Northology Adventures November 2020

A MIDWEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PUBLICATION

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES

SEASONS END THE GEAR BUNKER MOORE MOMENTUM

ere Click h oliday H e h t for uide Gift G

ARE YOU AN ATHLETE? BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS MEET ME IN THE MIDDLE ADVENTURE INSPIRED ART OVERLAND WITHOUT EXPECTATION

contents 5

The Gear Bunker

22 Meet Me In The Middle

6

Overland Without Expectation

30 Coffee Toast Runner

12 MOORE Momentum

32 Adventure Inspired Art

18 Overland Friendships

37 Season's End

PHOTO BY UP JEEPING Northology Adventures Magazine has made all efforts to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor. All content is published in a good faith. Northology Adventures does not guarantee or accept liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by this magazine or errors in the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.All rights reserved and nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without a written consent. By using links in this magazine, you acknowledge that and agree that Northology cannot be held responsible and shall not be liable for content of other websites and advertisements.

CINDY POPE Publisher

Hello, friends, How is it already November? Here we are on the sixth issue of this little experiment and I have much to be thankful for. The November issue is filled with lots of great stuff, hiking in the Ozarks, overland community friendships, adventure-inspired art, the midwest's only overland & offroad expo and more.

As a community, we have much to be grateful for and I appreciate the support and friendships that have grown out of the simple desire to be outdoors and the like minded people I meet.

As always, let me know if you have a story to tell, pictures to share, or have a related business and want to connect with this community. You can always reach me at info.northologyadventures@gmail.com.

See you on the trail!

-Cindy

THE ALL-IN-ONE MICROLITE JAVAPRESS FROM GSI OUTDOORS A recent trip to Appalachia to compete in the Red Clay Rally offered a perfect setting to test a new piece of kit from the folks at GSI Outdoors. After waking up in a frost covered tent, especially when it’s below freezing, the first thing on my mind is a hot cup of coffee. Well, maybe it’s the second thing on my mind after a quick pitstop in the woods. Coffee not only warms my body, it jump-starts my brain so I can focus on the tasks ahead. During this grueling 3 day 700 mile Overland Rally, my duties as co-driver in the lead vehicle were navigation and communications. So being focused was crucial.

To expedite the process of ingesting life-giving caffeine, I utilized the new MicroLite JavaPress from GSI Outdoors. READ THE FULL STORY ON THE GEAR BUKER WEBSITE

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OVERLAND

Have you thought about living on the road full-time? Not sure how you would do it or what it entails? Enjoy this installment of the ongoing adventures of Delia Mo and Enoch Leisure as they visit all of the National Parks and live the full time overland life.

WITHOUT

EXPECTATION

Having already visited 32/62 National

WE JUST ENTERED A NEW NATIONAL PARK.

Parks, you would think we’d have a set

We stop by the visitors center to grab a

National Park is unique and we generally

map and newspaper. Depending on the

only research a park 2 days in advance.

time of day, we either start driving around

This makes our adventure much more

the scenic road or we find a place to

exciting as we don’t have pre-existing

camp and plan for the days ahead.

expectations that could be ruined.

plan for each park we go to. Nope. Each

SO WHAT DO WE DO AT EACH PARK? I like to gather ideas of what to do at each park by reading a blog (Dirt in my Shoes) from a former park ranger. We usually pick one of the hardest if not the hardest hike to do in the park. We like a challenge, sometimes it can be too much for our bodies to handle but nothing a few days of rest can’t fix. That’s what rainy days are for.

WHERE DO WE STAY? We try to be as frugal as possible so free campsites are always our first choice. We use the iOverlander app and try to find campsites as close to the park as possible while also having a good view.

We have high expectations for our free campsites. If there are no free, close sites to the park, we’ll check the campgrounds inside the park. Sometimes we get lucky and the park ranger finds room for us in the “full” campgrounds.

WHAT DO WE EAT? When we first started the trip, we would make a lot of ramen and non-perishable food. Recently I’ve been experimenting with new recipes using fresh ingredients.

We have a 54 quart refrigerator, we might as well use it right?

