There are some things that are common to all people and all place. But cultural differences make us different and interesting. We often classify this difference in terms of geography, with a concept of what is up north or down south. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has a special place in my heart for its beauty and unique people. If you experience more than two of the following, you are, what I would consider, up north.

• A cloud of bugs splattering on your windshield makes you think it’s raining.
• The guy you rent a canoe from has a lengthy beard and always smells like he ate an onion sandwich.
• Every restaurant and bar is full of furs and mounts, and might be considered a “lovely room of death.”
• The best dressed guy in the room is wearing a cut-off flannel shirt (his has a collar).
• You have to drive more than thirty minutes to access the internet.
• Beer cheese soup is the soup of the day.
• The gas station also has slot machines, a diner, and a mini-market.
• Businesses still advertise cold drinks and clean restrooms.
• There are forest highways that have holes big enough to fit a small car (I think my Stratus has finally met its match).
• The deer look before crossing the road.
• You wake a porcupine from its daily slumber while passing by its tree (they sleep toward the top).
• You toss a debilitated fish back in the water and watch as an eagle soars in to snatch its breakfast.
• Your most important decision of the day is which leech (large, medium, or small…oh my!) shall be the one to catch the giant blue gill waiting in the seaweed.