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. 

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.