We’ve been in southern Michigan a long time and haven’t spent any time at the cabin in the north, so yesterday we packed up and headed north. It was an easy drive and we took the opportunity to stop at several places to look for favorite plants and animals. First we stopped at the rest area on I-75 just south of Grayling. It’s a convenient place to stop for our packed lunch. The picnic tables are shaded and we have a chance to see thirteen-lined ground squirrels – which we did.
We probably saw 3-4 of this cute little mammals. They’re fast running from burrow to burrow.
Then closer to Whitefish Point we stopped at a pull-off just noth of the Tahquamenon River on M-123 to look for purple-fringed orchids. While this year the plants were well past prime (two weeks ago would have been much better) they were still enjoyable.
Purple-fringed orchid.
And now some time at the cabin – who knows what we’ll see.
More later…
Michael's Place 
I think I learned that thirteen lined ground squirrels are one of the true hibernators. I never saw one or a picture of one, so thank you for sharing. Enjoy your stay up north!
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