Fisherman’s Island
- At July 29, 2013
- By Guest Swagributor
- In Places
2
My family and I went on a camping trip over the weekend at Fisherman’s Island. We had a great site, which was right across from Lake Michigan with tons of rocks just waiting to be looked through for some Petoskey stones. If you drive down from our north campsite going straight and into the south part of it you’ll get to a beach. There’s a trail of dunes ready for you to climb to get to the refreshing water (don’t worry, it’s not a huge dune of doom or anything). It seems really rocky at first, but if you keep walking down the shore a little ways you’ll get to where the bottom of the water is pure sand.
Now I’m going to switch subjects on ya here. The water I mentioned before, that was across the road from our site, has more rocks on the shore than sand! My mom and I looked through a lot of the rocks, and sorry to break it to you, but we didn’t find any Petoskey stones really. What we did find though, was some pretty darn cool fossils. There’s also something else I’d like to throw at you. Between the trees you can see the bright orange sunset bursting with color, with no buildings or civilization interrupting it (unless an annoying car passes by).
Since my Dad (aka Brian), does all the work and we just show up to eat and nap in the hammocks (which rock, you can get yourself one at the Totem Shop), I thought he should provide some of the details about Fisherman’s Island and car camping in general.
– Fisherman’s Island is just a few miles south of Charlevoix, right off 31. And no, it’s not actually an island.
– There are 2 campgrounds, north & south. The north one is where it’s at. Very few of the sites at the southern end are along the water and they’re packed pretty close together.
– The entire campground runs along the shore of Lake Michigan, but it’s all rocky. But don’t fret if you want to swim, there’s a beautiful sandy beach about a mile south of the southernmost campsites (with a hiking trail that leads to it if you prefer not to drive).
– I highly recommend making reservations, which you can do online. And another thing I recommend if you’re not familiar with the campground is to call the ranger station and ask what sites they suggest. There’s nothing worse than getting all geared up for a camping trip and finding out your site is lame. In fact, I do this routinely when visiting new campgrounds and have never been steered wrong.
– Use Ghirardelli chocolate squares for S’mores making, mmmm.
– Car camping is the ultimate activity for the lazy outdoorsman (not an oxymoron). Why schlep all your gear in a backpack when you can bring 10 times as much stuff crammed into your car?
– Do not think that car camping is cheap. The amount of food we bring with us for a weekend would pay for multiple nights out at a high-end restaurant. This is because the entire weekend consists of sitting next to the campfire or on the beach while reading a book and continuously supplying your mouth with a steady stream of junk food, encased meats, and beer.
– It’s tough to beat a weekend out in the wilderness with your family & Fisherman’s Island is a great place to do that.
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- En route to the beach
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- Hiking trails
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- Beach time
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- Cold beverages
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- Crashing waves
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- Burgers on the fire
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- Gourmet S’mores
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- Bunk hammocks
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- Local wildlife
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- Shoreline at dusk
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- Sunset
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- Euchre in the tent
Unleash the Funk: Soul Step Dance Studio
- At March 18, 2013
- By Guest Swagributor
- In Local Happenings
- 2
I’ve been dancing at Soul Step for four years now. I started when I was about seven, even though the age for that group was nine and up. But that didn’t stop me! I’m so glad I do hip hop. It’s a huge inspiration for me, and an important part of my life.
About every year, there’s a dance showcase performed at Soul Step. It’s so fun to watch, and to dance in! My youth class did a hip-hop routine, and we were so excited! I think that for me, when I perform in dances like that, I’m nervous, but once I start dancing I just get lost in the music and I have a great time.
This year at the showcase, two breakers from Grand Rapids came. They were from the dance crew 61syx. They were awesome! And it was unbelievable what they did (check out my video below!) and how they actually did it without breaking every bone in their body (like I probably would on the first attempt). There were some contemporary dances too, (not done by 61syx, I’m sure that’s a little out of their style) which were astonishing to watch. In addition to hip hop and break dancing there was also a house performance. It’s more “loosey goosey” as Emily puts it. Emily is the owner of Soul Step. She also teaches my hip-hop class, along with a lot of other classes. She works really hard, and she’s an inspiration to me too. She’s a great dancer. I want to be just like her.
