Mike and I were able to celebrate our 48th Wedding Anniversary with a trip to Manistee. The first day we walked part of the Manistee River Trail. One of our favorite trails. The weather was perfect, sunny and 53 degrees. We started our 4.5 mile walk at the Hodenply Dam. Soon you come to the Manistee River Suspension Bridge.
Back to the car then to Manistee where we stayed overnight. That evening we walked the Manistee Riverwalk, again perfect weather and a nice walk.
The next morning, we drove to Arcadia around 23 miles north of Manistee and a total of 100 miles from home. We walked at the Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk, about a 2 mile walk from one end back to the start.
We made a few stops heading south, one stop was for apples at a roadside stand, and a Bargain Barn. We decided to go for a walk at Otto Nature Preserve near Shelby. Very nice.
The Otto Nature Preserve is an 80-acre parcel of land in Benona Township owned and managed by Oceana Conservation District.
After Otto Nature Preserve we drove south to Duck Creek Natural Area, on Duck Lake Road in Whitehall, Michigan. My sister Marie met us there so we got to walk together and check out some of the new bridges that were built since we were here last.
Key Features of the property
- Size: Approximately 310 acres.
- Terrain: Forests, wetlands, and creeks (Duck Creek and Scholes Creek).
- Activities: Hiking, walking, jogging, birdwatching, and enjoying nature.
- Trails: A developing trail system, with some sections being improved by volunteers.
- Access: Parking areas are available on Duck Lake Road and Simonelli Road.
This was another wonderful walk.
Now it is cold and snowy outside, it is December!
