Neighbors Gone Wild | Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Two years ago, I was lucky enough to move into a house on Spartan Avenue with three lovely ladies and with four awesome neighbors. One of the guys next door, Alex, lives in Iron Mountain, Michigan, all the way up in the UP. Soooo Shiv (my roommate) and I had been planning our first ever backpacking adventure to be with him up in "The Porkies", or just "The Keys" as Alex says, for ages.

Getting there was an adventure in itself, but then again, it always is with the two of us. We had to make a few stops on the way... Cops & Donuts to take up north (obviously) because we stayed overnight at my sister, Laura's, in Clare, and Ace Hardware to get bungee cords and a tarp as last minute supplies to throw in our packs. Apparently there is also a Lucas Road in Feech, Michigan, about a half an hour away from Iron Mountain, so we took a little detour. Thanks, Apple Maps. Google got us back on track, though, and one time change later we finally made it to his beautiful childhood home! There we also met his friend, Brock (aka Swan), who would be joining us on the journey.

Continuing our not so great luck of the day, a tornado was supposed to hit that evening so we packed into his Hummer truck real quick and headed off to his cabin. While inside the grocery store, the sky opened up and poured rain while the tornado sirens went off.

By the time we finished drinks, burgers, and pool at the Wooden Nickel, though, the weather had cleared up! We finally arrived at "the Arcaro slice of heaven", a gorgeous log cabin built by The Pro (his dad).

Clear skies also meant that we could take the four wheelers down to the lake and cram into his tiny little paddle boat to go fishing. I HATE fish, so when the huge one he had on his line snapped it and took the lure, I wasn't too upset about it, though Alex was ;)

Breakfast at the diner in Watersmeet fueled us up for our first day's hike. We stopped at the scenic overlook of Lake of the Clouds before heading to the Lake Superior Trail. Annnnnd we were off!

We weren't exactly sure what we got ourselves into, but man was it beautiful. We dubbed our first two stopping points "Tortured Tree Turnoff" and "Rookie's Ridge", both pretty self-explanatory. Our campsite, "Da Ferns" looked out through a picture frame of trees onto Lake Superior where we watched the sunset and stargazed into the night. I'm pretty confident that the water we filtered from the stream feeding Lake Superior was the coldest, freshest, tastiest water I've ever tried. Oh, and Alex almost lit himself on fire and we sort of accidentally hiked a mile down the beach to make sure we had the best campsite possible, but now we've got plenty of memories ;)

Day two took us back the way we had come, into town for a few more supplies, and then onto the North Mirror Lake Trail. Three miles of hills and bogs were definitely trying, but "The Meditiation Station" (our campsite on Mirror Lake) was beyond worth it. There we watched a storm roll in across the water, the boys fished for hours, I sketched on a log, and we taught Brock to play Euchre like a true Michigander. We had been prepared for a storm but nothing hit and we lucked out to pack up dry tents in the morning.

Correction Line was supposed to be our shortest hike, but was one of the most challenging by far. It was about three miles of complete swamp with fallen trees and mud holes to navigate every other step. Just when we thought we had arrived at our Big Carp River camping spot, we had to cross the river. There was a blue dot on the trees on either side of the river, but no bridge. And I had no water shoes. And we were obviously carrying all our gear. So I rolled up my pants and trudged barefoot through the icy cold water to what might have been my favorite campsite of the trip, "The Final Resting Place"! (It was reallllly hard to choose between the three.) Alex caught three trout at "Supper's Bend" and we roasted them over the fire. I've never tasted fish so yummy and fresh! It was a great change of pace from the backpacking food, though I dehydrated my own using my cousin's recipe book and it was all pretty good if I do say so myself (the Mud Pie and Red Beans + Rice were bomb). Then again, you get pretty hungry after a day of hiking so anything tastes pretty good.

 

We had a lazy last morning before embarking on part of the Big Carp River Trail. Poor Alex lost a second fishing lure that morning so we had no fish for breakfast. Our hike then took us straight uphill for about three miles. I was so close to my breaking point with a blister rubbing my heel, mosquitoes swarming my head, and sweat dripping down my back when we finally reached "Shivone's Lookout" boasting sweeping views of tree studded mountains. All we saw for miles was breathtaking green blanketed by a clear blue sky. Nature, it seems, has a funny way of rewarding people in that way. I am sure that I so appreciated that view a million times more after having worked so hard for it.

