And We're Off!

         Meet Pepe, our very green alligator who is going along for the ride in The Pickle. Pepe is short for pepenillo, a Spanish word for pickle. (Sometimes we just think of him as Peppy.) You'll probably see a lot more of Pepe in future blogs so credit for Pepe's presence goes to friends Ron & Michelle Edwards, who thought he would make a fitting stowaway.

         Anyway we've completed Day 2 of our westward migration. Our first night (last night) was spent at Indian Lake State Park near Manistique, MI, in the UP. We pulled in around 5:30 and after a walk around the campground loop, were able to catch a beautiful sunset over the panoramic lake while chicken was cooking on the grill - a satisfying end to a stunningly beautiful drive along Lake Michigan on Hwy. 2.

       Weatherwise, however, today topped that, coming in at a perfect fall day. Perfect for driving on tree-lined 2 through Iron Mountain and into Wisconsin on 70. Of course we had to check out one of several National Forest campgrounds along the way, just on the chance that we could snag an inexpensive campsite for the night. Alas, after eight miles on a winding, gold-drenched pathway, we were halted by a barricade and "Campground Closed" sign. Besides enjoying the great scenery though, Michael had a chance to test his backing-up skills. Going in reverse was the only way out of a dead end situation, and, with a bit of maneuvering, neither the GMC nor the towed Volvo ended up in the ditch. Success all around! We are now camped at a private campground on Big Germain Lake outside of St. Germain. If you are looking for quiet, this is the place to be.

Nina and Pepe, Captain & First Mate.