A small town 4th of July

After 10 days away from home, we had experienced lots of new things.  It had been fun, but after all of our adventures, I was exhausted.  I think Maddie and Imke had settled pretty well into our travel routine at this point and we were all happy to be back in the Keweenaw for the 4th of July holiday weekend.  We had chosen to stay in Eagle Harbor so we could enjoy a more peaceful and quiet weekend away from the tourist-filled Copper Harbor and I'm happy we did.

The first morning there was spent doing pretty much nothing.  We lounged in our room and relaxed. It was so peaceful and quiet.  But as early afternoon arrived, I was ready for lunch and decided we'd take a drive to find some.  Of course we needed some sweet treats from Jamsen's to make it through our day,  but where would we get lunch?

The Fitz

I decided we would make a big circle, driving to Copper Harbor, Eagle River, Great Sand Bay and back to Eagle Harbor for our day's adventure.  So we hopped into the Jeep and headed along the shore to Copper Harbor where we were lucky enough to show up as a fresh batch of turnovers was just about to come out of the oven!  What a treat!

Eagle River

Our next stop was Eagle River and The Fitz for the best brisket North of Texas and the best view to eat that brisket too!  It was a bit breezy and cool on the Lake, but we still enjoyed every bite of brisket and mac and cheese followed by a short walk on the beach!

Eagle River Store

 While walking the beach I noticed a couple with ice cream cones and decided that we were going to treat ourselves to some ice cream too.  So we were off to the Eagle River Store.  This small store is owned by an older, local couple.  It offers some limited necessities as well as a small selection of hot foods and, most importantly, ice cream.  The store is only open a couple months out of the year and had just opened for the season the weekend we were there.  They sell 16 flavors of Jilbert's ice cream and I learned that day that they never charge for doggy cups.  So I ordered a cone for me and got to select one of the 16 amazing flavors for the girls...all for just $3.   What a steal!

Great Sand Bay

It was now time to head to Great Sand Bay and some time at the beach!  This is an area Maddie and Imke know very well and we all love it here.  We parked and headed down the stairs to the public beach.  We hit the bottom of the stairs and off came the leashes at which point Imke headed directly toward the private beach area.  There was no stopping her and she wasn't looking back-she was headed to find our friends Bryce and Zi.  She trotted right down to Bryce's beach and stood at the bottom of his steps...waiting for Maddie and me to arrive so we could go say hello.

Imke enjoying the Lake

It took a bit to convince her that Bryce and Zi weren't home and that we'd just have to hang out on the beach by ourselves, but finally she decided to give up waiting and started to play.  She was running in and out of the water, biting at the waves, bringing me sticks to throw, and having an all-around good time.  I haven't seen her quite so playful at the beach in a long time.

Maddie enjoying the beach

Maddie, on the other hand, found the perfect spot in the sound to get a tan, complete with a rock pillow.  This is her preferred way to spend a day at the beach!

Of course, after splashing around in the Lake and getting herself covered in sand, Imke had finally decided it was time to relax in her favorite place to sit, my lap. And Maddie continued her lounging.

After a full afternoon on the beach, they finally both relaxed.  I still think Imke was hoping to see some friends though!

It had been a great day on the beach, but it was time to head back to "home" for the night  We made a quick stop at the Phoenix Store on our way...where we met another GSP lover and picked up a drink and snack for the evening.  And then we headed back to Eagle Harbor for the night.  

The Phoenix Store

It's Monday, July 3...the last full day of our trip before heading home.  And there were still adventures to be had!  After another slow start to our day, we once again headed in to Copper Harbor to visit Jamsen's for our last time this trip.  We were able to sit out on the dock and enjoy our turnover and a beautiful view...and Maddie was happy to see her friends the geese and enjoy some more of their delicacies.

Maddie watching the geese 

We then headed out to the beach at Bete Gris hoping to enjoy a little sand, sun and water.  Maddie found her perfect spot shortly after we arrived. But Imke, oh Imke was in one of her more obnoxious moods.

