No place better on Earth than “Up North” in the summertime

View of Lake Michigan and North Manitou Island from atop the South Manitou Lighthouse

View of Lake Michigan and North Manitou Island from atop the South Manitou Island Lighthouse

We spent the past week in Mother Earth’s idyllic playground – also known as the Northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan, centered around Traverse City. I have yet to find a photograph or painting that adequately depicts the visual beauty and restorative ability of this region, but included in this post are a few shots that will hopefully convey the stunning scenery, charming communities, unique history, and beautiful topography one can find “Up North” in Michigan.

To me, “Up North” generally represents those scenic regions of northern states and countries most often characterized by abundant natural lakes, verdant woodlands, carloads of vacationers, and numerous recreational opportunities. However, there are some less-forested exceptions like northeast Indiana and northwest Iowa which clearly see multitudes of adventure seekers, as well. The northbound lanes of highways heading to these places are jammed on Friday evenings, while the southbound ones are equally busy on Sunday night, as everyone tries to squeeze in as much time “Up North” as possible.

For some, “Up North” may mean the coastline and backwoods of Maine. For others it may be Lake Champlain, the Finger Lakes, or the Adirondacks of New York and Vermont. Still, for others “Up North” is represented by the Northwoods of Wisconsin, the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Lake District of the United Kingdom, or the Georgian Bay Islands of Ontario. Whatever and wherever your “Up North” may happen to be, may it be filled with the spectacular displays of geography and nature that we are so very fortunate to enjoy here in the Northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

Namaste!