People say I am crazy. When I tell friends and acquaintances in my hometown I am going camping in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the winter, they shake their heads and look at me like I am not quite right in my head. Won't it be cold? What about wild animals? What if your truck gets stuck in a snowstorm? They express all kinds of worries, letting their imaginations and fears get the best of them. It's really no big deal to go, but it is a big deal to be there.
I have been hearing this sentiment for years, longing to meet people who are more like me, with the same interests, passions, and desire to experience nature. A few years ago, I stumbled across a blog by Mike Wendland, Roadtreking:Discovering the Small Motorhome Lifestyle. This guy, and his wife, Jennifer, travel around the country in a Class B Roadtrek motorhome, a big van really, and see things most people don't see, meet interesting road warriors who do the same, exchange stories and experiences, and teach the rest of us how it is done. I began following his blog, listening to his
podcasts, subscribed to his newsletter, and eventually began an online interaction with Mike. Most of his group are Roadtrek owners, they go to rallies together, have smaller meet-ups, and wave to each other on the road. I was delighted when Mike said I could join a Roadtrek outing in Winter 2015, even though I would be camping in my car, at Tahquamenon Falls. I had a great time playing in the snow with a small group of adventurous souls who took good care of me, bringing me coffee in the morning and checking to make sure I hadn't frozen to death in my car.
This year, our group grew, as did my camping accommodations.
We had about 50 people arrive in our winter wonderland as I greeted them from my truck camper. Still not as convenient as a Roadtrek, but a definite step up in comfort from last year. The park staff at Tahquamenon Falls State Park are top-notch and had plowed additional sites out for us, brought us snow shoes to borrow, and a bucket of sand in case anyone got stuck in a snowbank, which one of us who shall remain nameless ended up using. The outhouses were clean and well-stocked with toilet paper. (You'd be surprised how pleased we all were by that). Our weekend began with happy reunions and getting to know the newbies. I was so happy to be there my face froze in a great big smile.
Road treks parked at
The Inn in Paradise.
Photo Credit: Ari Adler
Yoopers - people who live in the U.P. of Michigan - call the land above the bridge "God's Country". Indeed, it is. They even have signs posted along the road, to remind drivers they have no worries, they are in God's Country. The Roadtrek Band of Merry Men and Women embraced it, got out in it, breathed it in, let it fill them, and became part of it. Collectively, we snowshoed to the lower Tahquamenon Falls with Theresa Neil, Michigan DNR Interpreter, then a small group took the challenging route to the upper Falls, a strenuous 8 mile hike wearing snowshoes designed to keep your feet on top of the snow but aren't that effective on the steep up-and-downhill terrain. Some went to the dogsled races, while others explored Whitefish Bay with Lake Superior waves frozen mid-curl, where time stands still and the winds do not. Mike set up his HAM radio at the upper Falls, on a section of the North Country Trail to participate in the National Parks on the Air. You can read all about it here. Photographers broke trail and captured places where no man had walked since the freshest snowfall. I drove to a parking lot, left my vehicle, and spent two hours of solitary hiking on the North Country Trail while waiting to give a ride to that small group of hearty snowshoers making their long journey to the upper Falls. They were unusually happy to see me at the end.
Photo Credit: Yan Seiner
Photo Credit: Yan Seiner
Photo Credit: Ari Adler
Photo Credit: Lynn Ellen Kaiser
Habushu: The Essence of Snake
We spent most of our time outside, some of it in remote areas. We weren't cold, because we were moving and dressed for the weather. We weren't miserable, or isolated, or hungry or thirsty. We were alive! At night, we built a bonfire and sat around its warmth. Some of us supplied a little bit of our own warmth. Yan even brought Habushu, but that is an entire story in itself which I will tell later. Tired from our day spent exploring outside, we enjoyed good conversation, Gouda cheese, a warm fire, and stories of our travels.
Photo Credit: Jim Diepenbruck
Roadtrekers aren't crazy, but they are my kind of people. They had come from Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, and Ontario, Canada. They have traveled through Canada to Alaska, from Maine to the Outer Banks to the Florida Keys, from Texas to New Mexico and Arizona. They have boondocked at Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and along the Pacific shores in Oregon and California. They have been to the Heartland and made it part of their own heart. Jim, a photographer in our group, boondocked in an extremely isolated wilderness on the way to and from the U.P., looking for Elk. He didn't find any, but Jim did get a fleeting look at the Coyote who was none too please to have Jim as a guest in his home, and expressed the sentiment late at night while Jim was outside photographing the stars. Jim's not crazy, but he experienced something most people never will, a close encounter with a wild animal late at night, and shared a moment with a Coyote, a moment he won't forget. That Coyote is part of Jim's journey now.
