First anniversary and a hike

[Nick]

The first was me and my lady's first anniversary. We went to Tahquamenon (Tah-kwah-men-on) State Park and again hiked from the lower falls to the upper falls and back. We did it last year as well, but we stayed two nights instead of one this year. I wore my SWK standard the all the days we were there (I was camping, and packing light, so I don't mind wearing the same kilt four days in a row.) I was very comfortable hiking in the kilt, I wore my gaiters over my new Smartwool socks (in the picture with the beer), and I had Chamois Butt'r to prevent chafing, which after last year was a good thing!

We went down to Cassie's parents on the 30th, which took two hours off the drive the next day. Here's me with Adrianna. Her eye's healed from the bug bites.



Next day, our anniversary, we first went with Cassie's family to the Curtis 4th of July parade (on the 1st). There were two pipe and drum bands. This one, Superior Pipe and Drum, is from Negaunee, and I practice highland dance at their HQ.




This is the other, a group from Canada.



Both were excellent!

We then drove down to the park. We got there a little before check in time, so we went down to the upper falls viewing.




You can see here in comparison with the pictures I posted last September that the river is running really low. Half what's usually, actually. A 750 mile watershed, but there hasn't been rain in a month.

And of course there's the brewery and restaurant at the upper falls. After we made the 7 miles there on the 2nd we stopped to eat, then made the 7 miles back. Then we got in the car and went back to get the beer growlers I bought last year refilled. I saved the bottles all year. There's a discount for refills



And me early in the morining on the 3rd, waiting for the breakfast fire to die down.



Got lots of looks, a few comments and questions. I became an educational opportunity for young children at least twice. One boy, around 10, looked like he was about to herniate trying to not laugh. While I was cooking dinner after the hike, an older gentleman came over to the campsite and said "I can see you're a real man." :mrgreen: We talked for a bit about Scotland, kilts, etc.

Twice I was asked if I was the one playing bagpipes, someone was aparently playing them in the camp earlier in the weekend. And on the way home at a pit stop a lady asked if she could take my picture (her father is from Glasgow, and she didn't think anyone would believe she saw a man in a kilt), but found she didn't have her camera in the car.

An excellent weekend!

Cheers,
Nick

[McMurdo]

Wonderful pictures, and story thanks for posting.

[Panache]

Happy Anniversary and thank you for sharing your great pictures.

Cheers

Jamie

[andyfg]

Congrats. Thanks for the pics.

[Luckey]

Thanks for the pics. Is there anything more beautiful than the upper falls? Don't think so.

[Warhoover]

Wounderful photos, looks like you had a great time. I love the shot of the falls, very beautiful.

[sporranlegionaire]

What excellent photos....the scenery at the falls is stunning...and, of course, congratulations!

[cessna152towser]

Thanks for posting these lovely pics, and happy anniversary.

[Nick]

Thanks everyone

Luckey, you make a valid point, but I think the lower falls may have the advantage:



Or, rather, the lady standing in front of the falls :mrgreen: The Tahquamenon is one of the best places I've ever hiked. And I sould point out that the post office that recieves mail addressed to the park and the brew pub is located in the aptly named town of Paradise, MI.