Pictured Rocks gets its name from the streaks of mineral stain that color the cliffs. Groundwater seeps out of the cracks and runs down the rock face giving it that gorgeous colorful pattern. Iron (red and orange), copper (blue and green), manganese (brown and black), and limonite (white) are among the most common color-producing minerals.

Pictured Rocks is among the most beautiful places in the world, and there is no better way to see it than via Kayak when you don’t need to assess the weather and think about anything, but the sandstone and mineral streaked cliffs as the luscious green water slaps gently against your vessel.  

My Paddle Boy provided the majority of the thrusting, while I simply took photos.  It was absolutely a tour of a lifetime  with Pictured Rocks Kayaking tours, as we were pontoon-boated out to the site where kayaks were launched and the tour began.  

It was 5 miles of  kayaking as our singing captain chose a downwind paddle and it was also extremely easy for me to snap photos, although John said it was quite a core workout.  We had perfect weather and the temperature (as John says I only have a 0.5 degree tolerance from being too hot to too cold) was perfect, as we had some clouds but no downpours.  

Evidently the guide for each group could radio to the captain, and he would pontoon over and pick you up for whatever reason, and then you could return to the group when your issue had been mitigated.  Then at the end he met us, and there was no backtracking, just a leisurely, awe inspiring experience.  Never needed to use the pontoon boat safety or paddle fiercely into the wind.

Pictured Rocks from the Land

Chapel Beach / Mosquito Trail allowed us to see the same pictured rocks, but this time from cliff edge and not kayak edge, was our next adventure. 

And yes, there were many treacherous edges on this 10 mile hike.  We were now on top of 100+ foot cliffs this time.  There was only one place on the trail that the edge was just a bit too treacherous and they had a small spur detour.

But the views were incredible and we were thankful to have done our water view of the Pictured Rocks on the prior day when it was partly sunny.

We had planned to rest and to have lunch halfway at a lovely scenic spot. I even brought my hiker’s chair,  but it started raining 20 minutes in and never really stopped. So we just carried on, without stopping too. 

My .5 degree temperature discomfort alarm never got activated as it was relatively warm, but wet it was. 

Many places on the trail were mud piles that would last from a few feet to 20 yards.  Most had pretty well established detours around if they were large, so we didn’t need to test our Hoka hiking boots waterproof ability, but there were some mud splash sink downs as you tried to step across on a log, but no slip and falls that could have made the trip very unpleasant. 

As we were expecting the loop to veer off of Lake Superior, we must have not gotten the White Birch Log memo nicely placed across the trail indicating that there was a better detour, I suppose.  So we wandered through the woods for about 20 minutes backtracking and finally saw a constructed bridge going over a stream and we bushwhacked to it, never really understanding how the original trail would have taken us there.  It was the first time I thought, good thing I packed the headlamp. 

We had not started until about 3pm, but still had over an hour of daylight after our 5 hour excursion.  The Michigan long days fit well with our leisurely morning schedule, and we usually roll into our campsite around 10pm to eat dinner. There has been little time for campfires and music.  

Next time.. Chapel Beach looked so inviting for swimming, and would be perfect after a warm sunny hike. The loop we took had Chapel Beach as a 3 mile hike or a 7 mile hike from the parking area.   Only the 7 mile hike had views of the multiple Pictured Rocks, although Chapel Beach has a single very nice view too and the water looked so clear and calm.

Log Roll Point Hike 

That’s where they used to  roll the timber down steep sand bluffs to waiting vessels. We never saw any evidence of logs rolling just people rolling down.   

Log rolls and me bring back bad memories when I thought I should be able to run across them like the other young people. These particular 18 inch diameter logs were chained together and provided the borders for the swimming area at Baker Lake Washington. Instead of splashing playfully into the lake, I decided to come in contact with one before sliding gleefully down into the water. And as I write I am just getting over a little slide on my bike where my handlebar came in contact with my rib, not as bad, but laying down position was uncomfortable for 5 days.

