Let’s start at the beginning

 

Hey everyone, I’m Ed, and I want to start sharing my story with you today. It’s a tale of change that took me from the busy streets of Philadelphia in the late 1970s as a kid to the quiet, peaceful wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP), where I live now. Hang on tight because it’s a pretty amazing journey!

Imagine this: I grew up in the heart of Philadelphia, in the most densely populated row-house neighborhood in Philly at that time. The streets were always busy, noisy, and full of the exciting pace of city life for a kid. Now, fast forward to Memorial Day in 2021, and you’ll find me in a completely different place—a cozy cabin on a beautiful lake in the Hiawatha National Forest. I’m about 14 miles south of Lake Superior, and 15 miles north of Lake Michigan. Cabin Life is where it’s at! I have a unique perspective having come from a big city with its advantages and disadvantages, to a place where I have to drive 39 miles to get to a McDonald’s, there are 30 wild turkeys on my deck most days, with no human neighbors, and a lake all to my self on most days.

So, how did this big change happen? Let me tell you the story.

My Philly Days:
When I was younger, I got to experience all the cool stuff in Philadelphia. I enjoyed the city’s culture, became a cheesesteak snob, and learned how to live in a big city. Growing up in the City of Brotherly Love, I became a true fan of city life and everything it had to offer. I’ve lived in different parts of Philly, South Philly (my favorite) because I was within walking distance of the Italian Market. I love peasant ethnic foods. More on this in other posts and the challenges of dealing with not being able to get ethnic food in a restaurant, but having to make my favorites in my kitchen.

Making the Big Move:
But sometimes, life surprises you, and you feel like you need a change. That’s what happened to me on Memorial Day in 2021. Tired of the busy city life and wanting to be closer to nature and learn more about myself, I decided to move to the UP. The Apollo 13 had a better reentry. From noisy city streets to quiet forests, from a fast-paced life to the calm of nature—it was a big change. It’s been challenging in the most rewarding ways.

Living in a Cabin in the Woods:
My new home is a cozy cabin right on a clear lake, surrounded by the Hiawatha National Forest. Here, it’s super quiet, with only the sounds of the winds whipping through the trees and birds singing. The beauty of nature all around me is amazing, there are four seasons, and winter is five months of the year, and I’m constantly amazed by it. I’ve always loved the outdoors, but being here is the next level. If you’ve ever been to the UP, you know. If you haven’t been to the UP yet, I’ll be your guide.

Finding Myself:
But this isn’t just about moving. It’s also about me getting to know myself better. In the wilderness, I’ve found a deep sense of peace. Nature has a way of helping you understand who you really are. Being here has made me a better father to my children, and a better friend.

A Fresh Start:
As I start sharing my story, I want you to come along on this incredible adventure with me. Through my eyes, we’ll explore the wonders of the Upper Peninsula, see the different seasons, and experience how being close to nature can change you.

So, stay tuned as I tell you about my journey—from the streets of Philly to the peaceful wilderness of my cabin in the UP. It’s a story filled with discovery, self-reflection, and the amazing beauty of this part of the country.

I promise to keep you interested and entertained as we follow my path from city life to the quiet lakeside of my cabin home.