Fun fact: I love traveling and seeing new things. New experiences. &c.

Okay, maybe you knew that. If you’ve read this blog, much. Or follow me on the social media. Oh, wait.

Well, my Snatchers and Instafollowers know, anyway.

Anyway, the wanderlust was beginning to consume me again, so I opted to explore upper Michigan for the weekend. Yet, this half of the state is vast… where should I go?

I’m so close to Lake Superior. The Greatest Lake. As such, it’s also huge, so… where along the shoreline?

I chose Chapel Rock. It’s a short, well-trafficked hike, and looks incredible in pictures. Let’s go!

The trailhead is at the end of a rough road. A very rough road. Why the guy in front of me brought his Infiniti, I’ll never know…

Apparently, there is a place to get maps. The trailhead is not the place. They have one posted at the trailhead, so I snapped a picture on my phone. At least it’s something.

The entire trek to the Chapel Rock beach, 3.5 miles, I am encountering other hikers every fifteen minutes… at the most. There are a lot of people out here.

A lot of girls. Cute girls. I like it here. Incredible.

Some of the groups are noisy. Talking amongst themselves. Telling stories. I am glad I’m alone.

Will I ever find traveling companions that don’t chatter? Who knows?

And there’s a Mexican couple as well. Why must they listen to music on their phone?

Perhaps I am the only one who enjoys the sound(s) of nature. And other people chattering.

Three-ish miles later, I find the lake. And Chapel Rock. Incredible.

Seriously. It feels like the edge of the world.

The Mexican girl arrived only two minutes before I did. Her cries of joy and awe didn’t even prepare me for the sight.

Wow. Incredible.

The rocks. The cliff. The lake. The white sand beach. The water is so clear. So cold. Incredible.

I must have explored the area for an hour.

And I found a trail that headed away from the beach. Complete with a boardwalk for part of the trail. Perfect. I still might make it back to Wisconsin in time for dinner. With a couple of cute girls. And dessert.

My watch says I’m making good time. A half mile passes. A mile.

And I notice… I haven’t seen. A soul. Since the beach.

Okay, Robert Frost. I guess this is the path less traveled.

Looking at the path, there’s foot traffic. Upon closer examination… these tracks aren’t necessarily from today. Or yesterday. At least they go both ways. This path must lead SOMEWHERE. Yet, this trail is much, much narrower than the previous one.

Another half mile passes. No one. It’s creepy quiet. Except for random movements off the trail. Wildlife? Chipmunks? Squirrels? Bears?

Yes, that’s where my mind goes. At first, I take comfort in that I’ll likely pass out if I see a bear—you’re supposed to play dead, so that’s good, right?

Or I’ll get a picture of it before it mauls me. Whoever finds my phone might get a kick out of that.

Oh, did I mention I had no service?

The compass works. At least the path doesn’t fork.

Should I turn back? All of these thoughts flood my mind.

Thinking about sunk costs. Yet, I’m convinced this path MUST go somewhere.

Another half mile. No one. Wait! There’s a dog track!

Except, dogs aren’t allowed in the park.

What do I do if I encounter a wolf? I. have. no. idea.

Perhaps it is a good day to die.

Another half mile. Still no one. Discovered a gorgeous lake, surrounded by orange & red maple trees. An incredible sight to behold! And perhaps share. No one is anywhere to be seen.

I may be talking to myself at this point.

Can I play a sound on my phone that might draw hikers? Or repel wolves?

I didn’t. After taking in the beauty of Chapel Lake, I realized one of the markers I took a phone picture of, had a trail map. Yes, this is Chapel Lake. Yes, this trail should intersect with another, and then the parking lot.

So, I keep walking. Another half mile. Still no one.

Another quarter mile.

Holy. Shit! A trail marker! A fork!

And still no one. Yet, a trail marker is something. I hadn’t seen one of those since the beach either.

According to the map on my phone, turn left at this fork…

Perhaps I’m not lost.

Another half mile. Still. No. One. And this trail is a sloppy mess.

And finally. Something shiny. In the distance.

Cars. That parking lot may have been the most beautiful thing I’ve seen today.

I survived. I may be lopsided, but I survived.

Lopsided?

Yes.

After this experience (or, specifically, four miles into this experience), I will NEVER, EVER take my camera (and camera bag) away from the car. Ever. Again. The iPhone takes incredible shots. The DSLR is fucking heavy. And I didn’t use it.

I carried it. Just. In. Case.

Hmm… at least I have a quasi-interesting story to tell… and I was late to dinner. With the cute girls. And the dessert.