear that Keepers Fish Shack is good. But I don’t ever really travel for food so rating a town for food is something I can’t really do. 

I kayaked the little Au sable River that leads right out into Lake Michigan. I wanted to kayak Hamlin lake, but getting to the boat dock was impossible and it wasn’t until my hike where I saw kayakers parking and dragging their Yaks to the beach through the grass. So Lake Hamlin and Au sable River are separated by a beautiful damn. A ton of people float in tubes down the River and if the current is okay, the rangers will let you stay and float into the big lake. Otherwise they make you get out and walk back to your vehicle. Being a kayaker I parked at the beach and walked through the sandy land and climbed a couple dunes and walked into Lake Michigan. Such a beautiful spot to be. But first, how I got into the River. Right after the dam there’s a spot where a trail leads from the parking lot to there. It’s not a long walk, but it’s not a short one either. It’s all pathed and trees along the sides. Not much for dragging the kayak. So I carried my yak. It took me only a few minutes but my yak is heavy and I had to make two trips. One for the yak and the other for my stuff. 

Afterwards I took the trail along Lost Lake. 

The trail was partial woods and partial walking along the water lines of Hamlin Lake. An outstanding beauty and full of life. It is definitely a place to visit. The trail has so much more going on than I had time for. I am just glad to got to see what I could and hike what I could hike. 

By the end of the day I was ready for my new adventure but part of me just wanted to hike more dunes. But it was time to go onto my next adventure. Days like these make me wish I had a trail bike, exploring at a more at a faster rate. I think it would work well with my go, go, go attitude. 

One of the things I bought on Amazon, my solar charger. I used one full charge and then it just stopped working. The lights kept flashing on and it wouldn't shut off. And well, what I thought was going to be useful tool turned out to be a waste. 

Ludington, MI - Day One

7/15/2021

I arrived on vacation two days early. I had nothing booked until Saturday in Interlochen MI. 

I spent my Tuesday buying food and prepping. Wednesday came and my only task was to relax. I had a hard time with it. I was antsy and getting depressed. Was I going to find a place? I’ve been searching online for months and with everything booked it’s hard and m.y favorite sites are the ones you pull into. No reservations needed. Thursday came, I grabbed my last minute items like ice and a tarp. I needed a tarp. I took off to Ludington. My favorite city. I stopped at my favorite campground. I knew it was going to be full but I had to make sure. Buttersville campground. Full. I asked for some non-reservation sites and the current ranger gave me two places. My gut and mind told me to go for the first one. Cartier. I tried to call ahead of time but no answer. So I headed that way. When I arrived the gentleman was very nice and he had a ton of rustic campsites available. Including one ☝️ small electric site left. I paid the extra cash and got that one. 

The campground was very cute and everything I would expect a campground to be. I was pleased with my choice. My brain was scattered from the stress of both my jobs. Even though I had a few days off prior, my mind was not fully on vacation yet. I was not relaxed. I set up a tent. Constantly pacing in where to put my phone, where to put my keys, where to put anything really. Of course I lost my keys!! I’ve only been there an hour. I’ve only traveled to the bathroom, and made my trip up again for the search of the missing keys. It left me puzzled when they did not appear. I went back, calmly, more confused than anything. I tore apart my jeep and tent. Nothing. I walked frazzled to the main office asking if anyone had turned in missing keys recently; since I’ve seen about 5 or more kids pass through the bathhouse since I’ve arrived. Yet again, nothing. I went back into the tent, moved my stuff once more and there they lay. Embarrassed; is what slightly angered me. More or less I knew I needed to decompress and fast. So after I found the keys, my first trip I went to hike to lighthouse Au Sable. 

The trail was easy, quaint and not many bugs if any. The views at Ludington are endless. I walked along the shore and walked a few dunes. I returned around 6 for dinner and man, cooking on my new fancy camper grill is my favorite thing. 

When it came to food, I brought sweet potatoes versus regular because they’re full of sugar and I feel they're healthier and more filling than a standard potato. I brought a ton of vegetables with me, onions (two types) tomatoes, peppers, onions, mushrooms, carrots and some canned beans, salsa, dips like hummus and pineapple corn salsa. 

I found when it came to vegetables, carrots did not hold up. I took one out of the bag and had to toss the rest later on. My red leaf lettuce held well in a container, and not in my cooler. In fact none of my veggies I kept in the cooler except my kale and mushrooms or once they were cut. Kale lasted until day 4 before I had to toss. I ate all but half a green pepper by day four before I had to toss. 

When making a fire for the first night I was struggling for I had no paper. Haha. The camper across from me saw my struggle and grabbed some tongs, grabbed a piece of white burning wood and brought it to me. Another camper offered me paper. My neighbors were lovely and I enjoyed camping next to elder people. I even held an older man's dog for him because he just arrived, needed to use the John, but had no idea where to put his dog after he walked up there. Seeing him confused I offered my assistance. We talked all the way back to the site. He was also a new neighbor. We’ll say after that, he tied Teddy, his 1 year old black lab, up to the Picnic table when he left for the bathhouse next time. I enjoyed watching all the campground kids go over to his site and play with his dog while they pestered him with a trillion questions and stories.