Ok back to Log Roll, now it is a place where people can roll down this great hill of sand into Lake Superior.  There are all kind of warnings that it is exhausting to climb back up and rescues are expensive,  and since we just hiked 3 ½ miles to get here, and needed to do the same to get back, and there are no showers at our campsite, in fact there is only a small water fountain at the day Use Parking area, we decided the only way John will be seen log rolling is if I do some photoshopping.  When we got there we discovered a parking area right nearby so if you wanted to do the rolling, better idea to park and roll. 

This was one of those beautiful Michigan hikes through the rich green fern covered forest, only this time Lake Superior accompanied us along the way as we saw the beautiful White Birch Trees, of course nostalgic memories of the famous Saint Ann Birch tree paintings all our kids created.   We had a bit of an incline as we started at lake elevation and had to climb up high enough where the logs would have enough Oompa to roll down and not get into a log jam at the water’s edge.  Right from Hurricane Lower Campground, we did the first 1 ½ miles (gravel path) to the lighthouse and then onward. Log roll was in a cove where there were no crashing waves like we heard as we walked to the lighthouse.

I had just listened to an I-phone photography lesson about taking photos at sunset with glistening water and came up with a bunch of my all-time favorites of those beautiful White birches. 

At this time, I really don’t know if this whole logging thing is just our creative juices flowing or reality.  

Pictured Rock is a for sure a return-to spot in Michigan, but next time would consider the following :

Hurricane Campground and Twelve Mile Beach are beautiful campgrounds, but they are about 50 minute drive to Munising which is the lovely town where all kayak tours, ferry to Grand Island, and many hikes are located, as well as nice restaurants and By George Brewery (10pm Peanut Butter Stout/Pizza – maybe that’s why we had trouble sleeping).  Although, the Log Roll Hike we took from Hurricane  Campground was perfect, we would not recommend staying there for too long;  rather mosey  down the M-58 and stay in Munising for a bit.   We enjoy having some delicious white fish at the abundance of fish and chip trucks and being able to re-stock some food.  We have scored an RV spot in Munising for our last night and will leave our Hurricane remote camping where the Camp Host Spot has been vacant since we have arrived. We will get on the laundry facilities as we have many damp items and it’s supposed to rain more today. 

Mackinac Island/City, MI 

Mackinac Island is a picturesque Victorian community dedicated to the tourists who are on a severe car-diet because none are allowed on the island.

Biking or walking is the major get around mode and paved trails run throughout allowing one to go to all kinds of historic military buildings,

 gorgeous Victorian homes and hotels, and butterfly sanctuaries to name a few where we stopped. 

But watchout for the horse droppings as there are many tourist wagons and taxis as well as work wagons running around the streets.

As you get off the 18 minute ferry ride, the crowd pours out onto the main downtown where bikes are everywhere and the horse drawn carriages wait to carry you off somewhere else in-time except that there are E-Bikes whizzing by. The town is bustling with tourists and eateries and bikes line the streets, it is busy, busy but we enjoyed lunch at the Pink Pony at the Chippewa Hotel with Ann and Ed. Fudge,Fudge,Fudge – it’s everywhere and I have never seen so many fudge shops in any one location in my life, as the typical tourist shops and restaurants line the streets.

There is an eight mile bike loop around the island that is an easy ride and affords many views of Lake Huron and of course the Mighty Mac, the 5 mile long suspension Bridge that connects the Michigan Mitten to the Upper Peninsula and as of 1957 defines the division between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. 

Lake views and forest canopies, gorgeous Victoria lake front estates where people come out in their horse drawn carriages and workers whizz by with half a dozen paint cans hanging from the handle bars.  

The Grand Hotels abound and a quick look seems like $400+ a night and could no VRBOs.  The most beautiful ornate homes sit on the wooded bluffs that view the lake, but we didn’t see a single swimmer, although it was somewhat of an overcast day. 

I could probably count the docking and boating areas on one hand that were not in the protected waters of the main jetty and town docking areas. 

Biking around the Island was so easy and relaxing that I would highly recommend this route and there are all types of bicycles for rent and even adult tricycles for those who are skittish on two wheels. 

