Backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains

2020 rolled in deliciously fat and happy, but by mid-March things looked very different. With the Corona Virus spreading and the government in denial, the virus took off before we realized it posed a threat. My daughter's school closed, my husband began working from home, I took a pay cut and then a period of reduced hours. We didn't complain, we felt lucky to have work and our health. Before long, civil unrest began to spread though cities and towns. When the  fourth of July weekend came along, the entire family needed a break from the 2020 news cycle.

Fall 2017 Family Backpacking Trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

On our 3 day family backpacking trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, we backpacked 18.2 miles (29.3 km) through rain and sun. We marveled at red and gold maples, and majestic views of Lake Superior. We camped at the busy Beaver Creek and quieter Seven Mile Creek backcountry campsites. Squirrels and chipmunks greeted us at every turn, begging for handouts. Even birds came by looking for a few crumbs. We played on the beach by day, and by night slept soundly in the cool autumn air. Time passed much too quickly.