Fog greeted me this morning as I awoke and looked out,
the mist was hanging right down to the tops of the trees. It even
looks like rain could be coming! I used the quiet time in the
morning to do some work on my notes and my picture editing before packing up
and heading out.
Since I did not go on the ferry trip to the island
yesterday I actually have a full day to spare so I can take some time to just
chill and relax. I don’t have anywhere to be “on schedule” until
Tuesday afternoon! After checking my Garmin for a nearby McD’s
that is where I headed for breakfast. Over a breakfast muffin and a
large coffee I got caught up on emails and correspondence from the last couple
of days as well as getting some picture uploaded. It rained of and on most of the morning and I think I called it correctly to use this time for
catching up.
Then the clouds cleared and the sun started to peek
through and I headed out on the road. My first stop was at Green
Point Dunes Nature Area for a hike. This 2 mile loop hike took me
down to the Lake Michigan Waterfront and back. I set off with my
lunch in my back pack and my umbrella just in case.
 |
| scenic lookout along the green dunes trail |
What an amazing hike this was. The rolling
hills of the tree covered dunes, carpeted in the fresh green of undergrowth,
the sweet fresh smell of green things after rain, the scenic outlooks along the
way all made for a memorable journey to the shore. Long before you
can see the water you hear the steady beat of the crashing
waves. The sound envelopes you and draws you in.
At the end of the trail there is a step staircase down to
the sandy beach below. The sun was now shining in full glory and as
I stepped out of the trees canopy I was greeted by blue sky and blue lake and
sparkling sands as far as the eye can see in either direction!
I removed my shoes and walked along the strand, feeling
the sensation of the cool wet sand and the icy tingle of the water washing over
my feet. After a long stroll I discovered a serendipitous driftwood
log just beckoning me to sit a spell and enjoy the peace and be at one with
this pristine setting.
Sitting very still and feeling the moment surround
me, I closed my eyes to let my other senses come to
life. I felt the sun’s warm caress on my skin. I relished
in the breeze in my hair. I stepped into the sound of the waves and
opening my mouth I allowed the flavor of sea air to penetrate my
spirit. I buried my feet in the sand and for just a moment I felt
rooted in time, like a tree watching the passage of moving creatures all around
and yet still in the midst of all that activity.
I imagined what it would feel like to be a tree, to sit
in one place at the mercy of the elements…what would it feel like here in the
middle of winter in an ice storm without the ability to get up and move
somewhere more protected?
Reluctantly I returned to a more normal state of mind and
made my way back up the beach to the waiting stairway.
At the base of the stairs I just had to take another
moment to enjoy the beauty spread before me. Then dusting the sand
off my feet and putting my shoes back on I climbed back up into the forested
slopes and the return trail.
The sound of the crashing waves remained for quite some
time before the now deafening silence took over. All of a sudden my
breathing sounded loud in my ears and no matter how carefully I placed my feet
upon the leave strewn trail, my footsteps sounded so loud! There is
no way that I could sneak up on anyone with such loud stomping
footsteps. Then the bird song chimed in and my awareness turned from
the sea to the sound of rustling leaves and bird chirps. A peaceful
transition back to the end of the trail, the car and the drive to the next
stopping place.
I continued south the rest of the afternoon on M-22
stopping on the roadside or slowing down to take in the beautiful scenery and
watching the clouds once again fill the sky.
 |
| scenic lookout and view to a foggy coastline |
At a lovely scenic
overlook I took the stairs to the overlook and realized that not only had the
day clouded over but a dense fog has also pulled in. Even though the
view was shrouded in mist it had an eerie beauty all its own. The
water below was just a hint of blue through the mist and the coastline
disappeared from view just a short distance away.
My next stop was at the side of the road, beside Acadia Bluff Golf
Course. Thick woods prevented a view to the lake, but I captured a
lovely glimpse of the golf course and got a few pictures for my golf
friends. And then suddenly just like that the fog rolled
in! Visibility was now down to only about 30 yards / meters and just
as I got back to the car spitting rain started.
As I am driving toward Orchard Beach State Park for the
next lighthouse and to set up camping the skies opened up and pouring rain came
down. Buckets, or cats and dogs....your call. I
got wet just opening up my umbrella.
Now, I love camping...but I am not so keen on camping on
wet soaking camp sites and tramping around and setting up in the rain and then
being damp and chilled all night. So I am NOT a die-hard
camper! Yes I went soft and registered at the Microtel in
Manistee Michigan!
Of course, now as I am writing these journal notes, the
sun is poking fun at me for wimping out! But I checked the
forecast and more rain is on its way....I believe I made the right call.
I used the evening hours to do “travel laundry” in the
sink and to get caught up some on picture editing. I chatted with
Mel on the phone and responded to all my emails. It was a pleasant
way to spend the evening and as I looked out the window and saw more clouds and
more rain I was glad of the decision that I had made.
2014 – 07 – 27
Renate Dundys Marrello
Picture link:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154480393460341.1073741902.709160340&type=1&l=3d9e37ce2c
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