Pure Michigan
Over the past several days we have been all over the state of Michigan.
We started from the north where we traveled through the Great Lakes — across the Mackinac Bridge from the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) and down through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. These lakes are so insanely huge that you can't even see the other side — we learned (from a podcast) that all together they contain 6 quadrillion gallons of water, enough to cover the entire country in 10 feet of fresh water!
We even found a spot at exactly 45° latitude — the same as northern Hokkaido!
We enjoyed visiting family for a few days — It was great to hang out together, and we made the most of the lovely summer weather: grilling, going to farmers markets, playing at the beach, and of course eating ice cream! The kids were grateful to get a break from the car and loved spending time with their cousins.
After a few days of recharging we headed to Grand Rapids to check out the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, which a friend recommended. We were surprised to find out that it is part of the Blue Star Museums Program (a collection of museums around the country that offer free admission to active duty military)!
G wasn't feeling well, so she didn't want to walk around, but M and I hustled though the entire sculpture park while she rested in the shade with Wile E.
It was so cool to see Leonardo (da Vinci)’s horse — he drew plans for it in 1482 and created a full-sized model out of clay, but never got to cast it in bronze. Then in 1996, Japanese-American sculptor, Nina Akamu, was commissioned to recreate it.
After the museum we had a lovely dinner with friends from Japan who happen to be staying in the area at the same time (and got our fix of some delicious homemade Japanese food!)
On our last day in Michigan we got together with one of E’s former classmates and his family. So fun exploring Detroit!
*Poor G was still under the weather, so we took turns hanging out with her so she could rest.
It’s time to move on, but instead of heading south towards DC, we decided to make a 600 mile detour to see my family in New Hampshire 😅. (We finally have a house lined up in DC, but we can't move in for a few weeks, so we figured why not keep traveling?!)
➡️ Now 1375 mi to DC ➡️
What great exploration!! I love that you are making the most of wherever you are. Pure Michigan, indeed! (I was born in Detroit!)
Well I always enjoy experiencing the days through the Fosson’s eyes but I have to say the anticipation of being part of your journey as a pit stop in NH and filling my fridge and cupboards with a few of your favorite things…. I’m Over the top excited for stories, art, games, belly laughs and a big ol’ hug for my Wile E boy!!💜💜 (he’s never been to Gram’s and I’ve reserved a spot for him at the foot of my bed!💜)
Mom