Michigan's Upper Peninsula is rich with history, dating back thousands of years.  Each stop along the way allows you to discover a variety of different lessons: from nature to human's interactions.  The Keweenaw Peninsula is a stop rich in the history of copper mining.

One post will nnt be enough to encapsalate all that Copper Country has to teach.  However, we found an incredible spot along the way to start our explorations.  Old Victoria, the abandoned copper mine town, lead us through restored houses alongside aging ruins.

Run exclusively by volunteers, the Old Victoria historic site boasts four restored buildings on the property, each with their own unique touch.  We were able to explore the main boarding house, and then the homes of those that would have worked in the mine.  The volunteer docent walked us through each of the restored buildings, providing history and rennovation information along the way.

Life as a copper miner was not easy, and it required everyone connected to the mine to work together to create a life.  While miners searched for copper, wives and hired women would take care of the day to day chores and the meals.  Old Victoria was not a particulary large mining community, and everyone worked together to make it in the backcountry of the Upper Peninsula.

After visiting the restored sites, we took to the trails to explore the ruins of the Old Victoria mine.  Following the trail, we found the rock overlook, that gave views as far as Lake Superior.  We found a general building, and then eventual the hoist house.

The hosit house was fun to explore.  We walked along the walls and the ruins, imagining what life was like prior to the closing of the mine.  We were excited when we found the markings for the North Country Trail.  Having been on various parts of the trail, we imagined how unique it must be to walk the trail and land in the middle of copper ruins along the way. 

We found various views and wonderful spots to stop along the way.  This trip became one that was unexpected.  We were enthralled by the history and amazed at what we were able to see.  This is a great trip to take with friends.  The cost is free or good will donation, and your time is well spent learning stories about those that helped change our world through the mining industry. 

Rustic camping is a true adventure.   Finding a secluded spot off the beaten path provides a moment of peace and tranquilty in a world that continues to move quickly.  We were more than ready to get away after the school year.

Following signs across the northern part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we found our way to the Two-Hearted Campground.  This small state run campground is a first come first serve spot.  Not wanting to miss out, we quickly made our way north from the bridge, hoping we land a great spot.

We were not disappointed.  We found our spot a little ways from the enterance to the beach.  We quickly set up our camping gear.  (We realized we needed a new air mattress.  The older you get the more the ground hurts your hips.  You can get one here.  We are Amazon Affliates and we do make a small compensation from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.)

After setting up, we decided to walk the grounds.  This took us over the walking suspension bridge that crossed the Two-Hearted River.  This incredible spot lent itself to picture perfect moments between the river and Lake Superior.  The weather was cool but comfortable.  The late setting sun allowed for longer strolls along the beach to look for agates.  We didn't quite know what we were looking for in Agate hunting, but we were enjoying the search!

As the sun set, we turned our attention from Agate hunting to Yooperlite hunting.  This was a new adventure, and one we didn't quite land on.  We attempted to find the specialized lights that bring Yooperlites to life, but may not have landed exactly on the right one.  We are still in the search!

Take time to get away from it all by finding ways to get off the beaten path.  One adventure always leads to another, and you never know where life may take you!

We only get so many moments in life to make memories.  Memories then stay with us a lifetime and come back to remind us of the best times.   Big Bay Lighhouse was a combination of both.  

Located on Big Bay in the Upper Peninsula, this lighthouse is operated by the United States Coast Guard.  The Innkeeper maintains the building and grounds, in an agreement with the USCG.  It is an incredible property.

The most incredible feature is the light itself.  While staying, you are allowed to go onto the viewing platform, and take in the sights of Lake Superior.  

Here's where memories came flooding back.  As a child, I, MC, would spend vacations in Florida, at my grandparents condo.  The condo opened up to the ocean, and I spent many nights falling asleep on the couch to the waves.  At night, you can't always see the waves, but you can hear them.  I stood on the viewing deck, and could stayed for hours, letting the waves of Superior wash over me in memory after memory.  Childhood happiness, grandparents, and hours upon hours of simple peace.

Instead, I climbed back down the tower and we made our own memories.  We walked the grounds, we sat out the lawn and watched the sunset.  We took time to just relax and do nothing, which was welcomed after an incredible school year.  It was, by far, one of the coolest places we have stayed so far.

We highly recommend the Big Bay Lighthouse.  Take some time to get away and make your own memories.  They last a lifetime!

We started this work to do something we love.  We both love to travel and teach.  Taking time to both was the motivation and inpiration for getting started.  If we were able to travel and see the world and learn about all it had to offer, we would love to inspire others to do the same.

What we did not anticipate was the incredible ability to record life as it happens.  As we travel we are recording and sharing our digital footprint around the world.  

Along those lines, we reached another milestone, one for the books.  We are excited to announce the publication of our first print book.  And with it, we begin to record our legacy.

Life moves incredibly fast.  Taking time to breathe and make memories and moments last allows life to slow down.  Taking that time with family, helps make time stop, just for a moment, to be able to enjoy the fullness of the moment.

In our first published book, DC takes the time to encapsalate his backpacking trip with his father and uncle.  You join them on their adventure, from the first steps of planning, to the skips of excitment onto the boat.  The memories are written, printed, and have become a part of recorded history.  A little bit of The Traveling Textbook legacy out into the world.

Click the link below to get a copy, and walk with us as we continue recording memories.