After spending a quiet night in Ocqueoc State Forest Campground, we headed east towards Alpena. Spotted a sign for Thompson’s Harbor State Park along the way and had to turn in because we have a good friend named Thompson. Driving a few miles in along a dirt road, we found ourselves the only vehicle parked…

Only six miles from Cheboygan State Park, downtown Cheboygan has ample parking right on the riverfront. We parked with the upper range marker behind us. These are used by ships entering the channel. You line up an upper and lower range in the distance and know you are in the center of the channel. See…

Most of today is about the Mackinac Bridge and environs. We start out from last night’s campsite.  Leaving Little Lake Brevort, we headed south to get our first glimpse of Lake Michigan. We were searching for a canyon on Hwy 2 where it crosses the Cut River. Unfortunately, the area was under construction, so we…

Waking to a drizzly day, we decided to investigate going to Drummond Island. Looking for things to do on the way, people had mentioned something called the freighter house. Google maps showed the location, so we headed east. Passing a gravel driveway, there did appear to be something boat like down there. Walking down a…

Having fulfilled our dog-sitting responsibilities, we were free again to set off exploring. Leaving Gaylord, we headed north to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Michigan State Parks are a great deal if you are staying more than a few nights in the state. As non-residents, we purchased a “Recreation Passport” for $32 that allows entrance to all…