Riding the Boat

One of the many unique things about living on in island in the middle of Lake Michigan is the "how" you travel to it.  There isn't a road or a bridge that conveniently transports you 30+ miles out into the middle of the lake.  A traveler must choose: boat or plane?

View from the boat in Charlevoix, MI

Whichever you choose, you'll find yourself leaving from the quaint northern town of Charlevoix, Michigan. It's a beautiful town at the top of the mitten.

Specks chillin' on the deck of the ferry.

Yesterday, Cody and I took the boat because we needed to get one of our cars over to the island.  There are two ferry boats that go to the island and they are both owned by Beaver Island Boat Company.  The  ride takes about 2 1/2 hours.  It's slow going, but many people enjoy taking the boat because they can sit in the sun and relax with an adult beverage.  The boat is also a good alternative if you have someone traveling to the island who is afraid of tiny, puddle-jumper airplanes.  Although, for those skittish of travel, being in the middle of Lake Michigan and not being able to see land can also be a bit unnerving.

The island coming into view.

The main downfall of the boat is that from December-April it can't run because of icepack on Lake Michigan.  Every year if different because of natural weather fluctuations, but I think last year it stopped running in mid-December and didn't start back up until pretty late in the spring.  I primarily use it to travel in the summer, as flying is so much quicker.

Your turn…Have you ever visited an island by boat?
Currently listening to…Green Man - Type O Negative

A Few Days on the Island

Cody and I headed up to the island for a few days this week.  We are back at my parents house in SW Michigan right now…packing…ugh.

Our flights (over and back) were very smooth and scenic.  I always love watching the island pop into my line of vision as we cruise the 30+ miles over Lake Michigan.

We stayed at the Erin Motel, which is just a little spot on the main drag.  It's fairly cheap ($75/night) and you have waterfront access.  We are moving back into our old house, but our landlords were there staying for the week.  Looks like we will be officially moving back into our old house on Saturday.  I've missed our little house in the big woods, so I am feeling pretty excited to get back home.

Your turn…What is your ideal house like?
Currently listening to…Miss You - Blink 182

Where The Adventures Never Stop

It's been a wee bit quiet around these parts lately.  If you can believe it…we are moving, again! I know, I know, it's all we ever do!

Friday afternoon, after I got home from work, I received a call from Beaver Island (the school I taught at last year) and they wanted me to come back to teach 1st-3rd grade.  Earlier in the week they had a teacher resign.  With my resignation earlier this summer and the recent resignation of another teacher they were left with only one elementary teacher.  I spent the weekend thinking it over and weighing my options, but eventually I accepted.  I haven't found an actual teaching job in southern Michigan yet, and while I like my office job it just isn't the same as being in the classroom. Cody and I both had to let our jobs know today that we wouldn't be back.  He got offered a job at the school too.  See,  it's just too good of an offer to pass up.

So, we are trucking up to the island for inservice training for a couple of days this week. I expect we will be back late on Thursday and will spend the next couple of days packing our stuff back up.  There are a few things that I am pretty excited about when I think about moving back to the island.  First, I love my teaching job there.  My days are NEVER boring when teaching 3+ grade levels.  Second, I miss the safety and small-town-feel that the island is always oozing.  I like leaving my keys in my car.  I like waving to every person I pass on the road.  It's just a unique place.  I know it's not for everyone, but it works for us and we are going back.

Your turn…Have you ever retuned to an old job? Why?
Currently listening to…New Virginia Creeper-Old Crow Medicine Show

Rosy Mound Natural Area

Rosy Mound is a park in Ottawa County that is comprised of huge dunes, heavily forested areas, and long stretches of pristine Lake Michigan beach. The walk is moderately strenuous due to 1,000+ feet of stairs and dunes that you have to climb and meander along as you hike.  It is only .7miles from the parking lot to the beach access (one way), but if you want a little more length to your hike you can do the 3 mile loop instead.

We chose to do the 3 mile loop with a few stops thrown into the mix. Lake Michigan was the warmest I've felt it all year, which meant my toes needed to be submerged as much as possible.  The hike was very fun and we (luckily) caught it on a slow day.  It was overcast and not too hot, so most people weren't doing a ton of swimming.  You can hike Rosy Mound and set up your beach stuff for the day on one of the two beach access points.  The beach was nice and clean here, so it would probably be a great place to spend the day.  Plus, there were two very nicely maintained public restrooms, which is always a positive.

Overall,  we really like this scenic hike and I would recommend it to others looking for a fun way to spend the day. The views are spectacular and the hike is actually decently strenuous due to all of the ups and downs the dunes cause. The only negative to hiking here is that the county collects a parking fee of $7/day (only during peak season).  I'm still used to Alaska where all of the parks and hiking trails are free.  Plus, $7 to complete an hour long hike seems a little steep, in my opinion. I think I'll mostly stick to hiking there in the October-April season.  I've heard it's absolutely beautiful there in the fall when the colors are changing.  Maybe we'll head back in October and get some new pics!

Your turn…How do you feel about paying to hike? 
Currently listening to…October-Tunng

Sunset Sunday

The Last Days

I officially have my marching orders.  My new job starts later this week and I am soaking up my last few days of boredom…er, freedom.  In honor of my new employment status I am taking lazy to a whole new level.  Bathing suit on, book in hand,  laying at the beach.

I suppose I did do something this week.  I drove down to Illinois to visit my mom before my job started.  We had a relaxing time just hanging out and binge-eating pizza from Monical's Pizza (aka my favorite pizza EVER).   It was also a good opportunity to check out some of the long-lost college belongings that Cody and I want (or don't want) to move into our new apartment...that is, if we ever get a new apartment.

The impromptu trip also gave me a chance to see my childhood dog, Lucy.  She is twelve (going on thirteen) and, unfortunately, recently went blind.  Poor girl was running into things all over the house.  My mom had to attach pool noodles to all of the furniture to keep her from getting hurt.  It was sad to see her struggling to get around, but she was in good spirits and followed me around the whole time.  Somethings never change :)

Your turn…How are you spending the last month of summer?
Currently listening to…Mystic Mind - Those Darlin's 

Sunset Sunday

Sundays are for sunsets.  From now on, I would like to take Sundays to post beautiful sunset pictures from the previous week. Michigan sunsets are one of my favorite things and I would love to share them with you.  It is also my hope that from now on Sunday will be silent, no text, just a beautiful picture. Enjoy :)