October: The Month of All Play and No Work

Over Fall Break (Oct. 14-18), I went to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on a backpacking trip through Outdoor Adventures. I had never been further north than Mackinac Island in Michigan before, so this was my first time in the UP and seeing Lake Superior. I was really struck by how beautiful the lakeshore was. It was cold (high 30s) and wet and rainy everyday, but the trip was still very awesome and very much worth it. I met a lot of really fun, awesome people and learned a lot about backpacking- from how to properly pack a backpack to how to pitch a tent to how to cook in the backcountry. I definitely want to plan my own backpacking trip when the weather gets nicer! Any suggestions for where to go?

Our campsite the first night near the Fox River

Sunset over Lake Superior

My 50 lb. companion on the trip

Chapel Rock

Hillary cooking stirfry

Hashbrowns and cheese! I was surprised at how good the food was. 

A final glimpse of sunshine and fast-approaching rain clouds

Hillary and I

Beautiful sandstone cliffs 

After coming back from backpacking on Tuesday evening, I didn't stay put in Ann Arbor for long. I spent Wednesday and Thursday studying for midterms and going to class, but was off to Halloweekends at Cedar Point by Friday afternoon. 

I love amusement parks at night!

Angela and Katie @ Power Tower

Darren @ Power Tower

One of the monsters that contributed to my elevated heart rate and near loss of my voice from screaming 

The next day I had an amazing, HUGE brunch at Angelo's

Deep-fried french toast. Omnomnom. I never said my amazing meal was healthy :)

and spent some time in the Arb...

... where quidditch was being played!

Before going to PHANTOGRAM!

Sara Barthel aka Mrs. Phantogram

The lights at this show were insane. Seizure-inducing insane. To give you an idea of what I mean, take a look at the lights in the video below (apologies for the horrible sound quality). 

Now imagine that with a bajillion lasers and even more flashing for a prolonged period time. Yep. Insanity. Happy halloween weekend!