I like to find recipes that only use one pot or just the cast iron. Less mess equals less dishes to clean. Chicken parm has become a staple meal as well as breakfast hash. On hike days, we usually have oatmeal for breakfast and make sandwiches for lunch because they’re easy and portable.

WHAT IS OUR SETUP? Both Enoch and I have our roles when we set up. Everything on the car is built at Enoch’s height. He’s 6’4 and I’m 5’2. So everything in the car is too tall for me. I have a step stool that allows me to reach the fridge and food drawers so I can still do my part. When we arrive at a campsite, Enoch starts setting up the tent and I usually start cooking. We have a 0 degree Teton Sports double sleeping bag and blankets that we keep in the tent and we keep our pillows in the car.

We’ve gotten some weird reactions when we tell people that we rarely ever make a fire. We don’t find it necessary and purchasing firewood can get pricey.

It may sound like we’re always on the go, but there are some days when we decide to stay at one campsite for a couple of days to just chill out. We usually make sure the site has cell service so we can catch up with the outside world and work on our social media posts.

Follow us on Instagram @moleisurexventures

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MOORE

MOMENTUM

On February 13-14, 2021, the Midwest’s Overlanding and Off-Road Expo (MOORE) returns to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Missouri with more vendors, products, displays, hands-on seminars, demos, celebrity guests, live music and fun. After a break-out debut in 2020, where thousands of adventure travelers, off-road enthusiasts and outdoor fanatics attended the debut show, the momentum continues to build.

VENDORS

PRODUCTS

DEMOS

SEMINARS

LIVE MUSIC

FUN

“The first year exceeded our expectations” “The show floor was filled by mid-day with thousands of overlanding enthusiasts. We’re still 6 months out, and already the interest and confirmed vendors for the 2021 show has far exceeded last year” said MOORE Expo founder and owner Chris Holloway.

Getting outdoors and taking the road less traveled is at the heart of overlanding, and the MOORE Expo is geared to help you, your friends and your family make the most of your adventure travels. At the expo you’ll find 80,000 square feet of vendors with gear and accessories for off-road vehicles including jeeps, SUVs and trucks. You’ll also find the latest in powersports vehicles, overland engineered camping gear like rooftop tents, expedition trailers and cooking equipment; outdoor sport accessories for hiking, kayaking and mountain biking; and the latest in navigation, entertainment and safety.

“Overlanding is all about the journey,” said Holloway. “It’s getting outdoors with friends and family and exploring.

With the MOORE Expo we do more than show you the gear, we want to teach you how to use it and even give the opportunity to participate in an overlanding experience.”

The MOORE Expo plans to feature a host of educational seminars and live demonstrations including navigation, vehicle recovery, camp cooking and safety. In addition, MOORE has teamed up with Jeff Foster of REROVER, who rebuilds and customizes vintage Land Rovers, and will offer three guided adventure rides over the expo weekend between the Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch (SMORR) in Seymour, MO and the MOORE Expo. The approximate 3hour ride will travel through parts of the Mark Twain National Forest.

"...we do more than show you the gear, we want to teach you how to use it."

MOORE EXPO 2021 DAILY SCHEDULE AND ADMISSION: Saturday, February 13: Expo Hall Gates Open 9am to 6pm Sunday, February 14: Expo Hall Gates Open 9am to 3pm Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield, MO

For more information on the 2021 MOORE Expo including a list of vendors visit www.mooreexpo.com.

Interested vendors can get in direct contact with the event director at getmooreexpo@gmail.com.

B U I L D I N G T H E

F R I E N D S H I P S

O V E R L A N D I N G

T H R O U G H

C O M M U N I T Y

It takes a special type of person to be an overlander, so when they find each other, bonds form fast and can last a lifetime.

B Y

J A S O N

F L E T C H E R

O V E R L A N D I N G I N T E R E S T I N G M O S T E V E R

P E O P L E H E A R D

I S

A N

H O B B Y .

H A V E N ’ T O F

I T .

Similar to a lot of outdoor hobbies like kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking, it has its own vernacular. People talk about jerry cans and traction boards. They talk about vehicle recoveries and modifications for hours.

It takes a special type of person to be an overlander, so when they find each other, bonds form fast and can last a lifetime.