Maddie at Bete Gris

It took everything in my power to get her to pay attention to me and to enjoy a little time in the Lake. You see, there were people there. Lots and lots of people...and those people have food.  And my sweet girl believes that she is STARVING all of the the time!  As soon as we got to the beach, she made a bee-line for a couple sitting about 50 yards away from us...and her nose was in everything.  I was mortified!  I finally got her to come back and we had a little talk about her behavior, but then she saw people the other way...and they had kids.   Jackpot!   Kids always are easy targets to get some treats...oh Imke!  Thankfully most people just laughed at her and gave her some love, but I was getting no time to relax, so our time at Bete Gris was cut short so I could find a better, more remote location with fewer distractions.  

 

Imke at Bete Gris

I knew exactly where we needed to go!  And we were off! When we arrived at Pt. Isabelle, there were a few other people there, but I knew that they wouldn't stay long.  We were out of the Jeep and Imke was in the water almost immediately while this time Maddie disappeared into the woods to say hello to some new friends. 

Imke at Pt. Isabelle

This is a little more remote and less visited area, so there are lots of awesome things for the girls to sniff and explore.   And it's one of my favorite quiet places in the area.

Imke checking out a stump

We love to walk along the shore, right down in the water too. It's crystal clear and always refreshing. And the girls find plenty of interesting smells down here as well.

I was glad that we had decided to spend our last afternoon here.  Away from the crowds and at one with nature.  It is a truly amazing place.  

Imke and Maddie at the end of our Pt. Isabelle day

On our way back to Eagle Harbor, I decided we'd make one last stop, Central Mine.  Central Mine is an old mining ghost town which is a big part of the history of the Keweenaw.  I had driven by the sign for the visitor center many times, but had never stopped.  This time we decided to check it out.  

Church at Central Mine

There is so much history in this area and it is really awe-inspiring to think of all of the people who came before us and built their lives in this rugged and remote area.  It is a humbling experience.

Who Dat Brass Band

We ended our evening walking around Eagle Harbor after dinner and we were treated to an impromptu performance by the "Who Dat" Brass Band.  They drew quite a crowd and it was a nice relaxing way to end our relaxing day.

We've been on the road almost 2 weeks and, to tell you the truth, we aren't missing home at all.  This last day here made me realize how little I had thought about home.  I really could sell my house and by an RV and just live on the road.  The freedom to get up and move any time you want to anywhere you want sounds pretty amazing.  I've learned through my travels that home isn't really a place...it is a state of mind.  And as long as I have the best travel companions around with me along the way,  I can be at home almost anywhere.

Finally, July 4th had arrived.  We would be heading home today, but not before enjoying some small town 4th of July festivities.  On this peaceful morning in this quiet little town, the Eagle Harbor Township Volunteer firemen were there and ready to make sure we didn't forget what day it was.  At 8am the sirens sounded as they drove around town honking and sirening (and yes, I know that isn't a real word) and announcing to the world via loud speaker that it was time to get up!  It was the 4th of July!  And after that great jolt to start the morning, trust me, we were awake!

Maddie waiting on the beach for the parade

And so the preparations to leave began.  I was packing the Jeep and of course the girls knew we'd be leaving...so Maddie was my constant shadow every step I took.  She always so afraid I'm going to forget her, silly girl! After packing and visiting with the nice lady who had been our neighbor for the weekend, we were off for a walk around town so that we could get our prime location for the 4th of July parade.  

Eagle Harbor 4th of July Parade

The whole town was out and there was much fanfare.  There was a reading of passages from the Declaration of Independence and the singing of the National Anthem and then the parade was off.  I don't know how you can attend a parade like this in a small town and not feel patriotic.  Especially on this the most patriot day of the year!

And then it was over, the parade was done and we headed back to start our journey home.  And on the way there I spied these adorable GSPs...so I had to stop and say hello.

GSPs in Eagle Harbor!

Of course anyone who knows me, knows that there was no way we would drive home without at least one more adventure along the way!  After filling up with gas in L'Anse, we headed to Canyon Falls (the scene of my knee injury at the beginning of the trip) for one last hike on the North Country Trail before leaving the UP.

Rapids at Canyon Falls

It was a beautiful day for a hike and the girls enjoyed the time out of the car before our long ride home.  It was the perfect place for our final adventure of this amazing trip.

There's a squirrel over there, mom!

What a journey we had. 13 days away from home and so many new experiences, as well as the chance to revisit some of our favorite old familiar places.  We reconnected with some friends along the way and we made some new friends too.  I didn't really know how this whole journey would work out, but it was amazing and refreshing and just what I needed!  I can't wait for the next adventure!