Lake Michigan in the Winter

Today we got into the car and drove west until we got to Lake Michigan. Our first stop- Grand Haven. We went to the state park. The place was busy with people out walking on the pier and frozen lake. There were even a few people Ice skating out there. The temps were in the low to mid 20's and the sun was shining. It was a beautful day. Our second stop was to Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon. We got there just as the sun was setting so we didn't get too many pictures. But it was still pretty nice.

Michigan's Thumb

If you've never been to Michigan's Thumb area, you may like to take a trip. While I think most people would prefer this trip in the summer when swimming and warm weather is available, or in the fall when there are beautiful colors to observe, we chose to do the visit on a chilly, overcast, winter day. We will be going back again in the summer.

We drove up I-94 past Port Huron, and began the journey along M-25.  We followed M-25 along the coastline.



 

Roadside park on M-25. Lake Huron overlook.

There is a set of cement steps leading down to the beach area. There is also a picnic area and toilets. Toilets are closed during the winter.

 

Location of this roadside park.

Sumac Tree. I've always liked this tree.

Sumac on the trail.

The Pte Aux Barque Lighthouse is a nice stop no matter what time of the year. Although in the winter it is closed. It still was very nice to walk around and check out the grounds.



 Pte Aux Barque Lighthouse

 

Random Field

Further up M-25, you will come across the small town of Grindstone City. Back in the day this was a very busy place. Now, it's almost vacant. Throughout the small town you will see these grindstones in different yards of homes, and businesses.

 

At the tip of the thumb is Port Austin. It is a beautiful place in the summer, and a quieter, more quaint place in the winter. There is a welcome center that is open year round. You can walk out near the marina and park and see the lighthouse in the distance. In the welcome center is this model of the lighthouse. 

 

 

The Garfield Inn is a cool-looking building. President Garfield was friends with the builder and original owner, and now the building is named after him.

 

Information about the Garfield Inn

 

Once you pass through Port Austin, the next more popular area is Caseville. Caseville has a state park, and beautiful sunset views. We walked out on the pier at one of the parks. In August, Caseville has the Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival.



 

 

After leaving Caseville, we headed back inland. Our goal was to see the Octagon Barn. Unfortunately they were closed for the season. We still got some nice outdoor photos, and will plan a visit again after they open.

 

 

 

 

Palmer Park St Clair Michigan

If you haven't had the chance to visit this riverside park, you should. The park is lovely with small gardens, sculptures, music, and free wi-fi. You can stroll along the boardwalk, sit or play on the grassy area, fish, or swim or float down the river as the boats go by.

Clinton River Canoeing Fun

Yesterday we went canoeing down our local river near our house. We've never canoed here before.  In fact, it's relatively new to be able to do. There were 6 of us and we rented two canoes.











We started by River Bends Park in Shelby Township and finished at Heritage Park in Utica.

There were low areas, deep areas, trees and rocks to avoid, beach-like areas that we could pull over and get out at, and also some slow-moving water areas. We saw one small snake swimming. It came right up by our canoe and then swam away. There were also some turtles and lots of little fish swimming.

 Clinton River Canoe and Kayak Rentals  met us at Heritage Park, then shuttled us to where we launched. If you live in the area, or are just visiting, give this a try. I am looking forward to going again soon.

Shiver on the River-Belle Isle, Detroit Michigan

This past February was the second year in a row that me and the girls went to Shiver on the River on Belle Isle. Belle Isle is a pretty little island on the Detroit River in Detroit. Shiver on the River is an event put on annually that brings attention to the Belle Isle Aquarium which closed down about 6 years ago, the Whitcomb Conservancy, and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. The event is free to the public and there are many fun activities available. This year we had characatures done by BobKat, watched a magic show, got balloons, talked to Coastie the Coast Guard robot boat, saw some dancers dancing African Style dancing, played on the huge playground, checked out the European Fallow Deer and all the other Nature Center animals, got to go into the Belle Isle aquarium, and spent some time looking at all the beautiful flowers and plants in the conservatory. I hope you enjoy the photos, and if you're in the Detroit area, stop by and check this little island out.

Entrance to the Park

Finished Caricature

Greyhound Rescue

Coastie!

Deer at the Nature Zoo

Dancers at the Nature Zoo

Checking out the Displays

Even though the Aquarium is closed about 6 years ago, they opened it for the day. 

The Playground is Huge!