Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park: Dune Climb
by deecat
The most fun that I personally experienced on this 4-day trip to northern Michigan was doing the Sleeping Bear Dunes climb.
First, I want to tell about the LEGEND: "Sleeping Bear took its name from an ojibway legend about its formation. According to the story, a mother bear and her two cubs were driven by forest fires from what is now Wisconsin and forced to swim across Lake Michigan. When the mother bear reached the Michigan shore, she turned to discover that her cubs had vanished. The Great Spirit was so touched by her plight that he had her fall off to sleep there, creating Sleeping Bear Dune, and marked the place where her cubs disappeared by creating the Manitou Islands!"
THE DUNE CLIMB is a challenging but rewarding part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore experience for me. First off, I proved to myself that at my age, I could keep up with the children, teen-agers, and fit adults by mastering the entire climb up and the rapid race down.
Another personal reward was to reach the top and to view Glen Lake and the Dune's summit!
Mickey decided not to make the climb because she had been in rehap for knee pain and did not wish to aggravate it. Thus, she manned the camera and took photographs of my climb. However, she was reading a book, and did not capture by run down.
Photographs:
Although it is difficult to see which one is me, look for the lady in yellow capri pants and a yellow and blue top with a blue ball hat.
1. The begin of the climb
2. 1/3 of the way up
3. The point at which the camera can record no more [there is another 1/3 of the climb to the summit left after this].
The greatest part of this journey was the RUN all the way down without falling. It was so much fun. You need to have:
1. good walking shoes
2. hat
3. sun lotion
Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
by deecat
The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center is located in Empire, Michigan, on M-72.. This visitor center is named for the long-time Michigan senator who efforts were central to establishing Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is a relatively new building, and while we were there, workers were doing yearly renovations. Because we visited in the "off season", tickets to the park were purchased here. Fortunately, I have a Senior Lifetime Pass, and the woman who takes tickets was impressed. Thus we did not have to buy a $10.00 seven day pass or a $20.00 annual pass for 12 months from date of purchase.
Inside the building, they present a free slide show called "Dreams of the Sleeping Bear". This includes a mix of photography, music and narration as it orients you to the park.
There are also museum exhibits that explore the geologic, natural history, and human stories of the park. They have a large relief map and an interactive touch-screen kiosk.
There is a great bookstore called Eastern National Bookstore. Public restrooms are available here as well as a water fountain, a pay phone, and an assistive listening devices found at the information desk.
This facility is open all year long except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Days.
Hours Open:
Memorial Day to Labor Day [Summer]: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Labor Day to Memorial Day [Fall, Winter & Spring]: 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Four Seasons of Traverse City
by savanahTravels
There is so much to do in the Traverse City area. I have been there in every season -- spring, summer, fall and winter. No matter which of my friends or family happen to be with me, we always have an excellent time, because there's something for everyone, every season. I love the outdoors and anything to do with outdoor recreation. Hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing, TC has it all! Of course there are the breath-taking, uncrowded beaches in the summer and beautiful trees and apples in the fall. For those who prefer te indoors, there's two casinos, lots of wineries, a museum and tons of cool shops. Check out www.mytraversecity.com before you go. There is all kinds of info there to help you plan your trip.
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Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum
Michigan's Artists Gallery, Suttons Bay
Brys Estate Boutique VineYard & Winery
The Underground Cheesecake Company