St. Anne church with grandma, Anne,  Mary and Jesus, where Annie relieved suddenly her name and connection to,this painting.

Arch Rock is one of nature’s best on the island as you stop at the pull-offs along the trail and see all the different tree specimens that are plaquered. We had already walked up to the Fort and along a beautiful nature path to Arch Rock with Ed and Ann the day prior. 

And then there is Wings of Mackinac, the butterfly and insect preserve. We lucked out and observed one of the twice daily butterfly releases into the warm humid climate of the protected preserve space. 

John found a compadre with one that sat on his hand the entire 30 minutes we were there; he appeared to be licking the sweat of his hand with a long antenna. He finally had to brush it off while I went observing the  butterfly bullies , and had to protect a just released beautiful purple one that sat on the pavement camouflaged until she opened her wings. I situated her between my feet so no one would step on her, and then she climbed onto my shoe. 

 I hope she survived and had to get the attendant to move her. She was so beautiful.

Our first time in a butterfly preserve, I forgot to ask if they relocate the larvae or what happens in the winter when they are closed. No pictures of the tarantulas, and bugs from the the next room, but it was delightfully cool after the hot butterfly habitat. 

We played what I call Scottish rough putt-putt golf where the views are incredible, but the greens and fairways have some severe rough areas and there is no difference in turf, just like putt-putt, but what do you want for $15 for 18 holes overlooking the Lake Huron.  

We rode the 8 miles once and decided to do it again after we went to butterflies, golfed and ate at the yellow umbrella Mission Bistro overlooking the Putt-Putt. 

Here the horse drawn drawn taxi and luggage carriages among the gardens and the white adirondack chairs along the green overlooking the Lake just seemed to put one back into another era.  

It was a 20 mile day of easy riding by time we added in the bike ride from KOA campground to the Shepler Ferry – both times we got on with our bikes in the last minutes before it pulled away.   

The auto absence and Victorian architecture make it a delightful day getaway. 

Mackinaw City, is the gateway city on the mitten to this step back in time of Mackinac Island. We camped at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground where Ed and Annie had rented a cabin too. 

Cousin, Billy Stenger, rode in his motorcycle and we and a delightful time exploring and relaxing by campfires.  

The water was beautiful and did the toes in but the Irish bright white of the Parkinson side of the family did not encourage getting out into the sun, and it was not optimal for paddling.  

Annie was quite happy with her mosquito lamps and bug shirt life was good at Mill Creek

Michigan never seems to disappoint when it comes to bike trails and both Mill Creek and the KOA had trails right from their grounds.  Of course Mill Creek had the best Camp Store ever, even featuring our favorite Ole Smoky Salted Caramel Whiskey and the lake was right there so why leave.

Well except to go to Rusted Spoke Brewing where we also learned much about Romania as our server,Jessica. She presented Billy with a Romanian candy bar after she told us they did not serve dessert. We just connected with her and had a particularly lovely evening drinking beer and enjoying the interactions with her.  

Transfer to Mackinaw KOA afforded us an on-site laundry mat and the washers were loaded before we even got pulled into our campsite. And oh the superb Wi-Fi here,  although as I type, the weekend traffic or rain has slowed it considerably,  but it is still existent, not like at Mill Creek. All photos have been loaded safely to the cloud ! Why do I love Dropbox ?  Because you can see the files that are waiting to upload and the progress they make, all be it ever so slow when there is poor connection, unlike the Cloud where you just hang out for days.  

The KOA dirt bike trail through the woods leading to the paved trail that leads directly downtown and also ferryside is less than 2 miles, and the long Michigan days make a noon start no problem for a full day of outdoor activities.  

After clean clothes,  we rode downtown and to the Might Mac bridgeside park for a look from along the shoreline, 

Both over and under

The extravagant and cute houses alone Mackinac City shoreline built up our appetites.

You should have seen the shoreline view of this one.  We thought it was a hotel and not a private residence.