S E C R E T

S O C I E T Y

It may sound funny, but being an overlander is kind of like being in a secret society. When my friends and family ask about why my truck looks the way it does or where I go when I’m gone for days at a time, it can sometimes be hard to explain and they look at me like I’m crazy. Find someone that’s into overlanding and tell your stories about spending 4 hours recovering a vehicle from a washout and, rather than looking at you like you’re a crazy person, they smile and nod, knowingly.

We all speak the same language and know the same memes. We see a rig that’s outfitted for overlanding and we’re naturally drawn to it. Of course, there are some people that like a particular brand of vehicle or type of gear, but generally, overlanders are extremely open minded and genuinely interested in each other’s rigs and mods. We all geek out on what solutions other people have found to their problems. We learn from each other and share our experiences in an effort to continue growing and expanding our knowledge.

The only price for admission to the secret society of overlanders is the desire to get out, explore, and help others. Since no one can ever know it all, there are a ton of different levels of experience, but what we all share is that love of exploration and growth.

F R I E N D L I N E S S A B O U N D S

While everyone has their own opinions on politics, religion, and other “hot button” topics, when you’re on a trip or chatting in a Facebook group or forum, people more often talk about supporting each other and helping each other learn about overlanding. People ask questions out of a real curiosity about how people have solved a problem or overcome an obstacle and more often than not, the community is happy to offer up solutions or resources.

When I first started overlanding, I literally went to Facebook and searched “Indiana overlanding” because I live in Indiana and wanted to find other people that were into the hobby. I found two groups, Indiana Overlanders and Midwest Overlanders. I was so excited that I’d found people in my area that I immediately posted. “Anybody want to go on an overlanding trip with a newbie?” Almost immediately, three other folks replied and said, “Let’s go on a two day, short trip to Hoosier National Forest.”

I then had to explain to my wife that I was going to head into the woods, that I’d never been to before, in my new (to me) truck to meet up with three

strangers that I’d never met before to spend two nights and two days in the woods with them.

It was not an easy conversation. Leading up to the trip, I was excited, but as my wife and friends’ nervousness that I would be murdered started to creep in, so did the butterflies. You know what though? I didn’t get murdered. In fact, everyone was super nice and we had a lot of fun exploring and forging water crossings, and sitting around the campfire telling stories and getting to know each other.

Since that initial trip several years ago, I’ve been on a few more trips with one or more of those guys and I would definitely call them my friends now. From total strangers to friends in the span of just a couple days is pretty much the definition of what the overlanding community is like.

The longer I’ve been into overlanding, the more I’ve met people that share the same interests. Especially in this COVID driven world where more and more interactions are virtual, I find myself in Instagram, Facebook, or text convos with people who are into overlanding and the friendships that come out of those convos, even if they’re virtual, are awesome and long lasting.

I’ve been fortunate enough, through my YouTube Channel, to get to chat with people from all over the US, from Australia, from Hungary, and the list goes on.

So, if you’re considering getting into overlanding and you want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m happy to answer any questions you’ve got and, as a newer overlander, I can probably save you some time and money by avoiding the pitfalls I fell into.

M U T U A L

R E S P E C T

The key string that ties us all together is mutual respect. There are always different levels of expertise, experience, and knowledge, but once you meet someone that is into overlanding, you know that even if they don't yet possess the knowledge, they’re interested in learning.

This creates an atmosphere of mutual respect where we all appreciate each other’s desire to explore, learn, and create cool content and awesome stories.

Hope you enjoyed this article and make sure to go check me out on my social channels to continue the conversation!

Look for my ad in this magazine to easily click through and subscribe or visit allthingsoverlanding.com. I look forward to chatting with you and sharing stories!

MEET ME IN THE MIDDLE SISTERS HIKING IN THE OZARKS TACKLE THE CHALLENGE OF SOCIALLY DISTSTANCED ADVENTURING BY

HEATHER MAY

When you live across the country from family, time together is precious. Late last year, before the onset of the pandemic, my sister and I met in Wisconsin Dells to plan out our long anticipated trip to Machu Picchu in the fall. After a weekend of planing and booking we finally had our trip mapped out and couldn’t be more excited to spend 10 days together in Peru. Fast forward just a few months into 2020 and we knew our trip was not going to happen. But as they say, when life gives you a pandemic, stay home and explore your own country. Ok, I may have made that last part up.