I have turned my dream of owning a Roadtrek into a goal. I have no idea yet how I can make it happen, but I can open a conversation with my husband about his retirement in a few years. Together, we can decide what we can live without (you'd be surprised what you can live without), what we can give up, and what we can gain by traveling the country together and immersing ourselves in the adventure of living.
I want what these people have. They have worked hard, raised families, overcome tragedies and health issues, have faced the challenges we all face. Some are still facing them, still working, still planning. But they all know this very important secret: whatever came before today is over. Whatever will come tomorrow is unknown. So take today as the gift that God gave you, go out, and explore. Fill your soul with a spirit of adventure! Embrace the mantra of our Winter Freezeout; No bugs (the perks) and a very cold seat in the pit toilet (little inconveniences that don't matter). Wherever you are right now, in your home, in your office, out shopping, or camping in two feet of snow...there are perks and minor inconveniences. We are not crazy. We are fun and full of life.
Photo Credit: Yan Seiner
If you still think we are crazy, watch this video by Roadtreker Ari Adler:
To be on the edge of a cold wind and a warm sun, and watch the melding of water and ice; to stand where there are no footprints and breathe; it is the igniting of imagination, the freefall of spirit, and the stillness of your soul. But it's not crazy
I am grateful for my time with the Roadtrekers in a winter wonderland. I love their stories, their warmth, their laughter, and their willingness to explore. I love their sense of humor. I love them. Most of all, I love being in God's Country with them. No big deal to go, but a really big deal to be there. Crazy, eh?
I have long been fascinated with different patterns created by Mother Nature, sun, wind, water, and snow. This post is a little different for me; no long story today! Just a few images I have captured over the years - raw and unedited - of shadows and light. Please enjoy them, and feel free to post any images you have of this theme in the comments section.
On a nice sunny day, a sudden storm front turned day into night. (Ludington State Park, MI)
Sunlight reflected on water (Clark Lake, MI)
Mud Wasp Nest. Fifty Shades of Grey?
A foggy field in southern Michigan
September morn.
Some snow falls through the branches, some does not.
Polka dots!
Snow, with a few sparkles from the sun
Wind blown snow
More patterns made by the wind
Tree shadows, brought to you by the sun
The horizontal pattern made by the snow mimics the vertical pattern of the tree bark.
I hike alone. The woods teach me things about myself every time I go down a trail, or wander off trail. Alone, I have learned that I am stronger than I thought. I know things in a deep place in my mind, and after a fourteen mile hike when it feels like I will never live without pain again, the pain will go away. Eventually. The woods teach me to listen, see, and smell more intensely, and trust that I can keep going. I let the woods show me who I am, instead of who I'm scared to be.
If I hiked with others, I would not be able to see, hear, feel, and learn without distractions. Some of the lessons would be lost. So I hike alone. Which is why I wasn't particularly excited to take five 13 year old girls into the woods last weekend.
When The Wise One asked for a trip up north with her friends, I searched on Pure Michigan and found Cedar Bend Farm in Mancelona, Michigan. The Farm appealed to me because we would have the place to ourselves, we could stay in a cozy stone cottage, there are many outdoor activities available, and it is affordable. I planned the weekend, pleased that my daughter wanted an outdoor adventure. It was killing me to think I would be spending a weekend in Northern Michigan with no opportunity to hike alone. This trip was about my daughter, not me, and maybe I could teach her a thing or two about the woods.
The Wise One chose her four friends wisely. What an amazing group of young girls! I never heard a single complaint, only enthusiasm for the next adventure. A snow storm blew in, it was cold and windy, yet those girls stayed outside all day, walking through the woods to the zip line, flying through the trees suspended by a harness while snow smacked their faces and froze on their eyelashes. Scuba showed them how sound echoes back to them from the top of the steep tubing hill, and a chorus of hello's fell with the snow. The girls rode the zip line over and over, then hiked up another steep hill to test their physical limits on the challenge course. Balance, agility, and teamwork produced more giggles, more shouts of achievement. The Wise One was fascinated with the creek that flowed freely, it's water so clear it almost got lost. She took a glove off and stuck her fingers into the stream, letting out a little scream at the frigid cold of the water.
