November 2019 in Michigan: snow, snow and even more snow…
November 2020 in Michigan: 70° sunshine!
As coldness and winter approaches, I encourage all of you to spend more time outdoors (safely of course) 🙂
“Surprise Summer”
pets
Back to the Beach!
Our last evening at Pictured Rocks was by far my favorite. After some epic hiking, we returned to Lake Superior Beach to enjoy our final sunset and some good night’s sleep. Juan and Linley needed a quick nap in the Jeep when we arrived, so I re-explored where Linley was digging around the day prior. I was drawn into the creek and the way the light was reflecting off the water.
I went back to the car to wake Juan and Lin up from their nap, and we settled in to enjoy the sunset. We didn’t take many photos because we were living in the moment, but it was a wonderful way to end our time on Lake Superior!
I can’t wait for my next adventure with my little family 😊
Photos taken Sunday, August 16, 2020
‘Falling’ for these views at Sable!
During our long weekend in Michigan’s upper peninsula, we couldn’t stop at one or two falls; we had to find more! Our favorite falls at Pictured Rocks were Sable Falls, which can be found on the eastern-most region of the lakeshore. Although there were some gnarly mosquitoes on this trail, the views were worth it; I hope you think so, too 😌
Stay safe, wear your mask and make sure to pack bug spray! – Cate
Photos taken Sunday, August 16, 2020
Au Sable Light Station and Log Slide Trail
Another dog-friendly activity we participated in during our time at Pictured Rocks was visiting the Au Sable Light Station. There was a nice trail between this point and our next attraction that called for some great views – and photos!
The three of us relaxed and had some Gatorade (Lin did not…) as the waves below us crashed into the cliffs. No photos can truly capture upper Michigan’s beauty, but they can always capture Lin’s attitude(s)…
“First they’re sour,”
then they’re sweet!”
After our snacks, we hit the trail and headed East for great views of the dunes. To Juan’s and my surprise, we didn’t even realize the upper peninsula even had dunes to explore!
One main viewing point was along the log slide trail, where they literally slide logs to freighter ships. We didn’t dare go all the way down because it took people (even hyper children and cross fitters) over an hour to climb back up! The views were worth the trek though.
Photos taken Sunday, August 16, 2020
Sunset at the Lake Superior Beach Overlook
Last Saturday, Juan, Lin and I needed to find a place to park our Jeep for the night. Luckily, we found the perfect spot:
The best part? We were able to hit the beach first thing in the morning!
Our pup had the best time exploring a creek leading to the lake; stay tuned for that post next 😊
Munising Falls, Michigan
Juan, Linley and I had an amazing three-day adventure in Michigan’s upper peninsula last weekend. If you live in or near the Midwest, you have to add Pictured Rocks to your travel list!
We arrived late Friday night and hit the trails first thing on Saturday. Munising Falls is on the west side of Pictured Rocks (there’s a lot to see here!) and made for a great first stop.
And of course, the world revolved around our pup!
Stay tuned for more photos, and wear your mask!
Photo Highlights of 2018
2018…what a year! So many incredible things happened, which has led to lifelong memories that I’ll always cherish.
I was able to spend lots of quality time with my Little Sister of four years, Aniya!
I had a travel marathon from March – July (Chicago, Boston, Iceland, Myrtle Beach, Peru and Portland)! I was able to spend time with old friends, have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with my mom, hang out with my brother on the west coast and get engaged during this short period of time!
I was able to spend more time with my pup Linley than ever. We even went to a baseball game with grams in Detroit!
My dad and I were able to hang out a lot more than usual, now that we’re in the same department at work. My dad is also in Big Brothers Big Sisters, and seeing his Little Brother grow up is amazing (and scary…)!
My best friend (who I call my twin) and I share the same birthday!!! We were able to celebrate our 25th year on this earth together 🙂
My fiance and pup cheered me up on Halloween as they dressed as a minion and a bee!
And the most eventful day was Friday, November 16, the day I married my best friend 🙂
I have no idea what could be better than repeating 2018, but I’m very excited for what 2019 has in store for all of us 🙂 Happy New Year!
Lima, Peru in iOS (June,2018)
Toward the middle of June, my mom and I FINALLY decided to visit Peru! We were on the fence for a while, given the fact that I’m starting a new job in September and getting married in November…but our better judgment prevailed!
I mean c’mon! Look at that itinerary (courtesy of my mom)!
We mainly stayed in Lima to become acclimated to the altitude change; however, we really enjoyed it! Aside from my mom feeling the initial culture shock while departing from the airport, all went smoothly!
We had so much fun in the city! The Starbucks barista’s spelling of “Dawn” was my favorite part! At the hotel, we even made friends with the pet guinea pig!
From strolling through Parque del Amor to eating and shopping at Larcomar, Lima didn’t disappoint 🙂
National Pet Day!
I LOVE to travel; however, my dog is making me more of a homebody these days (or at least if I’m not home, I actually WANT to be home…)!
My dog, Linley, is truly my best friend. I adopted him from Compass Dog Rescue in September and both of our lives have been enhanced ever since! He’s originally from Texas, but someone from the Detroit area rescued him before the hurricane in Houston.
Linley’s bio on PetFinder read something like this:
- Age 2-5 (likely 3)
- Hates to be alone
- Very social animal (loves other dogs, but does not like cats)
- Playful but not destructive
- Goes with the flow (if you’re relaxing, he is, too)!
So as you can probably tell already, Linley was MY dog from the beginning 🙂
Happy National Pet Day, everyone! Don’t forget to do something extra special for your furry friend today!
Adventure in Spades 