The Keyhole Restaurant covered with keys veneered on the bar, on the tables and floors, locks and keys hanginging everywhere was a busy and another place for the delicious Michigan White Fish that is common here as this time I had it on a Rueben sandwich. 

And luckily there are no sharks on the Great Lakes

Cherry Festing is an annual event – big here in Traverse City and we were lucky to have the TART Bike Trail Entrance right from our campground for access to the city in 25 minutes. Evidently Traverse City has a top bike trail system in the state, and we found that to be the case, riding at all times of day and night into the city.

A $5 Cherry pin got you in and out of the festival and this is like other festivals except they are big on the Cherry Pit Spitting contest and Cherry Pie eating contest, none of which we observed or partook.  Similar to not being into amusement parks, we are also not into the fair fare and being  in an enclosed area, but we found a nice seat in the shade and talked with a delightful couple, Sharon and David.  They do a farm experience at AirBnB called BuckWild Farm just north of Traverse City.

Our days were spent bike riding and chasing breweries. And yes we found some favorites during these very humid hot days. The FIlling Station, old railroad station right off the Bike Path where Piper’s Porter was John’s favorite and the create your own pizza firesauce, brie, spinach and chicken was superb.

After making our way downtown into the crowds we found the Taproot Restaurant which had an excellent Monk Fish entree, and John had Brussels and delicious pulled chicken sandwich.

The earthenware mug regulars above was really interesting looking. One of the best meals in Michigan so far and the selection of Ciders was amazing.

Boardman Lake Loop starts right at the Filling Station and about a mile into it, comes Right Brain Brewery where Pin ball machines abound and from a photo Mackie even recognized the World Cup Soccer machine as one they had before the house fire.

And we even met four British Colonials who were critquing the Right Brain beers. We will need to save the Boardman Bike Loop for next time because it was just too stinking hot and, we snuck into Kilkenny’s Irish Pub which was basement level and very cool and perfect to weather the downpour which was happening and riding through neighborhood after the rain.

An afternoon nap with the AC was in order, so back to Vinny we rode. 4th of July ended up being a 20 mile day and our undercarriages were complaining by evening. Lovely fireworks from the beach and a night ride home with many people on the trail tonight.

A sailing schooner adventure was the finale of our Traverse City experience, and John even got to help hoist the mainsail. The wind was brisk to start, but then died down as we got out into the bay, and needed to enjoy the libations and conversing with the crew for the most part on the way home.

I was told to try and book the Scout Yacht for a smaller, more hands on cruise, maybe next time. Wanted to stop back at Silver Spruce Brewery and here we met another couple, Jill and Bill from Denver who also had 3 girls and were attending a family reunion in Traverse city.

We stayed there for quite a while reminiscing, and on the way back I took a small spill on my bike. And won’t you know it, I have bruised a rib again, not nearly as bad as the jumping from log to log incident at Baker Lake, but about the same as Duke pulling me down to chase a cat a few months ago. I got new bike tires as mine were getting bald and I don’t want any more slippage. It’s already feeling better.

Well it was about time that we made our way back I to town and finally got some cherry pie, and dark chocolate covered cherries, and some cherry barbecue sauce.

The highlight is the Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Bike trail that runs for 20 miles from Empire  to Northward to the Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore.  

Right from the campground, you can hop on your bike and ride two miles to have a smaller dune climb experience by doing the Sleeping Bear Point Trail that takes you to Lake Michigan without having to do the killer 6.8 mile loop Dunes Climb Trail.

Instead we had a lovely walk along the lake after getting to the Point,

but I was still inspired to quick dip in the beautiful clear,  but very cold Lake Michigan. 

Had to stop by the Maritime Museum so John could take the Edmund Fitzgerald for a spin. 

About two miles in the other direction from the campground is the lovely tourist catering town of Glen Arbor where we had 4 hours of outdoor music on a Thursday. Jimmy Olson was at the M22 wine bar where he was rocking two keyboards and singing originals and covers. We got the skinny about where to see music in Key West as the Michigan native heads there in the winter.. 

