Wakefield, Michigan is a very small community in the UP with a population of about 1900. Its basically a town you go through to get to another, and that’s what we were doing. We were on our way to Ontanagon and Keewanaw. If you stop at the Visitors center that sits on lovely Sunday Lake you will be greeted by a friendly couple with a wealth of information about surrounding areas. As we approached the building we couldn’t help but notice the directions to “other places”. As accurate as it may be, I bet we could somehow manage to get lost.
Adorning the lake front is this wooden statue called Nee-gaw-nee-gaw-bow (Leading Man). It stands just north of the Visitors center. It was carved by artist, Peter “Wolf” Toth to honor the Chippewa Indians. It is the 59th statue on the “Trail of Whispering Giants.” Peter Toth has donated a different Indian carving to each of the 50 states and Canada from 1971 to 1988. The statue was carved from one piece of pine donated by the Ottawa National Forest and was completed in 1988. It’s a rather impressive size, to say the least.
It was recommended at the Visitors center that we visit the Bond falls, not too far down the road. They assured us we would enjoy these beautiful falls. We are always game to see new waterfalls so we proceeded with anticipation. We walked the boardwalk, enjoying the scenery and felt a little déjà vu. And for good reason, we had been here 3 years ago. Oh well, we weren’t disappointed in the least as we seek out waterfalls because they offer a serenity that has a relaxing and calming affect on us. Have you sought out any places like that lately? It does wonders.
Bond Falls
One of the boardwalks
Continuing on with our road trip we ended up on the shores of Lake Superior. Who can be near Lake Superior and not put their toes in the sand? Not us. We had Baxter with us and weren’t sure how he would react to being near the “big waters” since all he is ever near is a small pond or nearby lakes. He recently has become obsessed with drinking out of streams, rivers, ponds, whatever.....doesn’t really matter. So much for making sure he always has clean drinking water. Who knew? As we managed to make our way through the hot sand, going down hill, Baxter could hardly contain himself. As we approached the water he was running like a puppy just let out of it’s cage. Now understand, he is on a 6’ leash with me on the other end. The sand was being thrown to and fro and his ears flopping in the wind as he tried to chase the waves. Oh my, what a sight this was. He made us laugh as we tried to keep with him. I was trying desperately to get a picture of him and every time I got him in view he ran after something else. It was so worth the trip there if only to experience his happy antics. After we landed Baxter in the car and got him cleaned off, we stopped a little ways down the road and did some “rocking”.
Rob walking the beach on Lake Superior
Baxter at the end of the leash....out of sight.
Just one of the many rocky beaches we visited
The day was exhilarating and refreshing but time has a way of getting away from us. We were a couple hours from home so we decided to call it a day and complete our road trip before darkness set in. Being married to someone who loves to drive, finds so many interesting places to explore and is alway game to go along with some of my crazy ideas is a true blessing to me. Our life is good.
We find we happiest when we have our boots on, walking sticks in hand and a trail map in our pocket. I hope you are able to find a place that brings you such happiness and peace. And while you are out there looking for it, remember to look up, it’s amazing out there.
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