Welcome to Munising! is the sign that we were anxiously awaiting. Munising, Michigan, the home of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Hiawatha National Forest, and the Gitchee Gumee of old time lore. These two nomads were very excited to spend the next few days surrounded by friendly people, plenty of breathtaking views, and great local fare.

Our adventure list includes thirteen powerful waterfalls, which will require these two nomads to lace up and hit the trail running….ok….maybe not running, let’s call it a leisurely hike.  Surrounded by crisp fresh air, towering tree canopies and beautiful rock formations, we will have ample opportunity to experience the peace and tranquility of untouched nature.  We even have plans to squeeze in a boat trip to explore one of Munisings largest attractions, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Parked safely at a rest stop along I-75, just before the Mackinac Bridge, was as far as these two nomads could make it after working all week. Tucked in for the night, dozing off, we excitedly discussed the next days events.

“Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints” is our mantra for this beautiful weekend.

Day 1 – May 21, 2016

We decided to setup outside and eat breakfast with the Mackinac Bridge  as our breathtaking backdrop. The gypsy half of this duo couldn’t help but realize that we were at yet another bridge! Seriously??? The Mackinac Bridge spans the straits of Mackinac and connects the Upper and Lower peninsulas of the State of Michigan. This impressive suspension bridge was completed in 1957, which makes it relatively new as far as bridges go.

Our first official stop is Whitefish Point, made famous by the lyrics of “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” sung by the great Canadian artist Mr. Gordon Lightfoot.  Whitefish Point is home to both the Whitefish Point Lighthouse and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

These two adventure seekers couldn’t turn down the opportunity to climb up to the top of the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. What an amazing view! Cool breeze, clear sky, frigid lake waters as far as the eye could see and very close quarters; which means no silly shenanigans for the gypsy half of these two nomads. Thank goodness for railings!  

This lighthouse was first lit in 1849 and to put it in perspective, prior to the upgrade to electricity and automation, a lone lighthouse keeper was responsible for manually relighting the burning whale oil every two and a half hours. This dedicated employee worked twenty four hours a day, seven days a week for a mere $600.00 annually. If the weather was extremely treacherous he would actually sleep at the lighthouse peak to ensure safe travel for ships in the harbour. Talk about responsibility!!

We ended our Whitefish Point visit by walking through the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum which featured relics and information on over 250 ship disasters.

This experience gave us both a true understanding as to why they call the southern shoreline of Lake Superior the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes”. William I am thinking we may need to reconsider our Lake Superior three hour boat tour tomorrow?

 

Back into Betsy…..next stop Tahquamenon Falls State Park!

Let’s eat! and what better spot to have a quick bite to eat then at a picnic table, sun shining, a soft cool breeze surrounded by nature with the faint sound of a waterfall in the near distance. The Lower falls is easily accessible to all.  The trail from the parking lot is asphalt then transitions into a wide wooden boardwalk, which brings you directly to two large viewing platforms.

Two perfect viewing platforms or maybe as Laura put it, two perfect STAGES to break into song!

“Don’t go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and lakes that you’re used to”…..T.L.C. is in the HOUSE!

Oh lordy!……we have twelve more waterfalls to go, let’s keep it moving!

The Upper Falls trail was asphalt from the parking lot right to the viewing platform. Again, easily accessible to all. The Upper Falls spans 200’ across and drops about 50’ straight down producing an impressive roaring waterfall. Not only were we impressed with the falls but also with the great concession area and washroom facilities at this park. This place was set up to host and entertain. A fantastic place to hang out with a group of friends or family and just enjoy a day at the falls.

Sable Falls is next. A short little walk along a groomed path to a wood framed boardwalk gave us a great view of this cascading waterfall. We watched in amazement as a few fishermen were actually down along the falls fishing. A perfect backdrop for pictures.

Next on our hand sketched, yellow highlighted map prepared by our very own engineer is Chapel Falls. This waterfall was a bit of a hike, but another well groomed path brought us directly to the falls. Although this falls had  wooden lookouts it lacked the safety barriers which allowed us to explore the area a bit more and get a better view of the falls.

Well our first day was absolutely amazing, full of fresh air and plenty of running water, so these two  nomads were ready to settle in for the night.  A slow after dinner drive around the town helped us locate the Munising High School, built directly on the shore of Lake Superior, and it just happened to have a huge empty parking lot. A room with a  view! The perfect place to call it a night and to our surprise free WIFI.

Day 2 – May 22, 2016

We parked Betsy facing east so that we could see the morning sunrise and Mother Nature did not disappoint, the sun came up and sparkled across Lake Superior with a bright yellow-orange glow giving us a sense of overall peacefulness and warmth.  These two nomads thrive on this feeling; *insert two sleepy smiles here*; but enough said we need to get William a coffee!

We ventured through town and the only thing open at 7:00 am was a local bagel shop, Bay Furnace Bagel Works. To our surprise this place makes all their own bagels on site and brews only locally made coffee.  The gypsy almost passed out when William stated the coffee was better than Tim Hortons. Hand over your passport William, I’m not sure you qualify as a true Canadian anymore!

