Sunday 8/2: Day 1

Sunday 8/2

Well, we’re back on the open road again, which is awesome. Headed to the UP this time for a week on the shores of the great inland sea. The original plan of cape cod ended in shambles as we got put on the naughty list there and would have needed to quarantine for 2 weeks upon arrival. Much of the east coast is like that now, which effectively eliminated the ocean. Briefly thought about the LP but I worried of lots of people and limited space/spendier options.

So back to the UP it is. Mom and dad gave some good suggestions and with a little research, I precooked a lot of places and have a reasonable plan for a couple nights of camping as well.

Got off around 10 and set East on 94. Gassed up in menonomie and soon parted ways with the interstate. I’ve heard 29 is sometimes seen as a state divider for Wisconsinites. A book I read about the “politics of resentment” quoted a lot of people saying that the big cities and politicians didn’t care about people north of it.

It sure seems like your in the thick of Wisconsin when driving on it. Farmland and pine woods at a crossroads.

Stopped for a picnic lunch in waseau at a park that parallels the Wisconsin river, although at the park had really no view of the river. Love the standard road lunch of wraps, pbjs, cheese, and veggies though.

Angled north just past bonduel and finally hit Lake Michigan at marienette. Along with its twin in Michigan, these towns seemed big. Lots of commerce and big box/traffic moving through.

Holy cow there’s lots of trump signs up there too. I wonder if it’s somehow more contentious in Michigan after an unexpected and narrow win 4 years ago and they are now polling heavy Biden. My other thought is maybe the locals want to send their message to the vacation traffic from Milwaukee Chicago that they perceive as more Biden friendly?

Not a ton between the few towns of escanaba and manistique. It feels pretty dang desolate at times. Miles of sandy, pine forests.

Rolled into big knob around 8 pm eastern time. It’s 6 miles of gravel off the highway, which is great as I’d imagine it dissuades people from going there. It was actually pretty full, enough to make us a little nervous on the first part of the loop, but we found a spot away from the lake and there were still a number untaken. This remains a hidden gem. I’d come back here again and again.

Ate the standard “hobo” dinners and capped it off with some s’mores. I believe this is my 11th night camping this summer. Not too shabby.