Playcation

The phrase staycation has recently become popular for adults choosing to take a vacation close to home. My family and I did just the opposite and booked a “playcation.” With all the outdoor activities available in Michigan, especially on public land, spending a week living our best lives was easy. The hard part was choosing a location. For no real reason other than having never spent time together on Michigan’s East Coast, we settled on a rental in Oscoda.

Finding amazing rental houses through a couple of different apps has completely changed how we approach planning vacations, including hunting and fishing trips. I started writing this article while staring straight out at Lake Huron. The only thing between me and the water were a few trees and the beautiful sandy beach we spent a fair amount of time enjoying. For what a hotel in the city would cost, you can put yourself in some pretty prime spots for outdoor fun.

Attempting to get the full experience of the Sunrise Coast, we drove north, peering at miles and miles of gorgeous shoreline. Wanting to start off big, I had a fishing trip booked out of Harrisville first thing the following morning. Eager for some action, getting going before daylight came easily, and we arrived at the quaint marina 15 minutes early.

This trip would be slightly different than usual, as I would be accompanied by two gentlemen I had never met. Unable to convince any of my family to join me, I reached out to local captains to see if they had any small parties going out that wouldn’t mind splitting the cost with another angler. Luckily, a pair of retired police officers let me join them.

Captain Jeff gave us two options, but the members of the fishing team smartly deferred to the captain’s recommendation. We would start 10 miles out and fish cold, deep water for lake trout and, if time allowed, move back in 5 miles to see if any silver fish were around.

The water was very choppy, but fortunately, Captain Jeff’s boat was equipped to handle the waves. It was evident I did not have my sea legs yet, as I was getting tossed all over the boat anytime I tried to stand. Eventually, I found a little balance, or something to hold onto, as the first mate and captain started dropping lines.

After asking how we would fish, the plan was to get 12 to 15 lines out using planer boards, downriggers, and lead core line. The best-laid plans sometimes get even better. We never got more than three rods out while chasing lake trout. They were hungry, and we were on them.

Armed with flashers and spoons, there was very little time when we weren’t reeling in fish. In fact, when it was all said and done, according to Captain Jeff, we had our limit in record time. I enjoyed my turn on the rod, feeling each tug and dive. The captain was calm and helped refine my technique, reminding me to slow my reel speed so I wouldn’t rip the bait from the trout’s mouth.

Instructions were given to keep the rod tip up and slowly back up so the fish could be netted. Everyone was smiling and talking, even though we had just met.

Securing the rods, we motored back in 5 miles to go after salmon. Sparing you the details, we tried diligently, but only one small steelhead decided to bite. Heading back to the marina gave me a chance to reflect and just be. I watched the waves and felt the wind. As the shoreline grew closer, I knew I was blessed that morning and couldn’t wait to share my experience with my family.

After the fish were cleaned and bagged, I loaded up to see what the afternoon would bring.

The beach called our name for the remainder of the day and the next. It was very quiet, with few people in sight. The water was a bit chilly but welcomed nonetheless as the afternoon sun heated things up.

A common theme developed in the evenings with grilled food and campfires. Our family bond was strengthened each night with board games and laughter. Sleep came easy after long days spent outside.

We did sneak out one afternoon so my son and I could be dropped off at a public park to fish the Au Sable River. We waded out and tried to see if any spawning catfish were still moving upriver. The girls found a park with a basketball court and got some practice in to keep their skills sharp. This highlights just a few more of the publicly accessible options available.

Growing slightly restless and wanting to see more of the area, our third full day was spent hiking. Our first destination was Tawas Point State Park. There, we hiked sandy trails and worked our way as far as we could go on the point itself.

Interestingly, the point has changed over the years thanks to the inevitable work of Mother Nature. The original lighthouse was moved once due to additional sediment forming and extending the point. Eventually, a new and less visually appealing light was installed where the end of the point now lies.

We had lunch overlooking Tawas Bay and decided to log a few more miles and explore more of the forest. Our next stop was Lumberman’s Monument, where we picked up the Highbanks Trail. This led us through portions of the Huron National Forest along Cooke Dam Pond.

Along with pleasant hiking, we found the Dune Trail, which allowed the kids to head down to the water’s edge via a gorgeous sand dune. They were excited on the way down and a little less thrilled on the way back up. Confident we logged enough trail miles, we headed back to the cottage to unwind for the evening.

Hoping to understand what all the fuss is about surrounding the Au Sable River, I had a kayak trip booked for our second-to-last day. Oscoda Canoe Rental made getting the family and kayaks to a public drop point a breeze.

Before we knew it, the tranquility of the clear waters erased any thoughts of society. Adults and kids alike made our way downriver, paddling at times and simply flowing with the current at others. Keeping my eye out for trout hiding in the shadows, I could see why this is considered a first-rate fishery.

We eventually stopped at a popular sandbar, grabbed a quick snack, and cooled off in the crystalline water. Taking time to skip a few rocks, we all felt a little more alive.

Not wanting the trip to end, we made one last stop just before the takeout point so a smaller dune could be climbed with a playful spirit only kids know. Watching them took me back to a simpler time when life was meant to be pure enjoyment. In that moment, I was living through my children’s eyes.

Finally, on our last day, we headed north to visit the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse located in Sturgeon Point State Park. There wasn’t much hiking involved, but we did walk out onto the point where the beach shifted from soft sand to much larger stones, rounded smooth by the countless waves of Lake Huron.

Stopping at a few shops and fueling up with iced coffee and ice cream, we enjoyed walking around Harrisville and Oscoda, picking up souvenirs to commemorate the trip.

Leaving wasn’t easy, but it was time to say goodbye to our cottage and the lake. Access to a multitude of activities in the area was phenomenal. There was truly something for everyone, balancing plenty of activity with a relaxing atmosphere.

I would absolutely recommend the Sunrise Coast and its public spaces to anyone looking to take a “playcation.”