Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Planning for our summer get-aways began last December. To get into the popular state parks (where we like to go) you have to book early, six months in advance. If you can not tell I am a planner.

Michael and I took a short 4 day trip to the UP.  We left early Friday at 8:30 am, and arrive around 3pm at the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. We did run into a little bit of traffic. I have never traveled on I75 and not faced construction.

This is a cute campground, located on the Tahquamenon River. Our site (81) backed up against the woods. We had an end site.  Next time we will get a site that backs up to the river.  The sites are large and you are walking distance to the lower falls. Its about a 5 min walk.

 The Lower Falls.

What I loved about this campsite is that when the campsite is quiet you can hear the Falls.  My sister Tracy once asked me what do we do when we camp, well Tracy this is for you.
Once we set up camp we had a bite to eat and headed to the Lower Falls. We had to walk 3 miles through the woods to get close to the falls. The shorter trail/path was under construction. It was worth the walk as you can see from the pictures. As usual I did not have on the right shoes.

We left the Lowe Falls and headed to the Tahquamenon  Falls Brewery & Pub. The restaurant and gift shop are located at the Upper Falls. It was originally a logging camp. The building is a replica of the original Camp 33. We ordered two appetizers we were not hungry and Mike had a glass of their famous beer. (the beer was ok I am not a beer drinker). I just had a root-beer float.

After we ate we headed to the Upper Falls. From the  Brewery its about a 5 min walk. Did I mention its still Friday. To get to the Upper Falls you must walked down 94 steps and back up 94 steps.

        Well that's one day down more to come. One thing is for sure we walked off our dinner.

Family-Friends at Pontiac Lake

Well we finally had a family outing. We went to Pontiac Lake State Park with my friend Beatrice and her family. My sister Tracy her husband, Phil their son Phillip and my nieces Miciah, Micheala and nephews  David and Trealon  and Chaise they all came out to spend time with us. The weather was perfect. We could not have asked for a better day.

We had a bite to eat before heading to the beach. I wanted to hike to the beach but I was out voted. While at the beach we played volley ball and the kids went swimming. The water was to cold for me to get in. No pictures of us playing volley ball we were to busy playing. I will be sore tomorrow.

 After spending time at the beach we headed back to the camp site to roast marshmallows, and enjoy the fire.

                      Those color changing packets make the fire so beautiful. Don't you agree.

                They really did enjoy themselves. She was smiling believe me she was smiling.

The next day we went for a bike ride. We rode around the park and up the steep hill. That hill will take you out. Well more adventures to come here are a few pictures hope you enjoy them.

                                                                           Mike

                        Can you spot the dragonfly?

A NEEDED BREAK

As the sticker states this is my happy place.

Well we finally was able to go camping. The weather was brisk and cold but we just could not take it any more, we had to get out be one with nature. We left after work on Friday and just headed to the nearest state park. It rained all the way there but once we pulled into the park God gave us a break. The sun came out and smiled on us.

What a site, see the rainbow.

Can you see it????

Well after getting all set up we just ate dinner and stayed in for the night.  

Our site as you can backs up to the Lake Erie.  This site is not a full hook-up, all the sites by the water are just electric, and are back in only.  This state park has sites for any size trailer.

The next day we were able to bike ride and enjoy the park. The best thing about this campground is the easy access to the bike trails.

I just wish it was a tad bit warmer. 

But what a view. 

There were about a hand full of campers at the park and a few tent campers. I call those people    

(the ones in tents) die hard campers. For me it was not warm enough for tent camping, but my hat goes off for those that will camp in any weather.

Well we finally placed the Official Airstream name badge. VOYAGER.

I thought that was a good spot. Its right by the door.

On our bike ride I saw these beautiful trees as I got closer to take a picture a mother bird came to chase me away who knew she had a nest there.

Well I got the picture and hurried away from there.

 All in all we had a wonderful time relaxing and just enjoying this short getaway.

The sunsets were beautiful.

With that, we conclude our weekend at Sterling State Park. 

It was definitely a much needed break and getaway.