The past few days have been spent in the western half of the U.P. of Michigan. People that live in the U.P. (Upper Peninsula) call themselves Yoopers (derivative of U.P.). In the past, I’ve heard that people that live in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan are Trolls because they live “under the bridge.” The bridge they are referring to is the Mackinaw Bridge. And I heard a new joke this visit, people that come into the U.P. from Wisconsin are “sneaking in the back door.” Ah yes, my home state! I guess I’m a Troll and Jim sneaks into Michigan via the back door!
We spend the Labor Day weekend camping with Jim’s brother Tom, sister-in-law Cheryl, and their grandson Blake. Since they live in Wisconsin, it was an easy 2 hour drive for them to meet up with us for the weekend at J. W. Wells State Park.
If you are ever in this part of Michigan and need a campground AND have kids, we can’t say enough good things about this State Park. There is a beach close at hand and a terrific playground for the kids, the best we have ever seen. It was a weekend full of family fun at the campground.
On Monday, we headed further west and ended up in Iron Mountain. We stopped and got some Yooper food known as Pasties. No…not what you are thinking. It’s pronounced PASS-TEES. They are meat pies popular in this part of Michigan. They even have their own article on Wikipedia! Jim and I tried Pasties twice, kind of a Battle of the Pasties. The Pasty Oven in Iron Mountain defeated Dobber’s Pasties in Escanaba.
Our two night stop in Iron Mountain included grocery shopping, laundry and some trip planning (as seen below..guide books, map, tablet, beer).
We did find time to tour an abandoned iron mine. We had done this tour before about 15 years ago, but it was so long ago it seemed fresh and new. What I don’t remember from the last time were the bats that were flying around. I could have done without that. It was only four or five, but ewwwww.
So now we are on our way to Duluth, Minnesota. The highway is straight and uncrowded. The sky is blue and the leaves are starting to turn color. It’s a perfect day to travel.
Looks like you are enjoying your trip.
That we are Eloise, that we are!!!
Just one question — what does beer have to do with “trip planning”? Enjoying your blog — keep writing!!
Having a cold beer by your side is ESSENTIAL to planning a trip. 🙂
I’m enjoying your blog and pics. Thanks for sharing!!
Glad you are enjoying it. We are enjoying the trip!