Thursday, August 14, 2014

Life in Northern Michigan...

Looking North from on a lonely beach along Misery Bay, Lake Superior
 We spent from June 29 to July 4 in the Keweenaw Peninsula.  Most of that time was spent frantically going about getting ready for the remainder of the summer on Isle Royale...but we did have time for some fun too!  We spent the first two nights with our friends Don and Gene at their beautiful place on the shore of Lake Superior at Misery Bay.  We waded in to the cold water and enjoyed the cumulous clouds that rushed on by.  One of the evenings there was a rather dramatic thunderstorm over the water.  The sunsets were out of this world.  It was a wonderful welcome back to the North.
Looking South from a lonely beach along Misery Bay, Lake Superior

Sunset from the cottage

Don and Gene's lovely cottage at the edge of Lake Superior

Thunderstorm to the North!


From Colorado to the North Woods of Michigan

 Our long journey to the North Woods of Michigan began again after our week of relaxation in Colorado with the family.  We continued east on June 27th, leaving the glorious mountains of Colorado and driving out on to the plains.  Our route took us in to Nebraska and up to Valentine (Northern Nebraska) on the first leg.  That evening, a powerful thunderstorm rocked our hotel with hail, strong wind and wicked bolts of lightning.  Jasper happily slept right through it.  We happily watched from the safety of our hotel room on the third floor. 

We continued on in to South Dakota, which was surprisingly beautiful.  Small, yellow flowers covered the grassy hills.  Round hay bales dotted the landscape.  Everything seemed alive and well.  We crossed the Missouri River and continued on through eastern South Dakota and in to Minnesota.  We angled up through beautiful farm fields and scattered forests and rivers to the tiny town of Milaca, where we spent the night. 

On the last day of our journey, we crossed the border in to Wisconsin.  We stopped at the St. Croix River for Jasper to throw rocks.  Hello, mosquitoes!  We met up with friend Rori for lunch in Minong and then continued through the forests of Northern Wisconsin.  Finally, we crossed the border in to the state of Michigan!  By evening, we had made it to our friends house on the shore of mighty Lake Superior.  Yes, Michigan!!
Thunderclouds building over Northern Nebraska

Round hay bales in South Dakota

Missouri River, South Dakota

Southeast Minnesota

St. Croix River, Wisconsin

Jasper and Rori

Welcome to Michigan!!


Ausema Family Reunion

In late June, the whole Ausema clan met up in Breckenridge, Colorado for a wonderful week in a beautiful home deep in the mountains.  We had a wonderful time hiking a variety of trails, catching up on many stories, exploring the town, and lounging in the hot tub at night.  Snow draped the mountains in ribbons of white.  Thunderstorms loomed in the mountains most afternoons.  There were lots of interesting animals around.  We saw beaver, fox and mule deer.  Jasper had lots of fun playing with his cousins, hiking the rocky, rugged trails, looking for fish along the river walk in Breckenridge and taking the gondola in to the mountains.  It was a wonderful week which ended all to soon.  Thanks to everyone for making the reunion happen!  Until next time...
The four brothers and lots of kids!

Jasper and Grandma walking on a trail above Dillon Reservoir
Large snow drift on the trail near Hoosier Pass

Jasper loved the snowdrift and puddles of water!

Linnea is all smiles in her cool sunglasses!

Lots of kids...

Grandpa and Linnea reading a book

Our giant chalet deep in the mountains

On the trail to McCullough Gulch

On the gondola above Breckenridge

Anneke and Jasper peering out the window of the lodge