We both wanted to a) see each other, b) keep each other’s families safe and c) not get on an airplane. Fortunately, we live in the

"...when life gives you a pandemic, stay home and explore your own country."

same time zone, even if it is nearly 1200 miles apart. The idea was to find a place where

We are pretty familiar with a portion of the

we could meet in the middle arriving by car.

two states since our father lives in one and

A look at Google maps told us that was

our mother in the other. The place to meet

somewhere in the Arkansas/ Missouri area.

was in the Ozarks, specifically the Buffalo River Valley. It ticked off all our requirements, half way between us, ideal for social distancing, enough to do outdoors to make it a true adventure.

Having driven through the area a few times, I knew that the scenery was amazing. Roads twist and turn along winding paths up the mountains, trees as far as the eye can see.

And after some research we found a home base rental and some hiking trails to explore.

Still Point Cabin,

a charming cabin off the

beaten path was our base. I was a little surprised at the gravel road to the cabin but my front wheel drive car handled it well. The contactless rental was perfect for our situation.

The fewer people we were around the better.

with a few benches and well maintained.

It was big enough for the two of us with all

This was the perfect trail for our first hike

the comforts of home. And the sunsets were

after not much activity this year. Eden

perfect sitting out on the screened in porch.

waterfall was our reward at the end. It had a

The contactless grocery pick up in nearby

slow stream of water but was still worth it.

Harrison worked great and we were ready for

We did not see the natural bridges or the

our hiking adventures.

cave as part of the trail was closed. We encountered no other hikers on the way in

Friday morning, we awoke early, made

and a handful people, some masked up to

breakfast with coffee and tea, packed up our

pass us and some did not, on the the hike

day packs and headed a short distance to the

out. We finished early enough in the day that

Lost Valley Trailhead. Being first on the trail

we felt we needed to find something else to

has its perks and drawbacks. While there were

explore. We found the Buffalo River Trail that

no people on the hike in, the spiders were

is about 1.8 miles. We hiked along for a while

very industrious overnight. We swapped

but after a few good view points of the river

leading back and forth so that we each took

it seemed the trail was heading away from

our turn breaking the spiderwebs but found

the river so we headed back. Across the road

that much of the trail we could walk side by

is an old farmstead home of Beaver Jim

side. It was just over a 2 mile hike each way

Villines in the Boxley Valley Historic District.

with only a slight incline. The path was lined

We looked at the buildings from a distance since a sign indicated they were closed due to being unstable.

Another drive lead us to steel Creek Boat launch area. There were a handful of people there to camp for the weekend and they picked a beautiful site. With lovely bluffs along the Buffalo River, I imagine when the river is higher it’s a great place to launch from in canoe or kayak.

to get ourselves a little more organized and

With sunset closing in, we headed for the cabin to see if we could get a good view.

look for what else the area head to offer. We

Saturday, up early again and today much

found there was an area with some elk so we

better prepared as we packed our

decided to see if we could spot them. We

backpacks the night before. A quick

headed out to see the elk after dinner. There

breakfast and we were headed our

was a peel off area that explained these elk

backpacks the night before. A quick

had been reintroduced after the native ones

breakfast and we were headed to the

had been hunted to extinction. We waited

Centerpoint Trailhead. We were one of the

for about 20 minutes with a few others but

first to arrive early in the morning. The first

decided the elk weren’t going to make an

part of the trail is a well maintained path

appearance. We drove about a mile down

with a slight decline. After about a half mile

the road and as we were driving, way out in

the path starts to get a bit more rocky and

the field we saw a large animal. After pulling

some parts are muddy. Its well shaded for

We headed back to the cabin to cook dinner and relax for a little while. We took the time

over and seeing another vehicle further down, we concluded that we had indeed found one. Presumably the alpha male as after just a few more minutes wait, we were rewarded with seeing more of the herd.