The Boondocks down the street was next stop where John was invited to play bass for Horse with No Name with Manitou Blue.   2 of the 3 played there regularly with the visiting percussionist who winters in Tampa and had a 60+ something desirable setup, that means not blaring loud even though we sat right in front of him. In addition to shakers, he had a set of congas and bongos, a cajon, and a bass foot pedal drum that was not like one in those cars that drive by and you think they must all be deaf inside.  We were glad to be healthy and not Knockin on Heavens Door. It was an intimate and beautiful night on the deck.  And, oh those long Michigan Summers, where you still had daylight to ride home for another hour after they stopped at 9pm. We were trying to get primed for the upcoming Traverse City Cherry Fest and had Cherry Cider, Beer and Cocktail. Although I read Cherry juice has naturally occurring Melatonin, we both had a hard time getting to sleep. The laptop as only a wee bit of battery left after my blogging and John’s late night computer gaming.  We didn’t even need to set up the 25ft booster here either.  Also nice, is from the campground, it is only a ¼ mile trek to Lake Michigan, and they even provide a boardwalk for most of it so setting up there for the day without a total body workout is quite doable.

Sleeping Bear Lake Michigan Walk

Platte River Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, MI.  The Platte River campsites are big, wooded and private; the new 25 ft extension pole cell signal booster mounted on Vinny proved itself without a doubt making website access possible.  

The best thing is the hiking trails that start right at the campground from several Loops and that go through the beautiful fern covered forest. After battening down in Vinny for 24 hours when a rainstorm came through, the 30-minute stretch legs through the campground walk turned into our longest hike ever at 9 miles.  The damp cool weather and super easy grade through the soft dirt path kept us wanting more and All Trails kept us knowing the way home.  We started a Lasso Loop trail, at the campground Loop 3, turned right and then seeing another trail immediately heading into the woods.  After hiking a bit on that we saw signs for Deer Lake and Bass Lake Loop Trail, and after hiking a bit to Deer Lake, turned around and took the Bass Loop back.

We were on the lookout for bears.

No they were just the cutest shy black Michigan squirrels.

 It was definitely a Salted Caramel Whiskey and Advil night after the over indulgent hike.  

The other popular thing to do here is a Platte River Paddle trip. There are vessel rental companies right outside NP and they have ice cream.

We rode our bikes there on the first day after riding the Lake Michigan Road (nice paved wide shoulder, but fast whizzing cars) to where else, but Lake Michigan where we spied our first glimpse of this magnificent Lake.

Here we saw the piles of canoes and tubes for pickup by these companies because the Platte River ends right at Lake Michigan is usually  a leisurely experience for tubing or paddling. As we are snowbirds now and big warm weather babies, we have decided not to paddle this trip since this is best on  a splash pleasant weather not the 66 degree overcast weather that is forecasted for the better weather day.  

We had  also hiked to lake Michigan from the campground and got a taste of what the Sleeping Bear Point dunes hike would be like.  

As we approached the Lake the quad work-out commenced as the terrain turned to deep sand. 

Severe Thunderstorms were in the forecast so we decided this short hike would be perfect. 

After our  overzealous 9 mile hike through the fern forest, we decided biking was in order for the day and found the Peterson Road dirt road to be perfect. What a difference a storm makes on Lake Michigan.

Two days prior the lake from nearly the same place was tranquil. 

This was the constant muffled rushing sound that we had wondered about on our unexpectedly long 30 minute turned 3 hours hike without Greenie, my iconic water bottle, that I generally bring everywhere after living in the desert. But the damp cool on that day didn’t even get us thirsty. 

The Platte River experience was beautiful despite the less than desirable weather. We have seen only a pair of people on all the hikes and bikes in the campground much different than the hopping Higgins experience. Finally, the sun is coming out and today is transfer day heading to the duney part of the Sleeping Bear National Park for 2 nights.

Mitten Central, The UP MI (Upper Peninsula Michigan) that’s where South Higgins Lake state beach with a mile of shoreline is located and has incredibly aqua, clear warm water. 

