Sandra Friend

Sandra Friend

For three decades, I've shared my love of travel, hiking, and the outdoors with people like yourself through my articles, books, and photography.
29
Aug
People on platform upper right looking at huge waterfall below.

Another Day in Paradise

It’s just another day in Paradise for us, except we actually are in Paradise, Michigan, an excellent base camp for visiting Taquamenon Falls and Whitefish Point.
6 min read
25
Aug
Chasing Rockets in the Keweenaw

Chasing Rockets in the Keweenaw

When we got wind of a rocket launch site at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, it was time for another off-road adventure.
4 min read
24
Aug
Small red berries similiar to raspberries in texture but button shaped

Time for Thimbleberries

Who expected to go foraging for berries in the Keweenaw? Not us! But a thimbleberry margarita led to woodland wanders looking for this tasty fruit.
5 min read
22
Aug
Bike path with artistic trail marker

Iron Ore Heritage Trail

Taking on a history-rich segment of Michigan’s Iron Ore Heritage Trail was satisfying as a bike ride and as a cultural immersion. Now if only I’d stayed on the trail...
9 min read
18
Aug
Park Hopping near Manistique

Park Hopping near Manistique

A duo of state parks near Manistique - Palms Book and Fayette - showcases two very different periods of Michigan history in two outstanding natural settings.
4 min read
15
Aug
Cyclist holding a Petoskey stone

Finding Petoskey Stones

Where should you search for Petoskey stones? Petoskey, Michigan, of course! On our explorations by bike of this coastal town, we found our fair share. Here’s where to look and how to make them shine.
5 min read
09
Aug
Little riffle rapids over river rocks

Riding the Big Rapids Riverwalk

Along the Muskegon River in Michigan, Big Rapids Riverwalk stretches several miles through the heart of Big Rapids, with scenic views of - you guessed it - river rapids from this linear park that links with the White Pine Trail.
4 min read
06
Aug
Vibrant art in arcs

The Art of Pasaquan

A story that must be shown: Pasaquan, the artistic expression of a man whose visions led him to embrace all belief systems and make up one of his own
2 min read
30
Jul
Rocket with streak of flame pointed straight up into a cloudy sky

Ready for Launch

Living on Florida's Space Coast, you're either wowed by rocket launches or take them as a matter of course. I'm new enough to be wowed by living on the edge of space and being part of a family who worked on the space program.
6 min read
13
Jul
Hillside garden at Pendarvis

Men, Mining, and Mineral Point

Preservation of the rich mining history of Mineral Point, Wisconsin, traces its roots to a couple who decided to restore miners' cottages by opening a restaurant called Pendarvis.
5 min read