After a quick lunch, the girls went right back outside for a scavenger hunt. I heard their voices from every direction, calling out with excitement over finding a bonus item on the list. The Wise One could be heard directing the others to different areas (she can be a bit bossy; a control freak, like her mom). Then they were off to the hill to scream with delight while racing to the bottom on snow tubes.
It went on all day. The girls stayed outside playing and running and shouting. When it came time to go home Sunday morning, not one of them wanted to leave. One girl declared this trip should become an annual event. Next year, the girls agreed, we should stay for a week.
Scuba left with the girls, but I stayed behind. I had planned all along to leave a couple of hours after them, to give myself time for a quiet hike in the woods. As I climbed up the hill under the zip line, the wind blew the branches of the bare trees against each other like strings on a violin, creating a haunting melody. It was in this moment that the woods taught me something new. For the first time ever, I was lonely in the woods. The music played by the wind was missing the sound of young girls' laughter. It was only when they were there with me that the melody became a symphony of beautiful sound echoing through the trees and wide open fields. The woods are meant to be shared.
For the most part, I will continue my solitary walks in the woods. But I learned something about myself last weekend. There is a time for the sound of laughter and joy. I don't have to be alone to love the woods, I can share my time with others and still learn, still laugh, and still enjoy. The Wise One and her friends gave me a gift with their shouts of delight, and as I walked back to my car to leave, I swear I could still hear their echoes.
I like to be prepared. When my friend, Debbie, took that first step and joined me 4 years ago on my annual Fall Camping Trip, I promised her I would take care of her and she had nothing to fear. Last year, when we ended up lost for eleven hours in the wilderness, she questioned my ability to keep her safe, but at the end of the day we were enjoying a campfire, safe in our campsite with the tin can. Still doubting my survival skills, Debbie whipped out "The WORST-CASE SCENARIO Survival Handbook" by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht to check my knowledge. Seriously, who knew that the most important thing to do when plunging off a bridge is clench your butt cheeks?
Since that night, I decided that my wilderness skills needed a little brushing up. That's when I discovered REI. A large retailer of outdoor apparel and equipment, REI also has free community classes, guided trips, and a wealth of information in published articles. I recently attended a Winter Camping class at the REI store in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to brush up on my knowledge for my upcoming trip to the Porcupine Mountains.
www.rei.com
I am confident with my winter camping skills, but since I am new to all this outdoor/wilderness adventure stuff, I figured it couldn't hurt to hear what REI had to say. I am so glad I went, because I learned quite a bit. Mostly, I learned how expensive my new passion is! But the instructor, Tim, gave me helpful tips for how to keep the cost down. For instance, I had been searching for a water filtration system, keeping in mind the requirements of 99.99% filtering capabilities, weight, volume, and ease of use. The system I had chosen cost about $129.00 But Tim introduced me to REI's Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter Plus for $49.95. It only weighs 3 oz. and takes up very little space, is easy to use, and filters up to 99.99999% of all bacteria and protozoa. I can use bags for 16, 32, or 64 oz. of filtered water, making it versatile for filtering larger amounts of water in camp, while carrying smaller amounts on the trail. I just saved about $80.00!
www.rei.com
I also had questions about meal preparation. I really don't want to carry camp cookware to prepare meals over an open fire. Tim recommended a personal stove which uses white gas, because it still burns in colder temperatures, but I like the Jet Boil for it's compact size and included carafe for cooking. Tim suggested that if I place the fuel pack in my coat for a short time, I can heat the canister with my body to insure ignition. I settled on the Jet Boil Zip Stove and feel comfortable with Tim's recommendation. As an accessory, I plan to purchase the Coffee Press. No more instant coffee!
I also learned a few helpful tips about stuff sacks, packing for space and weight, and other helpful gear. The main reason I wanted to attend the class, though, was to learn more about layering.
Last year when I attended the Michigan Ice Fest to learn how to climb ice, I researched sites to learn the proper layers of clothing to wear. Because I am always on a tight budget, I made do by borrowing and improvising items of clothes. Big mistake. Fortunately, the guys from Down Wind Sports recognized how ill-prepared I was to hike and climb in sub-zero temperatures, and introduced me to a Patagonia Rep who lent me the proper jacket for the weekend. I was so warm and comfortable, I changed my mind about the whole winter gear situation. It really isn't just about marketing; its about survival. Frostbite and hypothermia are real, people.
www.rei.com
When the class at REI ended, I tried on some different layering pieces, and fell in love with the Columbia Bugaboo 3-in-1 Jacket. It fits my budget while still having the features Tim talked about: sealed seams, windproof, waterproof, and a breathable insulated soft shell which can be removed.
