Since that day (August 1, 2007), much effort has been put into that sketchy trail and it is now a very runnable (and rideable) part of the North Western State Trail and I've been itching to revisit it. Today was the day!
In 2007, we paused in late morning at Spring Lake Park because I was running ahead of schedule (Connie had said she would meet me along the Wheelway at a designated time and, for some reason on this last day of running, my pace was quicker than it had been the prior 56 days! 'Twas a good thing we waited because, not only was Connie waiting to meet me, but also my mom, son, brother, good friend from Boulder and a bunch of high school buddies. What a welcome reception!) Today the plan was to run in the opposite direction, starting at Spring Lake Park and running north.
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| August 1, 2007 - last day of the run from Boulder to Petoskey and just plain giddy! |
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| Today - revisiting the trail - not nearly as fit but still loving to run and wearing the same hat! |
On to the trail and, oh my goodness, the folks (Top of Michigan Trails Council and friends and partners) have put a lot of work into it. 7.5 miles of the trail is asphalt now (between Spring Lake and Alanson) with the remainder packed limestone (between Alanson and Mackinaw City), the trail is clearly marked, and there is even the occasional bench as well as viewing areas for nature preserves.
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| A Little Free Library along the trail in case you need a reading break! |
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| Modern mile markers are all along the way - some with the original railway mile markers still in sight |
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| A billboard for car drivers on the road next to the trail. It needs to add "6 miles on the left" for cyclists and runners since the Little Traverse Wheelway goes right along the back side of Kilwins. Yummalicious chocolate, caramel apples and ice cream. Well worth a refreshment break! |
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| A very interesting spot to explore along the trail |
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