Upper Peninsula Michigan

This stop in the Upper Peninsula was full of adventures—and a few lessons in slowing down and enjoying the unexpected.

We started with a kayak tour near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. A larger boat took us out, then we jumped into kayaks to explore the cliffs from the water. The colors and

formations were amazing, with cliffs rising 50–300 feet above Lake Superior.

As it turned out, we picked the perfect day. It was the last day of the tour before 3- to 8-foot waves moved in for the rest of the week. Of course, that's also when our video problems started. About 20 minutes into the paddle, the camera shut down because the storage drive was full. Not exactly something you can fix from a kayak! Out came the iPhone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e85Gud3WmAs

The next day, we headed out for an 18-mile bike ride along Lake Superior through Marquette and up to the Black Rocks. This is where the young—and apparently well-insured—jump 15–20 feet into the lake.

A stop at the visitors center gave us some great riding tips and information about waterfalls in the area. And another important video lesson: The camera works much better when you remove the lens cover. 🤦‍♂️ Doh!

That led to a self-guided waterfall tour. The UP has waterfalls everywhere,

from small hidden falls to impressive drops along the hiking trails. Somewhere along the way, a very large eagle took off from the grass beside the road.

Then came Agate Beach. We made it about 20 feet along the waterline before we had

collected more rocks than we wanted to carry. The stones looked like they had been

through a rock tumbler—great colors, patterns, and plenty of shine. Sometimes you just have to know when to stop!

On our way out of the UP, we crossed the Mackinac Bridge just as a tractor parade was heading north across it. One last unexpected sight to finish the trip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVWzRwC5nLw

Kayaking, biking, waterfalls, wildlife, agates, and tractors—definitely a stop that reminded us that sometimes the best adventures happen when you slow down and see what's around you.