Sable River, Dunes, and Beach Hike

Two nights ago I headed out in the evening for a hike. I parked at Sable Visitor's Center and walked down the Sable River trail into the dunes.

The forest along the trail is really waking up this spring.  Everything is at least three weeks early.  As you can see below, even the trilliums are coming up.

The water level in the Sucker River is very low.  Notice the sand bars below.

There was some clearing on the western horizon that allowed for some sunset color.

A couple of photos looking east....

I then hiked down the sand dune along the river and along the river to the beach.

I sat in the rocks and took a lot of pictures for use in the rockhounding adventures.  I lost track of time until I realized that I had to hike the two miles back to my car.  Also, while I was on the beach some rain clouds advanced from the south.  Because I was on the beach, I didn't see them.  Thankfully there were just a few sprinkles.  To walk back to my car, I decided to hike the cross country ski trails.

Macinac Island -- Post 5

Today I'll post the remainder of the pictures from my weekend on Mackinac Island.   First a few more photos taken of decorative detail on the island.

This picture was taken from the ridge above town.

Some of our group took the early ferry since they had to drive back down state.  Here are a couple of shots of the ferry dock.  Notice all the bikes as well as the wagons.  It is interesting that no one locks their bikes on the island.

A seagull on the water....

T

One of the fudge makers...

Then we walked over to the Grand Hotel....

The people that own the house that we rented also own the Butterfly House.  The butterflies have not yet arrived, but we were invited to go over and see the flowers, birds, insects, and reptiles.

A final picture of the Grand as we headed back to the mainland on the ferry.  A great time was had by all.

Macinac Island -- Post 5

I thought I would be able to finish the Macinac Island photos today, but there are too many. So I'll finish the photos tomorrow.

It is supposed to be warm in Grand Marais today with temperatures in the 60s. Tomorrow we could even see 70 -- but the thunderstorms are heading this way. That is OK since we seriously need some rain.

On Saturday we took a long walk on the island.  After doing some shopping down town, we headed up the hill by Fort Mackinac.

I wanted to climb farther up the hill, so we caught a road that went by Skull Cave.

Then we saw a trail that we have never hiked -- Henry Trail.  It took us up to the top of the island to Fort Holms.  I am not sure why we never walked up to the top of the island before, but I'm glad we did this time.  The old fort was neat as were the views.

Then we headed back down the hill toward our rental house.