Munising Michigan; we're pretty north!

It never gets old driving along a coastline. Especially when the windows are down, the cool water breeze is blowing through your hair and you know you are headed to a place like nothing else. Never. We pulled into Munising Michigan into Pictured Rocks RV park after we missed the turn twice. You know when you are researching a campsite and reading the reviews and almost every review says signage could be better and they missed the turn? Yep. Add us to that list. But we did it twice! Because...you know...go big! It was a relief to drive into a pull through spot in a very open park and set up quickly. I just love when that happens don't you? Especially since Google Maps tried to take us down some pretty shady roads! Alas set up went well and our neighbors were friendly! Once settled we headed to Miner's Castle. This formation is great to visit with families. A short walk to the visitor's platform and you can see the beautiful formation! There are two overlook points to view from different perspectives! See the little kayakers down there!

That blue green water, the clay and orange formations....unbelievable! The kayakers look so small compared to the deep underworld of the water below! Miner's Castle is one of the most recognizable formations; it is a definite add on to the list! Here is a different viewpoint. You can see for miles!

Next Miner's beach! Only a short drive from Miner's Castle and a perfect way to relax the late afternoon away! Have you heard the little rumors about Upper Peninsula and the crazy angry biting flies? I mean I read about them...I spoke to a few campers in the laundry room that warned me of them, and as they spoke my eyes would get big and my thoughts would shudder to think of these terrible little buggers! But lucky for us we scraped by so far on the trip with only a few little ouches along the way. Until today...Cooper reached up to run his fingers through his hair and yeaouch! Right on the hand! Poor guy! I believe it was a gargantuan deer fly that bit my poor little buddy on the hand. Red welt and a few pain tears in the corner of his eyes we were tromping to the beach to numb that bite in the cool waters of Lake Superior. Ugh flies...

Miner's beach is so surreal to me. It was very relaxing. Phil planted his chair in the sand and covered his face with his straw sun hat and Cooper and I took turns running in and out of the bone chilling water! Smooth round stones line the shoreline and the sand is deep with footprints of visitors before. There are a few really cool formations and the adventurers took to scale and jump off into the water. I chickened out in the first 5 minutes; Cooper had helpers and I smiled and prayed that he'd conquer the climb and not get hurt. But I couldn't have been more proud or relieved when he surrendered and came back to safety. I love how carefree and lazy this beach was. There were several families but everyone had their own space enjoying the afternoon.

To finish off the Miner's trio we visited Miner's Falls! This is about a 1/4 mile walk with a gentle downward dirt path through the Northwoods which leads to two overlooks. Enjoy views of the Miners Basin along the way. The fast-flowing Miners River drops about 50 feet over a sandstone outcrop, creating the park's most powerful waterfall. There are about 64 steps down to the lower viewing platform and some of the brave were right down at the bottom of it!

On the road home we stopped at the ever famous Muldoon's Pasties. Meat pie! Yes! The story and history of these one handed meals are what drew us in! You can read all about the historic story of the pasty. while you take that big bite and savor the cozy flavors! They are truly a comfort! A full moon back at the campsite was such a peaceful way to enjoy the night. What I love about Pictured Rocks RV park is the openness and tree surrounds. It made for great stargazing as we sat at the fire and visited with camping neighbors. Nice small conversations with the warm flames toasting our toes; a slight chill in the air, the full moon cascading its glow and a little crocheting in the dark. Such peace! Northern Michigan can certainly bring on the relaxation!