Not A Glamour Shot

 

     This isn't the first time that I have written about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is just one of those places that draws me back time and time again. The beauty of the spot, the vastness of Lake Michigan, the blending of sky and water...it is simply one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

 

 

     This trip, for the 3rd time, we decided to do The Dune Climb. This climb is over 200 feet high, almost straight up in some places and it is in very soft sand which causes you to sink to your ankles with each step. The first trip we took to Sleeping Bear we did the climb and I truly thought I might die. The second time we climbed was just a few days after my mother died, we took my dad to Michigan to pass the days before her services. I took the climb slowly with him, not because he couldn't do it, but because I was afraid I'd lose him too! This time, I was ready. I've been exercising regularly for months. I had the right shoes, sleeves on my top and no purse to carry, a visor to protect my eyes, my water bottle...I was in the best shape I could possibly be in. This was going to be a piece of cake! I didn't count on it being 88 degrees that day. I also didn't count on the fact that my husband had the camera and caught me melting on the way up!

 

 

     Okay, so it isn't pretty. A golf visor, socks, shoes and capris...not my best look...but I did it! I am so hot at this point that I just wanted to pour the water on my head. I did have to stop a couple of times, but at least it never felt like my heart was going to explode like my first climb. Was it a piece of cake? No! It is really hard! The sand is so loose and for every 3 steps forward, you slide a step back. As much as I hate having my picture taken, I am showing this one because it truly shows what the climb is like. See how far away that parking lot is? This still doesn't show the incline. Now, some pictures as to what makes it worth the effort.

 

 

 

   
     If you ever get a chance to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes (you don't have to climb like this to still enjoy the beauty of the spot) please, do so. You won't regret it!

What's So Great About Michigan?

     We just got back from spending a week at our "peaceful place" in Michigan. Nothing surprises me (or my husband) more than how much I love it there. I was always a person who needed to see palm trees to feel as if I was on vacation. My husband said last week that he never dreamed we would be taking trips that included cold temperatures, hiking and a wardrobe of only jeans and boots or tennis shoes. Don't get me wrong...I'm still blissfully happy on a sunny beach in Florida with my feet in the sand, but I'm equally as happy wandering the shores of Lake Michigan (as long as it isn't winter). I thought I'd share some of my favorite spots with you in the next few blog posts. We have learned over the years to pack for all sorts of weather conditions when we make the 8 hour drive north to Traverse City. This time was no different. We saw sleet, rain, wind and sunshine...and it was snowing all around us. I think I'll just stop writing and let the pictures speak for themselves. You will be traveling on the Leelanau Peninsula, where the leaves have turned lovely shades of gold and red. The day was sunny and windy, the beach isolated and for the first time we visited Sleeping Bear Dunes in the midst of a sand storm. It was beautiful, but the sand was very painful on our faces and got into our eyes, teeth, shoes and even our pockets. Sit back and enjoy the ride.