Mackinaw City Winter Adventures

I sit here on this Monday afternoon watching the US men's curling team take on the Canadians in the Olympics, with the bed unmade and the floors unswept, surrounded by happy snoring pups.  Today Peaches is at the vet for her spay surgery and the girls and I were up early on this President's day holiday to drop her off.  We've been out and about since we left the house this morning and it's been quite a busy day for us all.  We're now home and the house is awfully quiet without Peaches in it.  So the girls are taking advantage of the quiet moment without the youngster here by taking a well-deserved nap and I'm taking advantage of some well-deserved down-time for myself.  I don't really understand the purpose of President's day, but it is nice to be sitting at home at three in the afternoon on a mild February day doing nothing but watching the Olympics.  We really have made the most of the entire long weekend, actually. 

Nap time.  Imke thinks Maddie makes a good pillow

Although I had really wanted a UP Winter adventure this weekend, several factors prevented that from being a realistic goal.  But I've been away for so long and I needed to feel some Lake air, experience some blue ice, and get the girls out for a little Northern Michigan North Country Trail adventure.  Also, we have several items on Peaches bucket list that we need to start working toward that require a trip North.  So it was decided and Saturday morning it was into the Jeep and off for an adventure.

Lake Huron

In my opinion, there's nothing quite like a good road trip North.  Up US-127 through several small towns, St. Johns, Ithaca, Alma, Mt. Pleasant, Clare and then into Roscommon County past Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake.  We generally make a stop somewhere along the drive because once Maddie has the chance to get out of the car and sniff around in a new area, she'll calm down for the remainder of the drive.  We then reach I-75 and are only an hour away from our destination.  We make a stop at Gobblers in Waters for lunch and of course the girls get a bite too.  I have to admit that once I get to Gaylord, I really start to get excited.  And then there she is as I come around the curve my first sighting of my old friend.  By the time we get to our exit, the girls know where we are-I think they can smell it in the air.  Maddie is up and barking with excitement and Imke will begin to pace and whine.  

Peaches at the Mackinac Bridge

We make this same trip almost every time we go North.  Off of the highway at exit 338, right at the light and into the parking lot of the Credit Union for a stop at the ATM.  Then a straight shot down the street into the park-the Bridge and Lighthouse in front of us and all of us excited to get out and stretch our legs.  Peaches was just as excited to be there as Maddie and Imke.  

The Mighty Mac

Mackinaw City is so much different as a Winter Wonderland than it is during the normal tourist season.  I love to visit in the off-season because there are generally no people and the views are just as beautiful.  The Bridge is a beautiful sight in every season. 

Walking on Lake Huron

Plus the blue ice formations and the ability to walk on a frozen Great Lake are both amazing things to experience.  Peaches was very happy to be out exploring the beach and Lake.  We've now crossed visiting the Bridge, visiting Lake Huron, and walking on water off of her bucket list. 

Hitting the NCT

After some time at the Bridge and walking around the beach, it was time to put in some miles on the North Country Trail.  Peaches is hoping to join us for most of our 100 miles this year and what better place to start than the Northernmost point of the trail in the Lower Peninsula?  And we were off for a great hike.

Birch tree along the NCT

And even though most of this trail is along sidewalks and paved paths, it still has all of the beauty of Northern Michigan.  The trail was fairly clear so no ice cleats or snowshoes were needed and we made good time getting in a few miles.  

Mackinaw Crossings Mall

Then we headed back to explore downtown Mackinaw City.  It was so peaceful and quiet as the snow began to fall.  We even saw some friends.  And before leaving I had to buy some chocolate too!

But my favorite part of this trip...and of most of the trips I make... was just getting out with the girls and exploring all there is to see in this beautiful State we call home.  The things that Mother Nature can create are awe-inspiring and I am never disappointed by her amazing abilities.

The "ice tree"

Not  happy I was making her stay for a picture!

Behind the scenes-real life with 3 GSPs!

Then with our time in Mackinaw drawing to an end, we headed back toward the Bridge for one more chance to explore the beach and one last view of the Mighty Mac before heading home.

One last sniff

By the time we were ready to leave, the fog had moved in and the view of the my old friend was gone, but I know she's still there..awaiting my return on our next adventure.