After spending the first few days of my vacation from work at home, it was time to head north for a few days away from home. We all really needed a trip to Copper Harbor and the opportunity to spend some time with friends.
Bright and early Wednesday morning, we were in the Jeep and on our way. Our first stop was Mackinaw City. We always enjoy a stop at the Bridge and a walk along the beach. This day was no different. Maddie enjoyed wading out into the Lake for a big drink and Peaches was excited about all of the seagulls.
We had a nice walk along the beach, but we had a long drive ahead of us, so after a short stop to grab some lunch, we were on our way. Crossing the bridge is always an adventure for the girls. Peaches was especially excited because there were seagulls all around us...luckily she didn't try to jump out the window!
The traffic at the bridge was slow moving and it took us nearly 30 minutes to get through the toll booths. With our stop in Mackinaw City and the delay at the bridge, we didn't stop much the rest of the day. We were just anxious to get to the Bear Paw Inn outside of Michigamme, our home away from home for the night.
We had never stayed at the Bear Paw Inn, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a clean and quiet area even though it was right off the highway. Just across the highway was a little roadside park, so after dinner, we got out for a walk and really enjoyed the view.
After a short walk, we spent some time relaxing outside of the Inn. There were several areas to sit and enjoy a beautiful evening. Following a long day of travel, it was the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the beautiful UP Summer night.
Finally it was time to head in for the night. Peaches spent some time watching the world go by from the front door of our room as the sun set. Then it was time for us to settle in for a good night's rest. The girls always know how to make themselves comfortable!
We were up and on our way early on Thursday because we had lots to do and see. Our first plan for the day was to head to Canyon Falls and get in a little hiking along the North Country Trail. It is a beautiful section of the trail and I always enjoy stopping here. Many people only hike as far as the viewing platform for the falls, but we continued on the trail.
The trail continues along the river and there are several smaller falls along the way. There are also many beautiful views.
It was such a great hike with the girls! We enjoyed the peace and quiet of nature and the beautiful views along the way.
We left the Falls to continue our journey North. We made a stop in Houghton for a little shopping(because someone forgot to bring a jacket, so I quick stop at Walmart was necessary) and then headed over our second bridge of the day-into Hancock and a stop at Four Suns for some fish and chips. After enjoying a relaxing lunch, we headed to Great Sand Band to spend some quality time with our favorite Yoopers, Bryce and Zi. We had a nice visit with the boys and it was so great to see them both.
After our visit, we headed into Copper Harbor to settle in to the King Copper for the night. I have to say that this is one of my favorite views in the Harbor.
Friday morning we woke up well-rested and ready for a fun day. First order of the day is always a walk to Jamsen's for some baked goods. Maddie knows the route from the King Copper to Jamsen's well and happily lead the way.
We walked back to the King Copper with our baked goods in hand and enjoyed them while enjoying a view of the Harbor. It was the perfect way to start our day.
Our first adventure of the day took us to Fort Wilkins. We love to hike there and the girls enjoyed some time splashing around in Lake Fanny Hooe. We found a good number of Thimble berry bushes full of berries and had to eat a few along the way.
We were also happy to do some geocaching in the area and to get a chance to visit the end of the road.
As we were driving back into town, I stopped to get a picture of the girls at the State Park sign and as we were pulling away, I was happy to pass our friend Tom! I continued into town for lunch at the Pines and was happy that Tom was able to join me. He's one of the people who makes Copper Harbor a pretty special place so I was excited to get a chance to catch up with him.
I had really been looking forward to just spending some time at the beach, so after lunch, we headed out to Hunter's Point Park.
Peaches loved all of the rock formations there and spent a lot of time climbing every rock formation. She was so excited to explore as much as she could!
While Peaches spent her time exploring, Maddie and I took the opportunity to just sit down and enjoy a peaceful afternoon listening to the waves lapping into the stones on the beach.
It was a marvelous way to spend the afternoon and, honestly, it was just what I needed. We left Hunter's Point as three very happy girls.
Next, we headed out to explore the shore and then headed into Eagle River. We made stops in Eagle Harbor and at Jacob's Falls and continued to do some geocaching along the way.
We had a full day of adventures and were excited to be able to spend some time at the end of the day on the beach at Great Sand Bay with Zi and Bryce. It was a beautiful evening with a gorgeous sunset and great friends.
Friday night we did a little Jeep camping along the lake shore and woke up to this amazing view. What an amazing way to start the day!
We took a dip in Lake Superior to wake up and ate breakfast beach side...and then we sat back in the Jeep to relax and enjoy the morning. The girls really know how to live the Jeep camping life too!
We were lucky enough to get to the Jampot, just down the road, for one of the limited (they only make 36) Saturday morning cinnamon rolls. They are huge and tasty and I was excited to get one for myself as well as one for Bryce.
I really enjoyed our slow and peaceful start to the morning, but was also excited to catch up with Bryce and Zi again for our first real adventure with them on this trip. We were able to get out for a nice hike in secluded area.
Part way through our hike we stopped to enjoy the views and just spend some quality time with friends. What a wonderful way to spend our time.
Far too soon, we were back at Bryce's house and it was time for us to leave the Keweenaw and head toward home. We had a long drive ahead of us, but the traffic was light and the views along the way were beautiful. We got home late Saturday night, but I had no regrets about making our whirlwind trip North. It had been an amazing few days and I was relaxed, refreshed, and reminded just how much I love that area and the people who call it home. I can't wait until the day I call it home too.
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