I'm not sure when I first learned of the Pictured Rocks. I'm quite sure I didn't know it was in Michigan. Michigan, was, to me, the land of auto-makers, industrial plants and a burned-out Detroit. But I do remember seeing a picture of the magnificent sandstone cliffs at some point in my life and longing … Continue reading On the Shores of Gitche Gumee
Hiking
An Excellent Plan B
My long run.... My weekend did not work out as planned. I wanted to go to a bonfire Saturday night, so I did my long run Saturday morning. I was exhausted, as usual, but I took a long nap to get ready for a late night out. About 5 PM I got an email with … Continue reading An Excellent Plan B
Going longer… Getting stronger….
This weekend had a little bit of everything in it. I spent Friday evening with friends at two different art exhibit openings, Saturday with my spiritual community and Sunday out in nature. I even got a chance to cook some nice meals for myself and get enough sleep. While my house is not spic 'n … Continue reading Going longer… Getting stronger….
Don’t Be a Pantywaist
I woke up really emotional this morning. Perhaps I've been affected by spending several days in the woods. Maybe it's the coffee I drank yesterday. Or it could be the releasing of all the stress of the last few weeks and finally relaxing my guard. It doesn't really matter. All I know is that I … Continue reading Don’t Be a Pantywaist
Hiking in Newaygo and Coffeehouse #8: The Bitter End
Ahhhhhh.... finally. I've been waiting and waiting and waiting. Today it was warm enough and dry enough to get out for a long hike on the North Country Trail. Yes, I can hike around for a an hour or two with my dog in the snow, but I was looking forward to a day warm … Continue reading Hiking in Newaygo and Coffeehouse #8: The Bitter End
Coffeehouse #6: Play Date in Muskegon
Tomorrow it will be 55 degrees and raining. The snow will disappear like whipped cream in my mocha. I decided I'd best pack up my girl and head into the woods before it was all gone. We'll probably get more, but you never know. Better to strike while the iron is hot, I always say. … Continue reading Coffeehouse #6: Play Date in Muskegon
Sundays in Sawyer: Dancing With Darkness
It was dark when I left out this morning at 8 AM. Christmas lights sparkled red and green against the soft luminescent snow. The Winter Solstice is this week - Thursday to be exact. I love Solstice celebrations. When I think of the significance of lightness and darkness in our lives, it makes sense to … Continue reading Sundays in Sawyer: Dancing With Darkness
Yoopers, Fudgies and Trolls: North Country Trail Conference
Two years ago when I was hiking in North Carolina, I ran into a couple who was very active in the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. They told me I should check it out. Promises of meeting like-minded people and getting inspired to hike the Appalachian Trail really attracted me to the idea but I never got … Continue reading Yoopers, Fudgies and Trolls: North Country Trail Conference
Going Up and Up and Up: The UP
"Go West, young man," is the rallying cry that drove many of our forefathers to the Western U.S. to find their fortunes. For some reason, my compass always tells me to "Go North, young lady". Now that I live north, the only place to go is to the top of the world that ends at … Continue reading Going Up and Up and Up: The UP
A Watery Loop Deep in the Woods
In planning a hike for my first day here, I got out my handy guide to hiking in the Upper Peninsula and researched the popular hikes. Some were heavily traveled. Nope, I'm not looking for that. Some were not well-marked, and the guide said to bring a compass. Hmmm... I'm not that confident in my navigational … Continue reading A Watery Loop Deep in the Woods
