It was an unusual Monday in mid-December for a couple reasons. It was sunny and fairly warm, near 50 degrees, no snow on the ground, And Mike wanted to take a day off to go for a hike. He decided we should go to Silver Creek Pathway north of Luther in Michigan. This is about a two-hour drive from home.
We have hiked this trail many times but never in winter. The Silver Creek Pathway is located in the Pere Marquette Forest along the Pine River near Luther Michigan, the trail consists of one 4-mile loop that extends between two State Forest Campground, Silver Creek Campground and Lincoln Bridge Campground, giving you picturesque views of both sides of the Pine River.
Since there was no snow, I wore my tennis shoes of course. That is what I wear of most of the time if I’m hiking in Michigan or in Big Bend National Park Texas or just going to the grocery store. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we were enjoying the two-hour drive north to the trail.
As we go farther north there was snow alongside the road. Maybe it was just from being plowed, the snow piles were in the shade. As we turned off the main road there was snow in the fields like in this picture below.
So, change in plans. We decided on Ludington State Park for our walk. It is right at Lake Michigan, and it is about 57 miles west of Silver Creek Pathway. The roads cleared up and there was no more snow to be seen. We stopped at the Dublin General store in Wellston along the way.
We made it to Ludington State Park and had a great walk. First a walk on the Lost Lake Trail.
This is Hamlin Lake
Yes, that is ice on the water.
It looks like you were having the same weather we had, at least in places. It's amazing how much conditions can change over such short distances. I hope your feet stayed warm!
ReplyDeleteI love walking along rivers and that looks like a great hike. I like the little islands too.
Maybe you'll be able to do it again in January!
My feet were warm, and if it snows I do wear boots, yes what a change In conditions in roughly 100 miles north. And it was 50 degrees at home, balmy for December.
ReplyDeleteThe Lost Lake/ Island trail is one of my favorite trails. Along the River there are signs telling the history of the place, we read each one. It was very interesting.
We did hike this trail in January 20 years ago! It was a mild winter that year.
In the last week we have had strong winds twice, 60 miles per hour and gusts even stronger. Many trees came down, and twice we lost power. I sure hope the winds blow themselves out before they get to New Hampshire.
Happy winter!
Looked like a "cool" trip! We went duck hunting on Hamlin lake on December 11, but the wind was just to much to deal with that day. We launched the boat just down from that bridge. If you are in the area again, go to Brenda's café in Ludington, very good food. One of Betty's favorite places. She loves their potato pancakes! It is just off the main drag through town follow signs to go to the ferry and it's just a few blocks down on the right hand side.
ReplyDeleteHey, Big Brother, We were there just two days after you! A few years ago we did go to Brenda’s Cafe, we thought it was a nice place. I don’t remember what we ate though.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and Betty.
Thanks for taking me back! The Lost lake trail was always on the agenda as we went to the state park for years for vacation in July. I remember blueberries just starting to get ripe along the trail.
ReplyDeleteDave
You are welcome Dave, we still see lots of blueberry bushes. It is one of my favorite walks, especially in the cooler months!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you!