NIAGARA, Wis. — With the celebration of the Fourth of July holiday behind us, summer is now in full swing. With it comes many opportunities for outdoor adventures that are guaranteed to produce not only stories around the campfire, but memories for the future … and, truth be told, lessons learned.

I recently received an emailed copy of my son’s in-laws’ “adventure” that could have ended very differently. It reminded me of a hiking experience that my husband and I had back when we visited the Porcupine Mountains for the first time. The moral of both stories is to always be prepared — Mother Nature has the upper hand.

My son’s in-laws, Max and Bryce, have been going to a remote region of Ontario for the past 27 years. They travel and camp with friends to fish for northern pike on Seseganaga Lake. They are experienced fishermen and both good swimmers. They have a healthy respect for Mother Nature and are generally well prepared when they are out on the lake.

Sometimes, however, things happen out of the blue that catch even the most experienced boaters and fishermen by surprise … like losing the propeller off their boat’s motor! Whoever would have thought such a thing could happen? They had decided it was time to head back to camp for it was nearly 4 o’clock, they were 3 miles out, and the skies were threatening rain. The lake is big — 15 miles wide and 25 miles long — and laced with islands and bays.

It was time to make a plan. They took stock of their supplies: extra clothing, two apples, and a whistle in addition to their fishing gear. Despite being “on the back half of their 77th year,” they decided to start paddling with the canoe paddles that came with the boat — not oars. They worked together — a skill that over 50 years of marriage brings to a couple — and managed to paddle within sight of their camp. They could see their friends fishing. After much waving of extra clothing, yelling and blowing on the whistle, their friends saw them and were able to tow them into shore. It was 9 p.m. “Four hours of paddling and a five-hour ordeal ended with everyone safe.”

This account of their fishing fiasco brought memories of the first experience my husband and I had hiking in the Porcupine Mountains. We had been living up here for many years and had hiked trails in several forests, but had not experienced the Porkies. We were anxious to check them out.

We had rented a cabin at Peterson’s in Ontonagon. After a good breakfast, we decided to go for a drive to see Lake of the Clouds. It was a very hot day in July — well into the 80s. We had not as yet stopped at the camp store because we did not have any plan to take a significant hike. But a sign caught our eye just past the parking lot that gave three hiking choices; one of them was North Mirror Lake Trail — 4.5 miles. We had walked this far in the past, but it had always been on flat ground. We figured we could do it and also figured we could soak our feet in the lake when we “arrived.” Armed with a minimum amount of mosquito repellant, two bottles of water, and one bottle of Coke we started what would become an unforgettable — and stupid — journey.

Never had we experienced an area like the Porkies. It wasn’t long before we knew we were in for a potentially dangerous experience for which we were woefully underprepared. For the first 2 miles, we climbed a ridge — it was gradual, but we were still going uphill. It leveled out for the next 2.5 miles. We ended at nothing except the beginning of South Mirror Lake Trail! There were no bathrooms, no water fountain, and no accessible lake. Mirror Lake was way down at the bottom of the cliff upon which we were standing! It occurred to us suddenly that we had no other choice but to turn around and hike back out the way we had come — 4.5 more miles in July heat and vicious mosquitoes. And … we were nearly out of water.

We kept telling ourselves what we were going to do when we got out of the woods. We also kept assuring each other that we were strong enough to make it out and that the mosquitoes were not going to do us in — nor would the lack of water — and that it really wasn’t as hot as it felt. We could do it! And after all, it was downhill the entire way back.

Well, we did make it out and, obviously, lived to tell about it. Our first stop was at a camp store on the way back to our cabin. We bought absolutely huge ice cream cones and 2-quart bottles of water. We took showers when we returned to the cabin, sat on the beach in the setting sun… and did not need the bathroom until 10 o’clock at night! And that night we slept like babies.

The next morning, we paid a visit to the camp store, where we saw a papier mache mock-up of the Porcupine Mountains with all of the trails marked in different colors depending upon their difficulty. North Mirror Lake Trail was painted in black signifying a trail of greatest difficulty. No kidding! We also bought a book that described every trail in the mountains, its difficulty, its length, and what to expect along the way.

We returned home from our adventure having learned several very important lessons. There are times when spontaneity is not a good idea. Know what you are getting yourself into before you experience it. Mother Nature’s surprises are not always fun. And, you can never have too much water or too much sunscreen when you are hiking in the Upper Peninsula.

