Sorry for the delay in posting – internet issues finally resolved
Hartwick Pines State Park
Hartwick Pines was our first stop on our great adventure. It’s about a 3 1/5 hour drive, north, from our home. This is a beautiful park, with old growth pines, some nice campsites, hiking trails, logging museum and very easy mountain bike trails. I haven’t done any trail riding for many years, so was happy to start conditioning for the Copper Harbor trails in September. I’m pretty sure I have a sprained foot (injured hiking on flimsy running shoes on last trip), but gimped along the hiking trails to see the beautiful trees and lakes (hoping the Ibuprofen eventually helps). Many of the buildings were built buy the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in the 1930’s an 1940’s. We were fortunate to book a campsite surrounded by trees. We are learning every campground has trade-offs. This one is some noise from I-75 when the wind is light.
Bright Lake
Lake Michigan Campground
First comment – trade-off – view and noise of traffic from US -2 during daytime, vs secluded beach. The beach was nearly deserted , peaceful, with gorgeous sunsets. This was a rustic campsite, no water or power. No problem for us. We checked out St Ignace. Nice, but the pandemic resulted in a wait for outdoor seating at some places.
Wells State Park
We have a beautiful site on Green Bay. This is another CCC campground. My first impression is that I could spend a long time here. The view and sound of the water is so peaceful. We have had a constant, cool breeze off of the water. A family with 4 children under 5, with a tiny popup trailer, showed up next to us (of course). Surprisingly, the whole family was very “chill”, no yelling, tantrums, crying, hitting.. whew! (Lucky kids and lucky us!!!!) Another CCC campground. The short hiking trails are beautiful. The rustic cabins and campsites are really nice. We felt the need to check out Escanaba. It seemed to be a very desolate version of Port Huron. Though Upper Hand Brewery was closed on a Monday, we did enjoy Hereford and Hops brewpub. Fabulous Redemption IPA, RED and White Tail Ale.
