A return to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a few days and then on to Minneapolis! The last (and only other) time we visited the UP was to pick up the Scamp over four years ago. We were not able to explore the area during that whirlwind of a trip so going back at some point was always the plan. We headed north across the Mackinac Bridge to Otter Lake Campground (had to break out the head mosquito nets for this place) located near Munising, MI. Steve and I explored a few hikes in the area to see Pictured Rocks, Munising Falls, Sand Point Marsh, indulged in a Pasty (past-tea), tasted local smoked salmon, and felt the cold waters of Lake Superior! The scenery in the UP is spectacular and we were fortunate to have spent time there prior to the summer tourist crowds.
Pasty (Past-Tea), a folded pastry case with a savory filling typically of seasoned meat and vegetables along with locally smoked salmon! Check out the website below for more Pasty history. “Yooper” means a native or inhabitant of the Upper Peninsula.
Saying “farewell” to the UP meant driving through Wisconsin and on to Minneapolis to say “howdy” to Steve’s cousin Niki and her husband Mike! Oh the shenanigans, laughing, libations, scrumptious food, music, nearby strolls, catching up on laundry, marvelous hot showers, a Scamp clean out, and quick stop at the Mall of America. The weather in Minneapolis was perfect and spring sprung as we spent five relaxing and glorious days there! Fun Fact: Honey Crisp apples were created at the University of Minnesota in 1960. Thanks a million to Niki and Mike for taking us in, we look forward to catching up with them on the road!
Minneapolis
As the sun set in Minnesota we realized that throughout our travel so far we had the opportunity to see all five of the Great Lakes and the mighty Mississippi! We have had it pretty easy so far alternating camping and staying with family/friends. My next post will be from South Dakota with fewer comforts available and new experiences to share! Thanks for following along!
Coddiwompling “To Travel in a Purposeful Manner Towards a Vague Destination”
“As long as I do not take myself too seriously I should not be too badly off.” - Prince