Unfortunately, neither of us had brought a telephoto lens so we didn’t get the best view of these beauties. Others were much more prepared, since by the time we left, both sides of the street had many cars and lots of people with phones and some with large lens cameras to take in the splendor of these elusive animals. With sunset closing in, we headed for the cabin to see if we could get a good view.

the most part and over the length of the trail,

expected this and did our best to distance

I read the elevation change is a total of 1100

ourselves even if it was to mask up and turn

ft. The 3 miles went fairly quick and we reach

toward the forest.

the area we were most excited to hike.

After a quick bite of lunch in the car we The Big Bluff Goat Trail lived up to all we had

decided to drive to find the place that is

read about it. A short trail that lead to

called the Arkansas Grand Canyon, just south

amazing views of the Buffalo River and the

of Jasper on highway 7. We had both driven

valley surrounding it. We spent about 20

this highway before but neither if us had the

minutes taking pictures but because there

time to stop there. We found a little shop that

isn’t much room on the bluff when others

was closed that had an observation tower.

showed up we decided it was time to head

We spent about 30 minutes taking pictures

back. This is where being prepared paid off.

and enjoying the view.

It was a bit rough at points because of the incline but overall, we made pretty good time

After the roughly 40 minute drive to the

taking us around 4 hours total, and passed

cabin, we called to wish our mom a happy

many hiking down who didn’t seem to even

birthday and set to the task of cooking

have a bottle of water with them. Im glad we

dinner. We chatted about our preparations

had water and snacks as without them it

for the big and last hike the next day. We

would have been much more daunting. It was

decided to bring more food and water and

a mixed bag of people who had put masks

less of the other safety gear we had been

on during the hike up. Some attempted to

hauling with us each day. After sunset and a

coverup, some just tried to keep their

bit of yoga to stretch out the well used

distance and a few didn’t bother to try. We

muscles, it was to for bed.

Sunday morning we were up even earlier

down and drank twice as much water. This

than the past 2 days. We knew about where

was the defining moment that made me

we needed to go but the last half mile to the

realize I had to get in better shape to hike in

trailhead was down a gravel road and we

the Machu Picchu area. This was only 3 miles

wanted to make sure we had time to take it

and 1100 foot elevation change but not at a

slow in case the road was a bit tricky. Each

high altitude. I had work to do back home. In

morning had been a bit foggy as well, so as

the end we made it out in about 3 hours

they say the early bird gets the worm. We

which was surprisingly fast. My sister

arrived at the Compton trailhead and there

admitted that she had push on because we

were a few cars in the parking lot. We had

had a family Zoom call that she want us to

read up on this trail the most and knew

miss because she was the host.

going into it that it would be challenging. It was another elevation change of 1100 ft and

The Buffalo River Valley is definitely a place

there were steps and scrambling to be done.

which

Even though it was only about 3 miles in it

spans across the seasons and there is plenty

was slick in spots and a lot of steps and

to see and do. Next time, visiting some of the

obstacles. We only encountered one group

local shops and restaurants and paddling

on the way down and we let them pass as

the river are on the agenda. And there are

we were hiking much slower than they were.

many more trails to explore in this very

There was only one branch off for another

scenic part of the Midwest.

trail and it was well marked. After about 2 hours we reached the falls. As we had read from online reviews there was not much water flowing but the area was beautiful.

The waterfall is over 200 ft tall making it the tallest in the area. It was a lovely canyon but slippery to get around. We had a snack, took so pictures and caught four breath before the hike out.

While we were prepared mental for a difficult hike out, physically I was not. It was steep and slick most of the way. And as we expected, there were now many more groups coming down the trail. Hiking up hill and stopping to put a mask on is very difficult. You can’t catch your breath very well through a cloth mask. It was slow going and my sister was very patient with me. I joked on occasion that she was trying to do me in. We rested more times than on the way

I would like to return. It’s beauty

ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

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COFFEE TOAST RUNNER ELWOOD TOAST

@CoffeeToastRunner

'In order to be consistent in our athletic endeavors and to athletically improve we must first say yes and give ourselves permission to improve. Being an athlete begins in our minds and thoughts. We begin

Are you an athlete?

with a goal in mind, whatever that may look like.

