Why do we choose to have a cabin so far from our home?

View from the dock on prime Fall color weekend- 2024

Our little slice of paradise is nestled by Porter Lake, and while some may see it as a long journey, we see it as our haven. There are countless reasons behind why we've chosen this location for our cabin, and while some may think we're a bit crazy for enduring the drive, we firmly believe that the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. 

Nestled in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan, affectionately referred to as "The UP," sits our charming cabin. On the map, the UP is the northernmost region of Michigan, bordered by Wisconsin to the west and Canada to the north. The journey from our doorstep to this tranquil haven takes approximately 2.5 hours by road. While this distance may seem considerable to some, for Matt and I, it's the perfect distance to escape into our little piece of paradise. 

Wisconsin offers an array of picturesque locations to own a cottage, cabin, or lake house, boasting a landscape reminiscent of Upper Michigan. Yet, there's an undeniable allure that draws us to Upper Michigan. You see, Matt is a true "YOOPER" - a term affectionately used for residents of Upper Michigan. His childhood was filled with adventures in the north woods, thanks to the family's tradition of gathering at their "camps" for hunting, fishing, and bonding. These cherished memories have shaped Matt's deep-rooted connection to the UP, fueling his dream of owning his own "camp" in this breathtaking countryside. Our decision to own a cabin in this distant paradise is a reflection of the profound impact the UP has had on Matt's life.

   

Ice fishing 2023

Frankie's first bird- 2023

Our cabin in the UP is nestled on the shores of Porter Lake, offering breathtaking views and fantastic fishing right from our cabin porch. With a dock and a pontoon boat, we're creating our dream cabin just the way we envisioned it. Finding the perfect property in the UP with the ideal view, dock, and boat access has been quite a journey, but the price and convenience make it all worth it.

Wisconsin boasts some stunning lakes, but up here in the UP, our lake offer a serene escape from the crowds. While there may be remote lakes in Wisconsin, our experience around Green Bay has been quite the opposite - bustling with people. That's why we've opted for a cabin in such a remote location. When we say remote, we mean it! Imagine having an entire lake to ourselves on a summer Saturday - that's the beauty of Porter Lake. It's a private oasis, inaccessible to the public, making our retreat even more special.

No one on the lake except us on a Saturday

Picture this: you're relaxing on your patio, soaking in the tranquility, but there's still that persistent buzz of electricity or the distant roar of cars. You've probably grown accustomed to it, but have you ever paused to really listen? Up at Porter Lake, it's a whole different story. I'm talking absolute silence – no hum of electricity, no distant traffic, just pure, uninterrupted peace. That's the magic of being off-grid. I'll delve deeper into what off-grid living means for us in another blog, but in a nutshell, it's all about running everything in our cabin on solar power. Trust me, the absence of that constant electric hum is blissful. One of our favorite rituals when we arrive is to stroll down to the lake and fully immerse ourselves in the profound silence. It's like stepping into paradise!

When we make the journey from our home to the cabin, it's a solid 2.5-hour car ride. Some might think that's a long haul, but we actually enjoy it. We've gotten so accustomed to the drive that the distance doesn't even faze us anymore! On Fridays, we both work from home, and we're fortunate enough to be able to slip away early to hit the road before the sun sets. But even if we can't leave early, 2.5 hours really isn't too bad! I use this time in the car to unwind from the workweek, chatting with Matt about our day, our plans for the weekend, and just leaving all the work stuff behind as we head for our weekend getaway. 

The family factor is what really sealed the deal for us when choosing this location. Matt, being a true Yooper, has always valued having easy access to this area for hunting and recreation. Our cabin at Porter Lake is not only an hour away from his parents' home, but it's also just a 10-minute ride from his older sister and brother-in-law's cabin! It's incredibly convenient to hop on our side-by-side and pop over to their place for a quick hello or a relaxing glass of wine. Whenever we're all up north at the same time, we often share a meal, adding an extra layer of connection with Matt's family. It's worth noting that his younger sister lives just 10 minutes away from us at home!

On our way over to visit with family!

So there you have it, our home away from home, and our reasons for selecting this perfect getaway. Though it may not be everyone's ideal retreat, we absolutely adore it and wouldn't trade it for anything!