Wishing all of you a memorable and safe summer. Plan ahead and always consider the “just in case” situations as you plan your adventure. Also, as much as it pains us to admit, we are not as young as we used to be. Take it slow so you can enjoy the most summer has to offer.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; Strong Tower Church, 2 p.m.; activities cart, 6 p.m.

Monday: “Price Is Right” on CBS, 10 a.m.; movie in the dining room, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail/spa, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: No sixes, 10 a.m.; reminisce, 11 a.m.; shut the box, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Baking, 10 a.m.; comedy, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; karaoke, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Board games in the dining room, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network channel, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

No information was provided.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; National Paper Bag Day — guess what is in the bag, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; spot the differences, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; coloring in the lobby, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Cow Appreciation Day, Dr. Pol vet show, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; dice game, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; First Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.; word search in the lobby, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Cherry Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; game, red solo cup races, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Shut the Box game, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; game, ring toss, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1:30 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and chit chat, 10 a.m.; individual communion, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; resident council, 1 p.m.; bocce ball, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; courtyard campfire — hot dogs, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; outdoor social, 10:15 a.m.; Bible stories with Pastor Ed, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; Carmelite Monastery, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; baking — no bake cookies, 10 a.m.; whammo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Tattoos and treats, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; courtyard cabana — popsicles, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; church service, 1:30 p.m.; patio social, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Cranium Crunch, 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour/who, what, where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Bologna, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; Pictionary, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; dominoes, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles, BWSS outing.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/fact of the day, 10:30 a.m.; Celtic band, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; paint and sip, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; ball bounce, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Turkey Swiss wrap with bacon and cheese, baked potato, broccoli salad.

Wednesday: Spaghetti and meatballs, vegetable, breadstick.

Thursday: Smothered chicken on wild rice, vegetable, bread.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked chicken, sweet potato casserole, green beans, ambrosia fruit salad.

Tuesday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas.

Wednesday: Oven-baked fish, au gratin potatoes, dinner roll, Jell-O.

Thursday: Evening meal — salad bar 3:30 p.m. and main meal 4 p.m., ribs, potato wedges, corn, strawberry rhubarb crisp.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

They will be closed Monday and Tuesday and open Wednesday.

Menu for the week —

Wednesday: Porcupine meatballs with gravy, rice.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244.

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, baked beans.

Tuesday: Taco stuffed potato, refried beans, cornbread, sour cream.

Wednesday: Oven-fried fish and chips, tartar sauce, green beans, rye bread and butter.

Thursday: Celebrate Birthdays! Deluxe hamburger, baked beans, corn cake.

Friday: Turkey and cheese wrap, baked potato chips, string cheese, yogurt parfait.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice or no beverage.

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Homemade pizza — sausage or pepperoni.

Tuesday: Patty melt, french fries.

Wednesday: Evening meal — hot dog/brat, ice cream truck, Dickinson County Library craft.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cook’s choice.

Tuesday: Pasties, cole slaw, fruit.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, broccoli, fruit, cookies.

Thursday: Chicken patty on a bun with lettuce and tomato, sweet potato fries, easy bean salad, fruit.

Friday: Tuna wrap, pasta salad with vegetables, dill pickle, fruit.

All meals are served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays through Fridays at 11:30 a.m. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals on Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Country-fried steak and gravy, mashed potatoes and country gravy, peas and carrots, apple slices, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Creamy turkey and mushrooms, brown rice, root vegetable blend, green beans, fruit cocktail, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Chicken breast with gravy, boiled red potatoes, vegetable, diced peaches, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Beef taco salad, corn and black beans, cornbread, fruit cup.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

These are home-delivered meals. Menu for the week –

Tuesday: Chicken sandwich, fruit salad.

Wednesday: Bratwurst, macaroni and cheese.

Thursday: Baked fish, sweet potato fries, vegetable.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Tuesday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Bingo is played on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Menu of the week —

Tuesday: Chicken salad on a croissant, baked potato soup, banana.

Wednesday: Lasagna, spinach salad with tomatoes, garlic bread, spiced fruit bake.

Thursday: Baked fish, baked beans, tater tots, rye bread, applesauce.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar is available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans.

Tuesday: Shepherd’s pie, biscuit, mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Dinner at 4 p.m. — beef roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, candied carrots.

Thursday: Cod, oven-baked potatoes, Brussel sprouts.

Board meeting on Thursday.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals are also available. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan, gnocchi.

Thursday: Thin-cut pork chop, cheesy potatoes.