My Christmas Wish List has been compiled and given to my husband. With just a few additions, I can stay within a reasonable budget and still be prepared for winter camping. Debbie may have taught me how to survive in quicksand, but REI is teaching me real skills to fit my adventure plans, helping me keep the cost down, and showing enthusiasm for my quest to become a real outdoor adventurer. Next class: Snowshoeing 101. Maybe I will learn how to be graceful, but I'd say that's a stretch, even for REI.
How To Survive in Quicksand:
1. Carry a stout pole.2. As soon as you start to sink, lay the pole on the surface of the quicksand.3. Flop onto your back on top of the pole4. Work the pole to a new position: under your hips and at right angles to your spine.5. Take the shortest route to firmer ground by pulling out first one leg, then the other.
Commit this very important tip to memory. You never know when you might need it!
I have been hearing this sentiment for years, longing to meet people who are more like me, with the same interests, passions, and desire to experience nature. A few years ago, I stumbled across a blog by Mike Wendland, Roadtreking:Discovering the Small Motorhome Lifestyle. This guy, and his wife, Jennifer, travel around the country in a Class B Roadtrek motorhome, a big van really, and see things most people don't see, meet interesting road warriors who do the same, exchange stories and experiences, and teach the rest of us how it is done. I began following his blog, listening to his 
This year, our group grew, as did my camping accommodations. 
We spent most of our time outside, some of it in remote areas. We weren't cold, because we were moving and dressed for the weather. We weren't miserable, or isolated, or hungry or thirsty. We were alive! At night, we built a bonfire and sat around its warmth. Some of us supplied a little bit of our own warmth. Yan even brought Habushu, but that is an entire story in itself which I will tell later. Tired from our day spent exploring outside, we enjoyed good conversation, Gouda cheese, a warm fire, and stories of our travels.
I want what these people have. They have worked hard, raised families, overcome tragedies and health issues, have faced the challenges we all face. Some are still facing them, still working, still planning. But they all know this very important secret: whatever came before today is over. Whatever will come tomorrow is unknown. So take today as the gift that God gave you, go out, and explore. Fill your soul with a spirit of adventure! Embrace the mantra of our Winter Freezeout; No bugs (the perks) and a very cold seat in the pit toilet (little inconveniences that don't matter). Wherever you are right now, in your home, in your office, out shopping, or camping in two feet of snow...there are perks and minor inconveniences. We are not crazy. We are fun and full of life.
I have been hearing this sentiment for years, longing to meet people who are more like me, with the same interests, passions, and desire to experience nature. A few years ago, I stumbled across a blog by Mike Wendland, Roadtreking:Discovering the Small Motorhome Lifestyle. This guy, and his wife, Jennifer, travel around the country in a Class B Roadtrek motorhome, a big van really, and see things most people don't see, meet interesting road warriors who do the same, exchange stories and experiences, and teach the rest of us how it is done. I began following his blog, listening to his 
This year, our group grew, as did my camping accommodations. 
We spent most of our time outside, some of it in remote areas. We weren't cold, because we were moving and dressed for the weather. We weren't miserable, or isolated, or hungry or thirsty. We were alive! At night, we built a bonfire and sat around its warmth. Some of us supplied a little bit of our own warmth. Yan even brought Habushu, but that is an entire story in itself which I will tell later. Tired from our day spent exploring outside, we enjoyed good conversation, Gouda cheese, a warm fire, and stories of our travels.
I want what these people have. They have worked hard, raised families, overcome tragedies and health issues, have faced the challenges we all face. Some are still facing them, still working, still planning. But they all know this very important secret: whatever came before today is over. Whatever will come tomorrow is unknown. So take today as the gift that God gave you, go out, and explore. Fill your soul with a spirit of adventure! Embrace the mantra of our Winter Freezeout; No bugs (the perks) and a very cold seat in the pit toilet (little inconveniences that don't matter). Wherever you are right now, in your home, in your office, out shopping, or camping in two feet of snow...there are perks and minor inconveniences. We are not crazy. We are fun and full of life.
