Eastern Utah
EMAIL ME AT: mgypsy97 at aol dot com

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Wed., Aug 21, 2013

I got through Duluth yesterday easier than I thought was possible, and traveled east on Hwy. 28.  I would have driven US 2 but it was much longer distance-wise, so I decided to do both, cutting down to US 2 further east.

Unfortunately last night I stayed in the buggiest campground I have ever been in.  When I got out of the car the bugs were all over me - I had to keep brushing them off to apply Bug Guard.  The Bug Guard didn't help much and I got into my tent in late afternoon.  That is no way to spend the daylight hours.  I had driven to the point where I just didn't want to drive any further, although another few miles would have gotten me to a motel along US 2.

I fell asleep early but woke up to a flashlight shining around but wasn't too worried when I realized it was a guy calling his dog, or his kid, or maybe both.  This was at midnight, and I heard a woman calling to kids and more dogs.  One dog had a "lab bark" and a couple more were the little yappy kind.  The man must have been gathering firewood and it wasn't long when I saw a couple of huge bonfires - big enough that I was slightly worried about them getting out of control.  I went back to sleep but woke up several times again during the night, finally getting up about 6:30. 

I packed my tent quickly and got ready to leave - I drove past a big motorhome which is how the other party must have avoided the bugs.




I knew I didn't have far to go to get to the bridge, but stopped to take a couple of pictures of Lake Michigan.

I was driving over the bridge at 8 am, wondering why in the world I had worried about it.  A bridge is a bridge, and I have driven over many of different lengths and heights, and the Mackinac Bridge is a piece of cake.  I had no traffic but there was the roadwork - at least two places where they closed the right lane.  No problem.

Pictures of Lake Huron:  Note the ducks in the first, and a freighter in the 2nd.







Further along the eastern shore of Michigan I stopped at a lighthouse and museum, but was disappointed that I couldn't climb the stairs.  The man in the gift shop said that it is still a working lighthouse and the Coast Guard only allows visitors to go up on weekends. 








I stopped at 1 pm this afternoon at a lovely little motel with friendly owners who say they might have a bonfire tonight.  Right now I'm going to take a shower and wash my hair, and hope I get rid of all the bugs.

This morning I hated Michigan and would never come back.  Now that leaving Michigan will happen tomorrow, I know I will miss it.  I really love the UP but now know to never camp there in the summer time.  I doubt if I will ever travel in the summertime, except maybe close to home. 

Later:
I forgot to include this photo - I think it is "bittersweet"?  I know it is used in a lot of dried arrangements, but I like it growing on the bush and up close.
        

9 comments:

  1. Funny what a difference one day makes isn't it? It's pretty much the adage of my life too. giggle

    I read the other day - don't know if it's true, but mint helps with bugs/bug bites. Just a thought.

    And I don't mind riding in a car over a bridge, but I HATE driving on them. I always feel like I am going over. Probably has something to do with my fear of exposed heights - which is really my only one.

    Take care! Thanks again for your kindness to my daughter ::love!:: and I want a full update about your food.

    'Cause y'know I am ALL about the food, don'tcha' Gypsy? hee

    Hugs and much love, JG

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  2. I just hate bugs! Luckily we've had very few of them since we got to Maine but today on a trail early in the morning the mosquitos were awful but cleared up about 10:00 so I think I'm going to start hiking later. Seems the bugs like early morning and early evening at least around here. I had thought about doing the Great Lakes for summer next year but you and Judy are making me rethink my plan with the hot temperatures and the bugs.

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  3. So sorry you hated Michigan but then decided you don't.. lol. I loved the UP and Lake Superior and all around. Seems I was there in late summer.

    Maybe I was just lucky and missed the bugs. don't recall any. I recall double rainbows and the Painted Rock National Park.... gorgeous.

    Glad you're feeling good!

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  4. I tried to go fishing on a small river in Michigan and couldn't even breathe the bugs were so bad. Had to run back to the car. Unbelievable!!

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  7. Nice pictures the lake is pretty and the surrounding area. Hate bugs but they love me.

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  8. I couldn't handle the bugs. No way, no how. Happy to hear you drove over the bridge. I figured you could do it.

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  9. You deserve a great meal and a good nights sleep..

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