First on the map this morning is Munising Falls. Munising Falls is one of the easiest Alger County waterfalls to visit. We walked the paved quarter mile trail to the cool, shaded sandstone canyon along Munising Creek. Two sets of wooden stairs lead us up to an elevated platform enabling us to see the 50-foot waterfall, which drops over a sandstone cliff. Watch for ferns, wildflowers and the occasional mink. William decided to add cougar to the list…lol

You would think that all these natural attractions would be well marked for easy access, but that is all part of the adventure!  “When possible make a u-turn”……again and again……lol

The Memorial Falls was a hidden surprise for these two hikers. The path through the gorge is rugged and steep with narrow sandy walkways along the cliff faces. The trail leads you right to the top of the falls with overhanging tree roots and eroded sandstone cliff’s hovering over you. A very mystical and daunting place, which was enough to make us think twice about where we were stepping. Especially those individuals who decide to hike in just their running shoes…..William.

This adventure was right up Williams alley. The rugged paths, the eroded cliffs, the sound of the waterfalls, the frigid water, and the smell of nature was all there for the taking. After a few hours of nature it was time to head back into town and buy our tickets for the boat cruise.

With our tickets in hand for the 2:00 p.m. cruise we walked over to Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore to let the gypsy explore and William have another coffee. Another thing these travellers like to do is support local artists. This cafe was bursting with local art and fare. Jim the manager of the cafe was a complete joy and so very passionate about this evolving local project. If you are ever in the area please be sure to check it out and tell him HELLO!…from the 2nomadsinavan.

Off to see our next waterfalls of the morning, Miners Falls!  We were surprised to find another nicely groomed hiking trail with plenty of scenery and places to stop and take in all that nature had to offer,  well worth the twenty minute walk to the falls. Miners falls has a very impressive 50′ drop straight down into a large open basin. The trail brings you to lookout platforms for a great view of the falls.

Okay! Back to Betsy, and onto Horseshoe Falls. This waterfall is privately owned and as we entered into the gift shop area these two nomads had an eerie feeling that something wasn’t right. What!?!? A twelve dollar fee to see a natural waterfall. Nope! Not TODAY! We turned around and scratched it off the map. Alger Falls here we come.

Alger Falls is located right along the highway and if you drive by while jamming to the oldies, you will drive right past it.  Turnaround William!

This falls is directly roadside and although beautiful it lacks the accessibility, which makes it a worthy quick “pit stop” adventure.

Wagner Falls is the last falls of the morning for these two water seekers before the big boat cruise. This falls is a beautiful and easily accessible waterfall with a height of 20 feet. This waterfall is stunning for those who enjoy photography (*Insert one gypsy nomad here*), or for those who like a peaceful spot to just enjoy the sounds of nature.

 

While waiting for our Pictured Rocks Cruise we decided on a  simple picnic lunch looking out at Lake Superior. After lunch we decided to walk the docks and came across a tugboat named “Miss Laura” well right then and there we had to get this gypsy in a picture.

 

Lined up on the dock we took in all the action. The dock was buzzing with activity as the annual fishing derby was underway.  The Captain of the “Miss Superior” introduced himself and escorted us to our assigned ship. “Miss Laura”…..”Miss Superior” William couldn’t help but notice the theme! We sat up on the upper deck to make sure we had a great view of the cliffs, but everything has a cost. The wind on the upper deck was a bit chilly for Miss Laura and she was bundled up tighter than a Sherpa ready to climb Mount Everest.

The cliffs range from 50 to 200 feet high and are made of sandstone which allows the wind and water from Lake Superior to carve them into mystical shapes. The name “Pictured Rocks” comes from the streaks of mineral stains that can be seen on the face of the weather-sculpted cliffs. An array of colours occur when groundwater seeps through the cracks and trickles down the cliff face. Iron (red and orange), copper (blue and green), manganese (brown and black), and limonite (white) are among the most common colour-producing minerals.

The pictures say so much more than words.

The cruise was three hours long and the crew was very friendly and funny and definitely well worth the $40/person. The hikers we spotted walking along the cliff tops had no idea what beauty was lying right beneath their feet. Along the water is the only way to truly appreciate these cliffs. We also managed to check off two more waterfalls from our adventure list.  Bridal Falls and Spray Falls.

All the fresh air from being on the water left these two nomads with an appetite to try the best Pasties in Upper Michigan at a small local eatery called Muldoons, and yes we said Pasties…..lol.

The day was quickly winding down, but we needed to make one last stop at Scott Falls. Well the name alone guaranteed a stop.  The gypsy of the duo actually has a falls namesake?!? Can this get any better!!!!

The falls can be seen from the highway nestled peacefully amongst the trees. The water falls over a sandstone cliff into a small pool. Yup……we will simply leave it at that. Ah…ummm…We won’t mention the fact that it is only ten feet high or that Laura insisted that nobody be in the picture to provide scale.

“The best things in life come in small packages William!”

With our quench for waterfalls filled we decided to start the drive towards home and find a place to rest for the night. As darkness slowly crept in we crossed back over the stunning Mackinac Bridge and found a rest stop along the highway to rest our tired bones. Lantern lit, bed down as we discussed our favourite waterfall of the day. Scott Falls no doubt! What an epic day!

Day 3 – May 23, 2016

Up early and searching for the nearest Tim Hortons and gas station to recharge William and Betsy. These two nomads had set out to see the sites of Munising, Michigan and enjoyed every minute of this adventure.  Thirteen Waterfalls, lighthouses, hiking, boat cruise and a quaint local cafe, Munising, Michigan truly is a hidden gem for outdoor adventurers. I highly recommend you check it out. “Home William!”