When my Dad retired from the Air Force, he and Mom moved to the UP (upper peninsula for those not familiar with Michigan)…that was my experience of “up north” though I knew it was not the only definition of it! They had a beautiful home (which had the feel of a large cabin, not fancy) on ten wooded acres on a small lake, with eagles, beavers, deer, chipmunks, porcupine, and bear. The lake was for non-motorized craft only, and canoeing on it was so peaceful! Thank you for asking a question that sent me down that memory lane.
Being from Georgia, most places have always been up north for me. I did have the opportunity as a freshman in college to spend 10 weeks in Michigan as part of the Baptist Student Union’s summer missions program. I was around the Ann Arbor area for most of that time. I know, not up north for you guys. My favorite memory was one of conducting a “backyard Bible club” for a week in a neighborhood park. There was a little 4-year old boy named Michael that hung out in a tree with me while my partner would tell the story of the day. There is no doubt in my mind that he grew up to be a preacher because he was pretty good at it then.
Thank you for sharing your Georgia perspective on “up north” Michigan. I associate Ann Arbor with football. I went to UM home games with my uncle every season growing up.
Up North is anyplace in a cabin in the woods or on a lake. When I was a child we would often rent places on our way to Canada where my mother was born. As an adult, up North means vacation and a time for peace, quiet, reading a book, taking deep breaths and putting your toes in the water. I always feel grounded up North.
Up North has been so many places in Michigan for me. I think it requires some version of camping or being in the woods by a lake to actually feel I am Up North. My parents’ log cabin on the north shore of Lake Huron brought that feeling, too, where staying in a hotel in Petosky did not. Go figure. Up North says “I’m home.”
I didn’t start spending to time on the west side of the state until I was teen. A piece of my heart is on a little lake in Petoskey and while I consider it “up north” it’s different from being on Lake Huron.
Up North for me has always been when we crossed the bridge in Zilwakee. The old bridge made a singing sound as our tires rolled across. Even now, this crossing always tells me I’m on an adventure. The other side of the world. It’s the promise of water and woods that soothes me.
I remember when the new bridge first opened. I think I was about 10 years old. Crossing it is part of the adventure, but for me Up North starts after 75 & 23 split back off. I couldn’t wait for the first spot along 23 where Lake Huron is visible.
I lived in Minnesota for many years, and up north meant northern MN lake country. My favorite was backpacking the boundary waters.
Boundary Waters is on my bucket list!
You would love it! Bring mosquito netting for your tent at night. It’s thoroughly delightful. Unparalleled beauty.
When my Dad retired from the Air Force, he and Mom moved to the UP (upper peninsula for those not familiar with Michigan)…that was my experience of “up north” though I knew it was not the only definition of it! They had a beautiful home (which had the feel of a large cabin, not fancy) on ten wooded acres on a small lake, with eagles, beavers, deer, chipmunks, porcupine, and bear. The lake was for non-motorized craft only, and canoeing on it was so peaceful! Thank you for asking a question that sent me down that memory lane.
Thanks for sharing. The cabin sounds lovely. And the canoeing.
In my young mind, the UP isn’t part of “up north.” It is its own world of wonder and beauty.
Being from Georgia, most places have always been up north for me. I did have the opportunity as a freshman in college to spend 10 weeks in Michigan as part of the Baptist Student Union’s summer missions program. I was around the Ann Arbor area for most of that time. I know, not up north for you guys. My favorite memory was one of conducting a “backyard Bible club” for a week in a neighborhood park. There was a little 4-year old boy named Michael that hung out in a tree with me while my partner would tell the story of the day. There is no doubt in my mind that he grew up to be a preacher because he was pretty good at it then.
P. S. Recovering Baptist here. 😁
You know my denominational recovery😁
Thank you for sharing your Georgia perspective on “up north” Michigan. I associate Ann Arbor with football. I went to UM home games with my uncle every season growing up.
Up North is anyplace in a cabin in the woods or on a lake. When I was a child we would often rent places on our way to Canada where my mother was born. As an adult, up North means vacation and a time for peace, quiet, reading a book, taking deep breaths and putting your toes in the water. I always feel grounded up North.
Your grand-dog would agree and probably add that up north also means sunbathing in your lap at the lighthouse!
Up North has been so many places in Michigan for me. I think it requires some version of camping or being in the woods by a lake to actually feel I am Up North. My parents’ log cabin on the north shore of Lake Huron brought that feeling, too, where staying in a hotel in Petosky did not. Go figure. Up North says “I’m home.”
I didn’t start spending to time on the west side of the state until I was teen. A piece of my heart is on a little lake in Petoskey and while I consider it “up north” it’s different from being on Lake Huron.
Up North for me has always been when we crossed the bridge in Zilwakee. The old bridge made a singing sound as our tires rolled across. Even now, this crossing always tells me I’m on an adventure. The other side of the world. It’s the promise of water and woods that soothes me.
I remember when the new bridge first opened. I think I was about 10 years old. Crossing it is part of the adventure, but for me Up North starts after 75 & 23 split back off. I couldn’t wait for the first spot along 23 where Lake Huron is visible.