So, we had lots of fun while visiting Western Michigan. We have learned a lot, too. For instance, Michigan State Parks have no WiFi and if you are in Ludington, no cell service. The college students who work at Ludington State Park for the summer confided that they get lots of work done as they have nothing else to distract them. And I can attest to the fact that it is one well maintained park.
But I am getting ahead of myself. Last time I wrote, we had arrived in Allendale. This was so we could visit with relatives. It was a splendid week. My Sweetheart and I had some alone time and some family time. During our alone time, we walked in the woods of our campground, and took a day trip, with our bicycles, to Grand Haven. Such a lovely area to bike. One trail takes you right out to the Lighthouse. We strolled around the downtown, cute shops and restaurants and one amazing aroma that led us to (drum roll), The Rib Festival. Now, remember this is a small town, so not surprising to us, was that there were six vendors. In Grand Haven that is a quorum to form a festival.
We spent some family time at the magnificent Frederick Meijer Botanical Gardens. WOW!!! Michigan people, run, do not walk, and spend a day in a truly lovely environment. Family time was also spent at a beach along Lake Michigan. Kirk County Park has a special area designated as a dog beach. So much fun watching the dogs and owners frolic in the lake. John and I finally got to see the movie Frozen which was followed by playing a game with the family that involved seeing who could chop off the most aristocrats' heads to earn bragging rights in the executioners locker room. John apparently gets to brag, a lot.
Then, we were off to a week alone at Ludington State Park. What a beautiful location. We had lots of hiking and biking, Lake Michigan beaches, Lost Lake and the Big Au Sable River to enjoy. Also remembered how many bugs there are in Michigan. Dousing ourselves in DEET merely had the insects scoffing at us. On one ride we learned the difficulty of riding on a path surrounded by sand dunes. Those pesky dunes have no sense of propriety. Turns out low gear helps in the sand, mostly, but persevere we did and at the end found a lovely lighthouse. Doug was so happy we wanted to see the short DVD about the Big Sable Lighthouse and hear his spiel afterward. It was wonderful. Then we climbed 112 feet up to the observation deck for an awe-inspiring view.
By now, dear friend, you are thinking, "Where are the pictures?" I hearken back to an earlier time, paragraph one, no WiFi. So, with the precious few moments I have at the library today, I chose to paint a verbal picture. That being said, I will upload some great photos at a later date.
We left Ludington yesterday and are on the east side of the state. Brighton State Park is lovely even if it is in Howell. While here we plan on seeing some pals and catching up. We will also witness the joining of two special lives, our friends Tom and Jacqueline are to be wed on Saturday.
More to come...
