Back to the Beach!

August 24, 2020 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

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 😊

Photos taken Sunday, August 16, 2020

‘Falling’ for these views at Sable!

August 23, 2020August 23, 2020 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

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

Photos taken Sunday, August 16, 2020

Au Sable Light Station and Log Slide Trail

August 22, 2020August 22, 2020 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

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.

Photos taken Sunday, August 16, 2020

Lake Superior Beach

August 21, 2020 / Cate Tracey / 4 Comments

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!

I hope you enjoy this post! More to come…

Photos taken Sunday, August 16, 2020

Sunset at the Lake Superior Beach Overlook

August 20, 2020 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

Last Saturday, Juan, Lin and I needed to find a place to park our Jeep for the night. Luckily, we found the perfect spot:

The best part? We were able to hit the beach first thing in the morning!

Our pup had the best time exploring a creek leading to the lake; stay tuned for that post next 😊

Miners Castle

August 19, 2020 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

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!

French Food Markets (2014)

July 13, 2020 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Oooh la la! Do I miss the delicious food in France…

France’s Spectacular Sénanque Abbey (2014)

July 6, 2020July 6, 2020 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

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)!

Reconnecting in Colorado (Part III)

July 3, 2020 / Cate Tracey / 5 Comments

[continuation from previous blog post]

Day 3: venturing around Telluride and kayaking in the evening

Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park and staying overnight in a teepee

Day 5: deciding that leaving on Friday was not okay and getting emotional during our goodbyes

Reconnecting in Colorado (Part II)

July 1, 2020July 2, 2020 / Cate Tracey / 6 Comments

During quarantine, Bethany and I decided to write each other letters, which ultimately led to us planning our next adventure. I spend last Monday through Friday with her and her loved ones; it was exactly what both of us needed.

Day 1: LOTS of driving between Denver and Dolores

Day 2: hiking at Hovenweep in the extreme heat, then dinner with Bethany’s uncle and South African aunt

Reconnecting in Colorado (Part I)

June 29, 2020 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Bethany and I met in Sweden while we were studying there in 2016. We’ve also visited each other in Chicago a couple times, as well as traveled to Iceland together in 2018. That was the last time we saw each other in person, until last week…

Petoskey, Michigan with the Pup!

June 20, 2020June 23, 2020 / Cate Tracey / 5 Comments

My mom, Linley and I went on another adventure this week. This time, we went somewhere we’ve heard about but have never experienced before: Petoskey.

We chose to stay one night because our day trip to Empire and Traverse City felt rushed (plus that’s a lot of driving for one day, especially for the pup!). Once we arrived on Wednesday afternoon, we walked around downtown, Lin marked every plant and we had a tasty lunch at a picnic table. We all had some ice cream afterward and Linley stole all the hearts of the customers behind us!

The main event of the day was kayaking, which is something all three of us enjoyed! We kayaked for nearly three hours at the Bear River Canoe Livery and soaked up the sun, the water and the winding river. Some cranes and a deer even welcomed us as we kayaked near the shore! The tunnels, the views and the company were perfect.

This was Linley’s first time at a hotel and he did amazing! He saw his reflection and everything…

The next day was even more relaxing. We hung out at Bayfront Park and got in the water with the pup. Lin was even helping us search for stones in the water!