Munstream.Advenures: Wisconsin

We planned a three night stay in Wisconsin in order to break up the return drive. We booked a double campsite at Mirror Lake State Park because it was all that was available and floated the idea by Maggie, in case she got the urge to join us. The fact that the campsite was less than 10 minutes from a waterpark town (Wisconsin Dells) certainly didn't hurt. 

We arrived and were thrilled with an incredible campground and space. We were surprised by a shattered window that had happened somewhere along the way. Fortunately the weather wasn't going to be a factor as the forecast was nearly perfect. 

We spent our first full day exploring on our bikes and sent the kids on their own short journey, an apparent miscommunication as Greta led Sully and Piper on a 3 miler to the nearby beach. Panic set in when I couldn't find them on our planned route, but they were quick to reappear as excited as can be that they "made it all the way to the beach!" Piper, holding up the back end, wasn't as happy as it was more of a journey than she was hoping. All was well- we set off again, as a family this time with a plan to meet in the parking lot. Off we went, Sully taking off strong, Greta and I finally arrive, Dave and Piper in the truck in case we needed it, arrived first. Once again panic, Sully is nowhere to be seen. Off I went on the bike, Dave and the girls in the truck, I found a ranger and explained the situation. Shortly after, Dave found him, at the parking lot near the beach, another miscommunication. He was brave, had a plan, and was expediting. I was terrified, squeezed him so tight. We talked about where things went wrong and what we will all do next time. Growing pains. We found our way to the beach, as a family, and turned it into a beach day and recovered from the chaos of the morning. 

Maggie and Anna showed up that evening, much to the surprise and delight of the kids. We had a campfire dinner, followed by ghost stories and fun. Maggie and Piper shared the tent while the rest of us hunkered down in the camper. The following day was a favorite. We spent it in a bungalow at the Kalahari Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells. Pizza and treats and slides and pools, what more could you ask for. 

We wrapped up the trip quickly the following morning for a long journey home. We loved every moment, but also love getting home and spreading out. :)

Lake Michigan picnic lunch stop. 

The campsite, hammock fun. 

Wind down. 

Trash pandas win again! 

My buddy and I on a mountain bike trail.

Beach hangs.

SUP! 

She arrives in time to make us dinner.

Cotton Candy Golden Hour Sunset Swim

Lunch - Kalahari style. 

Hardcore water sliders. 

Dave takes on the toilet bowl. 

Squad.

Towel twins. 

Munstream.Advenutres: Upper Peninsula

The road to Munising was long but wasn’t daunting. We stopped for lunch at the Hardwood Cafe in the Covington Township and arrived at our destination...the land of beaches, golden hours, pastys, tourist traps, bike trails, scenery, local restaurants, terrible campsites, koa entertainment, yoopers, and fun. We found adventures every day. Here are some of my highlights…

Lakeside susets. Because our campsite was less than ideal, it really forced us to make the most of our days and to explore from sun up to sundown. We found fabulous beaches and tucked away spots to take in the views while the kids played on the sand or in the water. We had a bag packed and ready to go with swimming suites, towels, and wine, we were always ready. 

Sunset swim

Trashy- the Airstream mascot. 

Iron Bay Trail: We loaded up the bikes and road the lovely 3 mile trail into downtown Marquette. We arrived in time for lunch and a quick park play before Sully and I zoomed back for the car. It was great to see the sweeping views of Lake Superior from the bike, an opportunity we were glad to take. 

Bike ride ready. 

Sully

Downtown Marquette. 

Picture Rocks National Shoreline Tour: What a beautiful place to be, and to see it from the water was peaceful and lovely. We went for a three hour tour and enjoyed the downtime. We followed the with pizza at the Picture Rocks Pizzeria, how fitting ;).

Sisters 

Pizza! 

Tahquamenon State Park: Hands down, the best day. We had our eye on the forecast and planned our outings accordingly, which landed us here on a lovely warm and sunny day. We hiked and explored near the upper falls and had no idea what was in store for us at the lower falls. We started as timid visitors encouraging the kids to stay out of the water and by the time we left, we were all in. Scenery and minnow catching (literally for Greta) at its finest. This was such a great day. We stumbled up on Timber Charlie’s restaurant in Newberry on our way home and dined on home made pretzels with beer cheese and cheese balls and gyros and everything else good, a great way to wrap up the day. 

A hot and humid hike. 

Lower Falls... don't go too far! 

The cautious parent. 

All in! 

If you could only hear this photo. So many squeals! 

The Upper Falls. 

Parent Selfie. 

Another day, another hike, this time to Miner's Falls. We were greeted with the plush forrest and a lovely trail that took us back to an impressive waterfall. We were brave and curious journeyed all of the way to the bottom.

Miner's Falls Hike

Miner's Falls 

Greta! 

Our final full day took us on a drive and then to a Lighthouse hike... We loved everything about the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, it was great to slow down and appreciate the scenery and nature and just be together. 

Kingston Lake 

More trees, more photo ops :).

Blue skies! 

Greta, the explorer. 

On to Wisconsin! 

Munstream.Adventures: Ashville Overnight

We had an unexpected early departure from Leech Lake, which worked in our favor as we were anticipating a 9 hour travel day. We were excited with the opportunity to knock off a couple of hours a day early. The only hang up was not having a space to stay, when the idea of a Walmart parking lot dawned on us. Funny, definitely, but I thought it would be fun to take this camping opportunity, so we found a Walmart in Ashville, WI and made our way. We traveled for 3 hours before finding our ‘campsite.’ We jumped out, took the bikes off and rode into town for pizza and a sunset cruise, it was really fun. We made it back to Walmart with time to grab some groceries and supplies, had a movie night and a food challenge in the camper and early to bed. Dave was nervous about draining the batteries, I was nervous about the police showing up and asking us to leave, but neither happened an it was a pretty slick deal. We didn’t even have to unhitch! We woke up at 8am the next day, used the clean bathrooms at Walmart and hit the road. 

The campsite. 

Pizza Pub 

Sunset cruise. 

Leech Lake with most of the Connelly fam.

Our annual Connelly family vacation looked a bit different this year. We changed locations to Leech Lake and had about half as many people. Between life and jobs, it proved to be too complicated to get 100% attendance. While we missed the ones who couldn't make it, those of us that where there had a great time. The weather was nearly perfect, a rainstorm here and there, but warm and calm. We played by the beach, had a couple of boat days, prepared meals in and ate out, fished, shopped, crafted, and mostly were happy to just spend time together. 

We hauled the Airstream up as this was the first leg of a two week trip, we were happy to start it off so successfully. 

Thanks mom and dad for providing the fun...off to the next adventure! 

Greta woke up with me for an early morning
stroll before we took off...she was so excited. 

We've arrived! 

Bear Island

Boat Crew. 

Pip, Mag, Anna

My dad and Dave, I love this photo. 

Pip in front of Pipe Island.

Crafting fun?

Candy stops all day long. 

Mike and my dad, old high school buddies 
and the reason we choose Leech. 

G

The kids and I. 

The crew.

Grandkids and parents. 

My mom and Dave working through something. 

Potato printers. 

So much fun!