August 6, 2021
Charlevoix, MI
After 3 miles slogging through a bog, Mason was very excited to hear that we were just going to plop on a beach for a while. I wanted to walk the beach, and I figured Gob would come with me. But Gob much preferred to join Mason for some yoga.
I walked south on the beach for a bit, but about halfway to my predetermined turn around point, I could hear Gob barking in the distance. He doesn’t like it when either one of us is too far away. I turned around. Every few steps, I would glance at the pebbles, keeping an eye out for the elusive “petoskey stone“. And believe it or not, I found one! And a few “charlevoix stones” as well.
This is where I had wanted to camp for the night, but when I checked online a few days prior to departure, all of the sites were booked. This is the problem with spontaneous weekend getaways in a state where camping is popular. I never experienced this problem in Ohio. But being that our other option was to drive an hour+ to sleep at a truck stop, I walked to the ranger station to press my luck at a cancelation. And wouldn’t you know it, I was able to secure a spot.
There’s a special place in my heart for parks and campgrounds that are devoid of RVs and less inhabited by other people. Don’t get me wrong, I do love seeing other people out enjoying nature. But when the park is too crowded it takes away some of the beauty. I think that is one reason I liked this park so much. The campsites are all rustic. And even full, we had some seclusion, peace, and quiet.
We head into the town of Charlevoix for some dinner, and make it back just in time to see the sunset as we are driving in. I am sleepy and decide not to make the walk to the beach to get what I’m sure would have been spectacular pictures. I slightly regret my decision. But am also pleased with the much needed rest.
One day, hopefully, I can come back. Get one of the beach front camp sites. And explore some more.
Interested in checking out this park? Find out more here!
Check out my other Michigan State Park adventures!
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