Also at the showcase, Emily talked about hip-hop culture. Hip hop isn’t just running around the floor and sliding, and breaking isn’t just spinning on your head either. It’s a way of expressing yourself. It’s also a form of art. Anyone can do it, if you set your mind to it, and everyone can dance. Like Seoul said at the showcase, (Seoul is from 61syx) it’s important that younger kids are learning and embracing this dance. That’s how it continues – the youth pass it on and keep it alive. And it is right here in Northern Michigan.
There are lots of different classes offered at Soul Step (they even have beginner hip-hop classes for adults). I definitely suggest you check them out!
Video of Seoul from 61syx by Izzy Beckwith
Scrap TC
- At January 21, 2013
- By Guest Swagributor
- In Places
- 0
Normally you would think that old rubber, plastic jars, and cardboard tubes would be something that you would put in your recycling bin. But at Scrap, those are some supplies that you can make masterpieces with. You might be saying to yourself, “But how? Masterpieces out of old rubber?” Well, it’s possible at Scrap. But that’s not all they have there. They have fabric, beads, multicolored paper, wood scraps, and much more! The scarf I wore in the pictures was inspired by Scrap, and so were the earrings. The scarf was made from dye
and extra large t-shirts. And the earrings were made from safety pins and beads.
If you want to check it out for yourself, pop in on Saturdays from 12-4 to drop off donations or shop for some future swag, and Tuesdays from 7-9pm for craft night. If you’re not so crafty yourself, stop by their upcoming craft show to do a little shopping – Saturday, February 2nd – from 11am – 4pm.
Gearing Up for the Slopes
Photo courtesy Boyne Resorts
This guest post comes to you from Nick Nerbonne. A lifelong skier, he even chose to attend the University of Utah just to have access to some of the best skiing in the country. Northern Michigan might not have the “mountains” of the west, but it still offers some great skiing as Nick recaps here.
You’ve seen the snowflakes flying. You’ve felt the temperatures dipping. You might have even scraped your car windows or shoveled the walk. Winter’s here, and for those of us waiting to hit the slopes, it’s time to grab the skis and snowboards out of the garage, dig the winter gear out of the storage closet, and get out on the snow for the first turns of the season.
Sure, we haven’t had that big early snowfall yet (planning a snow dance now), but snowmaking has been underway at resorts across northern Michigan since just after Thanksgiving to lend Mother Nature a hand, and lifts will be spinning at several snow sports destinations this weekend.
Ready to hit the snow? Here’s a round-up of what’s happening and who’s opening among northern Michigan ski resorts.
Boyne Highlands (77 miles Northeast of Traverse City in Harbor Springs)
“The Highlands” became the first ski resort to open in the northern lower peninsula earlier this week when their Heather High-Speed Quad began carrying skiers and riders to the top of Heather on Tuesday. With several good days of snowmaking temps since then, it sounds like they’ll be opening more terrain for the weekend.
Opening Date: Opened Tuesday, November 27
Early Season Deal: Six people ski and ride for the price of one lift ticket at Boyne’s annual 6-for-1 day on Friday, December 21.
More info: http://www.boyne.com/BoyneHighlands/index.html
Boyne Mountain (59 miles Northeast of Traverse City in Boyne Falls)
It’s looking like winter at Boyne Mountain (pictured), and the six-person Mountain Express high-speed chair will be whisking skiers and riders to the top beginning Friday. Snowmaking has covered favorites like Victor, Hemlock, and McLouth – among others – with snow, but check Boyne’s snow report to confirm which terrain will be open for the weekend.
Opening Date: Friday, November 30
Early Season Deal: 6-for-1 Day also takes place at Boyne Mountain December 21. Grab the family, or five friends, and ski and ride for the price of one lift ticket.
