Our autumn trip took us to Michigan - and what a fine trip it was.
On the way to Michigan, we found a stretch of road we had never traveled before - and considering we've made the Colorado-Michigan road trip almost every year at least once a year since 1975, that's saying something! This road happens to be the Loess Hills National Scenic Highway in western Iowa - a lovely diversion from I80.
While in Michigan, we enjoyed a wide variety of activities, including a run on a trail I've been eyeing for a few years now. I learned about the North Central State Trail the year before I turned 62 - and it just happens to be a 62-mile-long trail. I had hoped to run the entire length during one of my visits back there, but never had a block of days when I could do that (figuring it would take two or three days). This trip, I decided I really wanted to check out that trail even if I didn't run the whole thing so I picked a lovely stretch that goes between Indian River and Topinabee along Mullett Lake - which offered up a thoroughly enjoyable run.
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| I'm ready! What are you waiting for?! |
After the run, we continued on to Mackinaw City and enjoyed a walk along the beach with the magnificent Mackinac Bridge in full view (accompanied by a Taz who was determined to herd every wave that made its way to shore).
Most of our other runs were in and around Petoskey - and they were mighty fine too!
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| The trail along Bear River - always a favorite |
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| Yes, I'm a good dog |
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| Coming back to the trail after a wave-herding romp near East Bay Harbor |
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| Bay View Woods trail is calling one antsy Taz |
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| Really? Another picture?! |
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| And a plain ol' run along the waterfront ain't bad either! |
The best run as far as Taz is concerned is when we find our way to a secluded stretch of waterfront where he can run and run and run. It takes about 30 minutes of laps back and forth at top speed before he slows down enough to come back to to me. Great entertainment!
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| One last chance to herd the waves before the car trip back to Boulder |
Of course there was much non-running fun as well.
Applefest in Charlevoix (down the road from Petoskey) started off our northern Michigan vacation. For the return trip to Petoskey, we took the back way via the Ironton Ferry. I tell ya', there's fun at every turn Up North!
Being close to peak leaf peeping season, Connie D tooks us on a tour
of some of her favorite autumn roads along with a hunt for historical
sites - including a 200-300 year old "Crooked Tree." (Crooked trees were
intentionally mis-shaped to use as navigational aids between what is
now Mackinaw City and Grand Rapids).
The good weather called us to Petoskey State Park's trails that took me and Connie D up Mount Baldy for this glorious view
And, speaking of the State Park - it got downright balmy while we were in Petoskey and the beach beckoned! Kendall and I rendezvoused with some of my high school buddies for a relaxing afternoon jazzed up a bit with a very quick swim (the waves were great!) and a fruitless discussion with Connie D about why she should join me in the swimming adventure.
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| Jumping into the waves |
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| Connie D pleading her case about not swimming today |
No trip to Petoskey is complete without a trip to Bill's farm market. This photo was from our third trip - the day before starting back to Colorado. Had to stock up on some fine Michigan apples!
Even a trip to the dump brings a smile - thanks to a variety of sculptures including Tire Man.
And while we were in Petoskey, we had the pleasure of watching our front yard tree turn a fiery red.
Of course, during the trip back to Boulder we couldn't just do a boring straight-through drive. Let's just say, if you ever happen to find yourself in Sac City, Iowa be sure to take a look at the world's largest popcorn ball!
All in all, a very fine trip indeed!