Perfect for John to have his second standup, paddleboard board experience.

He only dumped into the luscious warm water once when his body carried the momentum in the constant path forward, but the board decided to bounce in a wave instead.

He claims his big long toes make getting into a standing position evermore difficult than a typical size 10 for someone of his stature, but I think the surface area should make them ever so so better for gripping.  

Waist deep for about 80 yards off-shore, the sandy lake bottom is extraordinary for the  newbie doing water sports who is expecting some spills.  People walk out to their boats that are anchored off the beach, floating out  their coolers and holding gear bags high.  They can zoom, fish, or paddle along the 4 by 7 mile lake;  

I didn’t see a single sailboat,Caroline, better get your Laser out here, but I did see a Sea Monster. The campground was a hopping place on the summer solstice weekend and the campsites are not very private, but oh the beautiful water and we were about 150 yards from the lakefront, a short carry for Paddle Boy. Certainly not a serene View of the Lake from the shore,  but it was not so crowded that you were constantly maneuvering around water vessels once you were about 75 yards off shore,  and you could still see the sandy bottom   

A one mile bike trail runs along the lakefront from the store (which delivers firewood) at one end all the way to the furthest campsites. Another mile down the road and you can be at the Cut River Grill on the deck listening to a fabulous singer with 3 guitars (need to step up your game Bo).  

Back at camp,  Bud came running over with his white guitar to play tunes with us and he got really jiggy singing some of the songs to provide for an enjoyable evening at the campfire. Florida neighbors said we should check out Largo Florida

California Strawberries, not just a fruit but a festival. The Debbie broken hip/shoulder of 2022 Strawberry music festival brought me back to California to use our rain check tickets in 2023. It was the most beautiful weather imaginable. And we had the most amazing camp spot with a view of the smaller Forest Amphitheater.

The Radlers,German for Bikers, are my three camping soulmate girlfriends. We started camping together and haven’t stopped, doing the West Coast up to Orcas Island, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Hawaii(well not camping).

Since Vinny VanGo is with John in New Jersey, the Radlers planned to host me in a tent, and thermal underwear, new air mattress, and hot water bottles, and lots of blankets, as we decided to do another try for Fallen Leaf Lake near South Lake Tahoe after the Strawberry Music Festival; The weather forecast was cold, dipping into the 30’s on some nights near Tahoe, yikes.

We took our first camping trip to Fallen Leaf in 2018,  and for the last two years our plans had been altered due to fires, but the first days of this year’s reservation  have been canceled due to the extreme snow and melting, and the need to clear the campground of fallen trees. 

Returning to California also meant a stop in the Vista area to visit all of the girls and my favorite IT guy and the big black dog. This included Jenny’s annual ear, cleaning fetish, lots of great food and laughing at my antics.

Julie transported me to Debbie’s house and we were off to Strawberry after dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant with margaritas.

Intown Campground in Nevada City where we were camped at a beautiful redwood forested  campground that had a path into  the old, western mining town of Nevada, City.

I am always on the lookout for campgrounds where you can walk to a nice place and have some libation and good food.  We had the best halibut, risotto, and asparagus at Lola, a restaurant on Broad St. 

We were specifically told not to line up early in the Strawberry newsletter. But somehow, although we only got there five minutes before the time, we jumped into a line. It was a bit chaotic, but the Strawberry way is to keep calm and jam gently.  

The vibe at camping music festivals is like no other.  People are in their happy place and are cordial and Zenn like, even though there are a lot of bodies trying to fit into a relatively small space. We eventually got there, and it was no problem. After turning into a very crowded camping area that we would later discover to be the crazy Lizard Lounge, fate  brought us up into a hilly area near the Forest Amphitheater Stage.  Caroline, who would arrive on the second day, had to be able to nuzzle in next to us without her having to run over any festival goers or their tents or instruments. Debbie and I contemplated the lay of the land for over an hour to situate our living space within the confines of the festival chalked paths, while minimizing the hills that were a part of the landscape.  We finally found the perfect spot where we could set up her awning as a saved place for our sweet Caroline who would arrive later. 