To all of us who fit in workouts before or after work

is an athletic mindset. You have to want to do it

plus a day on the weekends, do we think of ourselves

because improving is difficult at first. Actually, it is

as athletic? Are we athletes? Does it matter?

always difficult and hard. There is no 'lose twenty

I say yes, yes and yes! I'm not talking about bragging

pounds in one week' in reality. As each of us begins

rights on Facebook but does it matter in your head?

the process of our preferred workout regime our body

Does it live inside of you? That aha moment when

changes. It becomes stronger, more athletic, more

deep down you realize that you want more out of your

muscular and more aches and pains. It has nothing to

body, mind, spirit and life. You want to improve,

do with our weight. Our diet will change as we learn

maybe compete, to play at a higher physical and

how to better fuel our body. As we continue to make

mental level. This doesn't mean you are winning races

exercise a habit we'll begin to show physical progress

or age group awards. It does mean the fact that you

and mental toughness. At some point we may decide

are choosing to actively start moving, improving and

to pursue it even more diligently by adding distance to

competing against It does mean the fact that you are

our runs, hikes or bike rides. We might add in some

choosing to actively start moving, improving and

speed work on occasion. We used to walk up that hill,

competing against others or yourself makes you an

now we run. If done properly we advance slowly and

athlete.

steadily. That matters.

Making our physical selves ' better' than they are now

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ADVENTURE inspired art

Isle Royale 3D render by the artist

As long as I can remember, the thought of being an artist never crossed my mind.

Yet here I am, creating art full time in my small gallery in Gladstone, a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

As a father of 3 with a fiancee, I probably should have made more of an effort to land a job working in the television industry or for a newspaper, something that may have put that bachelor’s degree I received from Northern Michigan University to good use.

42 | FEATURED STORIES

UP & UP: A view of the neighbouring peak from the other challenging peak.

Johnny Gladstone goes from being adrift to taking his hobby-turned-passion to the next level

But I always thought of myself as more of an adventurer, the kind of person who wasn’t meant for the traditional 9-5. After working a few different regular jobs for years, I found myself drifting along the tides of life. I felt an irresistible desire for a liberating burst, emerging deeply from my inner self and disentangling me from my manufactured pattern. That was when I decided to start creating art. It started as a hobby that quickly turned into a passion, so when I had the opportunity to take things to the next level, there was no looking back.

I have a love for repurposing items and the ability to see beauty in things that most people would disregard. Growing up in the country, I was surrounded by the more rustic types of things found in nature. I spent many days exploring old abandoned barns and had countless adventures on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, my two favorite of the Great Lakes. I remember using my metal detector and the excitement I felt when I found my first piece of native copper. It was only a matter of time before I would use these early influences to inspire the art I was creating. In a matter of months, I had transformed an old 1930’s building that was once a Ford Garage, into my very own workshop and gallery.

EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT......

UNTIL....

I now had the space to create unique works of art from oxidizing Michigan mined sheet copper, sealing it in epoxy resin, and then framing it in reclaimed wood from barns and other buildings I salvaged myself. I also wanted to have a place for other local artists to showcase their passions as well. Everything was perfect......until....

Earlier this year, my business was thrown a curveball like the rest of the world, when the corona virus pandemic hit. We were forced to close the doors to local sales as our business was deemed “non-essential” and our governor issued a “stay at home order."

This gave us a chance to start working on art as a family, switch our focus to online sales and re-evaluate everything we had been focusing on up until that

UP & UP: A view of the neighbouring peak from the other challenging peak.

point. As the numbers and statistics got worse, schools were shut down giving us a taste of what home schooling was like. For our kids it was Art class half the time, learning about all of the amazing rocks and minerals Michigan has the rest of the time, and planning family trips for when everything got back to normal. By mid June things had settled down some and we decided to take a few family field trips.

Tahquamenon Falls state park, located in Paradise Mi encompasses around 50,000 acres and stretches more than 13 miles. The Upper Falls is said to be the largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. We had the opportunity to rent out a paddleboat while there and take it across the river to see some of the falls up close. We got to take off our shoes and walk out in the water, the kids even got to create art by stacking rocks on the falls to form a rock tower. Our youngest Mercedes said the dark color of the water and pools of foam seen throughout the river must be where root beer floats come from!