 

 

I think our bedraggled, somewhat loopy selves scared away the other tourists when we arrived back at the Lake of the Clouds lookout where we had begun a few days before, but we made it! It was honestly one of my favorite trips I've ever taken - full of beautiful sights, wonderful people, quiet moments, and genuine laughter. Everyone gave their all, nature held nothing back, and I couldn't have asked for more.

The pizza at the bar on the way home tasted amazing and a shower at the Arcaro cabin felt like a luxury.  One last night at Alex's and we had to head back south again so I could catch a 6pm meeting. Arby's on Highway 2 and a stop for Mackinac fudge were must-do's, however. Reality finally struck, but the mountains definitely left their mark and I will return soon!

The places we went: 

• Cops & Donuts | Clare, Michigan 
• The Wooden Nickle | Iron River, Michigan
• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park | Ontonogan, Michigan
• The diner with no name | Watersmeet, Michigan
• Upchuck's | Kenton, Michigan

The First of Many | Chicago, Illinois

My sister, Erin, recently took a new job in Chicago, Illinois and moved back close to us from Phoenix, Arizona! Although I really loved the chance to visit her, explore the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Phoenix area, and experience southwestern US culture, I am beyond incredibly excited to have her so near to me as I will live in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the next year come August.

Looking at my crazy summer calendar and her still mostly empty (but ever so charming) new apartment, we decided that last weekend would be perfect for me to come visit, keep her company, and help her settle in. Spontaneous trips are some of the best, and that's precisely what this was when I bought my bus and train tickets less than 24 hours before my departure and threw together a suitcase full of essentials.

My roommate dropped me off at the Megabus station in East Lansing Friday morning and before I knew it we pulled into Union Station. She was still at works so, of course, I patiently waited for her by camping out in Starbucks by the river. Walking in a bit flustered as I was dragging a suitcase through a crowded city while tired and hungry, I ran into a friend from Midland, Michigan! So random. He happened to be visiting his brother for the weekend and was waiting for him, as well. What are the chances?!

Throughout the weekend, my love for the Windy City continued to grow. There's such a friendly, mid-western feel in Chicago. It's a big city with a million things to do, but people are so warm and kind at every corner. I got free Starbucks when my app would not work, doors held open for me while struggling with a suitcase, was offered directions trying to make my way onto the L, and offered lots of smiles and friendly greetings by kind strangers. It's a definitely place I could make myself home in. 

It ended up being a perfect weekend balancing a fun night at the bar and comedy show, morning workouts by the lake, and a day long trip to Ikea. A couch was purchased, clothes found their way to the closet, I experienced Trader Joe's for the first time, and we filled our bellies with lots of good foods. Just getting to spend time together was the highlight of my weekend, but here are a few of the highlights we found near (and maybe not so near to) her new Lakeview home.
 

[Strolling by North Pond nestled in Lincoln Park]

[A skyline I could get used to]

[Michigan is over there somewhere...]

[Art in the park]

[Maybe one day we'll own one of these yachts]

[The Brewster, her new building]

[The "Titanic elevator" run by the doorman]

• Galway Bar: This little dive bar in the basement of her building was the most cozy place for a $3 happy hour drink. It had old school video games, a reading nook, darts, delicious popcorn, and a warm glow from the Christmas light decor. It totally would fulfill my dream to have a local neighborhood bar like the one in How I Met Your Mother. 
• The Rocks: We discovered this place in search of a good burger for a late dinner. It definitely hit the spot! Try one of their signature styles or create your own. Get the curly fries, too. 
• The Laugh Factory: Groupon led us to this little gem. Seven comedians provided a little variety and a lot of adult-only laughs for a fun Friday night out. 

• Stan's Donuts: Erin had already discovered these for my dad's birthday, but we made a visit for coffee before our six mile walk along the lakeshore. Next time I need to return for donuts and one of their signature gelato shakes (but maybe not in the same visit). 
• Revolution Brewery & Taproom: Found on a list of free things to do around the northern neighborhoods, this was one of our favorites! Revolution has a taproom and offers free tours of their brewing facility on the weekends. They fill up fast so we went early to enjoy a few pints before the free tour where they actually provide a free pint. Did I mention both were free? There's also a Revolution pub downtown with some great looking food to go with their awesome beer that we might have to check out next time. 