We were taking up a bit of real estate and felt a bit selfish when we met hula hooping David who was trying to squeeze in between several trees and the chalk covered border lines right next to us  He was extremely friendly, and also was saving a tent and car spot for his friend Kathy who was coming the next evening.  After claiming our real estate space, Debbie and I set up my carpeted  palace, including a headboard backed air mattress and side table, adorned with  blankets of various thickness perfect for  the soon to be cold evening. 

Debbie received a record amount of gawking at her trailer and had over 20 people in one day get all googly eyed over it.   Once Caroline got here, and the awning was placed over her little teardrop, and people couldn’t see how cute it was, and then the gawking stopped.

Kathy arrived Thursday evening and after the typical where are you from exchanges, she offered to let us park at her house while we were in Southlake Tahoe as we were in quite a pickle because our reservations at Fallen Leaf Campground were canceled due to the bad recent weather, and needing to clear away trees. Luckily, I had found a super great deal at the Marriott Timber Lodge in South Lake Tahoe for only $133 a night for the entire two bedroom condo, but according to their information, they could not accommodate trailers or vans that were oversize.  Kathy is the most outgoing and present person to whom you could ever talk, and her delightful home in Lake Tahoe is exquisite. 

Kathy’s beuatiful Tahoe Home

Fate had brought us to befriend her and she was able to help us with our dilemma. 

Our favorite bands included Rainbow Girls,Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, Achilles Wheels, Big, Richard, and Della Mae who featured Jocelyn Sky, a 14 year old girl, who we all needed to repeat her name because she will be big in the future

We would later learn from Gertrud that Jocelyn played harp and sang at Parkfield Bluegrass Festival because Amber, who was supposed to open the festival, was ill. Della Mae had discovered Jocelyn because she did one of their original songs on Instagram in many different instruments and singing and this is why they brought her on stage with them during Strawberry. 

Rainbow Girls Clip

The many music camps that happened at night were incredible. All over the camping areas, there was music going on and you could stop and listen in.

Wandering Strawberry at Night

The Lizard Lounge experience was certainly just that. Kathy told us about this place where people can learn to play bluegrass music. Decided to check it out at a late night jamming session after the main stage entertainment. And it was quite the place where over 50 people were gathered round under a tent outside the tent, trying to play along with the leader. Then they played your Mama Don’t Dance and Your Daddy Don’t Rock ‘n’ Roll and of course I got into singing. It was really fun but a bit chaotic. 

Your Mama Don’t Dance and Your Daddy Don’t Rock and Roll Lizard Loung Style with 58 Musician Enthusiaist

Oh sad, Strawberry good-bye and we departed for Campground by the Lake in South Lake Tahoe, not bad for in-town Tahoe.  But first a side trip to Scott’s Lake near Nevada City where the water was clear and warm compared to the frigid water, temperatures of Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas which would soon be our environment.  Scott’s Lake campground in the earlier part of the summer is beautiful and clear for paddling or swimming, much warmer than Lake Tahoe. 

Warm Beautiful Water in Scott’s Lake

Incline Village would be the next stop and where we would explore the kayaking possibilities that I so enjoyed in 2007 and 2013.

Jaz Kayaking in 2013

Marriott Timber Lodge, right under the Heavenly gondola and hub of tourist activity. Gertrud would meet up with us here and Radler resorting would commence. 

Perfecting the I-phone burst mode, as we tried the art of synchronized jumping into the warm swimming pool waters, was quite the undertaking. 

A sunset boat trip around Emerald Bay was enjoyed even though the bartender was initially mistaken for the captain, and it was not long before we all got to take the helm of the Spirit to Tahoe. The bartenders were dressed in whites like you would expect a captain to be, and they did an exceptional job of keeping the champagne flowing during the whole trip where we met lots of nice people.  

The moon rose over Gunner Mountain as we dined at the German Restaurant, Himmel Haus, where we had excellent Schnitzel, Apfel Strudel and Pilsner, a definite repeat restaurant.

