National Park - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Michigan

 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)

This National Park is not one for the faint of heart, however the area is accessible should you not decide to brave the sand dunes.  I on the other hand died 5 times and my feet fell off.  Ok, so that’s not exactly true, but I did manage to get a pretty good sunburn on my fanny.  Bring water and sunscreen! 

The view from the top of the dunes is literally majestic, and I can’t express how amazing the smell of the great lakes is.  I grew up in Texas and had never seen anything like this!  Caution, you won’t want to go home… ok, maybe also just a me thing.  But honestly it is breathtaking.

Once you make it over the dunes, the reward is the rocky shoreline of Lake Michigan.  Yes, the water is chilly, yes, it is worth it!  I particularly enjoyed the rocks, and you can find all kinds of “treasures” to include Petoskey stones. 

My recommendation National Geographic Brand Rock Turner yes, I am an associate, don’t judge it helps me pay for my travel and if you happen to be interested simply comment below and I’ll tell you how.  Anyways, this is my rock tumbler that I received as a gift from my wonderful husband.  I am about to start step 2 on my gorgeous treasures, and I cannot wait to see what comes out of this machine.  I’ll share more on it later, rock turning come to find out, is not for the impatient… which I am so this will be a journey.  

As always.. Never Stop Exploring! 

Don’t Bug Me!

Yes, Adventure is out there, but so are the bugs! Let's talk repellent for a minute.

Don't Bug Me! My Favorite Products!

No, you're not likely to see the age that mosquitos don't exist, as they've been around since the Triassic period, you've likely seen Jurassic Park!  

Don't worry, it's just a frog and no one is using it for DNA to create some dinosaur, though it would prove pretty interesting to see one.  I'll pass on getting eaten though. These little dudes can only do so much for the mosquito population and if you're in for a fun video just search up frogs missing bugs.  Ok, I'm way off topic!  Back to mosquitos...

We all know that as soon as the sun goes down, no matter how beautiful the area is, if you're near water, the bugs are soon to follow.  And if you're like me, when it comes to mosquitos... you're delicious.  Another reason I don't recommend reintroducing dinosaurs to the environment, because I'm high risk for being delicious for them too.  Anyways, it's important to protect yourself from the little boogers and here are a couple ways to do that without dousing yourself in chemicals.  

No dinosaurs have not been reintroduced so it's not ok to spray yourself in order to taste bad, so it'll spit you out.  At least so I've been told.  Nor is it good to spray all this crap on the kiddos, as some new research information comes up that it's literally poison, as if you couldn't tell from the smell.  

So, here's some ideas on how to enjoy your beautiful outdoor excursion without getting eaten alive and enduring the weeks of itch afterwards: 

1. Mosquito Repellent Bands 

These are my go-to!  They don't smell particularly strong, and they are no irritant.  Most last several outings unless you swim with them.  You can get yours here: Mosquito Repellent Bracelet

Mosquito Spring Bracelet there are several brands available, these are just links to the ones I personally utilize.  

2. Mosquito Repellent Stickers

Warning!  Though I love these, they will leave tan lines! Not kidding, I had a circle for a month.  But as far as keeping bugs off you, they also work really well.  Sometimes I do get a little irritation from the glue, but I'm super sensitive as far a skin is concerned, and cool thing is you can wear these on your gear, your hat or other clothing. 

These are my pics: Mosquito Stickers or Mosquito Bands and Stickers

3.  Don't forget to keep something around for the campsite, make sure anything like this you NEVER burn indoors.  I prefer the candles but am not beyond the incense sticks or the incense cones.  Here are two that I find work particularly well: 

Skeeter Sticks and Mosquito Repellent Camp Candle

It's always possible that not only does this repel mosquitos but dinosaurs as well.  Maybe that's just an internet rumor I just started.  Hard to say! 

So, gear up and get outside!  Never stop exploring.