So much to show you, so little time!  Friday we spent in the Porcupine Mountains.  I’ll wait while you go check a map to figure out where that is.  (Elevator music now playing.)

Foot bridge over the Presque Isle River

OK.  So now you know they are on the very western part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, over by the Wisconsin border, but up along the coast of Lake Superior.  What?  You didn’t know Michigan had an Upper Peninsula?  That’s another blog; for now I’ll leave it to you to do your research.

Patiently waiting…

The Porcupine Mountains are truly beautiful and desolate all at the same time.  We spent a long time wandering the trails beside the Presque Isle River.  It flows from the mountains and into Lake Superior….

The river meets the lake.

…over a series of waterfalls.

A man and his dog enjoy the view.

We hiked way up to the third in that series, through deep woods, over hill and across crevices …

In the woods.

…and through swamps.

Walking the plank.

It was wonderful.  Not all of the trails were as strenuous.  There’s something for everyone at the Porkies.

Just a walk in the park.

Thirty-three miles away but still in the park is Lake of the Clouds.  Can you tell how it gets it’s name?

Clouds reflected.

The road climbs up and up and up and finally there you are, high above a beautiful reflective lake.

We were there in the morning so we had to wait for the sun to come up and out from behind some clouds…

And then the sun came out.

…but when it did the trees were spectacular even though it’s past peak leaf watching season.

Fantastic views.

There are many trails in the Porcupine Mountains.  In fact you can hike from the Presque Isle River all the way over to the Lake of the Clouds along the edge of Lake Superior if you like.

Grazing.

That would take us about 15 weeks, but you could probably do it in less time if you train.  It’s getting to be late fall now, you’ve got all winter to get in shape for a spring hike.  Up here spring should arrive sometime the end of June.

Yep lots of time.

You get ready. I’ll wait here.