Fallen Leaf Lake – we got in the first day of the season, back to this campground and serene snow covered mountain surrounded lake in which to enjoy paddling.  

Paddling 2023 June

No swimming this time, well except if you are Caroline and bring your wetsuit.  No accidental fall into the freezing water either, even though the wind went from 5 mph to about 50 mph in 3 seconds as a thunderstorm blew through as we sat on the beach.  

Fallen Leaf Thunderstorm

There is always an abundance of paddling options with the Radlers and this year is no difference. Added to the fleet was the SUPYAK, stand up paddle board with a super cushie seat that was perfect for Debbie with her first paddling since receiving the bowling nickname Hipster after her fall and hip replacement of last year. 

“NeuToy”, nickname for Gertrud’s, NOYO inflatable, better for heavier wind, is much more stable than the very light easy to Red Bullet. 

A new inflatable full body raft which will hopefully keep the body above water in the frigid Tahoe waters during a tow. Gertrud didn’t venture too far off shore with this one.  

Beside Carolines pink fins to propel her along in the water while wearing a wetsuit, 

she also had along her kayak and SUP which she graciously let me dominate in our Radler paddling togetherness. 

Afternoon thunderstorms or rain events were a regular occurence in the area, and we took refuge in G’s Card Room (Gertrud’s Van) where we played Spades and enjoyed delicious cooking, not to mention heat and laughter to keep us warm until the next beautiful morning would warm up for another paddle. 

Meeks Bay Resort would be the next destination and our little cove was a shorter walk than at Fallen Leaf Lake.  The water was beautifully clear, sometimes smooth, sometimes not, but made for a lot of peaceful paddling except when the wind would suddenly change, and what should have been an easy paddle back to our cove was a fierce fight. 

On one occasion as we paddle to Sugar Pine State Park, Gertud would have to abandon the lake, deflate the Red Bullet and hike back to the Meeks Bay Cove. Debbie and I paddled along the shoreline, even though a guy who came on a dock told us that the waves could rise to 2 feet in a thunderstorm, and he didn’t like to have dead bodies on his beach in his exclusive Chinkapin Cove. We made it back in the fierce wind just as Gertrud appeared on shore as well, very excited to have found the West Shore Bike Trail.

Paddling Back to Meeks Bay in Wind

During the past 25 yearsy, we have stayed at Lake Tahoe almost a dozen times to escape the heat of Ridgecrest in the Summer in many different locations from the Tahoe Keys to North Star near Truckee,

to Incline Village with our friends, to Marriott Timber Lodge where we so enjoyed the 4th of July Fireworks and swimming at the Beach Club.

 Eating at the Base Camp Pizza while enjoying music on the patio, or swim/jumping in the heated pool, there is lots to do for everyone. 

My favorite kayaking spot among the boulders near Crystal Bay near Incline Village has turned to Stand Up Paddling in Meeks Bay and Fallen Leaf Lake. Seeing He’s My Brother She’s My Sister in a Tahoe free park concert in 2012, started the whole music festing, camping van lifestyle that has changed our lives.

Biking/Walking up the Angora Ridge Rd and hiking to Angora Lake where the Radlers would cement into existence – all life changing.  

Many boating trips over these years from M.S. Dixie II Paddlewheeler, to Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Ridgecrest friends (2007)

Biking around the South Camp Richardson, Pope Beach Baldwin Beach and now discovering the West Shore Bike Path starting at Meeks Bay and heading North, there is alway something new.    We observed that this paved bike path went on for many miles along the lake crossing back and forth along  Route 89 turning into the Homewood Class 1 Trail.  Kathy, our Strawberry friend, had told us that road bike paths were being constructed all over the Lake in recent years and we hope to ride it next time.  Lake Tahoe is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth where the landscape is breathtaking, now if the deep waters could just be a bit warmer !

Favorite Tahoe Videos

He’s My Brother She’s My Sister 2012

Carrying On Poppy’s Tradition – Julie Pumping Biceps 2012

TahoeHorseback2012