NAN SANDERS POKERWINSKI
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HeartWood
A blog about cultivating
creativity, connection and contentment
wherever you are

UP and Away

10/2/2019

14 Comments

 
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Summer came, and summer went, and just after Labor Day, Ray and I looked at each other and said, "Hey, we forgot to take a vacation."
Well, we didn't exactly forget. We just, you know, had stuff to do. So much stuff we thought, Get away? Oh, we couldn't possibly!
But have you noticed? Whenever you find yourself thinking, I couldn't possibly, that's exactly when you really, really need to.
So in spite of to-do lists, appointments, and other obligations, we found a stretch of blank spaces on our calendars, booked a campsite at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, packed up the RV, and headed north.
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For six days, we hiked on wooded trails, cooked on the grill, took photos, read books, and drank Alaskan Amber by the campfire. Wait, you're saying, aren't those all things you can do at home in Newaygo? 
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Right you are. We can do all those things at home, and often do. The difference was, for those six days in the U.P., there was nothing else to do. No phone, no internet, no domestic duties, no book launch details to attend to. Plus, views of rushing rapids and cascading waterfalls.
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As a result, we truly relaxed for the first time in months, so deeply we couldn't even remember what we'd be obsessing about if we weren't too relaxed to obsess.
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Happy campers
Of course, once we were back home, it took about a millisecond for realities and responsibilities to assert themselves. But somehow, even two weeks later, some of that getaway serenity has stayed with me. I'm back in to-do mode, but with a mellower mindset. And when I start to drift back into frenzy, all I have to do is look at photos from the trip to reset my calm-down button.
Care to join me?
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The leaves were just beginning to turn when we arrived. We watched more change every day.
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A viewing platform for the Lower Falls area is just a short walk from the campground
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Not all the color was on the trees
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Some visitors row boats across the river to the island for an up-close look at the Lower Falls
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We took the boardwalk instead and were rewarded with this view. The golden color of the water is from tannins leached from the cedar swamps that the river drains.
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The North Country Trail goes right through the campground where we stayed and connects the Lower and Upper Falls.
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The blue blazes are a familiar sight
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Found along the trail
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Campground overlook
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Upper falls with ever-present mist
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What the sign doesn't tell you is that there are even MORE steps once you get down to the gorge.
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A little stairway humor
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Upper Falls from the gorge
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Patient husband waiting for photographer to take several hundred more waterfall shots
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Part of the enjoyment is seeing other people enjoying themselves
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Like this guy, who celebrated his 84th birthday on our getaway. Happy birthday, Ray!
14 Comments
Emily Everett
10/2/2019 06:53:34 am

Beautiful scenery but my faves are the Happy Campers and the birthday guy. Those smiles are the best! ❤️

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Nan
10/2/2019 07:31:27 am

I was actually shocked when I saw how relaxed we looked in those pics!

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Janet Glaser
10/2/2019 09:53:18 am

Amazing frame-worthy photos! Spectacular scenery, but the pics of you guys and that couple on the bridge with the trees overhead--definitely filled my heart. So why go clear to Canada for a trip when one can stay very close to home in comparison and enjoy nature's beauty? Plus no crowds!
Lovely. Keep those pics and commentary coming!

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Nan
10/4/2019 07:37:45 am

Thanks, Janet. True, there's lots of beauty to take in right here in Michigan.

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Katherine
10/2/2019 02:21:55 pm

Fall with its cooler weather hasn't reached your home state, so I thoroughly enjoyed imaging myself by the falls, needing a jacket. Jack and I didn't make it to the cabin at Creede this summer, so our mini (and spontaneous) get away was to St. Louis to visit family and see a Cardinals game. NO responsibilities for at least a couple of days.

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Nan
10/4/2019 07:39:13 am

Sometimes the mini-getaways can be at least as relaxing as the maxi- ones.Any time away from responsibilities is priceless.

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Valerie
10/2/2019 03:54:49 pm

Happy birthday, Ray!

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Nan
10/4/2019 07:39:51 am

:-)

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Sally Pobojewski
10/3/2019 10:44:49 am

I am so glad you were able to get away. The photos of the two of you are priceless!

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Nan
10/4/2019 07:41:34 am

I'm not a habitual selfie-taker -- these were really my first -- but the setting and situation seemed to call for some.

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Sue Schneider
10/3/2019 01:47:02 pm

How wonderful to get away, relax, appreciate the changing colors and celebrate Ray's birthday! I enjoyed the post very much.

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Nan
10/4/2019 07:42:36 am

Thanks, Sue. A beautiful time with a pretty cool guy.

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Trisha Faye link
10/3/2019 03:56:50 pm

Sigh....I feel peaceful and relaxed just enjoying the beauty of your photographs. It looks like you had a fantastic six days immersed in nature and beauty. So happy for you!

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Nan
10/4/2019 07:43:06 am

Thanks for coming along, Trisha Faye!

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    Nan Sanders Pokerwinski, a former journalist, writes memoir and personal essays, makes collages and likes to play outside. She lives in West Michigan with her husband, Ray.

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