Whirlwind Trip Downstate and a Hike on the Boundary Road Trails

When I left you last, Julie and I were heading out the door for a whirlwind trip downstate for our niece Kayla’s wedding to Arturo. It would be a somewhat rainy drive across the U.P., but it let up enough for us to squeeze in quick hike to Upper Tahquamenon Falls where we also added 1/2 mile toward our #hike100NCT!

The weekend provided a really nice opportunity to see family and friends, including four of my Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brothers. Three of them I had not seen in person for probably forty years! We stayed with our daughter Amy and her husband Jake who are in the process of moving to a warmer climate to practice medicine now that they are completing their post-residency fellowships. There was just enough space in the Tahoe to haul back their little used snow blower which they gifted us. I tend to use snow shoveling as a major form of winter exercise, but I can also take a hint.

Sunday’s return trip was uneventful with much nicer driving weather.

The open swim time closes off an hour earlier this time of year at MTU’s SDC, so Monday would involve an earlier start to complete my swim by 8:00 a.m. A little later start on my part would only allow me to squeeze in 2,000 yards.

After making some follow up contacts related to the Spark Grant and seeking a schedule for completion of features on the Sturgeon River kayak launch, Julie and I would go out to the northern edge of Chassell Township to hike the Boundary Road Trails. There is a well kept 3.5 mile trail system here that provides a nice walk in the woods.

The trail leads northward until it reaches the Pilgrim River at a point high above the water. There is a picnic table here which provides a great stopping point to enjoy the view.

The trail then follows a creek upstream until it crosses a bridge and then follows the opposing high bank back to the river.

Near the bridge is a great a great little spot for meditation.

Once back at the Pilgrim River, the trail winds atop the high bank which provides some beautiful views before dropping down right alongside the water.

Julie and I would go wading in the stream where Julie spied a snapping turtle hatchling floating by in the current.

We would also come across a large fallen tree in the river that had a really cool bleached burl on its surface.

Bushwhacking out from the river and getting back onto the trail we suddenly heard a rapid scritching sound that seemed to be moving upward. To our surprise a black bear cub was looking back at us from high on a tree.

I quickly shot this photo and we very deliberately moved on down the trail talking quite loudly. We were not too interested in getting acquainted with mama!

The trail makes a steady climb through the woods as it begins the process of closing the loop and returning to the parking area.

You can check out a GoPro short video of more photos from the hike on the Remote Workforce Keweenaw YouTube channel at this link: https://youtube.com/shorts/CeobowAF4Ho?si=wMcOe9IjDr6XaFxt

Do you embrace winter and have the ability to work remotely? Consider locating in the Keweenaw where you will find ubiquitous natural beauty, no congestion, and lower crime! Not sure? Come UP for a workcation to check it out! Learn how at Visit Keweenaw at https://www.visitkeweenaw.com/plan/trip-ideas-itineraries/workcations/ Visit Remote Workforce Keweenaw at https://remoteworkforcekeweenaw.com. Learn about those making the decision to locate here by following the Remote Workforce Keweenaw Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RemoteWorkforceKeweenaw.