• Renaldi's Pizza: I loved this place just down the street from Erin as it totally brought me back to Italian street pizza! They serve huge, paper thin slices to-go that are warmed up in an oven behind the counter. It felt just like what I used to enjoy as I strolled through the streets of Rome. It helped that their margherita pizza was deliciously fresh and their breadsticks stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese that totally hit the spot. 
• I Dream of Falafel: Our brother Patrick guided us to his favorite Mediterranean food downtown. We got plates full of quinoa, couscous, hummus, baba ganoush, chickpeas, falafel, tahini, tzatziki, pita, and more that was all delightful. So was the baklava and other desserts we sampled. Definitely dreaming of returning!

On my list for next time: 

• Eat at Slurping Turtle: As I love to bake (and eat sweets), Erin sent me a list of the best cookie places in the US. Chicago, of course, made it on the list twice. Slurping Turtle was heralded for its macarons, and upon further research their ramen was raved about, too. 
• Drinks at top of Hancock Building: It's a bit cliche and pricey, but instead of going up to the Sky Deck of Sears (or Willis as its now called) Tower, I want to spend my money on a drink at the Signature Lounge while taking in a view of the skyline. 
• Walking along The Bloomingdale Trail: Supposedly an old rail line, the city is turning this into a three-mile walking and running trail. Not necessarily a nature-filled path to run along, but I'm intrigued by the urban feel it will offer during a morning or evening stroll.

Erin had to work Monday morning but I got to go for a run by the lake before meeting up with her for lunch and hopping on the train home. It was quite perfect. I'm sure this weekend trip was the first of many.

Am I still in Michigan? | Winter Carnival at Michigan Tech

Michigan is a seriously big state. You can drive over nine hours and still be in the UP, which is technically part of Michigan but it's really a place of its own. For some crazy reason, I decided to make the trek from East Lansing all the way up to Houghton in the Keweenaw Peninsula -- a long, dark, snowy drive up I-75, over the Mackinac Bridge, and into the boonies.  

I might complain about how long of a drive it was, but was really pretty, too. 

I arrived with my friend Marie, also visiting a childhood friend, well into the evening but as it was the Winter Carnival all-nighter, that didn't particularly matter. Campus was alive with students ambling around, drinks in hand, indiscreetly disguised as travel cups of coffee as others furiously chiseled and shoveled snow into impressive sculptures. Catherine's warm hug and joyful greeting was the best kind of welcome. I was SO happy to see her (and perhaps a bit excited to get inside as I was unloading my suitcase up a snowy hill in freezing temperatures). 

After the all-nighter and a breakfast of funfetti pancakes, we trekked up to Copper Harbor to snowshoe around. I had never snowshoed but borrowed my mom's since she recently got into it and was pleasantly surprised that they were a lot easier to walk in than I had expected. We saw this little guy along the road and stopped to watch him with all his friends.

The happy newlyweds enjoyed the view so naturally I creeped to get a cute photo. 

We went around Houghton to see the snow sculptures that had been finished and judged. The theme was "as snow accumulates at alarming rates, we show our love for the fifty states". Basically they all had to do with America -- landmarks, big cities, McDonalds, bald eagles, ya know. Some were night long and some month long. The month long ones were so incredible! They seriously took up the entire yards and were full of details carved out of snow and sculpted from ice. 

The night long ones were pretty cool, too. They just weren't quite on the same level.

Cath and I got to spend Friday afternoon together as she showed me the cute little town of Houghton, explored the shops, and got delicious pizza! We ate it at the Keweenaw Brewing Company next door where they delivered for free. Pizza and beer? I was a happy girl. On our way home from Copper Harbor we had also grabbed a beer at Brickside Brewery. Lots of good stuff to try up there! We even got a night out at the bars. They're a lot more casual up there, but I totally loved wearing my flannel out. So comfy. 

For the very last day, James took Mike (his friend visiting from Boston) and I to hike up Hungarian Falls. It was a bummer that Cath was sick for the last day, but James kindly took on the role of tour guide. I had never seen a frozen waterfall, let alone climb one. I think James thought I was a little crazy at first, but I did it and he followed suit! There's always room for adventure, right?! 

And with that, the weekend came to a close. It was a whirlwind of a trip and quite a drive both ways. Cath's knew a friend also returning to East Lansing so I was able to hitch a ride and even stop for a pasty on the way home -- a must eat in the Yoop! I've still got lots more to explore in this beautiful state so I best get to planning my next trip.