fall vacation hike

Truth be told I am not much of a tourist. I prefer not dealing with crowds of people making poor decisions. If you want to see an area where every single thing you look at is photo worthy, you have to take your turn and put up with others doing the same. Those we exchanged pleasantries with were very nice, especially the local people from Munising.

To get away from other tourists, take a hike. It was the first thing we did on our full day in MI, after stopping at the visitor center to get a park pass. Everyone else went to the right to see Munising Falls, a short distance away. We headed left into the woods. 

We decided to hike the North Country Trail to Sandy Point. There was a lookout on the sightseeing map that looked so pretty. We passed a few hikers that were heading out of the woods. Otherwise, it was just us walking among gorgeous trees. For almost 6 miles, roundtrip. Which is ALOT longer than we usually hike.

10/10/24

The endless trail was covered with tree roots, small rocks, elevation and some streams. When I mean endless, I mean endless! The North Country National Scenic Trail in MI is 1,180 miles long. It also goes across the Northeast corner of WI for 220 miles. What a cool life accomplishment it would be to hike the entire thing! Only in my dreams. The tiny part we hiked weaved along Pictured Rock shoreline, high above on the bluffs. It was a workout!!

there were a lot of streams

occasional trail markers

stop don't drop

There was nothing to do but laugh when we reached a trail marker with an arrow that pointed down to our destination. It was then we realized that Sandy Point Beach had no lookout. The brochure lookout photo had nothing to do with it (smacks forehead). 

3 miles into our hike we were facing an extremely long set of winding steep somewhat rickety wooden stairs, that went straight down. 

here we go, from the top

We started down the stairs and came to our senses. The stairs went so far, that we could not see the end ~ 'er beach. One thing to always remember about non-loop hiking, you have to hike it all in reverse. If we went down, it would mean taking allll those stairs back UP - and then - hiking the 3-ish miles back to the truck. Needless to say we decided to take a break and sit by our favorite private Picture Rock waterfall. The one we worked the hardest to see!!

the trail is up there

our favorite UP waterfall (8 secs)

us below the falls that we hiked so far to see

a much needed deliriously happy break

I walked down a little further

hopefully my 360 turn doesn't make you dizzy
(32 secs) 

We headed back up the stairs and onto the trail, towards our truck. We learned almost every waterfall/landmark/lookout sight in the UP includes stairs. SO so many stairs!! It was a common theme among all of us tourists. My calves were sore for days.

heading back

I hauled my heavy camera and mid-telephoto lens for 6 miles. Without my backpack. Another head smacker. I barely used my camera. The deep woods were thick, mostly green tree's. I only took a few memory shots. Including my hilarious attempt near the start/end of the trail. I tried getting both of us in the frame using my camera's 10 second timer. It was too funny, and yes I biffed the shots :)) 

elevation hiking

long and winding trail

light at the end of the tunnel

I almost made it back in time

blurry us

Hiking Pictured Rock was Brad's favorite part of our UP trip. Next up are a couple scenic water posts, including our boat trip. 

fall vacation bonus

It had been a very long time since we went on a Fall vacation. Experiencing the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan was a long time wish/dream of mine. We had two things planned, a boat tour to see Pictured Rock National Park from the water and hiking the park on foot. Anything else we did/saw on vacation would be a bonus. 

I was SO excited on the ride up, when I found out that there was a chance the Aurora Borealis could be visible ~ while we were in MI. What were the odds this would happen?! I don't know. Thank goodness I had packed my tripod and night sky gear, just incase.

After a wonder-filled day of hiking and boating (post to come) we watched the sky light up. I took photos from the sandy shore of our favorite lake for about 45 minutes, before heading back to our room to watch the sky for a bit from our balcony. 

North sky was less active 10/10/24 (8:20pm)

See the big dipper above? If you are in new territory and not sure which direction to look for the Aurora Borealis (typically North/Northeast) find the Big Dipper. It is a directional indicator of North. A good place to start looking for the lights.

It was easy to spot the Northern Lights across the vast lake horizon. They were up high and visible to the naked eye. Although at times, colors were not as vibrant as seen in photos. Especially the bright magenta. It looked more red-ish to the eye and less bright pink.

East/South East (8:08pm)

Brad in foreground in both photos above

My favorite memory from our trip was seeing Brad get excited about the Northern Lights. When he wasn't watching them, he took photos with his phone.

Brad's iphone photo

It didn't take long for him to say "now I get it". Now?? Brad has been with me for my light chasing trips over the years, except Alaska. He has seen the Northern Lights before. Including above a different part of Lake Superior. However, I am not completely surprised. There really is something unique and special about seeing the Aurora Borealis with the naked eye, over big water. Plus, Brad enjoyed having the ability to capture the dancing colors with his phone. 

North West (8:09pm) 



East/South East

North East

Lake Superior was smooth like glass and reflected all the colors of the sky. The gentle swoosh of small waves washing up along the long shoreline was music to my ears. So soothing for the soul. 

East/South East (8:29pm)

The entire sky was non-stop evolving, at times in all directions. It was hard to decide where to look, let alone take a photo. 

North West  (my iphone photo)

The curtains were very tall! I've never tried taking Corona shots. It was challenging to say the least. I hope I get another chance, and a better result. Flipping ones camera upside down and contorting ones body comes with it's challenges. Comical!

Directly above us (8:42pm)

East/South East (8:29pm)

The tree's were randomly lit up by nearby vehicles pulling in/turning around. I personally like some of the lighting effects.

Aurora Borealis with Christmas trees!

Photo taken 10/10/24 East/South East (8:20pm) in Christmas, MI

We scrambled up, only to sink back down, the short but steep sandy incline to the parking overlook. I barely had enough strength left to make it back up the drop off. I may or may not have flung myself up and into a log rolled. I know, I know. You are sorry you missed it. We were laughing so hard!

