Chain of Lakes

 The Chain of Lakes, in Waupaca, WI, are an impressive natural feature, created by a receding glacier 12,500 years ago. The “Chain” consists of 22 spring fed lakes. The water of the lakes is translucent with deep emerald tints. The unique color is one of the trademark characteristics of the Chain, oftentimes referred to as the Killarneys of the Americas. 

Hartman Creek State Park, where we are camping, has a wonderful trail system for hiking, biking, horseback riding and skiing that wind in and around 8 of these lakes. A small  section of the 1,000 mile Ice Age Trail meanders through the park, too. The park also happens to be home to a large number of sandhill cranes. We have enjoyed watching and listening to these vocal birds, which are much bigger than I realized, with a wingspan of 6 to 7 feet!

We are throughly enjoying ourselves here with only a handful of other campers. I LOVE camping this time of the year!

The Badger State

 

After spending over a month exploring the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, it was time to say goodbye to Lake Superior sunrises, agate hunting in the sunshine and hiking in the rain. We have made the turn for home and find ourselves in America’s dairyland. 

Wisconsin is a beautiful state and we are pleased to see that the fall colors at Hartman Creek State Park are just as vibrant as the colors we left behind in the north country. My goal of extending autumn for as long as possible is working out, so far!

The Porkies

 Autumn has arrived in the UP. The leaves are changing and the high temps are supposed to remain in the 60’s this week. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is the perfect place to welcome fall and enjoy the last phase of our 2021 adventure. This area has everything Mark and I love and appreciate doing; biking, hiking and disc golf.

Even though we are embracing the peacefulness of this place, we haven’t lost sight of the loss and damage so many are dealing with as natural disasters have wrecked havoc in so many different parts of the country this year. Our hearts are heavy as we try to find a balance between grieving over the devastation, in so many places, while making every effort to be thankful and in awe that places like the Porkies still exist.

Isle Royale

 

Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness island, in Lake Superior, accessible only by boat or seaplane. It’s a place far from the sights and sounds of civilization where wildlife abounds. It also happens to be home to a population of wolves and moose that have been part of a historic predator-prey study for over 50 years.

Part of the reason for revisiting the Upper Peninsula was so I could hike from one end of the island to the other. I can’t really describe how perfect the three nights I spent there were. It’s a magical place where I hiked and camped, saw six moose and met so many remarkable people. Of course the most remarkable person in this story is Mark, who unselfishly held down the fort, at our campsite, with Starbaby, so that I could have this remarkable experience!