Five years ago a friend of ours passed away. Cancer really is a bitch. She was just 52 years young. The loss sparked a discussion contemplating what to accomplish before time got away from us and we agreed that traveling the United States was an adventure to fit in somehow. My ambitious thoughts on purchasing a camper trailer fit right into this plan and so the Scamp story begins. Leaving our Cincinnati life, family and friends was not an easy decision but the timing was right. We made the choice to begin this travel journey in-between our Cincinnati jobs and starting work life again in Buffalo.
Packed and Ready to Roll!! Mom’s house, Peace Bridge, and a GREAT street name!
I am currently writing this blog sitting in a brewery (By George with WiFi!) in Munising, MI drinking an IPA of course. Lake Superior is just up the road, a lake deserving of its name. We began our voyage crossing the Peace Bridge from Buffalo to Canada. FYI - If anyone is interested in traveling to Canada make sure you complete the ArriveCAN app before arriving at the border crossing, it is mandatory and easy to do on your phone. We had no planned stops in Canada since we were just traveling the five hours through to Michigan. At the US border, on the way back into the United States, the US border patrol made a face when we we stated our overnight stop would be just outside of Flint, MI. Despite his adverse reaction our campground was quiet, still pre-season camping at Wolverine Campground!
After a peaceful one night stay at Wolverine we headed towards Traverse City, MI area to visit our dear friends Lynn and Dave for three nights. Steve and I have both fallen for this beautiful area of Michigan full of smaller lakes, wineries, cider businesses, delicious food and multitude of activities. I could not stop myself from stating every time near water how clear it was (in between gobbling sour cherry gummies of course - this is the cherry capitol). My repetition of this fact was probably annoying but so TRUE! If you ever travel this way be sure to stop at Lynn’s extended family farm, Altonen Orchards. The produce, cider, wine and view are spectacular. Our visit here was amazing and set a high bar for our travels, already looking forward to returning. A HUGE THANK YOU to Lynn and Dave for their hospitality and friendship.
YES!!! The water is THIS CLEAR!
Our next campground stay was at Tee Pee Campground located just east of the Mackinac Bridge directly on Lake Huron. The view was spectacular and the first day was spent napping and lounging in my camp chair watching the ferries transporting to and from Mackinac Island. After a much needed day of rest we went full steam exploring the area attractions; Fort Michilimackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Mackinac Island, Arch Rock, and Grand Hotel where the movie “Somewhere in Time” was filmed.
Tee Pee Campground, what a view!
View from the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Tower
Mackinac Island - View from our Ferry
The Grand Hotel Adventure!
Final Photos from Mackinac City. Couldn’t help myself - had to capture this enormous wiener, fudge and the Mackinac Bridge!
Our first seven days on the road have been incredible: seeing friends, family and new sights! We have been discovering the quirks of the Scamp with this longer trek which will become even more apparent as we soon begin to camp at locations without running water, electricity and accessible bathrooms. We feel prepared for the challenges! Next stop will be the Upper Peninsula in Michigan and Minneapolis, MN. I have included website links below for anyone interested in more information regarding the places we have been.
Coddiwompling “To Travel in a Purposeful Manner Towards a Vague Destination”
“Come with me, where dreams are born and time is never planned.” - Peter Pan