Our next stop was Whitefish Point. We wanted to check out the famous shipwreck museum, but it was still closed due to covid, so we ended up just exploring the beautiful Lake Superior Shoreline. The kids wanted to build a teepee out of some of the many pieces of driftwood covering the beach, so we spent a few hours constructing one. They pretended they were pirates shipwrecked on an island, while my fiancee Monique and I enjoyed the warm breeze coming off the lake. We then drove to the mouth of the Two Hearted River, a place made famous by Ernest Hemingway in “Big Two Hearted River”.

We next decided we would go to Miner’s Castle, located on the Pictured Rocks National lakeshore in Munising Michigan. This beautiful gem showcases beautiful views of the painted cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. A magnificent area that would become the focus of a lot of my art in the coming months.

Our next stop was the Porcupine Mountains located near Ontonagon. This breathtaking area is home to the most extensive stand of old growth northern hardwood forest in North America. We hiked up to the “Lake of the Clouds” and enjoyed a picnic.

Our final destination on our family road trip adventure would be the Keweenaw peninsula. Located along the pristine shores of Lake Superior, it’s rugged beauty and breathtaking scenery create a uniquely serene biosphere. It is also the location of the first major Copper Mining Boom that took place in the 1840’s. It is a rockhound’s dream with all of the other amazing rocks & minerals that can also be found there. It is also our family’s favorite place to search for “Yooperstones”, the magically glowing Lake Superior rocks. They are actually syenite clasts containing fluorescent sodalite. To find them, we decided to walk the shores near the mouth of the Gratiot River at night with special flashlights. Using 365nm uv lights, we shine the beams back and forth over the wave weathered shoreline, until spotting the beautifully glowing treasures which remain hidden to the naked eye. That night we all found a good amount of these treasures, ranging in size from pebbles to softball sized stones. There is nothing more relaxing than walking the shores of lake Superior at night with nothing but your family and the sounds of the waves and keeping you company!

Upon returning from exploring some of the many beautiful areas of the Upper Peninsula, it was time to use this recent inspiration to create some new unique art. With Lake Superior and Yooperstones being a big part of the amazing memories my family and I had recently made, I decided to create something nobody else had done. I started a series of “Great Lakes epoxy resin art” which capture the magnificent waves, colors and rocks they are inspired by. I even found a way to incorporate the glowing yooperstones into each art creation’s shoreline!

Throughout our travels we were fortunate enough to find retail locations for our art in all of our favorite towns in Upper Michigan. Our gallery has re-opened and is following the governor’s executive order practicing safe social distancing.

We also have a selection of our art, jewelry and apparel available on our website www.johnnygladstone.com.

I may not be a doctor or a lawyer or a teacher or a 9-5 kind of guy. What I am is a true Yooper artist who is out there exploring with my family, this beautiful Upper Peninsula that I am proud to call home, and using it as inspiration for my own unique works of art!

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SEASON'S END FROM THE LOOKOUT Photos by Andrew Scully Info from OcontoCounty.org The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower was built in 1935 by the U.S. Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was once a part of an extensive lookout tower network in the former Nicolet National Forest. The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower was the first tower in Wisconsin to be placed on the National Historic Lookout Register and the National Register of Historic Places. It also was the 41st lookout tower to be registered in the United States. The tower was taken out of service in 1970 and was restored in 1994.

The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower was restored again in 2015-2016 through a partnership between the LakewoodLaona Ranger District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest with financial assistance from the Oconto County Economic Development Corporation, numerous local businesses, organizations, communities and residents.

Today, the 100-foot steel tower with a 7-by-7 foot cab is one of the few remaining lookouts on the east side of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is open on May 1 (weather depending) for the season and closes on November 1, 2020 Site hours are 8:00am till sunset. This site is free, but donations are always accepted.

Directions: From Mountain, take Hwy 32 North, turn right onto Sparky's Lane, then left on Old 32 Road. 2 1/2 miles to entrance sign on the right hand side of the road. A gravel road leads you to the parking area on top.