Driving and Boondocking in the UP of Michigan

 8/3/23 - 8/7/23  

Drove along the coast and stopped at Point Iroquois Lighthouse. The point is named for a battle in the 1600s when the Iroquois invaded the local Objiwa (also known as Chippewa or Anishinaabeg) to dominate the fur trade and were repelled by the local tribes.

Someday I'll learn how to take a natural looking selfie

Then inland to Lower Taquamenon Falls

Did a hike to the island and back

Also called rootbeer falls do to the tannins in the water from the leaves

Then drove to the Upper Falls where we climbed up and down 420 steps

Found a less-than-ideal spot to boondock at a former prison camp. All the structures were gone but the dirt roads were still there. A local we spoke with said he remembered the camp and that there was a ballfield across from it where the locals would play against the prisoners. All the good spots were occupied so we spent the night in an exposed pull-out close to the entrance and crossroads. Next morning we went for a 3 mile hike down some of the logging roads and found a perfect secluded spot with a fire ring. Spent two glorious nights and only saw only one guy on an atv go by. Had a chance to truly relax and cook some good meals.

Bonus was that it was surrounded by wild low-bush blueberries - my favorite kind!

Added some Moomers vanilla ice cream and dinner was served!