This day didn’t really start off on the right foot. Jedi had run a fever the night before, but was up and ready to go the next morning, so we went for it. We caught the Arnold ferry to Mackinac Island. Well, first we missed it, resulting in a major skirmish between Deon and I, caused by the culmination of all my stress triggers combined with all the little things about him that drive me crazy. And, to a large…
Story of my life. We get moving late. The highlight of today was a shipwreck boat tour in a glass bottom boat. It was super cool! We only got to see one shipwreck because the water was too choppy, but we got to see pictured rocks from the water, a bald eagle and its nest, a kayaking dog, and we were refunded 50% of our money. Plus the boat ride and shipwreck. It was a great experience! …
Iron industry, to be exact. We started off our day at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. This is a *very* well done, child-friendly, free museum in Marquette, MI. Deon worked while I took the kids through the museum. There were hands in exhibits, including a board game, and many engaging pictures, artifacts, and displays. Then the kiddos and I did the 2 short walks on the property. Gorgeous, of course. Then we headed over to a city park…
This morning started off looking for someone to look at our rv. First place said “sure, in two weeks.” Uh, no. So we found this nice guy working out of his house. Turn out we didn’t need a repair, just a lesson. Deon spent about 45 minutes with him, learning about all kinds of things. We offered to pay him for his time, but he declined. On the road again! Very shortly we hit Wisconsin. I have to say, the…
Sunday again. Attended a nice Ward in Duluth, MN. Had the kids play a real piano, their teacher would approve. As we pulled out to leave, Deon said “I don’t think the trailer brakes are working anymore.” Uh-oh. After a short consultation, we decided to stay put until tomorrow, when we could have it looked at. We dropped the trailer and headed to a park to play. Then more Olympics. I don’t have any pictures from today, so I’ll share…
What have we been doing? Watching the Olympics, of course! I took a contingent of children to the Duluth Children’s Museum this morning, but Aunica chose to stay behind and watch the Olympics while Deon worked. It was a small museum, even smaller than the one back home, but the kids enjoyed themselves. There was an inflatable planetarium with a show on black holes, that was cool. We purchased a museum membership before we left that gets us into science…
First up this morning, a geocache! The kids made a pass at it by themselves, but came back discouraged and muddy. I joined them and found a hiking trail (marked, with a sign) instead of the bushwhacking they did. It was only about 300′ from the trailhead. 300 ankle-deep-in-mud feet, but still! We found it, and another adventure! Then, the visitors center with all 6 kids. Like I said, I can’t say enough good things about this visitors center. Completed…
Today I had a special treat in store for my crew. I had rented a canoe and 2 kayaks. So for about 2 hours this morning, Deon and my oldest 4 explored the park by water. I took the younger 2 over to the visitors center, which was wonderful, and perfectly set up for children. I love going into places where I don’t feel stressed about my children breaking things! Then I took the littles to a park. It was…
Today we drove west. Which is weird, and not the only time we will do this. Our destination was Voyageurs National Park. We stopped once along the way at a park so Deon could work, but made it in the park at a reasonable time. The kids swam in the lake (74 degrees!) and had time still for a cookout over a campfire. Although it seems like we are camping, we really aren’t. This is our first campfire on the…
Today’s goal was just to take our time and make our way up to Grand Portage. We never actually made it that far, but had a great day. Minnesota has given itself the nickname of Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it could just have easily been 10,000 waterfalls. We did a number of short hikes to see them, and finally stopped at Cascade River beach. Again with the swimming. We headed up the road…