We all have our own ways of recharging, and when the stress and noise of the world get to be too much, Andy and I head into nature to find beauty, peace, and breathe in fresh air. Andy and I both had the weekend free - something that never happens with our work schedules - so we seized the opportunity to disappear north to the family cabin in Cheboygan. It was a good excuse to celebrate our upcoming 3rd year wedding anniversary, and to spend the day biking and exploring Mackinaw Island before the insane mob of tourists arrived

The day before we left, Andy decided to order a burley for Winston. Win has seen bikes, but we knew he wouldn’t be comfortable enough to run along side of our bikes, and with his gimpy front leg, we figured it would be best to haul him around the island, stopping often for him to explore on foot with us. I was nervous not knowing ahead of time if Winston would hate it or love it, but Win never fails to be the best boy ever. We hooked up the burley in the parking lot on main land and he hopped right in, the cheesiest smile spread across his face. So with one eye on the weather’s radar, we boarded on the morning ferry, fingers crossed we would get a few hours of adventuring in before the impeding rain arrived.

The island bustled with yearly residents, pulling back the winterization of their shops, and spiffying them up for the anticipated flurry of tourists arriving in the weeks ahead. Even Fort Mackinaw, proudly overlooking the lake, still remained buttoned up in it’s winter hibernation. Leaving the peaceful hum of the town, we followed the island road and biked around the entire island. We stopping often to admire the translucent tequila blue waters, to play on the boulders that stretched into quiet lake, and to happily collect rocks for Andy to skip, 13, 14, 15 silent jumps across the water, only leaving ripples behind as evidence the water was disturbed. We ate our packed lunches, and laughed at Winston’s ridiculously silly smile when taking touristy photos of him at the British Landing canon. Andy said that Winston was finally ready to take on the persistent squirrels, now that he was armed with a canon!

It was a fun day of adventures, finding and appreciating the beauty Michigan offers, and spending quality time with each other. Winston was a champ, riding happily in his new chariot, smiling at all of those who wanted to say hello to him, and giving tiny kisses to the kids that squealed in excitement over his big ears. He fell asleep on the ferry ride back to main land, and was content to curl up and enjoy the evening at the cabin with us.

I adore going on adventures with Andy. I love that our mutual appreciation of nature, continually gifts us endless adventures together, and that simply spending time unplugged with one another always bring us closer together. This weekend was a much needed mini vacation. I can not wait for our next escape to adventure together again!