Hello Beautiful People,
This past weekend I took a camping trip to the northern part of Michigan with my boyfriend, and it was an adventure to say the least. Of course with any adventure like this there is bound to be a little bit of chaos.
We arrived early at D.H Day Campground on Friday morning in order to get a spot, this campground is famous for its amazing location near Sleeping Bear Dunes and M-22. The campground was quaint and right off the shore of Lake Michigan. We quickly learned that there were no showers or real toilets (just some holes in the ground). This is how our weekend filled with adventure began.
Let me give you a quick run down of the weekend. We hiked dunes for about 2.5 miles to reach this beautiful coastline and then 2.5 miles back. It was worth the view but the hike through rolling 400 feet sand dunes was intense. We showered in ice cold Lake Michigan because what else could we do. We were basically disconnected from reality thanks to bad cell service, which this actually a blessing. We drove around trying to find a fishing spot, found one but didn’t get a single bite. To top off the adventures of David + Alyssa, we got a flat tire on the drive home.
As you can probably tell, we were never bored!
Here’s what I learned…
Work together:
One of the biggest lessons I learned from this trip was where David and I worked well together, and where we didn’t. When I was complaining about hiking the dunes, he pushed me through until the end. When my car got that flat tire he calmed me down and told me it would be okay. We had a few tiff’s but nothing we couldn’t talk through. We were able to smoothly set up our campsite, split the expenses and enjoy our time. Ultimately, I think it made us stronger and showed us where we need to help each other more.
Love yourself:
Due to the lack of running water and mirrors, I went all natural this past weekend, maybe too natural with the whole lake shower thing. I learned that my beauty is not defined by beauty tools and products, but by happiness and the smile on my face. I loved every picture that I took this past weekend and the only make up I was wearing was a sunburn and old mascara. Being out in the woods, without a care in the world, taught me how unimportant make up is and how important adventure and happiness is. I was focused on comfort and fun!
Appreciate all things:
Since I was not connected to my phone the whole weekend, nor was I able to properly shower, I learned to appreciate even the little things. Coming home, I was thankful for a hot shower and hot tea. Being away from home and reality, allowed me to focus my time on the important things like exploring new places and loving on my man. It really showed me the raw parts of life, the parts that make it good. Sure, I love a solid shower and getting all ready for the day, but there is nothing more important than the raw happiness you can find under the stars in the middle of nowhere with someone you love. You appreciate those moments much more than the ones you lack.
I never thought a short-weekend trip could teach me so much, but I am so grateful for the things I learned. Though the weekend has it’s moments of chaos, everything turned out okay and life continues on. I really did enjoy every minute, even the chaotic ones. I just had to share this with all of you because it’s incredible what stepping out of the norm can teach you.
Thank you for reading PYM today! Check out more pictures by following me on Instagram @blogger_alyssa.