A Superior Site

The Pictured Rocks were recommended to us by our Uncle Lawry, whose well-traveled advice we follow whenever possible, so off we went to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We camped at 12 mile beach, which is a campground just North of where the large cliffs start their rapid rise straight up into the sky from the lake. We made our camp tucked away in a small opening of pine and birch forest on a hill just above Lake Superior. What an amazing view! After setting up camp, we took a walk down on the sandy beach.  Feeling the cold  water brushing our legs was a treat after the long drive we had to get there.  I felt so lucky to be at this site!

For dinner, we made one of my favorite meals: Turkey Burgers!  We used a very fresh and organic ground turkey we had purchased from a co-op in Minneapolis and seasoned the turkey with salt, pepper, and Penzeys Northwood spice, which is fitting for we are in the Northwood’s region.

I pounded out two patties to be fried up in the hot skillet. Then we placed them simply between toasted bread with just a bit of mustard and onions and dinner was served! The turkey was unbelievably tender, like nothing I had ever had before. The center of the burger was moist and succulent and the outside had a caramelized crunch. The turkey had a great flavor, and the gentle seasoning helped to showcase the freshness and tenderness of the meat itself. Along with the burgers we made hand-cut fries and fire-cooked corn! What a satisfying way to end a night.

The next day, after considering all the opportunities the area had to offer, we decided to hike along the top part of Pictures Rock, a 9 mile loop, which provided a unique view of the cliffs and the surrounding natural area.

The trail first led us through the woods that were alive with bright green leaves hanging over our heads and young ferns growing by our feet. A rustling in the leaves often exposed a chipmunk scurrying about or a deer silently watching us as we passed.

From the wooded area, we emerged high above Lake Superior; a breathtaking view of clear-blue water stretching as far as the eye could see.  The bright sun highlighted the different colors on the Pictured Rocks that had eroded away over millions of years to create the colorful streaks on the cliffs and shape Chapel Rock’s magnificent form. The streaks on the cliff faces reminded me of old photographs that would sometimes show streaks when printed on sliver plated paper.

As we continued on our hike we walked through the constantly changing landscapes of the area: from sandy beaches to those that were only made up of large rocks, heavily wooded areas, wetlands, and white birch forest as far as we could see.

We stopped to eat lunch on an amazing cliff called Portrait Point.  What an amazing view to have while eating! I took this great picture of Brian sitting enjoying the view at our lunch spot.

After a long, hot day in the woods, we decided that the only way to cool off would be to go for a swim in the lake. With the dimming sunlight and the cool sand under foot, we slowly eased ourselves in to the very cold Lake Superior water. The brisk, fresh water felt great on our skin and helped to relax our muscles.  After all this activity we were ready for dinner.

Christy and Brian (our Minneapolis cousins) and Fly (their dog) were also at the site during our last night so we spent the evening together. We started a great big fire going to help us get warmed up, and later, to cook s’mores over. Brian and I steamed some Kielbasa, a mild beef and pork sausage in a thick casing.  This is something that we often ate while we lived in New York City.

For the side, Brian made mash potato cake! We did not have butter with us on the site, so to make the mashed potatoes more flavorful we added  aromatics and formed them into discs to pan fried them.

Mash Potato Cakes (Makes: 8 pieces)
2 Large	Potatoes
1/4 cup	Onions, chopped
1 Tbsp	Garlic, chopped
1 tsp each	Salt, Black Pepper, Penzeys Northwood Seasoning
2 Tbsp	Olive oil
-Chop the potatoes in to 1 inch chunks (to help them cook faster), boil till tender and mash with the salt, black pepper, Penzeys Northwood Seasoning, onions, and garlic. -Allow to cool -Take about 1/2cup of the potato mixture and pat into small round flat cakes, chill again if possible. -Using a heavy bottom skillet with a thin layer of oil, adding more as needed, heat the oil till very hot for frying. -Fry on both sides till deep golden brown, about 2 min each side, keeping heat still on high. -Drain on paper towels until ready to serve.
Source: ChefsOnTheRoad.com

We had a great visit to this part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  Seeing how every part of the county can change rapidly really changed how I picture the world.   I wouldn’t have ever been able to picture the grand beauty  of the rocks or the color of the Lake without being there in person. Pictures can never do justice to  the sounds of the water smashing the sides of the rocks or the feeling of the wind as it blows strongly around the top the cliffs rustling the tree tops. I am happy that I was able to see this area and many others in person, it is an experience I will never forget.