A new Ottawa County Park named Ottawa Sands. Betsy and I took a three mile walk here on October 18. "The 345-acre property sits between green space owned by the cities of Grand Haven and Ferrysburg and North Ottawa Dunes Park. The site has long been used for sand mining, but has been inactive in recent years. The property includes forested dunes, an 80-acre inland lake, and riverfront land with wetlands."
October 20 - My sister Sugar, and two of her granddaughters, and I went for a quick walk at Hofma Preserve. It was the girls' idea to go for a walk, and that makes it much more fun. The sun was shining that morning but when we were half way through our walk big dark clouds developed and we started to hear thunder.
Marie and I took a trip to northeastern Kent County to Pickerel Lake Park. The leaves were changing color but not actually at peak. Still it was a great day to be outside!
We found Marsh Marigold blooming! This is the third year we have found Marsh Marigold blooming here in October. It usually blooms in April and May.
On the Larch Loop trail we always find liverwort. What could be better than larch and liverwort!
We took our time and enjoyed the trees, water, and fresh air. We were out walking for hours. Nice!
October 23 - A trip to Hofma Preserve with Betsy on a partly sunny day!
The next day it was a walk around Conner Bayou Park.
October 29th Marie took me to Aman park, we walked and enjoyed the woods for four hours. The leaves were very yellow, golden, beautiful. We walked from one end of the park to the other, some of the time along Sand Creek.
Sycamore Leaf
So many Paw Paw trees!
And Hepatica leaves!
There were more walks and adventures but some times I don't bring my camera. If it is dark and cloudy I leave it home. So here were some of the walks I enjoyed.
There is some thing about this time of year, in the woods, that I just totally enjoy being out there. Putting aside all the things that need to be done at home for a few hours. I think it is the best time of year.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed the walks.
October 26 2017 Pickerel Lake in Kent County with Marie
Liverwort was growing around the base of the trees and along this dead branch that was on the ground.
Larch - the soft needles turn golden yellow then drop off the tree.
October 1 2017 Started with an evening walk at Connor Bayou with Mike.
October 2, Marie and I hiked at Ionia State Recreation Area.
October 4 Betsy and I walked at Rosy Mound Natural Area In Ottawa County.
October 5 Kitchel Dunes in Ottawa County again with Betsy.
Grand Haven from the top of Dewey Hill.
Again from the top of Dewey Hill, with the Grand River and Lake Michigan.
Back to Rosy Mound by myself.
October 8 Riverside Park in Ottawa County with Mike.
October 9 Grand Ravines an Ottawa County Park, with my favorite sister, Sugar!
We came to this park to see the newly constructed 275' long, 70' high suspension bridge traversing one of the park’s namesake ravines.
Looking down to the ravine
October 10 Marie and I went to Yankee Springs State Game Area in Barry County with a quick stop at the fen on the way home.
A field with walnut trees and an old foundation
Liverwort!
Then the fen...
October 15 - 18 Mackinac Island with Mike to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary!!
Pretty colors on the way up, even though it rained most of the way.
Our old bikes, newly refurbished by our son Ryan. The bikes are so much more comfortable with raised handlebars.
We stayed at the Inn on Mackinac.
We found some trails that were new to us, like this one, Morning Snack Trail.
On our way home we stopped at one of our favorite hiking trails, the Manistee River trail.
October 20 A little walk at Hofma with Betsy
October 30 Farview Nature Park in Allegan County with Marie
There are many Tulip Trees in this park, the yellow leaves were covering the ground.
That was October for me. So many fun and beautiful walks, and the weather was nice too. Leaves are still in many of the trees, which is late in the year for Michigan. I'm sure snow is just around the corner.
I hope you enjoyed my walks!
