Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Thursday - 3 October 2002: Ludington, Michigan - Snickers spent last evening tied up outside, eating grass like a cow. I guess his tummy was upset. It was the strangest dang thing. He didn't even want to come in - he just wanted to graze. A huge raven has been visiting our roof. While I was outside this morning setting-up the BC2 for towing, the raven was right next to me at every move. She seemed to be very interested in everything I was doing and was chatting away. Obviously, this bird is quite used to people, RVs and dogs - probably hangs at the campground. I understand ravens are the smartest of birds. (If she is so smart, why is she living in a campground in Northern Michigan? I mean, they have campgrounds in Florida.) It was lovely to be so close to such a beautiful bird.

We did get a late start this morning. When the alarm clock buzzed - it was still dark outside, so DT went back to sleep "for a minute" and woke up one hour later. Me? I didn't even hear the alarm! The bird on the roof finally woke us! We crossed the famous Mackinac Bridge which crosses over where two Great Lakes meet - Huron to the east and Michigan to the west. (Actually, since they meet, why are they two different lakes?)

Five mile long Mackinac Bridge

We are still following the Lake Michigan Circle Loop, roughly the most scenic route around the lake. It has just been an outstandingly beautiful drive. It is so much like an ocean drive, except the "ocean" is a huge lake. We saw many small flocks of wild turkeys all day. We traveled south on 31 to Traverse City - some of the prettiest scenery of the trip. (Oh, have I already said that about 20 other places?) Traverse City is the "Unofficial Capitol of the Northern Peninsula" and is a very pretty little town, with huge old homes on the Lake Shore. This is apple and cherry country (also the unofficial Cherry Capitol of the World), and the road side stands are loaded. Every stand is so attractive and decorated for fall with hundreds of pumpkins and scarecrows.

A few strange or interesting things about Michigan that I don't understand, but do find humorous: We watched television last night, on channel 9 & 10. Not on two separate channels, mind you. Channel 9 & 10 is ONE channel, and it wasn't even on 9 OR 10. We also found this to be true with Channel 4 & 7. This was all quite confusing, until we came across the "Fifth Third Bank" and decided Michigan folk just don't know their numbers. Also, when you enter a town in Michigan, there is the usual sign with the name of the town and other information (population, elevation, date founded, etc.), and then below this information are signs reading (for a completely made-up example) "1993 Girls Division 3B State Softball Champions - Washington High School". This, I like.

So, four hours of driving brought us to Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore. Our National Parks Pass used again! We parked at the Windy Moraine Nature Trail and DT went for an over-8-mile run along the Pierce Stocking (that is a man's name) Scenic Drive. The guide book suggested "no trailers" on the one-way, one-lane-plus-bike-path road, so DT was going to check it out first. The ranger was impressed at his running speed - seems it takes most runners longer to complete the loop. (Duh.) She said the road is fine for motorhomes, but there is one scenic overlook with no parking for us. Snickers and I had lunch and went for a walk. When DT returned from his run, he took Snicks for a cool-down jog. Snickers will be pooped for the rest of the day now.

Pierce Stocking Loop in Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore

We enjoyed the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - it was a great road - no problem for a large motorhome or 5th wheel. We hiked up to the Lake Overlook. May as well be an Ocean Overlook - looks the same. It is 450-feet above Lake Michigan, on a dune that shoots nearly straight out of the lake. They warn you about the danger and the difficulty of the return hike straight up the dune. There is a $350 fee for rescue. A woman and a (I'd guess) 12-year-old girl were about 1/3 the way up. They would walk 5 or 10 steps and then collapse. It was 4:00 p.m. and I'd venture they may soon be out $700. Snickers enjoyed walking in the sand and he was quite popular at the overlook - many people were petting him. (I offered him to several people, but had no takers.)  What a view from the lookout!

View from the dunes to Lake Michigan - notice the steep shore line

  
Lake Overlook at Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore


Looking east to Glen Lake

Later, on Highway 31, we finally stopped at a farm stand - and a very nice stand - before Manistee on Highway 31. Farmer Chet Miller of Miller's Northwood Market ran his own stand and made his own cherry jam. He offered Northern Spy for my pie. "Spy for Pie" is his motto. We found many food gifts here too - I bought a small jar of granulated maple sugar. Can't wait to try it in cinnamon rolls.

A few walks, a jog and hiking around in the sand makes for a pooped pooch

Tonight we find ourselves at the (I'm not kidding) Vacation Station RV Park. (It has a train "theme".) It is a nice park, quiet and in the woods, and directly across the highway from a Super Wal-Mart. A rule in the Vacation Station welcome guide: Alcoholic beverages are permitted in moderation only. Strictly enforced.

RV Park: Vacation Station RV Park in Ludington, Michigan