So Long Lansing, And Thanks For All The Fish (Ladders)!

IF YOU DON'T KNOW BY NOW, I AM A NERD

One more opportunity to show off my nerdiness with the title of this, my final article documenting my Michigan adventures.  For those who aren’t in the know, So Long and Thanks for all the Fish is the fourth book in the Douglas Adams Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series. But my reference to the fish ladders is Pure Michigan (see what I did there?)  

I’ve learned so much while traveling the Lower Peninsula (no, worries, UP—you're on the to-see list). From Hell to Frankenmuth and back again, it’s been fun exploring this weird–to-me combo of land flat as Oklahoma but with trees as tall as those in Virginia. The Michigan road situation has made me feel so blessed that the major thoroughfares back in Virginia are mostly sinkhole free.  

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The natural beauty of this place is evident everywhere you look—even in the middle of town. So many places to uncover and experience. Hawk Island Park, Potter Park Zoo, Grand Ledges (though I kind of missed the mark on that one), Michiganders are definitely blessed to live in this Wonderland place. Although, I should come back and see if I’m still singing your praises during Winter. 

SAME BUT DIFFERENT

While there are marked differences between Michigan and where I call home (how you pronounce Charlotte, for example), the similarities are also very apparent. We all support our teams (Go Green! Go White! -- JMU Duuuuuuuuuukes!) with fervor. We also support our communities and the causes near and dear to us. We all take our stewardship of the earth seriously, though Michigan puts a little more incentive into it than Virginia.  But I’ll go home and work on that. 

READ ALSO: Michigan Coney Dogs: Flint vs. Detroit vs. Jackson 

Thank you, Michiganders, for the warm welcome; for allowing me into your morning routines. Thank you for allowing me the adventures and the memories. If you ever find yourself in the Shenandoah Valley and need a grand adventure, look me up. I’ve got 19 Things You Really Should See in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.