More info: http://www.boyne.com/BoyneMountain/index.html
Caberfae Peaks (51 miles South of Traverse City near Cadillac)
Skiers and snowboarders in Cadillac can get stoked about riding the Peaks just west of town beginning this Friday. Caberfae Peaks’ inland location and higher elevation often leads to good early-season snowmaking temps, and this year is no different. As of this writing, The Peaks plans to have 3 lifts and 7 runs open beginning Friday.
Opening Date: Friday, November 30
Early Season Deal: 2012-13 season passes start at $149.
More info: http://caberfaepeaks.com/
Crystal Mountain (28 miles southwest of Traverse City)
The snowmaking crew at Crystal has been busy covering the slopes in a blanket of white, but no opening date has been announced. Until the Crystal Clipper high-speed quad starts running (hopefully soon), get in ship-shape for the slopes with Ski Fitness Training at Crystal’s Peak Fitness Center.
Opening Date: Not yet announced
Early Season Deal: Crystal’s new Ski More Lift Card ($49) gives the cardholder one Open-to-Close lift ticket and discounts on additional lift tickets throughout the 2012-13 season. Available until December 8.
More info: www.crystalmountain.com
Nub’s Nob (76 miles Northeast of Traverse City in Harbor Springs)
4” of natural snow this week, added to Nub’s always-aggressive snowmaking efforts, has helped the Nub’s crew have two lifts and at least three runs ready to open Friday, with additional terrain opening for Saturday and Sunday. Heading up for a half day? Grab one of northern Michigan’s best sandwiches at Gurney’s Market in downtown Harbor Springs on the way to the slopes.
Opening Date: Friday, November 30
Early Season Deal: A $25 Tune Center Special is in effect until opening day.
More info: www.nubsnob.com
Shanty Creek Resorts (30 miles Northeast of Traverse City in Bellaire)
Snowmaking is underway at Shanty, and despite making “huge strides” in building a base, the resort near Bellaire announced Wednesday that they’ll be waiting until they can add more to it before opening. Until then, if you’re in the neighborhood, stop into The Lakeview Restaurant at Summit Village for a craft brew from nearby Short’s Brewing.
Opening Date: Not yet announced
Early Season Deal: Unlimited Super Pass on sale for $399.
More info: www.shantycreek.com
School Style Guide
- At November 08, 2012
- By Guest Swagributor
- In People
- 4
At my school, Immaculate Conception, I have to wear uniforms. We have a certain dress code. I have to wear a white shirt and either pants or skirts that are a deep navy blue (and no, I can’t wear white pants and blue shirts). They’re a bit plain, but I like to spice them up a little. Here are some ways that I can do that:
Earrings: I have quite a collection of earrings. I like to wear my mustache ones a lot, and wear ones that dangle from my ears. Some of my favorite earrings are my feather ones.
Hair Accessories: Flower clips, headbands, ponytails, and more. One of my favorite things to do, in my opinion, is to do a side braid that’s a little loose. I also have a lot of headbands and flower clips that are fun to wear. They add a splash of color.
Shoes: I love shoes. Except I don’t like trying them on, because my size gets confusing some times. I have Mary Janes, but sometimes I like to wear my moccasins or my black sneakers.
Socks: I wear very bright and bold socks. Sometimes they’re even neon! Just like some of my hair accessories, they add a splash of color.
Necklaces: I’m not allowed to wear really big necklaces, but ones that are a bit smaller are okay. I have some necklaces that are small with crosses on them and other ones like friendship necklaces and even one that has an owl on it!
Glasses: I have fake glasses, but I don’t wear them that much anymore because I just got real ones. They’re really stylish. The front of my glasses are a very deep plum, the back is a lavender/light blue color, and part of the side is also a lavender color.
Bracelets: I don’t wear bracelets too much at school, but sometimes I do. I usually just wear ones that are small.
Sweaters: At my school, we’re only allowed to wear white sweaters, navy blue sweaters, or sweatshirts that have our school name on it. I have a cute sweater that I haven’t worn yet that I’m going to wear soon, and it’s white.