It was a short drive back to our room at the Roam Inn in Munising, MI. As I got out of the truck and looked across the parking lot ~ there were the Northern Lights! They followed us back ;) 

Brad's iphone photo, from the Inn parking lot

Taken from the sidewalk in front of Roam Inn
(my iphone photo)

Brad took this iphone photo from one of our suite balconies
(10/10/2024 at 10:10pm)

Our first time in the UP was such a memorable vacation! Complete with watching the Northern Lights dance above Lake Superior!! Life doesn't get any better. It was in one word "unforgettable". Nothing short of this girls dream come true. 

horse update ~ other fall news

Onto other Fall horse news: The trio (Harmony, Hope and Koda) are enjoying their new back pasture! It is so nice to have turn out options again. Finishing the third pasture gave Brad the chance to reseed and fix up the dry lot/lower pasture. Grass is coming up nicely, despite the lack of rain. Eventually we can get back to rotating for healthier pastures, and therefore horses.

I was all ready with my camera on day one turnout in the new pasture. Not sure what I was expecting with background clutter and horses wearing fly masks. It felt kinda anti-climatic.

Memory photos it is:

Koda was let out first

9/1/24

he didn't go far

Leo decided to join me. 

Hope was turned out second


things got exciting


Hope at almost a year and a half

She FLEW past me and through the connecting path, lapped a circle in the other half of the pasture. It was then I got concerned. WHOA Hope!!! She was coming back hot! I thought Hope was going to take a digger. She was practically sideways, on her way back through!

Hope heading back to Koda
9/1/24

Last but not least, Harmony was released and all was calm

They have been happily grazing since day one. Amazing how quickly horses mow grass down. Especially with sparse sandy vegetation.

a different view

Area between the Indoor on left and Upper pasture (out of frame).
It has since been seeded.

All five horses have access and are using the newer divided shed. They can hang out next to each other when the weather is less than ideal. Although the trio is less interested. We assume it was Nemo that gave Hope a surface bite. Cierra and Nemo think it is an outrage that the other horses get the new pasture. A fair amount of calling continues between the two herds, especially when the trio goes out of sight.

first time I've seen Hope "baby mouth"

9/7/24 (41 secs)

The new pasture has a wide path between two larger area's. One is behind the indoor arena where we turn the horses out, and the other half is by the outdoor arena. You can see through the tree strip in certain spots. We will probably end up taking a few more trees out. 

Hope tends to linger by us when turned out.
9/7/24 (19 secs)

Making sure she knew how to get over by Koda and Harmony
 9/7/24 (35 secs)

The other half of the new pasture, by our outdoor arena.

Video clip starts facing the wide connecting alley.
9/1/24 (14 secs)


Harmony, Hope and Koda, time to come inside
10/4/24

(photo taken from inside arena)

Shed meeting of the minds 10/4/24

Cierra and Nemo grazing upper left & new seeding
10/5/24

horse update ~ fall vet

Our October 1st Vet appointment was a sure sign that Fall is indeed here. It coincided with our first cooler Fall early/late temps. YAY!! I am ready for the endless heat and flying pests to rest. Temps are still rising too high for me. Looking forward to even cooler weather! 

All the horses got brushed and had bridle paths clipped the night before. Koda also got his rear end washed, because he needed it. Again. 

Recommended Fall vaccines are Lyme, Influeza and Rhino. Their bi-annual Wellness Program includes vaccinations, listening to vitals, taping and getting fecals checked. 

Vet related updates in the order our horses were seen:

Nemo: taped at 1157 lbs (1137 last Spring). His Urinary track has been a non-issue and he is able to self monitor his allergies. That means, Nemo stays out full days!! No doubt growing our own hay helps both his conditions. 

Nemo continues with a daily maintenance dose of Horseshoers Secret and monthly maintenance allergy shot. 

Koda: taped at 1257 lbs (same last Spring). He remains lame off/on. Most days he barrels away during morning turn out, and walks back inside gimpy. It appears Koda will be lame the rest of his life. Our vet is "noodling" on any other possibilities that haven't already been tried and/or revisiting those that have. He mentioned some clients that have found it helpful to add a daily gram of Bute at night (with Equioxx). Not a big fan of the idea. 

Koda continues with daily Equioxx in the morning, and Cosequin ASU in the evening. He also gets Probios am/pm.

Hope: taped at 709 lbs (547 last Spring) She did really well for our vet. He really likes her. Hopes amazing personality remains intact and is such a joy to be around!

Hope continues being a seeker of human love & scratches. 

wondering what the new guy is doing

handling shots like a big girl

Cierra: taped at 1157 lbs (1197 last Spring) She had her teeth floated. We continue to monitor her breathing. She is a magnet for biting bugs, and unfortunately allergic to them. It is heartbreaking to bring her inside and see bite welts on her neck. Another reason to welcome the cooler weather. Cierra just started an Abuterol treatment. Fingers crossed it helps. If so, it will become a seasonal maintenance treatment.

Cierra continues with a monthly maintenance allergy shot and Dex as needed. 

Harmony: taped at 1137 lbs (same last Spring) She also had her teeth floated. Our daughter had dental work done on her years ago. Our vet was pleased at how her fillings are holding up. He said they don't really do them anymore, unless teeth are very bad. Apparently the fillings don't usually last. He mentioned Harmony is aging very well :)

Harmony continues with Probios am/pm.

Padame: I don't have a Fall update for her. She is on the trainers barn schedule. Brad said his weekly lessons on her are going well and they are reconnecting. 

I am so thankful all our horses (SIX!! Blows my mind.) continue doing well. Of course, past health concerns still exist but are manageable. 

Enjoy your start to a wonderful Fall season!!