Our long-awaited return to Copper Harbor

It is so peaceful this morning with Maddie lying next to me in bed and Imke on the floor next to me, happily chewing away on a bone.  We are at the end of our long foray-our nearly 2-week journey away from home.  When I first decided to make this journey, I really had no idea what to expect from it, but I did know that we were going to find some new adventures and make some good memories.  I think we definitely accomplished those things, but I think we gained more than I expected.  

As I take time to reflect over the last two weeks, it seems like it has been a whirlwind of activity.  So much to do, so little time.  I know that seems silly to say on a trip that will last 13 days, but we're on day 12 already! Where has the time gone?

We started our journey on June 21 with the first leg of our drive from home to Munising.  It was late in the day when we left, so we didn't make our usual stop at the Mackinac Bridge, we just drove, anxious to get to our real starting point.  When we woke up on the 22nd, we took our time getting ready and spent a little time lounging.  And then it was off to points further North. 

Imke at Canyon Falls

Our first stop was at Canyon Falls just outside of L'anse.  The North Country Trail runs through the area and we were determined to add some miles on this trip.  It is a beautiful area with a gorgeous canyon and the Sturgeon river running through it.  Unfortunately, about 3/4 of a mile into our hike, I twisted my knee and we had to turn around and head back to the car, although the girls weren't ready to leave!  But at least we got 1 1/2 miles on the trail that day.

North Country Trail

Next stop was Houghton for some food and supplies (and a knee brace) and then a stop in Eagle River for some lunch at The Fitz before heading into Copper Harbor for the weekend.

Our lunchtime view in Eagle River

Finally, after 5 long months away, we were back in Copper Harbor for a peaceful weekend of fun and adventure.  The adventure portion of the trip was made a bit more difficult due to the knee injury, but we are pretty determined to have fun and not much will slow us down.  

Copper Harbor dock

We settled ourselves into Room #1 at the King Copper Motel.  It's one of the best rooms in town because of it's awesome view of the Harbor and it's awesome deck to sit out and enjoy the view.  Plus it's directly across the street from the 6th Street dock which happens to be one of my favorite parts of the Harbor too.  And probably the best part of the location is that it is just a short walk to Jamsen's and their amazing turnovers.

Our view for the weekend

Due to the bum knee, I decided most of the weekend would be spent close to our Copper Harbor home.  We, of course, would make our daily walk to Jamsen's and would walk the dock, but I was determined to make the most of the deck and it's amazing view.  But what I discovered is that I'm not very good at just sitting still.

Exploring at Hunter's Point

 So as I was going a bit stir-crazy, it was decided that our first full day in the harbor would be spent trying to get out and see some old familiar places-Esrey Park, Hunter's Point, and Great Sand Bay.  But I quickly discovered that even with the knee brace, I was in no shape to do much hiking or walking, especially on rocky and uneven ground.  So instead we spent the day with me driving from location to location and then sitting in one spot while the girls got some limited exploration time at each location. 

Hunter's Point Park

When lunch-time arrived, we drove into Hancock to waste a little time and get some fish and risotto at Four Suns.  The fish is always good there and there are picnic tables outside so the girls can join me and beg for some yummy morsels.  I never regret making this trip and it was a lunch which we all enjoyed!

On the way back to Copper Harbor, we made a small detour to visit a new, out-of-the-way location I had discovered.  It was a nice drive through some definitely back-road spots to get to a little county park at the mouth of the Gratiot River.  It was beautiful and peaceful and, best of all, we had it all to ourselves.  With the more level, sandy soil, I was able to get out and walk around more, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  

At the mouth of the Gratiot River

Then it was back to Copper Harbor for some rest.  I picked up dinner at the Mariner and as the sun set on our day, we took a little walk and then sat out on the deck enjoying the evening.  

After a busy first day, my knee was more sore than I expected on day two, so I really needed to spend the day resting.  We made our morning trip to Jamsen's, of course, because no day in the Harbor is complete without it.

We love Jamsen's!

Then we spent our Saturday lounging at on the deck and taking small walks on the dock or in the yard surrounding the motel.  

I read as the girls lounged in the sun and occasionally walked around sniffing new and interesting smells.   We watched the Canadian geese with their goslings and we saw ducks with their ducklings...and Maddie barked like there was no tomorrow.  And it was on this day that Maddie discovered a new delicacy that she is now absolutely obsessed with...goose poops! Good memories!

Sunday morning we woke to see our new friend, the loon, swimming around the harbor for the third morning in a row.  Such a beautiful sight to see on a serene Copper Harbor morning.  I wish I could have gotten a picture.  We saw our friendly neighborhood family of geese on our morning walk too.

And then it was on to packing so that we could move on to our next stop of this great adventure-Wausau Wisconsin.  We made our morning trek to Jamsen's to get one last turnover that would hopefully hold us over until we returned, and then we were on the road.  

Foggy morning stop at Esrey Park

Along the way, I made a stop at Old Victoria for their Log Cabin Day.   This is an old historic mining site that I had never heard of so I figured I'd visit and learn more.  I had a great tour and enjoyed the amazing scenery in the area before continuing our journey. 

Old Victoria NHP

And then we finally arrived in Wausau.  After allowing my knee to rest for a couple of days, I felt I was up for a walk.  So as the evening settled upon us, I found a nice park in the downtown area that had some nice walking trails along the river and off we went.  We had a good two mile walk just before sunset and after a good weekend of adventures, we were ready for  a good-night's rest.  

Wausau Wisconsin

Tomorrow would bring the rest of our drive to Minneapolis and leaving the girls for the week while I attended a work conference.  I wasn't sure I was ready for it, but I had no choice.