Vacation Time!

 Normally I take an extended vacation each year, and this year was no exception.  I was uncertain of my vacation status since I just started a new job at the start of the year, but I was able to squeeze out 16 consecutive days off.

Day one started with an ice cream date with my lady love at Gordy's in Cloquet.  They have some tasty and delicious ice cream.  What a perfect way to start out days of rest and relaxation.

An unexpected event took place when we had a giant tree fall in our yard after a brief, but powerful, storm blew through.  Jim volunteered to help us out so we had a day of watching him chainsaw.   

The meat of my vacation was our Anniversary trip to Marquette, MI.  Neither of us had ever been and we were excited to see all the sights!  It was about 5 hour drive so road trip here we come!  Our first sight was the World's Tallest Indian, "Hiawatha", in Ironwood. 

This was a surprisingly fun stop with a heritage mining park nearby, and some teeter totters!  After asking the spirits for a fun and safe trip, we went back on the road where we stopped at every. single. rest stop on the way.  It was fun to get out, stretch our legs, grab a bite to eat, and see the beautiful surroundings that exist just beyond the lush trees.  

We arrived in Marquette and decided to explore that area instead of going further East like our original plan.  Weather was absolutely perfect for us to adventure on our bikes along the Michigan shore of Lake Superior.  The night we arrived, there was a rare Super Moon which also happened to be a Blue Moon!  We had the privilege of watching it rise over Lake Superior right from our pool.  Another visitor happened to question our interest in the moon rise and asked us if the moon was going to do tricks for us.  Yes, yes it does do tricks!  I am so fortunate to have a partner who appreciates the simple miracles of moon rises, sunsets, and all kinds of nature.  Having a Blue Super Moon on our Anniversary was full circle for us after a full Blood Moon was a major player the night Amy was brave enough to tell me she loved me eight years prior. 

Though the outdoor temperature was perfect, it was still a little chilly to actually swim in Lake Superior, but that didn't stop us from taking a quick dip anyway.  Our hotel was right on the shore of Lake Superior so knowing we had the security of warming up in our hotel hot tub, we decided to take a dip in the frigid waters.  No regrets there!  Naturally we played all sorts of water Olympics in our pool before celebrating further in our hotel room.  

The next day was a gorgeous hike above the Lake around Presque Isle where the big water was calling our name inviting us to kayak.  We were a little nervous since the water was not very calm and our kayaks are not made for big water.  However, the rock formations were just so inviting so in we went with a lot of caution.  It was brief, beautiful, and very worth it.  Crystal clear waters showed off the magnificent boulders below.  It was "ocean-esque", with the major difference being the temperature of the water.

We bid adieu to Marquette to make our way back home.  We were eager to return to our cats and the comfort of our own home, but one final stop to ride our bikes around Sunday Lake finished out our trip.  Our trip began with Hiawatha and ended with Nee Gaw Nee Gaw Bow.  I managed to sprain my knee after jumping down right after this picture was taken.  I think he was punishing me because I was disrespectfully picking his nose.   I profusely apologized for my faux pas.  Mercy was granted, but not after a few days of using some crutches. 

Still, this did not mar the beauty of the trip one bit. Marquette left us wanting more so we intend to go back to spend more than just one night with an adventure further East to Munising next time.  

I love Michigan, Lake Superior, hiking, biking, kayaking, and all kinds of full moons.  Sharing all of that with the love of my life was really the highlight of this vacation for me.  Spending time in her company is my most favorite memory.