Arriving at Pictured Rocks National Park

 August 7-8

We followed our GPS to Grand Marais, telling it to follow the coastline. The road we were to have taken was closed for repairs but a local told us how to detour. That took us down logging roads that were narrow, washboard, and sandy. I am anxious about getting stuck again, ever since getting stuck in the snow on a logging road in Oregon with no cell service. I don't react as I should by continuing to drive when I start getting stuck or slipping. My instinct is to stop. As these roads were narrow with soft sand on either side, I decided it was best to have Matthew drive. That way, if we got stuck I was off the hook! 

A wider, and beautiful, section of the road

Have to say, I was so glad I made this decision. As we turned the corner at one point we came face to face with a large dump truck coming at us. Matthew veered into the sandy "shoulder" and kept going. A truck and a ATV were two less heart-pounding encounters before we were back on pavement.

After getting our bearings at the Grand Marais Pictured Rocks National Park Visitors Center we hiked the 168 stairs down to Sable Falls and further onto the beach.

Drove to the Twelvemile Beach Campground for our one night actually camping in the park, and were able to take in a beautiful sunset.

The next day we drove into Munising to arrange for a kayak tour of the Park, do laundry, and replenish groceries.  We made dinner in the park by the harbor and had this curious visitor until a dog startled him away.

And lucked upon a delightful concert in the park by a very talented trio who sang an eclectic mix of classic rock, blues, and pop.

Spent the night in the grocery store lot so we could easily get to our 8:20 am kayak tour