Michigan love: Da UP, yah

Lauryn is a new blog in my reader. She’s incredibly sincere both in her writing and in real life. She’s also a great photographer, which you’ll see in her post.

It also appears she’s rather outdoorsy, as she’s chosen to focus on our Upper Peninsula, a.k.a. the U.P. Their accents are closer to Canadian than American, and their landscape is gorgeous. I confess I haven’t been to the U.P.  since I was little, so I don’t remember it. I’m glad Lauryn can share her perspective though!

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Well, Super Girl has invited me to talk to her wonderful readers about the State we call home and I couldn’t be more excited to do so!

Sadly, Michigan has gained a less-than-stellar reputation over the years. When hearing the name of our beloved State, many people only think of the violence in our major cities or our struggling economy. In fact, I’m pretty sure someone made a video about Toledo that boasts “At least we’re not Detroit!” Really dude? Not cool.

I was surprised to learn that a lot of people in the U.S. don’t even know that Michigan has two different Peninsulas, let alone what those two Peninsulas have to offer. What many outside our mitten don’t realize is that our State is filled with beautiful forests, breath-taking beaches, and an incredibly rich history. In fact, it is my personal opinion that the further North you go in this State, the more wonderful it becomes. Going “up North” is a vacation in itself.

As a kid my family went camping every summer with our cousins. Visiting beautiful parks, hiking through the woods, and swimming in our five Great Lakes gave me an enormous appreciation for nature when I was growing up, which is something I hope to pass on to my own children one day. Me and my camera really can’t get enough.

I honestly think that the experiences I’ve had exploring the northernmost parts of our State are what have me convinced that this will always be my home.