Laudato Si’ UP Michigan Pilgrimage

This is a pilgrimage of ecological justice that is centered in an area of Michigan that is both sparsely populated and shows the effects of centuries of exploitation. While most of the area now exists as either state or federal lands, the small population is highly dependent of retaining the natural habitat that exists. Loss of that habitat is a serious concern for many of the area businesses. This pilgrimage is designed to highlight some of the conflicts that threaten the local habitat as well as to celebrate the resiliency of God’s Creation as it has recovered from earlier forces of destruction.

September 4-7
Maximum Participants: Unlimited (for campers)
Food and Travel: On your own
Cost: Free

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Hosted and led by Tess and Tony Bezouska: on 80 acres of forest; 28 miles West of the straits of Mackinac where the Embridge line 5 crosses between Lakes Huron and Michigan; ties to Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa Tribe, Museum of Ojibwa Culture; Various trails/State parks; Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club; Lake Superior Shoreline Drive.

Space Availability

• • • Main House: 3 double beds, 1 Queen, 3 Single in Loft
    • Guest Cabin: 1 Queen
    • Log Cabin: 1 Queen, 2 single, 2 sets of bunk beds
    • Plenty of room for camping

LOCATION
The pilgrimage would take place in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The central gathering place would be in Epoufette, about one half hour west of the Straits of Mackinac along the northern shoreline of Lake Michigan.

CONCERNS
Enbridge Pipeline #5 across the Straits of Mackinac (threat of devastating leaks)
Destruction of habitat due to climate change (warmer and drier)
Loss of fishing stock for commercial and sports fishing
Loss of rare and endangered species due to man-made structures

CELEBRATIONS
Protection of rare species
Wildlife preserves
Private investment in habitat restoration
Resilience of Nature (natural reforestation of clear-cut land)

DATES
8/21 Arrival – 8/24 Departure
8/28 Arrival – 8/31 Departure (Labor Day Weekend)
9/4 Arrival – 9/7 Departure

PROPOSED ITINERARY (ITINERARIES)
DAY 1
Gathering and Prayer
Local trail hikes, including local ecological study
Dark skies (weather dependent!)

DAY 2
Straits of Mackinac: Enbridge Line 5 study
Museum of Ojibwa Culture (history of exploitation and recovery)
North Country Trail (Niagara Escarpment)

DAY 3
Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club (highlighting private investment in rebuilding habitat)
Tahquamenon Falls State Park (valuable indicator of natural viability)
Lake Superior Shoreline Drive

DAY 4
Closing prayer and departure

Possible extra day or days, if there is interest
Seney Wildlife Preserve
Canoeing/Kayaking
International Dark Sky Park
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Headquarters

ACCOMODATIONS
Main House: 3 Double Beds, 1 Queen, 3 Single (in Loft)
Guest Cabin: 1 Queen
Log Cabin: 1 Queen, 2 single, 2 sets of bunk beds
Plenty of room for camping

NOTES
There is no broadband internet available
Cell service is usually excellent and hotspots can be set up for WiFi
There are plenty of linens and towels
There is a large kitchen for meal prep
2 local restaurants