A Solar Powered Camping Trip

By Jack Redmond

Lorde returned to the world of music with the release of her third studio album “Solar Power.” This record centers around the pop star’s connection with the natural world — and with a summer release came the perfect opportunity for a listening party and camping trip crossover.

Within an hour of receiving the release date for the album — I planned a four day camping excursion in St.Ignace, Michigan. Reminiscent of lyrics from the title track of the album — when I asked my friends if they could kick it — they replied with “Yeah, I can.”

The festivities for the Solar Power Camping Trip began with the Mackinaw Bridge. With beautiful 90 degree weather and minimal winds, the trip over the largest suspension bridge in the world was something ripped from a screenplay.

Shortly after entering Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — we arrived to our campsite that was conveniently located within a mile of a McDonald’s, a Family Fare and a sandy beach.

A few hours after we arrived to the campsite we were joined by the rest of our friends — who were very ready to get to the beach.

After listening to music, taking naps, reading, swimming, playing frisbee and building sand “art” — we watched the sunset at the beach. That night the album was released and the soundtrack for the rest of the weekend began its endless loop.

We made sure to take advantage of the long weekend to do some sight seeing in the Upper Peninsula. We visited the Tahquamenon Falls, the Pictured Rocks, Castle Rock, Native American museums and Jo’s restaurant — home of the best omelette I will ever eat in my life.

The trip as a whole was one of the best parts of the summer, and I am so glad that I was able to document every part of the trip so that I will always be able to look back fondly on the Solar Power Camping Trip.