Our last evening at Pictured Rocks was by far my favorite. After some epic hiking, we returned to Lake Superior Beach to enjoy our final sunset and some good night’s sleep. Juan and Linley needed a quick nap in the Jeep when we arrived, so I re-explored where Linley was digging around the day prior. I was drawn into the creek and the way the light was reflecting off the water.
I went back to the car to wake Juan and Lin up from their nap, and we settled in to enjoy the sunset. We didn’t take many photos because we were living in the moment, but it was a wonderful way to end our time on Lake Superior!
I can’t wait for my next adventure with my little family 😊
During our long weekend in Michigan’s upper peninsula, we couldn’t stop at one or two falls; we had to find more! Our favorite falls at Pictured Rocks were Sable Falls, which can be found on the eastern-most region of the lakeshore. Although there were some gnarly mosquitoes on this trail, the views were worth it; I hope you think so, too 😌
Find someone who looks at you the way Linley looks at my husband 😂
Stay safe, wear your mask and make sure to pack bug spray! – Cate
Another dog-friendly activity we participated in during our time at Pictured Rocks was visiting the Au Sable Light Station. There was a nice trail between this point and our next attraction that called for some great views – and photos!
The three of us relaxed and had some Gatorade (Lin did not…) as the waves below us crashed into the cliffs. No photos can truly capture upper Michigan’s beauty, but they can always capture Lin’s attitude(s)…
“First they’re sour,”
then they’re sweet!”
After our snacks, we hit the trail and headed East for great views of the dunes. To Juan’s and my surprise, we didn’t even realize the upper peninsula even had dunes to explore!
One main viewing point was along the log slide trail, where they literally slide logs to freighter ships. We didn’t dare go all the way down because it took people (even hyper children and cross fitters) over an hour to climb back up! The views were worth the trek though.
After a (shockingly!) restful night’s sleep in the Jeep, we hit the beach for a morning walk. Lin and I were the first ones there, and we allowed Juan to get s’more beauty sleep.
There was a small creek flowing into Lake Superior that Lin and I wanted to explore (and by ‘explore,’ I mean dig around in for hours!). We obviously had Juan on photography-duty!
Watching Lin dig, sniff and mark his turf in and around the creek was thoroughly entertaining! Juan and I walked and sat with him for about two hours while he went on this little adventure. If only we could see the world through our pup’s eyes…
…and no day at the beach is complete without a nap!
After visiting one of Michigan’s most beloved waterfalls, the three of us wanted to explore one of Pictured Rocks’ best views: Miners Castle.
This was by far one of the most picturesque spots in all of Pictured Rocks, and luckily we arrived when it wasn’t too busy. Not only were the cliffs a sight to see, but the teal water made you want to jump right in!
…Linley also had a blast while marking new territory!
I can’t believe it’s been six years since studying in the one and only Provence, France (time really does fly when you’re having fun!). I want to reflect on one of my most memorable days in southern France: our field trip to Sénanque Abbey.
My roommate-turned-bestie and I had professors who were actually married (hers was an art professor and mine was the creative writing expert), which led to a joint day-trip to one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited.
We started our journey by hiking around quite a bit, which would’ve been fun if it weren’t for the fact that we had to wear fancy clothes and dress shoes… still, we had great views…
The abbey itself is incredible; an order or monks still reside in this charming, yet powerful architecture. And obviously the lavender fields don’t hurt!
Despite the long, hot day Carolyn and I endured, we had a great time (even though the below photograph suggests otherwise)!
Yesterday I decided to take my dog, Linley, up north to hang out on the beach and do some hiking. Luckily my mom was able to join us and we had a fun, all-day adventure!
Linley and I picked my mom up early and we headed north around 7:00am. Before we headed toward the beach, we found a unique cafe where everything was gluten, dairy and soy free. We had to sip some iced coffee, indulge in morning pastries and take some photos on the butterfly bench!
Once we replenished, we ventured toward Empire Beach. This took as longer than we’d thought, however, because our GPS didn’t take us to the dog-friendly area like I’d hoped. We may have lost an hour of time, but we made up for it elsewhere.
I may be a prepared dog mom, but my mom is the prepared human mom! She brought us so many snacks and even some matching hats. I would’ve traveled north with Linley myself, but it’s always better when she’s around, too!
Linley had so much fun in the sand! We found a cool place where he had plenty of shade and could dig to make himself even cooler. We were on the beach for about an hour or so; we even put Linley’s life jacket on so he could swim a little!
After my mom and I had enough of the heat, we headed toward Empire Trail where we could all experience some shade. The trail is tucked back in the woods and once you reach the end, you’re in the midst of pristine sand dunes. My mom was intrigued by markings in the trees, where as Linley was busy leaving his mark on all the trees!
I didn’t capture many photos from yesterday; simply being with my mom and pup meant the world to me. Thankfully my mom took a sweet photo of Linley napping under our bench…
After we rested on the bluffs, we headed back down the trail, enjoyed a nice dinner in downtown Traverse City, and were back on the road again. Linley was fantastic in the car, on the beach and during our hikes; I can’t imagine going on these adventures without him (or without my mom for that matter)!
I miss strolling along the Vieux-Port, people watching and sipping espresso without a care in the world at one of the many cafes, and – of course – enjoying some gelato in the breeze…
Lyon, France was a must-see weekend destination for Carolyn and me because my husband actually studied there before we met. He had nothing but good things to say about it and we knew we had to explore!
Obligatory photo when we first arrived
Vieux Lyon
One can be adult get consumed by Old Lyon’s charm! Wandering the streets is a great way to spend an afternoon.
A couple in love
Lyon Cathédral
I believe it’s obligatory to visit cathedrals when visiting Europe, and this one certainly delivered on beauty and history.
Parc de la Tête d’Or
This park is another great way to spend an afternoon. It provides you with ample people-watching and photography opportunities!
The food!
I saved the best for last! There’s no shortage of good food here in Lyon. With tons of bakeries, candy shops and markets, you won’t leave the city hungry.
Carolyn LOVED this pirate-themed candy shop!Raspberry-mango-lemon gelato
With the COVID-19 chaos among us, all I can think of is traveling. Last Monday I was supposed to venture off to Banff National Park for some solo adventuring, yet here I am soaking up some sun on my couch…
While I may not be educating myself on wolf-dogs, tubing down mountains or glacier hiking, I am currently lost in past travels. I recently spoke with one of my best friends who I met while we studied in France, so I’ll continue my French-inspired posts for now.
One of my favorite photos from the weekend…
Carolyn and I spent one weekend in Paris during over summer abroad; for both good and bad reasons, it was a weekend we’ll never forget. I can only explain our weekend mishaps by sharing a piece of my matron of honor speech from September 2019:
“During our time in France, there was only one moment when I feared that Carolyn wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore. We were lost in Paris for a while, wandering the outskirts in the middle of the night. Let’s just say that it brought out the worst in us. Our phones weren’t working and we had no clue how or when we would find our way back.
For once, there were no stories about our significant others, no rants about Veronique and her subpar cooking, and most importantly, no laughter. Thankfully, things went back to normal once we found our hotel, and I’m incredibly thankful for that.
In fact, we’ve had a reunion every year since that summer, and in 2015 we were also lost in Chicago late at night. We laughed while we struggled to find our way back to the hotel, and it brought me back to that hectic night in Paris.”
I hope you’re all staying safe, healthy and happy with your loved ones (and favorite TV series!) ❤️
Traveling with the Traceys 