Fun on the Sunrise Coast

[I wrote this post last night, 6/12, but the internet signal at my campsite was too weak to post. Thank goodness I stumbled across Tyelene's Restaurant and Internet Hotspot this morning!]

Today we shimmied up Michigan's index finger then sailed over the Mackinac bridge to land on the upper peninsula. On the way, we visited several state parks since the pass we purchased at the first one was valid for the day at all of them. And they were many! Dog-friendly state and various other types of parks litter the coastline here.

The east coast of Michigan, dubbed the "sunrise coast," suprised me with its beachy-ness. I'd imagined it more woodsy. But while there's no shortage of trees, it's in many ways similar to the east coast shoreline -- sandy beaches, grassy dunes, beach houses by the dozen, even lighthouses. And all that exists without the ominous shadow of hurricanes! There is a dark threat here for trees, though, in the form of an insect pest. The Department of Agriculture has issued a ban on carrying firewood over the border.

Tomorrow: Wisconsin!