It has been just over a month since getting off the trail and time has really flown by. I have appreciated our ability to be flexible the last few weeks as we had to plan the following month and a half on the fly. We started by enjoying a few weeks exploring and relaxing in New England before we made our way back to Frankenmuth.
Our first stop was Stonington, Maine. We knew this tiny lobster village from our trip a couple of years prior and it seemed like the perfect first stop after the end of our hiking adventure. We rented a room for a week at the same place we stayed at in 2020 – Boyce’s Motel – and spent the week reading, relaxing, cooking, and (believe it or not) we even went on a hike. We also ate lobster for dinner 3 out of the 6 nights. We just had to walk down to the docks and buy it right off the boat from the fisherman! Our last night in Maine was spent at the campground within Acadia National Park. Beautiful!
After Maine, we started west and set up camp in Burlington, Vermont. We found a little city park right on Lake Champlain that gave us the opportunity to check out the city and the surrounding area. I love Vermont! We explored the city by bike (one of the most beautiful bike paths I’ve ridden), toured the Ben & Jerry’s factory (no pics allowed), had a beer at one of our favorite Brewery’s (Von Trapp in Stowe), and enjoyed grilling over our campfire.
Our last stop before Michigan was Cleveland, OH. Mainly because it was on the way and why not? We walked around the city, found a super nice market, and went to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I could have SWORN I went there with my dad and brother when I was young, but I am being told that I made up that memory…so I guess it was my first time there! Very cool museum.
After Cleveland, we made our way back to Frankenmuth where we spent a lovely 2 weeks hanging with family and trip planning for the next few months. Notable Frankenmuth happenings: Maddie’s graduation and birthday festivities, hanging with my mom’s cat, getting our asses kicked in euchre by my 95 year old grandma, taking Alex go-kart riding for the first time, the disaster of letting my mom dye my hair.
We couldn’t be in Michigan and not spend some time in Detroit and near the lake – so we made those our next stop! Our time in Detroit was spent cruising along the river bike path, checking out all the new constructions, and stopping at a few of our favorite places to eat/ drink. We also did something we have both always wanted to do – grilled at Sunset Point on Belle Isle! It was beautiful and such a memorable evening.
The final stop in Michigan was Frankfort where we spent a few days camping and biking. It felt so good to be at one of the Great Lakes again – I love Michigan summers!
This morning we waved goodbye to Michigan as we started on our cross country road trip. We plan on visiting my friends in Nashville, Denver, and LA while stopping where we feel like along the way! I’m especially looking forward to driving north along the California and Oregon coast 🙂
Wandering Between Meals 
Dear Lauren Z,
thank you very much for the last pictures which include a really commendable one. It is the one with you and the pretty, sad looking girl in your arm.
I admire your ability of putting so many different positive statements in just one facial expression like
patience, affection, skepticisum, confidence, kindness and a few more. Great shot.
I would recommend you as an ideal for your sister.
Gruß C.
And your mothers cat seems tobe a real giant.