Ontonagon in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is considered a second home for my family. With my Dad (half) retired and my Mom (soon-to-retire) they’ve built a rustic getaway for themselves in the heart of the Porcupine Mountains. Each year we visit for a week with the kids along with my brother and his family. It’s an annual retreat that we all look forward to each summer.
The cabin is rustic and considered ‘off the grid’ in every way possible. There’s no address, cellphone or internet service and can only be reached by a 4-wheel drive vehicle. There are solar panels for basic electricity (mostly lights and the toaster), a propane refrigerator and a gas-powered stove for cooking. There’s a sauna, an outhouse and a wood stove for the colder nights.
Life is slower at the cabin. Breakfast takes two hours. We read books on the porch. An entire day is built around cutting and stacking wood or making sure the trail is clear of brush and trees. Sometimes we go for a wheeler ride to pick berries and then spend the rest of the afternoon baking a pie with our haul. There’s no TV minus the old VHS player my parents have on hand for the kids using our, now vintage, Disney movie collection - they think it’s great. We stay up late with drinks on the porch or around the fire and gaze at stars and this year we watched the coolest lighting storm roll in late at night over the mountain top.
Grandpa had a big surprise for the kids this year: a giant swing that pushes out over the side of the hill. Needless to say, it was a big hit.
Our visit this summer was one for the record books as my brother Jason and his wife Rachel brought their 7-month-old daughter Brianna for the first time. We brought Natalie and Thomas in their first year of life too so it was fun to witness them do the same. Natalie was a fantastic big helper with Brianna including a few hours of babysitting with Grandma while the rest of the crew went kayaking.
Thomas joined his very first kayak run this year with Jeff in his boat. We took the two-hour trip on the Ontonagon River that leads and ends directly in front of camp. The river level was slightly down so we had to be diligent about our shoots through the rocky parts. We packed snacks and drinks and periodically made stops along the way including our favorite spot we named: Jacuzzi Rocks. It’s a ring of large rocks where the river runs fast creating a pool perfect for sitting in. It’s a little piece of heaven.
On this summer’s trip we also checked out a new spot called O Kun De Kun Falls located an easy 35 min drive from camp. We hiked the 1.2 miles in to find a secluded little spot with upper and lower falls, a walking draw bridge and a cave where we climbed. Jason and Rachel came prepared with the Jeep stroller for Brianna (and bottles) and us with a mini cooler. We agreed a return visit already on the agenda for next year and next time we’ll bring swimsuits and snacks for a longer afternoon hangout at the falls.
After our hike that day we continued down the road for cheeseburgers and fries at Henrys Bar. The burgers hit the spot and we were able to watch the Olympics for a bit while we ate. It was a solid touch base with civilization. Lunch at Henry’s lead to a much overdue visit to Stubbs Museum Bar – something we missed out on last year (ugh, Covid). It was great to see Connie May, the bartender, again. She always spoils the kids with cups full of M&Ms and Shirley Temples.
And we never miss our annual day at the beach on Lake Gitche Gumme, aka Lake Superior. Rain or shine we are always invited to a family friends lake house for grilled brats, drinks and beach time. This year the kids spent hours stacking rocks on their secluded piece of paradise.
Our visits to the U.P. are always appreciated and needed. It gives us time to unplug, literally, from normal life and focus on connecting with our family. It is our annual reminder of what it’s like to slow down and enjoy nature. We know that we are making memories with our family that will be remembered and cherished forever.
