Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Blue Heron Mine / Trail
I stayed a few days at Bear Creek Horse Camp in the Big South Fork National Recreation Area, then hiked the Blue Heron Loop Trail. The 6.5-mile path winds past sandstone cliffs, coal seams, and the re-created mining camp of Blue Heron. It was a day of quiet forest, unexpected encounters, and a glimpse into Kentucky’s coal-mining past.
Bayfield: Museum, Restaurant and Trails
Today was supposed to be a kayaking day around the Apostle Islands, but heavy rain and wind had other plans. I spent the day exploring Bayfield on foot—visiting the Maritime Museum, walking the Big Ravine Trail system, wandering the historic streets, and learning about the town’s roots at the Carnegie Library. A blackened trout lunch, a double chocolate ice cream, and time photographing the trails rounded out a quiet, weather-shifted day. By nightfall, I was back in the woods, falling asleep to the sound of rain on the van roof.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness
I spent time exploring the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park — one of the Midwest’s last true wilderness areas. From hiking the rugged trails down to Mirror Lake and spotting wild mushrooms along the way, to scrambling down rocks for a closer look at Nawadaha Falls, it was a day full of solitude, damp forest air, and quiet moments deep in the woods.
Cut River Bridge and Trails
A quiet morning drive led me to the Cut River Bridge — a hidden Michigan gem where I wandered the scenic foot trail, captured a few photos, and soaked in the view of the gorge and Lake Michigan far below.